[Philkotse tips] Here's how easy you can get more bass in your car

There are some people who invest in infotainment upgrades and the number of screens. While there are also some people who like to allow their savings to other elements.

In the case of audiophiles, the need for high-quality audio is a must. If you are not one of those who were blessed with an ear for quality audio but want to have at least more bass in your car, we know just what to advise.

In the case of audiophiles, the need for high-quality audio is a must

While most people would immediately think that better audio quality requires money, it’s really doesn’t. Well, at least not all the time. If you happen to have a subwoofer and an amp in your car, you may want to tune these instead.

If you don’t have a subwoofer but still want that bass, you will need to invest in one. But if you’re the type whose concern is more on clarity rather than bass, speaker upgrading your speakers can be enough.

>>> Check out: Car audio system - What else you need to put in mind

Can I get better bass quality in my car without a subwoofer or an amp?

Here is the cold hard truth for all the audiophiles out there. You won’t get high-quality bass if your sound system is missing an amplifier or a subwoofer.

The problem is those car speakers, no matter how fancy-looking, aren’t really big enough for powerful bass quality. Asides from that, built-in car stereo amplifiers are also not powerful enough to produce distortion-free bass.

With that said, you can expect a noticeable increase in audio quality just by replacing your stock speakers. The problem, though is that replacing your speakers only has a limited effect and may not fully satisfy you.

The problem is those car speakers, no matter how fancy-looking, aren’t really big enough for powerful bass quality

But considering aftermarket speakers from reputable OEMs may still deliver surprising boosts in overall bass and sound quality.

The problem is that even the most expensive coaxial speakers still can’t beat an average subwoofer. So even if you can upgrade the sound quality using newer speakers, the bass will still not boom.

Philkotse.com prepared some of the things you can do to improve the bass in your vehicle. 

1. Check your treble tone and bass controls

Before you decide to buy anything for your in-car sound equipment, check this option first. If not, you may end up spending unnecessarily on a matter which could have been solved without upgrades or replacements.

For example, it’s not impossible for the audio settings to have been altered without you knowing. If you often have other people in the car or pets, this is most likely to happen.

If you notice that the bass has decreased somehow or the song has more trouble, try to adjust the tone settings. If you think the treble has gone way up, tone it down a bit.

Tone controls can come in different forms and shapes

This may generate more pleasing results for your ears. But if you don’t have a subwoofer, the results will most likely be still low to moderate-quality.

Tone controls can come in different forms and shapes. Some forms may be easily accessed by accident while some aren’t.

Some tone controls can be in the form of sliders, knobs, or even a menu on a digital screen. If you can’t find the tone controls in your car, it’s time to break out the owner’s manual.

>>> Grab your attention: What you need to know about car audio and amplifiers

2. The cheapest way you can get bass in your car

Let’s assume your car doesn’t have either a head unit or a car radio. With the line-level outputs, your immediate choice for a cheap and easy in-car bass quality is a subwoofer. You will have to find a subwoofer with speaker-level inputs and install them in your car.

The difference between speaker-level and line-level is that signals supplied by speaker-level outputs are already amplified. This is thanks to the circuitry that you can find in the head unit.

Your immediate choice for a cheap and easy in-car bass quality is a subwoofer

If you pass this signal through a regular external amp, you’ll hear distortion. You can pretty much imagine just how the bass will sound if this happens.

If your external amp is built with speaker-level inputs, you won’t have to worry too much about distortion.

Getting one of these types of devices can also be cheaper than buying a separate subwoofer and amp. Asides from that, these devices are also quite easy to install.

>>> Relevant article: How to choose the best car speakers for your car

3. Can you equip your car with a powered subwoofer?

The basic procedure of equipping your car with a powered subwoofer requires you to tap into speaker wires. You will also need to split them and connect them properly.

The device will then have to be wired directly into your car’s electrical system. This will require you to run a hot lead from either the battery or fuse box.

If speaking in comparisons, fitting a powered subwoofer into a car is just a tad more difficult than installing new speakers or replacing your head unit. If you think you can handle that type of labor, then go ahead and start getting your supplies.

The basic procedure of equipping your car with a powered subwoofer requires you to tap into speaker wires

A good note to remember is that the hardest part is running the hot wire that could short if done improperly.

Just by the indicated instructions above, you can tell installing a subwoofer is easy. They also won’t require you to upgrade your head unit because they take speaker-level inputs.

You will also have a much better bass response from your entertainment unit. This tip is a total win if you want less expense but more bass.

>>> FYI: 5 ways you might not know when upgrading car audio system

4. Are subwoofer amps really necessary to get good bass?

Our last tip can technically give tolerable sound and bass quality within a budget. But if you want better and more satisfying results, you will need to have a good amp and pair it with a great subwoofer.

The problem is that there are a couple of issues associated with this suggestion. First off, you will have to upgrade your head unit. If you’re not considering that option, the next thing to do is go for a converter which translates the speakers to line-level. 

If you want better and more satisfying results, you will need to have a good amp and pair it with a great subwoofer

If you’re still not up to that suggestion, your best option is to choose amongst the many dedicated subwoofer amplifiers. You may even find the mono 1-channel amp to be the best amp for your car. This amp is designed mainly for the purpose of being used with subwoofers.