If you have been driving a lot recently and have taken a look at the other vehicles on the road, you will notice that many of them have been externally modified. I personally have seen many cars with custom alloy wheels, paint jobs, and mufflers which make them stand out among the others. While many car enthusiasts spend most of their time and resources on external upgrades, it’s time to give some attention to the car's interior.
As a car enthusiast, I believe that the audio system in many cars is very generic and is not sophisticated enough to provide the maximum driving experience. As the time we spend driving is increasing, the urgency of having a comfortable and enjoyable ride increases as well. It’s no longer enough to have a good looking or a fast vehicle.
When you buy a new vehicle, much of what you pay for goes to features such as spoilers, wheels, and engine power. Upgrading your car’s audio system is overlooked by many car owners. Factory audio gear isn’t sophisticated enough to provide strong bass and clean sound. It’s time to get a new stereo and a more powerful set of speakers to make your driving more enjoyable and less frustrating.
What should I do to improve my car’s sound performance?
The first thing you need to replace is the head unit. Stock units are very basic and aren’t powerful enough to power your speakers to provide crisp sound production. Aftermarket receivers offer more than great sound. They are equipped with advanced features such as XM radio, Bluetooth capability, full control of your audio system, and more. Most aftermarket stereo systems are equipped with pre-amp output which can be very handy if you are planning to expand or add an external amplifier. Since the head unit is considered to be the brain of your audio/video system, making sure that you have an adequate one is vital.
Article comments
1 - Red
Lots of Vehicles actually have more than decent sound systems in them, especially if you get the fully loaded package, this ranges from smaller sedans like the Nissan Sentra and Honda Civic to The Camrys and Altimas, anything above that range in starting price if bought fully loaded is more than likely to have a more than decent sound system. This is true of American cars as well. I don't know how much bass you need, but most of the people who seem to have upgraded sound systems also seem to be hard of hearing, they also blast their music way too loud and its super annoying. As if the whole world needs to hear you listening to Sarah Mclachlan! So I disagree with you, sorry. The only worth while investment you should make into sound is in your home, not apartment, but Home!
2 - Red
But if you are in the Car Audio Business, then I urge everyone to upgrade their Car audio systems, so when you listen to Kiss it feels like you're there live!!! Now that will get you fully awake for you job on those brutal Monday morning drives!
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
"If you are into music, with new speakers you will enjoy strong bass that makes you enjoy your music."
Did this article really pass inspection?? I remember having one of my "return to writing" articles get edited with what seemed like the Hubble,so much so, that I had no idea how to correct it in order for it to see the light of day. But, this train wreck qualifies?!
*FYI to the author* - Speakers REproduce sound. It is the source(or CD/Mp3 player) that produces sound and it is the amplifier that amplifies it(makes it greater).
4 - Eric
You shouldn't expect and you don't need HI-FI, or anything close to it, in a car - unless you shut out all outside noise.... and don't isolate yourself from what is going on around you. Remember what happen to jogger with the earplugs running on the beach?
5 - Tom Johnson
I fully agree that most people should upgrade their car stereo. The majority of systems are pretty low-grade. But I'd say the first step should be speakers, not the head unit. The speakers alone can make a world of difference, and it helps prevent destroying the factory look that many people enjoy. If you really need the power, get an amp.
I'll fully disagree with Red. Many people spend a lot of time in their cars in their daily commute, and if they're listening to anything other than talk radio, they should be listening to quality audio. I understand that maybe more attention should be paid to very high-end equipment in the home where fewer distractions are to be found, but good sound reproduction in your car can be extremely rewarding. It can even be considered high-quality time with your music since it's just you and your music without the distraction of other people around, or TV, etc. It's my preferred way to listen, in fact.
6 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
@ 5, Really Tom?
"All that quality bullshit they leave for the professionals to worry about - their concern is just enjoying the music, as it should be."
Does this statement ring a bell?? So, basically, what you are saying is that the source(even back to the initial recording process)doesn't matter but buying better car audio equipment is crucial?!
7 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Actually, let me rephrase that:
"So, basically, what you are saying is that the source(even back to the initial recording process)shouldn't matter to the consumer but buying better car audio equipment is crucial?!
Dude, face it, Audio Quality matters!! Its just that people feel they don't have the time to learn about it.BUT, if they realized that it would enhance their enjoyment of something they already love,then the trend would be quality NOT quantity or convenience....
8 - A Geek Girl
Right on time Haz. I'm shopping for a new system this week.