A vehicle’s sound system is almost the only source for in-car entertainment. However, the stock system that comes on a lot of cars is sub-part. But this can be solved through a few upgrades in the audio system. Upgrades are quite easy and will most likely improve your overall driving experience.
The Head Unit and the Amplifier
The first item to upgrade is the head unit, the display set and equipment in the dashboard. Doing this change will not only allow for improved functionality in the dashboard but will also amplify the sound. The head unit usually provides 50 watts for each 4 channels. Most people think that using this much power to stock speakers may not be advisable. Replacing the head unit also improves the audio system’s features. You can even hype up your sound system by adding a DVD screen within the dashboard aside from your car’s MP3 inputs. Luxury cars have contoured dash requiring special fitting for new head units. You can also add audio amplifiers to improve the sound in your car or truck. Often, amplifiers tend to mislead people to think that its main function is to pump up the volume. But an amplifier actually makes the sound in the system clear. Remember, though, that more watts mean more clarity and volume capability.
Your Car’s Speakers
Unless your car’s built-in sound system comes with branded speakers, you might just find yourself laughing at some improvised speakers in some vehicles. For example, there is the speaker enclosure in a brand new Honda Civic that is made with paper cones and shredded foam surround. This definitely spells buying a new set of speakers to be able to handle more sound from the system’s head unit. In particular, a set of high quality 6 x 9 car speakers is a great improvement if you’re driving a car. The 6 x 9 extends the response in the mid-range drivers to improve the audio system’s high frequency reproduction. When you shop for speakers, make sure to know the speaker’s range, the amount of power used, and its efficiency. Also make sure that you have all the help you need when installing speakers unless you’re paying a mechanic for this. The best set of speakers will provide not only quality and clarity, but also helpful customer support.
The Subwoofer
The bass is absolutely a necessity. Audio systems differ from one another and what sets a great audio system is an accurately projected bass. The subwoofer is normally located in the trunk enclosed in a box or fiberglass. This is because the bass should be able to travel through the car seats unmuffled. Enclosures include closed boxes, bandpass boxes, or ported boxes. Closed boxes are just airtight boxes with the subwoofer tightly screwed in the front. Bandpass boxes, on the other hand, are made with glass on the front to enclose the air in front of the subwoofer which makes them the loudest type. Lastly, ported boxes have one air hole. Ported boxes are quieter than bandpass boxes but slightly louder than enclosed boxes. A typical subwoofer has a frequency range of about 20-200 Hz for consumer market or below 80 Hz for THX-approved systems.
The Subwoofer Amplifier
JL Audio Slash Subwoofer Amp
After choosing a good subwoofer for your audio system, it will need an amplifier to power it up. Most head units are not intended to provide power to the subwoofer. This is why the subwoofer amplifier is important. In terms of power a 10-inch subwoofer, an amp that is less than 250 watts works best. The subwoofer amp should also have a crossover which is a switch to make sure that the subwoofer only produces the sound below the set frequency. This is the secret to creating a great bass sound. Also, make sure that the subwoofer and amp are matched evenly. Do a good research to know which subwoofer is perfect for a certain amplifier. There are websites and blogs that comprehensively discuss this part of the audio system upgrade. Some subwoofer amplifiers have heavy-duty steel chasses, mono class AB output stage for a well-defined output, manual or auto modes for automated system, and adjustable gain, phase, and crossover.