You’ve lived with the factory system for a while, and you’re ready for better sound. So where do you start? Here are five steps to get that live concert sound that you are looking for from your car audio system.
1. Upgrade Your Speakers
The first step, and the most bang for the buck, is to upgrade the factory speakers. Even in so called “premium” factory systems, the speakers usually leave much to be desired. Replacing them will allow you to notice a huge difference right away. It is worth the time to listen to the many options available, and let your ears make the final decision. Plan ahead and make sure that what you buy will handle the additional power of an amplifier and will keep up with the other upgrades you have planned.
2. Add An Amplifier
The next step would be to add an amplifier to really bring those new speakers to life. Not only will they get louder with the additional power, but that power also adds control to the speaker, which improves the sound quality and detail of the music. Make sure that you invest in high quality wires and cables. Cheap CCA (copper clad aluminum) wire will heat up and starve your amp for power, and low quality cables will cost you detail and sound quality. You will probably need to use a line output converter to connect the amp to the factory radio at this point, but we can address that later.
3. Add a Subwoofer
Now it is time to add that subwoofer, enclosure, and amp (?? wasn’t the amp added in step 2) to the system. This upgrade will be one of the most noticeable. Low frequencies that were non-existent before are suddenly there to provide deep rich tones that the smaller speakers just couldn’t reproduce. Your music will never sound the same again. You will find yourself listening to your music collection all over again to “discover” notes that were always there even though you couldn’t hear them before.
4. Sound Deadening
Now that you have addressed the speakers, proper amplification, quality wires and cable, and the subwoofer, it is time to deal with the harsh environment of your vehicle. You are basically driving around in a tin can, and that will resonate and produce road noise which will cover up much of the quality sound that you have invested in. It is time to use one of the sound deadening products available to greatly reduce the road noise and stop that metal door from interfering with every beat. At least some sound deadening at every speaker location is advisable, but finding other areas of vibration, and addressing that road noise, will also enhance the quality of the sound that you enjoy even at highway speeds.
5. Upgrade The Radio
The last thing to look at is that factory radio. Some are so “built in” that it can be very difficult to change out. If yours can be changed, then you can drop the line output converters that you need to add the amplifiers, and get a radio with good quality RCA outputs which will give you a higher quality signal into the amps. This is also a good time to add some of the latest features like internet connectivity and the ability to play your music through bluetooth.
Visit The Experts At Extreme Audio
Extreme Audio, outside of Richmond, VA is one of the leading authorities on getting the most out of your car audio system. One of the most decorated shops on the competition circuit for years, Extreme Audio is one of a handful of facilities nationwide to ever win the coveted Mobile Electronics Retailer of The Year award. If you love great sound and want to experience it while in your vehicle, Extreme Audio is worth the drive from anywhere. Stop in, call, or Contact Us today!
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