Why You Need to Upgrade Your Electrical System Before Upgrading Your Car Audio
When you catch the bug for a bigger, louder car audio system, it is easy to fixate entirely on the fun stuff: massive subwoofers,…
Why your car stereo sounds flat
Most cars leave the factory with cheap paper speakers and a small built-in amplifier, because the carmaker spent its budget on the engine and the seats, not the sound. The good news is that car audio is one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make.
You don’t need to be an expert or spend thousands of dollars. This guide walks through the basic parts of a car audio system in plain English, so you know what each one does and where to start.
The four building blocks of a car audio system
Every car audio system, from a basic setup to a competition build, is made of the same four parts.
| Part | What it does | Simple way to think of it |
|---|---|---|
| Head unit (stereo) | Plays your music and controls volume, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | The brain |
| Speakers | Turn electrical signals into the sound you hear, covering vocals, guitars and highs | The voice |
| Amplifier | Gives your speakers clean power so they play louder without distortion | The muscle |
| Subwoofer | Reproduces deep bass that small door speakers can’t | The heartbeat |
Head unit
This is the stereo in your dash. Aftermarket head units add features like a touchscreen, wireless CarPlay, Bluetooth and better built-in sound controls. They also send a cleaner signal to the rest of your system.
Speakers
Factory speakers are usually thin paper. Aftermarket speakers use better materials such as silk or polypropylene cones and stronger magnets, so they sound clearer and handle more power. You’ll see two kinds: coaxial (highs and lows in one unit, easy to install) and component (separate tweeter and woofer, better sound stage, more work to install).
Amplifier
Even a good speaker sounds weak on the small amp inside a stereo. A dedicated amplifier is often the biggest single improvement in clarity and volume. Look at RMS power, not peak power, when you compare amps and speakers, and match them.
Subwoofer
A sub takes the low bass off your door speakers, which lets them sound cleaner too. Most beginners are surprised that adding one makes the whole system sound fuller, not just louder in the bass.
Where to start: the best first upgrade for your budget
You don’t have to buy everything at once. Upgrade in this order and you’ll get the most sound for every dollar.
- Front speakers. The cheapest, most noticeable first step. Better door speakers clean up vocals and the highs right away.
- A small amplifier. Powering those speakers properly adds volume, detail and punch without distortion.
- A powered or compact subwoofer. Adds the low bass your factory setup is missing.
- A new head unit. Adds modern features and a cleaner signal, and it’s the natural next step if your car has no Bluetooth or CarPlay.
- Sound deadening. Treating your doors with damping material cuts road noise and rattles, and makes every other part sound better.
If you only do one thing, upgrade the front speakers. If you can do two, add an amp.
Common beginner mistakes and FAQ
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying by peak power. Match speakers and amps on RMS power instead.
- Skipping the amp. New speakers on a factory stereo work, but they never reach their full potential.
- Ignoring fit. Check that speakers match your vehicle’s size and mounting before you buy.
- Using cheap wiring. A good power and ground cable keeps your amp from starving.
Will upgrading my speakers void my car warranty?
In most cases no. Aftermarket audio doesn’t void a warranty unless the install itself causes damage, so have it installed correctly.
Do I need a new stereo to upgrade my speakers?
No. New speakers work with your factory stereo, though an amp will help them a lot.
Can I install car audio myself?
Speakers are a good beginner project. Amps and subs involve running power wire, so take your time or use a professional installer.
How much should I spend?
A good starter speaker upgrade can cost under a couple hundred dollars. You can build from there as your budget allows.
Ready to upgrade your sound?
Good car audio starts with one simple step, and every step after it makes your drive better. Browse speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and head units at dv8shop.com, or contact our team if you’re not sure which parts fit your car.
