So you bought a new car, and like new cars from your local dealership, it comes with its own audio system. If all you care about is having the ability to listen to music or your favorite programs, you probably wouldn’t mind the built-in car audio system. As long as it can play your type of music while driving, the onboard system is all good for you.
However, if you’re an audiophile who wants more from your car audio system, the one that came with your car won’t likely do much for you. It’s a good thing then that car owners have the ability to upgrade their vehicle’s sound system. They can do their own car audio installation if they want. If you’re one of those people, then here are the things you need to do to achieve that amazing car sound you’ve always wanted.
Replace your head unit
The head unit is essentially the heart and brain of a car audio system, as it provides the audio signal for the entire thing. More often than not, however, factory head units are as basic as they come. It has a radio, a cd player, and perhaps a USB port, and that’s pretty much it.
A head unit upgrade gives you the ability to play digital music, and you’ll get Bluetooth, satellite, or even Internet radio capability as well if you choose. You can even go for head units that play DVDs or Blu-ray discs. They often come with touch screens that give you the ability to create playlists right then and there.
Get a good amplifier
In all likelihood, that audio system that came with your new car doesn’t include a separate amplifier. Now if you want a more powerful sound in your car, you should add a good amplifier.
An amplifier isn’t just about making things loud. It also happens to improve sound quality. Without an amplifier, turning the volume up will likely lead to annoying crackling and distorted sounds. There will be none of that if you get a good quality multiple channel amplifier. The more channels your amplifier has, the better it would be for your system, as they make you capable of adding more components.
Go for aftermarket speakers
One thing that will vastly improve car audio sound would be the installation of new, aftermarket speakers. With aftermarket speakers, you will get nothing but crisp, clear sound with a much tighter and deeper bass.
And you’ll be surprised at the details from your favorite tracks that will pop out of aftermarket speakers. Those details have always been there, but aftermarket speakers can bring them out and introduce you to them. It will be like hearing your favorite songs for the first time, even if you’ve known the song forever.
Use sound-deadening materials
A moving car, by nature, produces a lot of noise, which in turn forces you to turn up the volume of your audio system just so you can hear your music more clearly. The speakers mounted in the car doors will also tend to vibrate and create their own noise, generally reducing the quality of the car audio sound.
You can cut down on all that noise by installing a sound-deadening material inside your car. Whether it’s the noise from the road or from the vibration of the speakers, you can be sure that by putting up sheets of noise-reducing material inside your car, you will be able to achieve amazing car audio sound without turning the volume all the way up.
These are just a few of the things you can do to improve the sound quality of your car audio system, but they should be enough to get you started. Plus, keeping up with your car’s maintenance doesn’t have to be a slog. Just follow the schedules that the factory set from the start, and you’ll have a long life with your vehicle.
About the Author
Lauren Bricks is the Content Specialist for Streetfighter Motorsports LLC, a family-operated car audio and accessory installation, sales and customization facility located in Phoenix, Arizona. She loves cars and although she spends much of her week writing about them, she still finds the time to hop onto the second-hand Corvette convertible her dad gave her for her 25th birthday and drive to the countryside with the top down.
