Ensuring that your car is in tip-top shape means that you are looking at its interior and exterior. Sometimes, the most avid car fanatics would even go as far as making sure that they have the best sound quality to listen to their favorite tracks the whole day.
You need to understand two essential car parts to ensure that you listen to the best sound quality while driving your car. These are the car amplifier and the car subwoofer. Continue reading the article below to know more about these salient car parts.
What is a Car Amplifier?
Your car amplifier’s primary purpose is to use electronics to boost a small musical signal into a more powerful electrical output to drive loudspeakers. In this way, your car will end up with great power and a lot of power available. Having a car amplifier in your automobile is a great way to enjoy your favorite tracks’ sound quality.
Benefits Of A Car Amplifier
Having a car amplifier does seem like a dream come true when enjoying a full music and audio experience while driving in your car. Here are other benefits of installing a car amplifier in your automobile.
- Your Car Audio is Louder
Let us face it; cars are noise machines. Even the newer models cannot be that quiet. Imagine listening to the engine at work, the squeal of the breaks, your tires hitting the road. And those are just the insides of your car.
The external environment is another story. As you drive by a busy road, you can hear the traffic sounds, people talking and passing by, and the loud sound of annoyed drivers tooting their horns. It can quickly be annoying and ruin your day.
You can eliminate all of that by installing a car amplifier. Remember that the primary objective of the car amplifier is to make sound louder. All you must do is install a car amplifier, turn on your music and let the music drown out everything else.
- Improves Sound Quality
Your standard, factory car audio speakers are good, but they tend to cackle and distort your music’s audio quality if you turn the volume up. On the other hand, Car amplifiers would drastically improve your car’s sound quality even if the volume is in the highest setting! By installing a car amplifier, you will be able to enjoy cleaner, louder, bassier, and distorted-free music.
- Provides Additional Features and Flexibility
Newer car manufacturers would have amazing features for their audio speakers, including a pre-installed amplifier. However, older car manufacturers do not have that luxury. To have the same sound quality for your car, you can install a car amplifier so you can enjoy the best sound quality there is. What more is that a car amplifier is cheaper than, say, you buy a new car speaker system.
What is a Car Subwoofer?
The car amplifier and car subwoofer go together to provide you with the best quality audio while driving. A subwoofer functions similarly to a car amplifier. The car subwoofer does this specifically because it reproduces your audio music’s bass sounds’ low range frequency. This way, you can feel the beat of your favorite track tunes.
Benefits Of A Car Subwoofer
Here are the benefits of installing a car subwoofer to your automobile:
- Standard Stereo Speakers do not have a bass component
Even if your car already has a pre-installed standard speaker, this tends to distort and cackle music, especially in louder volumes. It also does not have a bass component which means that you can barely hear the base, if at all. This does not equate to a full and exciting audio music quality while you are driving.
If you install a car subwoofer, this dramatically amplifies your beats’ bass component; hence, you enjoy a fuller and
- It is Flexible
Unlike standard speakers, you can put your subwoofer in whatever space your car has. Do note that your subwoofer is a large set of speakers, so it is recommended for you to put it either under your seat or in your trunk.
If you are worried that the subwoofer is too near or too far from you to enjoy quality music, remember that it amplifies the bass sound, which is a low and pulsing beat. This means that wherever it is, you can hear it because it provides non-directional audio.
- Improves Sound Performance with Higher Frequencies
If you think that the subwoofer is only good for low bass beats, this benefit will be a happy surprise for you. Your subwoofer also drastically improves your audio tracks’ sound performance, even if it has a higher frequency.
You can do this by adjusting the crossover frequency of your car audio system. This means that your car audio will automatically send the low bass tunes in the subwoofer and send the higher frequency tunes to the woofers and tweeters. This will ensure that you have the best of both worlds and achieve a full quality sound experience.
- Quality Sound
You can enjoy premium, quality sound with subwoofers without the cackles and distortions that standard car speakers offer. Here, you can enjoy cleaner music even if you have maxed up the volume!
Preliminary Considerations
Choosing the Best Car Amplifier for Your Vehicle
Choosing a good car amplifier is essential for you to have good quality music while driving your car. Here are some of the things you must consider when choosing the best car amplifier for your vehicle:
- Channels
The purpose of a channel in a car amplifier is to provide power to your car’s speaker. A car amplifier has many channels. One thing you need to consider is how many channels you need for your car amplifier.
There are 2, 4, and 5 channels that you can choose for your car amplifier. It is recommended for you to choose the amplifier that has four channels. This option will give you the best quality of sound possible at the most cost-effective cost.
