Upgrade Your Car’s Sound System – 5 Tips to Help You Decide What Equipment You Need!

The love for music transcends barriers. People may have preferences for genres, but the love for music is universal. Many people go to extreme lengths to set up their sound systems for the perfect experience. Passionate discussions and spirited debates are common among audiophiles. But one thing they all agree on is that setting up car audio is the toughest challenge. It is also important to note that installing a new sound system and upgrading an existing one are distinct tasks and need specific approaches.

The exact components and brands will vary with taste, but there are some standard rules that can help you get the most out of an upgrade. Here is a brief outline of 5 things you need to keep in mind.

• Amplifier: Car audio amplifiers become necessary when you are trying to power several speakers that would not normally be present on an OEM system. Custom and aftermarket parts also need higher input power. An amplifier will help you power your speakers and ensure your music is loud enough. Without it, you may not get an acceptable sound level at maximum volume. Make sure you control your gains properly. Setting them too high across the board is just as bad as not having an amplifier in the first place.

• Subwoofer: A separate subwoofer can handle the lows better than any smaller speaker can. Car subwoofers are designed to provide a variety of experiences. Some like resonant bass while other prefer to keep it punchy, but for obtaining the right balance, subwoofer is a must. At the same time, it is recommended that you get a subwoofer capacitor to contain and funnel the subwoofers needs as required. Without it, the bass may feel underpowered or muffled.

• DAC: Speakers work best with analog signals. However, most modern players output digital signals. A digital to analog converter, or DAC, is the solution to this problem. Many amplifiers come with an inbuilt DAC, so refer to the manual for details.
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• Sound Absorption: The primary challenge in designing a car audio system comes from the various materials like seat covers, carpets, floor mats, etc. They absorb the sound waves and combined with poorly placed speakers, can ruin an audio experience. This can be overcome with a signal processor or even with an inbuilt equalizer. The settings will vary from what you may be used to in your home. Once you get the balance right, you can expect superlative quality.
• Sound Stage: If you have ever watched a movie in the theater and wondered how you can feel and pinpoint the source of various sounds, you are experiencing the effects of a brilliant sound stage. This goes beyond what is often marketed as surround sound. With well-placed speakers and correct settings across your various devices, you can pinpoint where the various instruments in a song track are placed even with a stereo signal. It is also possible to discern if the instrument is low to the ground or higher up. This is a sublime aural experience that significantly improves the quality of your car’s audio system.

It is important to install a player that supports auxiliary input. This will help you connect your smartphone or portable music player to your car. Also, while premium cables are overhyped and often incorrectly portrayed, do not opt for the cheapest wires you can find. Signal interference is a myth, but a cable melting due to extended use is not. Take good care of your car’s audio system, and every drive will be one to remember.

About the Author:

Amrit Mirpuri was born in Manila, Philippines. He attended the University of Central Florida and gained a degree in Business Management. He is presently the C.E.O. of L.A. Group of Companies based in the Philippines which consists of L.A. Car Accessories Store and L.A Window films.