Discover Better Sound: Why Upgrade?
Top tips for improving the sound quality in your car.
Check out these 15 expert tips on how to upgrade the sound quality of your car audio system.
Check out these 15 expert tips on how to upgrade the sound quality of your car audio system.
How Does Your Vehicle Audio System Sound?
Before upgrading the sound system in your vehicle, consider what is good about the system and what needs improvement.
• Does the Sound Get Distorted? -- While driving on the highway, turn the volume up to overcome the road noise. There should be no audible distortion of the sound. An amplifier will help achieve better volume levels if the system is not loud enough or distorts at high volumes.
• Is the Sound Clear? -- Vocals and individual musical instruments should be clearly identifiable when listening to a song. Component speakers with separate midrange speakers and tweeters provide better sound clarity than factory speakers for mid to high frequencies and will improve the overall sound quality in any vehicle audio system.
• Does the Music Have Enough Bass? -- Bass settings on receivers are often pushed to their limits to overcome weak low frequency speaker performance or road, wind, and mechanical noise. If the bass setting on the tone controls is always maxed out, a subwoofer is an ideal upgrade.
• Can the Receiver Support Digital Media Sources like an iPod? –- If you are a smartphone or iPod user or carry ‘ripped’ music on a CD-R, USB thumb drive, or an SD card, your receiver should be able to connect to and play these digital media sources. Consider upgrading to an aftermarket receiver that supports digital media formats. Many new receivers even display song titles, artist information, and album art.
• Does the Sound Get Distorted? -- While driving on the highway, turn the volume up to overcome the road noise. There should be no audible distortion of the sound. An amplifier will help achieve better volume levels if the system is not loud enough or distorts at high volumes.
• Is the Sound Clear? -- Vocals and individual musical instruments should be clearly identifiable when listening to a song. Component speakers with separate midrange speakers and tweeters provide better sound clarity than factory speakers for mid to high frequencies and will improve the overall sound quality in any vehicle audio system.
• Does the Music Have Enough Bass? -- Bass settings on receivers are often pushed to their limits to overcome weak low frequency speaker performance or road, wind, and mechanical noise. If the bass setting on the tone controls is always maxed out, a subwoofer is an ideal upgrade.
• Can the Receiver Support Digital Media Sources like an iPod? –- If you are a smartphone or iPod user or carry ‘ripped’ music on a CD-R, USB thumb drive, or an SD card, your receiver should be able to connect to and play these digital media sources. Consider upgrading to an aftermarket receiver that supports digital media formats. Many new receivers even display song titles, artist information, and album art.
Top Tips for Improving Sound Quality
Even simple upgrades to a vehicle audio system can dramatically improve sound quality.
1) Rip Digital Music to a Lossless Format - When transferring music from a CD to digital file formats, known as ‘ripping’, consider lossless formats like Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless or Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) instead of compressed formats like MP3 or AAC. Lossless formats preserve more of the details of the original music source, maximizing the sound quality of the file. Thus, lossless formats will sound better than compressed files.
2) Purchase Premium Digital Music – If you are purchasing your music digitally, always choose the least compressed (highest kilobit per second or kbps) file. A less compressed version retains more of the original musical clarity and dynamics and will deliver a better sound experience when you play songs in the vehicle's audio system. Variable bit rate encoding helps further maximize the audio quality by allocating a higher bit rate to the more complex sections of music files while using a smaller bit rate for the less complex sections. The average of these rates is then calculated to produce an average bit rate for the entire file that represents the overall sound quality.
• If you are purchasing MP3 files from Amazon.com or other sources, choose 256kbps or higher when possible.
• Where possible, Amazon.com MP3 files use variable bit rate encoding to average 256kbps and maximize audio quality. Some Amazon.com content is encoded using a constant bit rate of 256 kbps. This content will have the same excellent audio quality at a slightly larger file size.
• If you purchase music from Apple iTunes, choose a 256kbps file instead of 128kbps AAC files.
3) Add Amplification – An amplifier is the single best equipment upgrade choice to improve the overall performance of your sound system. The added wattage from an amplifier is immediately recognizable as the additional power allows for a greater range of volume and produces cleaner sound from speakers. An amplifier also paves the way for the next upgrade – a subwoofer.
4) Add a Subwoofer – Subwoofers produce low frequencies most factory sound systems cannot. Adding a subwoofer provides more musical balance to the sound and makes music come alive. A powered subwoofer has an amplifier built-in and is an easy to install upgrade. If your subwoofer is passive, meaning unpowered, pair it with an amplifier.
1) Rip Digital Music to a Lossless Format - When transferring music from a CD to digital file formats, known as ‘ripping’, consider lossless formats like Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless or Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) instead of compressed formats like MP3 or AAC. Lossless formats preserve more of the details of the original music source, maximizing the sound quality of the file. Thus, lossless formats will sound better than compressed files.
