Are you looking for ways to enhance your car’s sound system?
If so, then this guide is for you! We’re going to show you how to make the most of your vehicle sound system by giving it a complete overhaul. You’ll learn about the different components that go into making an amazing sound system and what each part does. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose which parts are right for your needs.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make any stereo in your vehicle sound like a million bucks. So, if improving your cars sound system sounds good, let’s get started!
1. Use Your Existing Factory Speakers
There is no need to buy expensive speakers when the ones in your door or sitting in the backseat will work just fine. Once the new line has been run (see tip #2) and proper adjustments have been made (see tip #3) most factory speakers will provide it with a substantial increase in sound quality that can be heard from ambient noise levels onwards.
There is an exception: if you are running a modern head unit that puts out really high wattage (50 watts per channel plus), then go ahead and get yourself an aftermarket set of speakers.
2. Use Your Existing Factory Wiring
If you are running ahead unit that has its own amplification built-in, then the factory’s speaker wiring will likely be enough. An amp occurs in two stages: one for powering the speakers, and another to give the amplifier stage more power than it could handle itself (most car audio amps can’t handle more than 2 channels worth).
The exception here is if you are running an older head unit that does not have its own internal amp or you are using high-quality external amps because digital-to-analog converters (see tip #3) do not affect overall output level much below CD quality, so there is no point to use anything than an external source.
You can get all the accessories you need at Alpha Sonik.
3. Use a High-Quality Digital-To-Analog Converter (Dac)
This device takes the digital signal from your MP3 player or computer and turns it into an analog signal that your amplifier can understand, so you don’t have to buy an external DAC if you’re using a head unit that has its own built-in. What’s really helpful is that current technology provides very good quality sound at remarkably low prices: $20 will get you an entry-level DAC that will provide absolutely no perceivable distortion and noise over its input range.
4. Get the Best Amplifier You Can Afford (With as Much Wattage as Your Speakers Require)
If your car’s audio system already includes amplifiers for powering factory speakers, then this tip isn’t for you. Your head unit (see tip #3) will already act as your DAC thanks to its built-in circuitry.
But if it doesn’t then get yourself an external DAC (see tip #3). Amplifiers are where the sound gets louder, and although many car audio amplifiers will work fine with 2-channel factory speaker systems (most 4-channel amps won’t due to their high power), a stock amplifier may not be able to provide the sound quality a replacement set of speakers can offer when paired properly with a good quality amp.
5. Make Sure Everything Works Together
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make: they replace one part at a time, so rather than replacing all their old components, they end up using a combination of old and new. The obvious problem with this is that there is no way to get the full benefit from anyone upgrade when you’re not using a complete set.
If you do decide to replace your amplifier, make sure you have done everything possible beforehand (see tips #1 through #4) to improve its final output before trying it out.
6. Run All Cables in the Factory Cable Harnesses
In an older car, this should be obvious: if there are parts already designed specifically for carrying your signal from place A to place B then use them. With newer cars, however, things aren’t always so easy because many manufacturers include factory amplifiers built into various units that house other components such as speakers or security systems.
While you can get signals from one unit to another using RCA jacks and other available outputs, the best way to avoid noise and tone loss is to use the harnesses that were designed for this purpose (see tip #7).
7. Make Sure Your Speakers Are Working
Sometimes it’s necessary to disconnect speaker connectors at either end of a car’s wiring harness in order to get access to other components such as amplifiers or speakers that are located behind them. But when replacing the factory speakers with aftermarket components, make sure you’ve disconnected them before getting started.
Otherwise, your new set may not be able to provide its full range of sound. It doesn’t matter whether you do this while running power wire through an existing hole in the dash or if you need to drill new holes by measuring existing ones, just make sure that your speaker harnesses are disconnected before beginning work.
8. Use Good Sound Deadening
When it comes to absorbing sound waves, blocking out exterior noise is important. But, it doesn’t mean you should neglect the interior of your car.
For example, if something is rattling around or vibrating, this can cause total loss. This happens a lot in order cars. To avoid this, you can invest in inexpensive sound-deadening materials from any local store.
Want More Help to Boost Your Cars Sound System?
While the tips contained herein are certainly not all there is to know about enhancing your car’s sound system, they can go a long way in helping you get more out of your music. Even if it’s the stock system that came with your car.
If you’re looking for more tips to create the best sound system and car radio, we have a range of great articles to help you get the most out of your car to improve sound system performance.
