One of the first things most people do when they get their first used car is upgrade the car’s audio system. When you start upgrading your car stereo yourself, questions like “How many watts do I need” and “How loud is a 20 watt speaker?” pop up sooner rather than later. A solid understanding of what impact watts have on your sound system will assist greatly in your decision making process along the way. What is a Watt? A watt is a unit of power. Power is a measure of the rate at which energy flows out of a system, and in electrical systems it is measured in watts (W). Basically, watts measure how much energy is released per second in an electrical or mechanical system. You’ll need to know how many watts are required by the new system you’d like to put in your car as well as the maximum number of watts your system will allow. That info will save you both time and money as you strategize how to get the best sound system for your budget. How Many Watts is Good for a Car Stereo? Your power needs will be determined by several factors, but keep in mind that more watts don’t necessarily mean better sound. You’re working within a system that includes your audio source (and its quality), the digital/analog converter, the speakers, and even the EQ. The most important thing to keep in mind is to make sure that your amp’s output does not exceed what your speakers can take. Spend a bit of time with Boss Audio’s “What Fits My Ride?” tool (https://bossaudio.com/product-info/what-fits-my-ride/) and determine the best options for your new car audio components. Drop a comment below if you have any questions or want to show off your new system!