- Power
Power is an important characteristic when you are choosing the best car amplifier for your vehicle. You should never compromise power when it comes to your car amplifier. One way for you to do this is to determine the RMS value of your amplifier. The recommended value is 150% of the RMS figure.
- System Capability
There are two ways for you to determine the system capability of your car amplifier:
- If you are building your audio unit from scratch, then it is recommended for you to purchase a head unit with pre-amp output. This will help you have a clearer and fuller sound.
- If you are building your audio unit from scratch, then it is recommended for you to purchase a head unit with pre-amp output. This will help you have a clearer and fuller sound.
- Amplifier Class or Rating
There are four types of class or rating that you can choose from for your amplifiers. These are the following:
- Class A amplifiers reproduce perfect high-frequency sounds. However, they spend a lot of energy, so you need to watch your car battery.
- Class B amplifiers are energy efficient. However, you will hear sound distortions when you max up the volume.
- Class AB amplifiers produce high-frequency sounds, are energy-efficient, and can operate well at lower temperatures. However, their overall performance is slightly lower than Class A amplifiers.
- Class D amplifiers are energy-efficient, can operate at lower temperatures, and have excellent low-frequency sound reproduction. However, they have poor high-frequency sound reproduction.
It is recommended that you use Class AB amplifiers because of their obvious advantages over the rest of the options.
Choosing The Best Car Subwoofer For Your Vehicle
Like car amplifiers, there are many types of subwoofers you can choose from for your vehicle. Take a look at the scenarios below to help you decide what subwoofer type you need for your car:
- If you want to build a personalized car sound system, then the component subwoofer is the right subwoofer system for you. The component is best because it comes in a wide range of sizes, from 8 inches to 15 inches. It is up to you where you want to put it! If your subwoofer is smaller, you can put it under your seat. If it is something bigger, then you can put it in your trunk.
- If you want something relatively easy to install that has all the standard specs of a great subwoofer, then consider choosing an enclosed subwoofer. These types of he subwoofer are already pre-mounted into a box that has a subwoofer in it. All you need to do is connect it to your car audio, and you have an awesome way to crank up the bass to your favorite hits.
- If you want a simple and space-saving bass system, then the powered sub is something you need for your car. These are so small and portable that you will not have a hard time installing them in your car! One disadvantage is that you might not have the full surround sound you are looking for. But this type of subwoofer surely offers many advantages like its portability and size, especially for a smaller car.
Here are key considerations when looking at the specs of your subwoofer:
- Power – Power is an important characteristic in looking at your subwoofer. Pay attention to the RMS power ratings of your subwoofer. The higher the RMS, then the higher the power of your subwoofer is.
- Sensitivity – Sensitivity is also an important aspect in choosing a subwoofer. Remember that a higher sensitivity rating is better. This means that it will require less power to produce quality sound.
- Frequency Range – The frequency range gives you an idea of how low your subwoofer can play. Do remember that there are many factors affecting frequency range, like the box where it is mounted.
- Enclosure Type – The enclosure type is one factor that will affect the sound quality of your subwoofer. The rule of thumb is that subwoofers enclosed in a sealed box give you the most accurate sound quality.
- Voice Coil Number – Car audio specialists, recommend the dual voice coil subwoofer when choosing your subwoofer’s voice coil number. This allows you to have more flexibility in your wiring system.
- Subwoofer Size – This is one of the most popular questions out there. People would usually go for the smallest subwoofer, which can play the loudest. This can be taken with a grain of salt as people have different motivations in choosing the best subwoofer size for their car.
- Impedance – The ideal impedance value for a subwoofer is at 4 ohms. However, other people can tolerate an impedance value at 2 ohms and 8 ohms, respectively.
What You Will Need
Tools Needed To Install Your Car Amplifier
Here are the tools you will need to install your car amplifier:
- Amplifier wiring kit. Do note that these come in various wire gauges. You can check your amp kit’s instructions to know the correct size of the amplifier wiring kit.
- Power and ground wires
- T-tap connectors. You can use this if you prefer to connect the wires manually.
- Zip ties or electrical tape.
- Pry tools for removing trim pieces.
- Crosshead and flat-bladed screwdrivers.