2) Purchase Premium Digital Music – If you are purchasing your music digitally, always choose the least compressed (highest kilobit per second or kbps) file. A less compressed version retains more of the original musical clarity and dynamics and will deliver a better sound experience when you play songs in the vehicle's audio system. Variable bit rate encoding helps further maximize the audio quality by allocating a higher bit rate to the more complex sections of music files while using a smaller bit rate for the less complex sections. The average of these rates is then calculated to produce an average bit rate for the entire file that represents the overall sound quality.
• If you are purchasing MP3 files from Amazon.com or other sources, choose 256kbps or higher when possible.
• Where possible, Amazon.com MP3 files use variable bit rate encoding to average 256kbps and maximize audio quality. Some Amazon.com content is encoded using a constant bit rate of 256 kbps. This content will have the same excellent audio quality at a slightly larger file size.
• If you purchase music from Apple iTunes, choose a 256kbps file instead of 128kbps AAC files.
3) Add Amplification – An amplifier is the single best equipment upgrade choice to improve the overall performance of your sound system. The added wattage from an amplifier is immediately recognizable as the additional power allows for a greater range of volume and produces cleaner sound from speakers. An amplifier also paves the way for the next upgrade – a subwoofer.
4) Add a Subwoofer – Subwoofers produce low frequencies most factory sound systems cannot. Adding a subwoofer provides more musical balance to the sound and makes music come alive. A powered subwoofer has an amplifier built-in and is an easy to install upgrade. If your subwoofer is passive, meaning unpowered, pair it with an amplifier.
5) Upgrade to Component Speakers – Once you have added a subwoofer and amplifier(s), upgrade the factory speakers to component speakers with mid/tweeter separates. This will make the front seat of the car feel like center stage.
6) Upgrade to Coaxial Speakers – If component speakers combined with amplification is not in your plan, consider 2-way or 3-way coaxial speakers. These can be easily installed in factory speaker locations and will provide a notable improvement in sound clarity, particularly at high frequencies.
7) Install Sound Deadening Materials – Consider installing sound damping and vibration control materials in the doors, trunk, rear shelf and floor of the car. These reduce the road noise and vibration from interior panels to create a quieter, more enjoyable listening environment.
8) Upgrade the Factory Receiver – A receiver that supports all the latest digital media file formats such as MP3, WMA and AAC files on CD-R, USB thumb drive or SD card, as well as Bluetooth streaming is a powerful and easy upgrade. Many receivers also offer additional sound control features such as built-in equalization, built-in crossovers or time correction to tweak and tune your system even further.
9) Add a Digital Signal Processor – For audio systems that have one or more amplifiers, component speakers, and a subwoofer, a preamp level digital signal processor with equalization and time correction capabilities provides a platform to fine tune the frequency response and optimize the listening position. Digital Signal Processors also have presets that change the character of the sound system with the touch of a button. The presets can accommodate a broader range of music genres so every song can be played at its finest.
10) Install a Digital Media Controller – Digital Media Controllers are receivers that allow robust control of portable music devices, in particular iPods and MP3 players. This is an excellent choice for listeners who use their iPod/iPhone or Android device as their exclusive music library. Many Digital Media Controller receivers do not have a CD or DVD player so there is more room in the receiver dedicated to sound quality improving digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Receiver DACs bypass the iPod’s internal DAC to extract a better sounding analog output to the car audio system.
6) Upgrade to Coaxial Speakers – If component speakers combined with amplification is not in your plan, consider 2-way or 3-way coaxial speakers. These can be easily installed in factory speaker locations and will provide a notable improvement in sound clarity, particularly at high frequencies.
7) Install Sound Deadening Materials – Consider installing sound damping and vibration control materials in the doors, trunk, rear shelf and floor of the car. These reduce the road noise and vibration from interior panels to create a quieter, more enjoyable listening environment.
8) Upgrade the Factory Receiver – A receiver that supports all the latest digital media file formats such as MP3, WMA and AAC files on CD-R, USB thumb drive or SD card, as well as Bluetooth streaming is a powerful and easy upgrade. Many receivers also offer additional sound control features such as built-in equalization, built-in crossovers or time correction to tweak and tune your system even further.
9) Add a Digital Signal Processor – For audio systems that have one or more amplifiers, component speakers, and a subwoofer, a preamp level digital signal processor with equalization and time correction capabilities provides a platform to fine tune the frequency response and optimize the listening position. Digital Signal Processors also have presets that change the character of the sound system with the touch of a button. The presets can accommodate a broader range of music genres so every song can be played at its finest.
10) Install a Digital Media Controller – Digital Media Controllers are receivers that allow robust control of portable music devices, in particular iPods and MP3 players. This is an excellent choice for listeners who use their iPod/iPhone or Android device as their exclusive music library. Many Digital Media Controller receivers do not have a CD or DVD player so there is more room in the receiver dedicated to sound quality improving digital-to-analog converters (DACs). Receiver DACs bypass the iPod’s internal DAC to extract a better sounding analog output to the car audio system.
