Your car audio system consists of three main components: the radio or head unit, which generates the audio signal; an amplifier, which increases the strength of the signal; and speakers, which reproduce it. You can replace your factory system with an aftermarket one for a few hundred dollars.
Depending on the system you install and how it’s installed, it may increase or decrease your vehicle’s value.
Powered amplifiers with speaker-level inputs
Getting a new car audio amplifier with speaker-level inputs is a great way to improve the sound quality of your vehicle. However, you must be careful when installing an amp into a factory stereo system. A poorly-installed amplifier can damage your speakers and cause problems with the head unit’s controls and features. To avoid this, you can use an interface device that understands your vehicle’s digital commands and translates them for the aftermarket amp to obey and play correctly.
The power amplifier’s speaker-level inputs must be able to handle the amount of power the head unit puts out. Otherwise, the amp’s output may be overloaded and distorted. This distortion will turn smooth sounds into rough ones, and hums will buzz in your ears. Using an input level control or gain on the amp will prevent this problem.
Typically, the factory amp has speaker-level inputs on each channel that are connected to a pair of speakers in parallel. A speaker-level input has a much lower impedance than the speakers’ load, which means that more power is available to the speakers. In addition, the power amplifier will not have to work as hard to drive the speakers.
In some cases, a factory amp can be replaced with an aftermarket amp without using an interface device. This is possible because the head unit digitally controls a built-in amplifier that only powers the factory speakers. Nevertheless, you will need an interface device to maintain your vehicle’s factory functions and protect your speakers from over-voltage. An interface module is installed behind the factory radio and will receive, translate and pass along all the digital commands for your aftermarket system. It can also be connected to the factory amplifier’s output harness or to a bypass harness that connects the aftermarket amp to the factory speaker wires, which are often run in the vehicle behind kick panels and door trim.
Subwoofers
Hundreds of factors have to be taken into consideration to achieve a crisp, clear sound in a car. While a simple sub and amp in the trunk can give you some bump, you’ll want to spend time installing it right if you’re looking for a BOOM that will make your friends jealous and neighbors mad. Using a free air or infinite baffle subwoofer mount will get you a good sounding bass, but it’s not as good as a sealed enclosure in a custom box.
A free air subwoofer is a speaker that doesn’t require an enclosure and mounts through the rear package shelf or mounted panel in your trunk. This type of installation is ideal for vehicles with limited trunk space, such as a sedan or hatchback. However, you’ll need to insulate your trunk and use a high-quality amplifier for best results.
Infinite baffle systems can work well, but they take up a lot of room in your trunk and require extensive modification to seal the trunk and create proper wave reflections. Additionally, infinite baffle subwoofers can sag in the middle, which will affect the frequency response of your system.
Getting free stereo equipment from manufacturers isn’t easy. It takes a lot of work to show the manufacturer that you’re worth their sponsorship. Manufacturers need to know that you’ll attend shows regularly and promote their product. You’ll also need to be familiar enough with their line of products to talk about them intelligently.
If you’re looking for free audio equipment, check out Crutchfield, Sonic Electronix, and Amazon. They have a “Find What Fits Your Car” function that will show you what equipment works with your vehicle. They also offer a buy now pay later option, which is helpful for consumers who are on a budget. However, be careful with the buy now pay later option because it can damage your credit if you’re not responsible with your purchases.
Digital equalizers
Unlike analog equalizers that physically manipulate audio signals, digital equalizers work by number crunching. This means that they can be much more precise and have a lot more flexibility than their analog counterparts. In addition, they don’t degrade sound quality as they manipulate the signal. For this reason, digital equalizers are favored for mastering applications.
There are a number of free software EQ plugins available, including parametric, linear-phase, and graphic. Each has its own unique characteristics and uses, and choosing the right one depends on your specific project. Some of these plugins also include a spectrum analyzer and sonogram to help you visualize the problem frequencies. However, these visual tools are not always necessary and can actually detract from critical listening.
Some of the best free EQ plugins are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Several of them are designed to emulate classic hardware. For example, the RS-W2395c is a free emulation of a vintage 1950s Baxandall equalizer and features a high-shelf filter that is perfect for enhancing percussive sounds. It also offers a wide range of frequency bands, making it ideal for mixing and mastering. Another excellent free EQ plugin is the TDR Nova, which provides an elegant solution to problems that arise during tracking or mastering. Its parallel dynamic equalizers are powerful and versatile, and its two-band PEQ1A module lets you do the Pultec push/pull trick, which is essential for focusing the low end.
You can also get free car stereo equipment from manufacturers through sponsorship programs. You must show that you can promote their products effectively to qualify for sponsorship, though. For instance, you should attend car audio shows and be a spokesman for the brand. This will take time and effort, but it can be worth it in the long run.
USB ports
A USB port is one of the many features that new car stereos and aftermarket head units often come with today that weren’t available just a few years ago. This feature is a great way to carry music on the go without having to bring along a stack of CDs. However, some people have trouble getting their USB-enabled cars to play the music they have on hand.
Generally, the problem is that the USB device in question doesn’t have the proper file format. While most music files are encoded in mp3 or other similar formats, some head units require that the audio data be stored on a certain file system. This is typically FAT32 or NTFS, but you may want to check the head unit’s manual for more information on the exact format that it will accept.
Another possibility is that the head unit isn’t set up to recognize the type of files in question. Usually, this requires consulting the owner’s manual and comparing the list of recognized formats against the actual types of files on the USB drive. This is a common issue and can be solved by reformatting the USB device using a free tool like MiniTool.
Some manufacturers also offer head units with a USB port that will allow you to play music from your smartphone or other compatible mobile device. These head units typically have a dedicated input and output for this functionality, and they usually run on 12v DC power. These devices are a bit more expensive than the standard head unit, but they offer a much simpler installation process and provide more advanced functionality. They can also charge your phone or other mobile device while playing music.
Media receivers
Stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks wirelessly from your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can also listen to CDs, DVDs, or USB thumb drives. Dual media receivers can even play back your favorite shows and movies from a built-in HDTV screen. Some models include Space Enhancement, which adjusts sound frequencies to compensate for varying speaker distances in the vehicle. Other features include a built-in 13-Band EQ and digital time alignment to improve the listening experience.
Many manufacturers offer sponsorship deals that allow you to get free equipment in return for promotional and advertising opportunities. These deals can be very beneficial if you plan to compete in car audio competitions or want to make a name for yourself on the show scene. However, be sure to check the rules of your competing organization before accepting a sponsorship. Most car audio companies will require that you promote their product to the audience at your events, and be prepared to answer questions about your installs.
Another way to get free car audio equipment is to sign up for a buy now pay later service, such as Sezzle. This financing option allows you to purchase your equipment today with no impact on your credit score. You can then divide the cost of your purchase into four interest-free payments over six weeks.
Getting free car audio equipment requires some effort, but the rewards can be worth it. Whether you are upgrading your car, truck, boat, or motorcycle, the right audio system can take it to the next level. By incorporating a few simple additions, you can dramatically improve your ride’s sound. To learn more about the best options for your vehicle, read our blog on How to Upgrade Your Car.