- Pliers
- Wire strippers
- Soldering iron. Use this if you prefer to have more secure soldered joints
- Electric drill
- Utility knife
- Socket set
Tools Needed To Install Your Car Subwoofer
To install your car subwoofer, you would need the following tools:
- Subwoofer box
- Subwoofer speaker
- Amplifier
- Wiring kit which includes the following wires:
- 10 Gauge or thicker, 20-feet insulated wire (for power)
- 10 Gauge or thicker, 3-feet insulated wire (for ground)
- 18 or 16 Gauge, 15-feet wire
- RCA cables, 15 feet or longer (you need two or one with both red and white)
- Inline fuse, 50 amps or higher
- Speaker wires
- Fuse holder
- Remote wire
- Four small wood screws
- Basic tools
Wiring Accessories You Need
Power Wire / Power Cable and Ground Wire
The power wire and ground wire should be thick enough to accommodate the amp and subwoofer’s demand for electric current or the devices won’t function properly or put out its rated power. You will also be needing power cables to make sure that the devices installed are working properly.
RCA Cables
Amp wiring kits don’t come with signal wiring. For your amplifier to get the input signal from the receiver’s output, you will be needing RCA cables. These cables come in stereo pairs and n different lights.
Fuse
The in-line fuse found on the main power cable is crucial for protecting the wire, your vehicle, and you from any fire when a short circuit happens. Each wire manufacturer tates their wire power capacity differently, but for a typical 16-to20-foot run, you will be safe by using these:
- 25-amp fuse with 10-gauge wiring
- 60-amp fuse with 8-gauge wiring
- 100-amp fuse with 4-gauge wiring
- 250-amp fuse with 1/0-gauge wiring
Installing Subwoofers Into A Box
- Run the wires
Once you gather all the materials and tools needed, you need to wire the battery’s power. You can do this by opening the car’s firewall. This is the metal wall under your car’s hood. You can find this easily because this is close to your windshield.
You can start to run the power cable through the firewall hole. You must make sure that you leave enough wire so you can reach the battery later. Next, you must strip off the insulation where the battery is. Connect the wire to the inline fuse if this portion is not. If it is, leave it as is. During this part, check that you have not yet wired the battery as you may have a short.
You can put the wires through the car carpets or your vehicle’s wire channels. You must make sure that it reaches the trunk of your car.
- Wire the Audio
Take your stereo out and check the back portion for the 2 RCA connections. Plug them your RCA cables here.
- Wiring the Remote
Run the 16-to-18-gauge wire through the back of the center console. This wire will communicate with the amplifier that if your stereo is on, your subwoofer should be on too. Do note that every time you turn your car’s engine on, your amp will also be on too, though it is not designed to make any noise. If you hear any noise, turn the engine off and take a closer look.
- Put the speaker in the box
Put the speaker in the box and set aside your subwoofer. It is recommended that you can put your subwoofer in your vehicle’s trunk.
- Wire up the Amplifier
This part can be a bit tricky. Follow the instructions below:
- Connect the power cable to the battery with the markings B+, Batt, Pos, or 12V.
- Connect the 16-to-18-gauge wire to the spot that says Rem, Remote, or Ant.
- Connect the 3-feet, ten gauge wire to the one marked as B-, -12v, Gnd, Ground.
- Connect the ground wire end to the bolt that connects with the car.
- Connect the speaker wire to the + and – amplifier speakers.
- Connect the other speaker wire to the speaker box. Do take note of the polarities.
- Add power by connecting the power cable to the battery and car’s electrical system.
Installing Your Amplifier And Subwoofer
- Fitting
- Once you have all the materials and tools, disconnect the battery, and start drilling. Drill a small hole using your steel drill bit to test it out first. Once you are satisfied, drill to the recommended size based on your wires.
- Position the amplifier in place and mark the mounting holes with a marker. Check the underside portion and continue drilling to secure the amplifier using the mounting screws.
- Run your wire to the appropriate place and cut if necessary. Please make sure you have extra wires, as this is recommended compared to having them too tight.
- Wiring
- You can now cut the insulation of your wires. Make sure to give enough space so you can attach it later to connector plugs. Start the ground connection wire to your car’s chassis.
- Plug your RCA leads, speaker leads, and remote turn-on lead from your amplifier to the back portion of your head unit. Next, connect the front, rear, and subwoofer speaker wires from your amplifier to your speakers.
- You can now run the power lead from the amplifier through the firewall hole to reach your car battery. Install the inline fuse into the main power wire. You can do so by crimping all connections and leads.
- Connect your amplifier’s main power to the positive battery lead. Your positive battery lead should then be reconnected to the positive battery terminal. You must secure all wires with a cable tie. You can now test that your amplifier and subwoofer are working!
Conclusion
Car amplifiers and subwoofers are essential parts of your car if you want to enjoy a great audio experience while driving genuinely. While the terminologies and steps can be overwhelming for many newbies, all it takes is a little time and practice, and you can be a pro when it comes to installing your own amplifiers and subwoofers.
