What kind of equipment is needed for a mobile multi-channel music system?
To experience multi-channel surround sound in your car, you'll need the right gear. You probably already have some parts of the system in place. Here's what you'll need to put together a multi-channel mobile audio system.

For multichannel playback, you'll need the proper speaker setup.

• Two pairs of full-range speakers. One pair of speakers functions as the left and right front speakers, and the other pair as the left and right surround speakers. Most cars already have front and rear speakers, but to get the best sound quality, it's an excellent idea to upgrade to higher-quality aftermarket speakers.
• A center channel speaker. A center channel speaker establishes a well-defined soundstage in front of the listener. You can add a single full-range car speaker to the center of the dash (this usually requires a custom installation), or go with a small add-on powered speaker.
• A subwoofer. A sub adds essential low frequencies that give more depth and realism to your music. With a sub, you'll hear the bass and percussion more clearly and with improved punch and focus. You can match a component subwoofer to an amplifier, or choose a powered sub. If you need some guidance on the best way to go, check out our Learning Center article on how to choose a subwoofer.
• A surround sound receiver or surround sound signal processor. Once you've got the speakers set up, they'll need to receive the correct information. Your current CD receiver doesn't have the capability to do this, so it's necessary to upgrade. Some DVD receivers have digital decoding built in, for decoding Dolby® Digital 5.1 or DTS® soundtracks. Other models must use a digital cable to connect with a surround sound signal processor. A new generation of receivers will offer the promise of DVD-Audio playback.
• Amplification. Whatever type of receiver you choose, it's necessary to have amplification to drive each of the speakers. Some DVD receivers have the necessary five channels of amplification built in, requiring only an amplifier for the subwoofer to be complete. If the receiver doesn't have the necessary amplification, you'll need to have enough outboard amplification to power five full-range speakers (center, two fronts, two surrounds), plus the subwoofer.

What does the future hold for mobile surround sound?
The future looks promising for mobile multichannel music. An increasing number of multichannel discs, in different formats, are becoming available for purchase. HD Radio technology and subscription satellite radio services look like potential sources for surround sound music in the near future. Recording studios and equipment manufacturers are betting that, once consumers begin to get a taste of the capabilities of surround sound in music, they'll be eager to adopt it as their standard, in the same way stereo recordings and broadcasts have supplanted mono.

Essential hardware, in the form of DVD-Audio-, DTS® 5.1-, and Dolby® Pro-Logic II-capable receivers, is starting to become available, as demonstrated by the number of manufacturers announcing plans for new gear. The music industry and electronics manufacturers hope that as the number of recordings grows, more equipment will be sold, and as more equipment is sold, more recordings will become available, driving down price points and opening the technology up to the average user. The future is moving towards surround sound in the car — maybe sooner than you think.