11) Add a Receiver with High Voltage RCA Preamp Outputs – Receivers with high voltage RCA preamp output deliver more audio signal strength to amplifiers and allow the amplifier’s level matching control (also called ‘gain adjustment’) to be set as low as possible. The benefit of keeping the amplifier’s level matching control low is that it makes the dynamic range of the music is much more evident. This eliminates the audible 'hiss' sound present when the amplifier’s input level control is set too high. The more audio signal voltage the receiver provides, the lower the level matching control can be set to make the amplifier deliver full power. One volt of preamp output voltage is standard. High-end receivers provide five volts or greater, offering exceptional performance.
12) Match RMS Power Handling with RMS Power Output – Closely match the RMS power output of the amplifier(s) and RMS power handling of the speakers connected to the amplifier. RMS (Root Mean Square) is a mathematical formula that determines the amplifier’s average continuous power output. Installing speakers and amplifiers with closely matched RMS power output ensures maximum sound quality. Overpowering or (sometimes worse) under powering speakers are examples of mismatching. Overpowering speakers can cause premature failure from overheating the speaker’s voice coils. Under powering speakers causes unwanted audible distortion.
13) Choose the Right Size Subwoofer and Enclosure Type – Choose a subwoofer that fits the space available in your vehicle. The diameter of the subwoofer does not always indicate its low frequency performance. 8” and 10” single subwoofers work great in small vented enclosures to produce bass with the complimentary air reinforcement of the port. Choose larger 12” subwoofers where space allows taking advantage of the larger cone area, particularly if you like to be heard. Always match the RMS power handling of the subwoofer with similar RMS power output of an amplifier to drive it. Remember not to undersize the enclosure because that will 'choke' the woofer and inhibit low frequency performance. A smaller subwoofer in the right enclosure with matched RMS power will always outperform a larger, but under-powered subwoofer in an under-sized enclosure.
14) Greatest Sound Quality in the Smallest Space – If space is limited in your car, the best upgrade options are component speakers, a pre-loaded or powered subwoofer and multi-channel amplifiers. These products maximize sound system performance in the least amount of space. Many component speakers fit perfectly in existing factory locations. Pre-loaded subwoofer enclosures are designed to be compact and ready to connect. Multi-channel amplifiers (3, 4, 5 and 6 channel) offer installation flexibility and consolidate space with the built-in active crossovers and bridgeable channel pairs that can be configured to drive stereo channels or a mono subwoofer. Combine this set-up with a receiver featuring high voltage RCA preamp outputs for an easy-to-install sound system with great sound quality.
15) Always Remember – Relax and Enjoy the Drive. Take the long way home on occasion and finish the song or playlist in your car. Great audio systems can reduce stress and brighten your day. With a little planning and research, you can make significant improvements to your vehicle's sound system and on-the-go listening experience.
12) Match RMS Power Handling with RMS Power Output – Closely match the RMS power output of the amplifier(s) and RMS power handling of the speakers connected to the amplifier. RMS (Root Mean Square) is a mathematical formula that determines the amplifier’s average continuous power output. Installing speakers and amplifiers with closely matched RMS power output ensures maximum sound quality. Overpowering or (sometimes worse) under powering speakers are examples of mismatching. Overpowering speakers can cause premature failure from overheating the speaker’s voice coils. Under powering speakers causes unwanted audible distortion.
13) Choose the Right Size Subwoofer and Enclosure Type – Choose a subwoofer that fits the space available in your vehicle. The diameter of the subwoofer does not always indicate its low frequency performance. 8” and 10” single subwoofers work great in small vented enclosures to produce bass with the complimentary air reinforcement of the port. Choose larger 12” subwoofers where space allows taking advantage of the larger cone area, particularly if you like to be heard. Always match the RMS power handling of the subwoofer with similar RMS power output of an amplifier to drive it. Remember not to undersize the enclosure because that will 'choke' the woofer and inhibit low frequency performance. A smaller subwoofer in the right enclosure with matched RMS power will always outperform a larger, but under-powered subwoofer in an under-sized enclosure.
14) Greatest Sound Quality in the Smallest Space – If space is limited in your car, the best upgrade options are component speakers, a pre-loaded or powered subwoofer and multi-channel amplifiers. These products maximize sound system performance in the least amount of space. Many component speakers fit perfectly in existing factory locations. Pre-loaded subwoofer enclosures are designed to be compact and ready to connect. Multi-channel amplifiers (3, 4, 5 and 6 channel) offer installation flexibility and consolidate space with the built-in active crossovers and bridgeable channel pairs that can be configured to drive stereo channels or a mono subwoofer. Combine this set-up with a receiver featuring high voltage RCA preamp outputs for an easy-to-install sound system with great sound quality.
15) Always Remember – Relax and Enjoy the Drive. Take the long way home on occasion and finish the song or playlist in your car. Great audio systems can reduce stress and brighten your day. With a little planning and research, you can make significant improvements to your vehicle's sound system and on-the-go listening experience.
THANKS: amazon.com