So you've just bought you're newest cd that you've anxiously awaited months for. You get in your ride only to realize that your tape player and one blown speaker aren't going to cut it anymore. It's Time for an upgrade. But where does one even begin to start?

Today, just as with everything else within this industry, car audio options are as vast and crazy as suspension setups or body modifications. The question is: How big are you willing to go?

For the casual listener, a head unit upgrade with a new component set will more than satisfy your needs. These will greatly improve the sound quality within your ride and are easy to install, even for the beginners to car audio. Companies such as Sony or Alpine have affordable, reliable products that are perfect for a simple, yet quality system, often offering products that are direct replacement for your factory stereo system.

But of course, there are some of us that do enjoy a little "bump in our trunk" and for that, a subwoofer or two will do the trick. This upgrade can be as simple as a one amp/sub combo to having a rather elaborate setup compromising of multiple amps and subwoofers. But remember, the larger the subwoofer setup, the more stress it puts on your ride's charging and electrical system, not to mention the wallet as well. Really, it all depends on listener preference and how much you value your ears.

Not only does an upgraded sound system improve the quality of your music, but depending on how it's setup, it could give you that extra push you need in judging to take that trophy home. Elaborate subwoofer boxes made of wood, fiberglass, and sheet metal not only look killer, but they may also add that final touch to your custom interior as well. Custom audio shops, such as Discount Audio(Louisville, KY) and Spade Kreations (Cincinnati, OH) are known for their insane speaker boxes and certainly turn heads and collect trophies at the showgrounds.

If you are a frequent show attendee, you may have noticed that the influence of car audio can be seen everywhere. SUV's with large wheels and massive systems have certainly been integrated into the show scene. In fact, there are certain magazines and show circuits devoted to nothing but the car audio scene, such as the International Auto Sound Challenge Association otherwise known as the IASCA, which holds events all around the world for people to compete in stereo competitions.

In short, whether you like to set off car alarms or just have a quality sound without the bump, the options are endless when it comes to the car audio scene and your ride.

Until next time, keep your heads high and your ride low.

Gauge Columnist
Justin Wynn