Are you unhappy with the sound quality of your car’s factory-fitted audio system? Does it lack deep bass and selective high tones?
Usually, a good sound system requires three main components. The first one is a head unit, also known as a radio or stereo. The second component is an amplifier.
Head Unit
The head unit is the command center of a car audio system. It is what lets you choose your audio source, set the volume, determine which specific song you want to hear or pick the radio station that you would like to listen to. The head unit also acts as a conduit to your other audio devices such as an iPod or Smartphone through the 3.5 mm Auxiliary output port. Head units can come with built-in AM and FM radio tuners, CD players, USB ports and more. Some even include a built-in navigation module while others can be made nav-capable with the help of an external GPS module.
Most modern head units are built with large LCD screens and a variety of features to suit a wide range of drivers. Many have voice control and touchscreen capability. They are also often able to display dashcam video, GPS navigation data and other information. Some can even be controlled with a smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth connectivity.
Depending on the head unit, it may also have a built-in amplifier. Those that do, are typically rated for a certain amount of power. In many cases you will need an external amplifier if you wish to have more power than what the head unit is capable of providing.
It is also a good idea to look for head units that have RCA line outputs. This will make it easier to connect an external amplifier in the future. Many head units also have a reset button, which is helpful in the event of a bug or software problem. This reset button is usually hidden behind the flip-down face or is a tiny pushbutton on the back of the head unit.
Amplifier
Car amplifiers are the powerhouses of a sound system, providing a cleaner source of audio, resulting in a much more detailed and clearer listening experience. Whether you are looking for a stereo amplifier to add robust bass to your system, or a mono amplifier (monoblock) to power your subwoofers, choosing the right car amplifier is crucial to ensure the best possible performance and an overall enhanced sound quality.
Amplifiers increase the small electrical line-level music signal from your head unit to a level that is powerful enough to drive speakers to produce acoustic waves that can be heard over road noise and other distracting sounds. They also allow for a variety of controls that can be used to customize your listening experience and optimize your audio system’s performance.
Initially, amps were made of vacuum tubes, but modern ones are made of electronic transistors. They use extremely versatile circuits called op amps to amplify the low current music signal and create a high voltage power output.
If you are upgrading a factory installed system, look for an amp that features speaker-level inputs to avoid the need for additional parts. These connect to the speaker outputs on a factory stereo or other premium aftermarket head units and convert the higher-voltage signal to one the amplifier can use. A remote wire can be added to prevent the amplifier from staying on and draining the battery when the vehicle is not in use.
To maximize your sound quality and system performance, choose an amp with a class rating that matches your system’s needs. For example, high-performance Class A amplifiers offer unmatched audio clarity but may not be the most suitable solution for every audio enthusiast due to their high power consumption. On the other hand, more affordable and energy-efficient Class D amplifiers deliver exceptional sound quality at a fraction of the cost.
Speakers
The speakers in a car audio system transform the electrical signal from the amplifier into sound. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, round tweeters to large, boxy woofers. They are categorized by their frequency range, with the low-frequency bass speakers (woofers) and midrange drivers handling the middle frequencies. Some systems also use a separate, specialized midbass driver to handle the troublesome frequencies between low bass and high treble.
A good car audio speaker is one that has a powerful magnet and an adequate voice coil diameter to produce high-quality sounds. It also has a sufficient power handling capability to withstand the power from an amplifier. In addition, the driver’s surround material should reduce unwanted vibrations from reaching the amplifier and damaging the speaker.
To improve the sound of a stereo’s speakers, you can install new ones with the help of a car audio specialist. They can find the right size speakers for your vehicle’s make and model, as well as a subwoofer enclosure if needed. They can also advise you on the best wiring options to minimize external noise interference and optimize your system’s performance.
The speakers in a stereo are what influence the overall sound quality, and it can be accurately said that a stereo is only as good as its weakest link. Even if you have an outstanding source unit and top-notch amplifier, the sound quality will be disappointing if your speakers are of poor quality. When shopping for speakers, consider the power handling (measured in watts), which is an indication of how much output they can provide at maximum volume without distortion. You can also look for speakers with a pivoting or swivelling tweeter, which will allow you to direct the high-frequency sounds toward the listener for greater clarity.
Subwoofer
Car Audio consists of many components that work together to provide you with the best possible sound experience. This includes the head unit, speakers and subwoofer. The head unit, also known as a radio or stereo (though those terms don’t tell the entire story), converts electrical signals into sound by using specialized speakers that vibrate the air in the vehicle to produce the sound waves you hear.
Speakers vary widely in size and function, ranging from specialized bass drivers to small tweeters. Some have a single frame that holds two different types of speakers to save space and cost, such as a coaxial system, which mounts a small woofer directly above a small tweeter on the same axis. All speakers convert the electrical signals into the audio frequencies that your ears can hear.
The amplifier is what powers the speakers and subwoofer. It takes the tiny electrical signal from the head unit and increases its power to give them enough energy to create audible sound.
Your vehicle already has basic speakers built into its system, but if you want to enjoy your music or movie soundtracks to the fullest, you’ll need to upgrade the speaker quality and add an amplifier.
Amps aren’t cheap, but they can make a huge difference in the quality of your car audio system. They boost an audio signal into something the speakers can handle, and they’re a good investment if you plan on upgrading your speakers or adding a subwoofer.
It’s often said that a stereo system is only as strong as its weakest link. Even if you have the perfect source unit and great speakers, however, your system’s overall sound will suffer if it is powered by an inadequate amplifier. To avoid this, look for an amp that is rated to match the impedance of your speakers. The lower the impedance, the less stress placed on your amp.
Equalizer
A car equalizer can really make a difference in your audio system. This device sits between the head unit and amplifier to boost or reduce specific frequencies, which can improve the overall sound quality. Most aftermarket stereos feature a basic equalizer, while some factory car audio systems also offer one. However, some equalizers, known as parametric EQs, go beyond the basic slider-style adjustments. These devices allow you to adjust the center point and width of each frequency band, which adds a new level of tweaking that can give you exactly the audio experience you want.
Most equalizers have three tunable frequencies: bass, mid-range, and treble. Increasing the bass will increase lower frequencies, while decreasing the treble will decrease higher ones. In addition, some units have a “middle” setting that lets you balance the bass and treble for a better sound.
Some equalizers also have a high-pass filter setting, which is used to remove certain frequencies from the output. This is particularly useful if your car has a subwoofer, which can overload the middle frequencies. Some systems even include a graphic equalizer that shows you how each adjustment will affect the sound, which can be helpful for tuning your system.
Unlike home audio, vehicle interiors often reflect or absorb sound frequencies, which can make even the best factory-installed sound system sound muddy and lacking in clarity. In addition, some vehicles have poorly positioned speakers that create a bad “sweet spot.” A good equalizer can help you eliminate these problems and create the perfect listening environment for your music.
To tune your equalizer, start by playing a song that contains both high-pitched tones and deep bass. Joe recommends AWOLNATION’s Sail, which has a great mix of both. Once you’ve found a song you like, open the equalizer and adjust the settings until it sounds good.