Want to find the best car audio systems?
Even though you might be an audiophile, it can still be hard to pick out the right car audio system for your vehicle.
There are a ton of different factors that go into choosing the best car audio system. It’s not as simple as just picking one off the shelf and hoping for the best.
But don’t worry! Keep reading because we’ve put together this guide to help you make sense of all these choices so that you don’t have to waste time or money on sub-par systems.
Table of Contents
1. Have a Plan and Do Your Research
The first thing you will need to do is figure out what kind of system you want in your car, as well as how much you can spend. The only way to achieve this is by doing ample research.
Once you know exactly what you want, it’s easier to find the best system for your needs because all the options that fit into your budget will be listed together. If not, then focus on finding one that works within your price range without selling yourself short.
2. Don’t Get Stuck With Stock Speakers
When it comes to replacing factory-installed speakers, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. More than likely aftermarket speakers will sound better than the original ones. However, there are some very expensive options out there that may not sound much better than the factory ones.
Before making a purchase, be sure to test them out first to see if it’s actually worth buying or not—especially if you’re on a budget.
3. Be Mindful of Crossover Settings
A crossover is responsible for splitting up the frequencies played through an audio system so they can be delivered to different drivers in your car. The challenge here is many car stereos have less distinct crossovers settings than aftermarket setups so keep an ear out for any distortion produced by lower-quality speakers when asked to reproduce certain frequency ranges.
In this case, it would be best to avoid using a crossover with these speakers if you don’t want distortion.
4. Amplifiers Make a Huge Difference
When it comes to powering your speakers, amplifiers aren’t that expensive and can really make a huge difference in the quality of sound produced by aftermarket speakers. They provide an additional boost of power so factory-installed car stereos won’t have such a hard time driving new speaker sets—which also means better sound overall.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! However, some receivers come with built-in amps that are more than strong enough to drive aftermarket speakers while providing excellent sound output at the same time—the keyword here is “some,” and this goes for both factory and aftermarket car stereos.
5. Choose the Right Type of Head Unit
In most cases, replacing a factory sound system with an aftermarket one requires you to have a universal head unit that allows you to connect all your new components—this includes speakers and amps. In order for it to work, be sure that the head unit has inputs that match up with those of your components as well as an output that works with an amp if needed.
You can’t buy just any kind of head unit because there are more than enough out there (both factory and aftermarket) that don’t allow for certain types of connections. So make sure yours will work before buying!
6. If It’s Wired, Make Sure it Works Properly
Installing a new sound system in your car can be a daunting task, but it’s nothing that a professional couldn’t do for you. The important part is that everything gets wired up properly so you don’t experience any electrical problems down the road (e.g., shorting out). You don’t want to waste your time and money on a system that doesn’t work because of faulty wiring!
7. Size Matters When It Comes to Speakers
Just like with anything else in life, size does matter when it comes to speakers. If you go with too small of a speaker, then you won’t get the full range of sound and bass that you’re looking for; conversely, you choose too large of a speaker, and you’ll end up with a less-than-elegant installation.
So, what’s the sweet spot? It really depends on the size of your car and the type of music you like to listen to. However, a good rule of thumb is to go with 6.5-inch or 8-inch speakers for mid-sized cars and 5.25-inch or 6.5-inch for smaller cars.
8. Consider What You Want in a Tweeters
Tweeters play high frequencies and are responsible for reproducing sounds such as cymbals, horns, and other instruments that have a high pitch. If you’re looking to improve the overall sound quality of your car audio system, then tweeters are a great way to start. You can either choose to install a set of tweeters on your dashboard, doors or rear deck—there are great options for each.
9. Keep an Eye Out for “Budget” Speakers
You get what you pay for! If you’re looking into buying car speakers that cost under $50, then don’t expect the world from them since they probably won’t produce high fidelity sound quality. It’s best to go with a more expensive speaker, like Rockford Fosgate because it will last longer and provide better overall performance!
However, if you’re going with a “budget” option for a temporary solution or something more permanent in a vehicle you know won’t be driven all that much, then it may fit the bill despite having lower build quality.
Want to Learn More About the Best Car Audio Systems?
Choosing the best car audio systems is a decision that should be made carefully. There are multiple factors to consider for this purchase, and it’s important you do your research before investing in something that could cost thousands of dollars.
We hope our guide has helped you understand what types of features may work best for your needs so you can make an informed decision on which automotive sound system to invest in.
If you want more help and information on the top 10 car audio systems and how to build custom car audio systems, please check out our blog!
