The great thing about upgrading car audio is that there's no right or wrong way to go about it, and the best thing about upgrading factory audio systems is that almost any component you replace represents at least a marginal improvement.

If you're working on a tight budget, you can do some things to improve the sound. You can even replace components one at a time, as your budget permits, and eventually, you'll have a completely custom car sound system.

If you are going the piecemeal, budget-conscious route, plan how you want the finished system to look. If you do that, you'll end up with components that work well together.

One good place to start if you're budget conscious is the speakers. Factory speakers are typically anemic, so you may notice an improvement in the sound by replacing the front speakers.

• Component speakers provide even better sound, but that's a complicated upgrade that's better paired with a new car stereo.

Move To The Next Level Update your Amplifier

Most amps use line-level inputs, but you'll need one with speaker-level inputs if your factory stereo lacks preamp outputs.

That might sound like a lot of nonsense, but it means that the amplifier can sit between the factory head unit and your new speakers and allow you to turn up the music without any distortion.

When you add one or more amplifiers, you also have the option of adding a subwoofer. That provides richer bass. Still, you can also add a digital sound processor to improve the sound from all your speakers.

Building a Stereo System

If you don't like your original audio, you might want to start again. That's fantastic, but the sheer amount of options may be overwhelming. Start with the speakers or the head unit if you're creating a system from the ground up.

In any case, you want to end up with a head unit that can power the speakers. You may alternatively choose a head unit with preamp outputs and an amplifier capable of completely powering the speakers.

When you design a vehicle sound system from the bottom up, you have a lot of alternatives, so those who have never done this before may be hesitant to make such a radical change.

If you want to get started, think about the features you want from your vehicle audio to help you choose the best head unit. Determine whether you want to utilize full-range or component speakers.

 

Adding More Bass

If the only thing you're missing is bass, add a subwoofer to your factory system in one of two ways:

• Add an amplifier and a subwoofer.
• Add a powered subwoofer.

Powered subwoofers are less complicated, but adding an amplifier and a subwoofer offers you additional options. In any case, a subwoofer is the most effective method to get that bass thumping.

A powered amplifier with speaker-level inputs is the simplest method to add additional bass to your automobile audio system. These systems combine an amp and a subwoofer into a single unit, eliminating the need for guessing, and they can be connected to any original or aftermarket head unit.

If you decide to drop in new speakers, make sure they'll work with the existing head unit. If you plan on upgrading the head unit in the future, consider that as well.

Things To Note On

The most essential thing to look for is a wiring harness that has been custom-made for your car. Because this harness connects to the factory wiring, you won't have to cut any wires in your car radio system.

Some of these wire harnesses are intended to link into a new head unit, which eliminates the need for any cabling. This is the simplest method for installing a new head unit, and it assures that you may replace the stock stereo whenever you choose.