Car audio upgrades are an exciting way to enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re looking for improved sound quality, more powerful bass, or advanced features, choosing the right audio system components and a reputable installer is key. Let’s explore the best practices for shopping for a car audio system that fits your vehicle, budget, and audio preferences.
Understand and Document Your Goals
Before exploring any car audio upgrade, it’s essential to define your goals. Ask yourself what you want to achieve with your upgrade. For example, are you seeking better clarity, more volume, deeper bass or better imaging? Do you need advanced features like hands-free calling, smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, or support for high-resolution audio formats? Identifying your goals will help narrow your choices and ensure you invest in the right equipment.
Start by listing what you like about your existing audio system, if there is anything. Then, list what you want to improve, and then rank those items by their importance. Bring that with you when you go shopping.
Budget Considerations
Determining your budget early in the process can save time and help prevent frustration. Keep in mind that a car audio system includes several components, such as speakers, amplifiers, a head unit, subwoofers and a signal processor. Allocating funds for professional installation is crucial. The performance of the products you’ve chosen depends heavily on the integration, configuration and overall calibration. Work with a local mobile enhancement retailer to discuss your budget and prioritize upgrades that deliver the most significant impact within your price range.
Supporting Components Maximize Performance
Every item you might consider for an upgrade will require additional items for them to perform their best in your vehicle. If you are shopping for a new radio, for example, a dash kit, wire harness adapter, antenna interface and possibly a vehicle data interface might be needed.
A new set of speakers might require mounting adapters for them to fit. You will also want to consider having the doors treated with sound deadening. Also, baffles that seal against the door trim panel can improve overall system performance. Sound deadening, and baffles can make a moderately priced speaker upgrade sound better than more expensive speakers without those options.
An amplifier will need power and ground wiring, speaker wire and interconnect cables. It must also be mounted safely and securely in a location out of view.
The cost of these items and their installation can add up quickly. Keep that in mind when you are looking at the quote from the retailer you are working with.
Choosing Quality Components
Investing in quality components is essential for achieving great sound. Here are the key elements of a car audio system and what to look for:
The difference between an entry-level speaker and an expensive one comes down to three criteria: output capability, frequency response and clarity. A set of inexpensive coaxial speakers might have a woofer that can only move a few millimeters in each direction before reaching its mechanical limits. High-end component speakers might have more than a half-inch of excursion capability. The latter will play much louder without sounding stressed or distorted.
Frequency response describes how loudly the speaker plays at different frequencies. You want to choose a speaker that sounds good across the entire audio spectrum. If you aren’t using a subwoofer, then a door speaker with a small bump in the midbass might be a good choice. If you have a sub, then a low-Q woofer will sound much tighter and more accurate.
Finally, speakers with performance-enhancing technologies like shorting rings, copper caps, T-yoke caps, spider plateau venting and progressive spiders are more linear and add less distortion to the audio they reproduce. Music will be clearer, and each instrument and voice will be more defined.
Visit a local retailer to audition speakers and subwoofers. Work with them to find a solution that sounds the most accurate while working with your budget.
Head Unit Selection
Choosing a head unit that offers the features you need can be tricky. First, make a list of the features you want. This might include Bluetooth for hands-free streaming and phone calls. You’ll likely want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Decide if you want a radio that fits into the dash, or a floating-face unit with a larger display.
In many new vehicles, replacing the head unit is not an option. In these cases, a professional installer will integrate the rest of the system to your factory head unit or control system.
System Configuration and Signal Processing
One of the most important steps in maximizing the performance of the audio equipment you’ve selected is to ensure it’s optimized for the application. Assuming the installation was executed to the highest standards, it’s up to your installer to configure the crossovers in the radio, amplifier or signal processor to let the speakers play loudly without distorting.
If you’ve invested in a digital signal processor, signal delays can improve the system’s soundstage and imaging. Equalization is the final step in making instruments and voices sound realistic and detailed. Getting all these processes right takes the knowledge of an experienced technician. You may have to visit many shops before you find someone truly qualified to make your car audio system sound the best it can.
Once you have taken delivery of the system, give it a month of playtime for the speakers and subwoofers to break in. Some speakers change significantly after 50 to 100 hours of play time. Don’t be afraid to turn up the volume though. This accelerates the break-in process. You aren’t going to damage the speakers (if the system was configured properly). If the system needs a calibration adjustment after a month or two, call the shop that performed the installation and schedule an appointment. Bring notes that outline the changes you require so they can work efficiently. It shouldn’t take more than an hour or two to get things re-optimized.
Avoiding Common Car Audio Upgrade Mistakes
When shopping for a car audio system, it’s easy to make mistakes that can lead to dissatisfaction. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Choosing Components Based Solely on Price: While budget is important, focusing only on the lowest-cost options can result in poor performance or compatibility issues.
- Skipping Professional Installation: DIY installation may save money upfront but often leads to compromised performance and potential damage.
- Ignoring Your Listening Preferences: The system design and calibration should match your preferred sound profile, whether crisp highs, rich mid-bass, or powerful bass.
Upgrade Your System Over Time
If budget constraints prevent a complete overhaul, consider upgrading your system in stages. Start with components that offer the most noticeable improvements, such as adding a DSP-equipped amplifier or a subwoofer system. Over time, you can upgrade the speakers or a source unit to achieve your ideal setup.
Plan Your Car Audio Upgrade Before Spending a Penny
Shopping for a car audio system involves careful consideration of your goals, budget, and vehicle’s specifications. By investing in quality components, ensuring compatibility, and relying on professional installation, you can create an audio system that delivers exceptional sound quality and enhances your driving experience. To learn more about the enhancements mentioned in this article, visit a qualified retailer near you.
