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Car Stereo, Head Unit, Receiver, and Tuner Differences
They aren't all the same thing
By Jeremy Laukkonen Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Shoreline Community College Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles . lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on October 6, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section Terms and Definitions Car Stereos and Head Units Receivers Tuners and Car Radios Controllers Choosing the Right Head Unit Audio, in general, is a complex and convoluted subject. The same is true when it applies to your car. One such topic of confusion is the difference between car radios, car stereos, head units, and receivers. Terms and Definitions
Here's a basic rundown of the most common terms and definitions associated with car audio: Head unit: Any in-dash car stereo control unit.Car stereo: The entire sound system in a vehicle. It includes both head units and speaker systems.Receiver: A specific type of head unit that features a built-in amplifier.Tuner: Another term for a head unit—usually one without a built-in amplifier and usually referencing the radio.Car radio: Catch-all term that refers to both receivers and tuners.Controller: A type of head unit that doesn't include a radio tuner.Mechless: A digital media receiver or head unit—one that does not have mechanized controls. Car Stereos and Head Units
A head unit is the brain of your car's sound system. It may refer to or include various devices, including radio tuners, CD players, auxiliary inputs, and built-in components such as amplifiers and equalizers. A car stereo is more general, as it includes the head unit and the speaker system, including amplifiers, equalizers, crossovers, speakers, and subwoofers. The term "car stereo" is often used synonymously with "head unit." Receivers Tuners and Car Radios
Two closely related types of head units are receivers and tuners. Both include a built-in AM/FM radio tuner. For that reason, receivers and tuners are also often referred to as car radios. Some receivers and tuners also include CD players, auxiliary inputs, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports, but that varies from one model to the next. Where receivers include built-in amps, tuners don't. Most factory head units are receivers because it is more expensive to build a system with an external amplifier, although there are some exceptions. The majority of aftermarket head units are also receivers, although tuners are available for people who are interested in adding an external amp and getting the best sound quality possible. Some receivers include preamp outputs. That means that although the head unit has a built-in amp, it also has audio outputs that bypass the amp. These head units are great for anyone who is building a system piece by piece. You can rely on the built-in amp until you get around to installing an external one. Controllers
Head units that do not have radio functionality are usually called controllers. These head units may or may not have built-in amplifiers, and they may feature a range of components, including: CD players DVD players Digital music players and DACs USB inputs Bluetooth connectivity Video screens Choosing the Right Head Unit
If you're concerned about choosing the right head unit, it will be helpful to understand these terms. For example, if you're taking a piecemeal approach to building your car stereo, you may want a receiver that includes built-in preamp outputs. This allows you to keep your options open until you decide whether to install an external amplifier. In any case, remember that these terms sometimes overlap or are used interchangeably. Understanding the differences between them can provide a blueprint for your car's sound system. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Complete Guide to Home Audio Systems for Beginners Car Amplifiers: Do You Really Need Them? How to Fix Common Car Amp Problems How to Listen to Music in a Car From a USB Flash Drive How to Identify Aftermarket Car Stereo Wire Colors How to Listen to an iPod in a Car Can You Use Factory Steering Wheel Controls With Aftermarket Head Units? The 3 Best Car Stereo Systems of 2022 How and When to Upgrade a Car Stereo How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless Ways to Cure Car Audio Static and Unwanted Noise How to Use an MP3 Player Like an iPod in a Car With No Head Unit Why Did My Car Speakers Stop Working? Why Your Car Stereo Only Works Sometimes What Is a Single DIN Car Stereo? How to Wire Multiple Amps in Your Car Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies