A new sound system in the car? It is important to note that!

A modified vehicle includes - if not available ex works - some extras like one Heated seats, a sophisticated multimedia package, beautiful and comfortable seats, carbon or chrome and of course a fat sound system. And everyone would like to have the extras in their vehicle if possible. And such options are often paid dearly. After all, you only want the best. And there are many extras and upgrades that play a big role, especially with tuners. One example is the sound system. Fortunately, this can also be upgraded and modified afterwards. We have for that already pointed out with our article from the end of 2019 and now we would like to go a little deeper into the subject of sound systems!

a lot to consider when tuning the sound

The type of sound is definitely a question of taste. Still, there are certain points at which there is an objective lens Properly , and a Wrong gives. The following points show you the most common mistakes:

• Error 1: no power amplifier / amplifier
  
  Appropriate consideration should be given to a well-designed amplifier. This supplies the entire system with the required power. This is the only way to optimally control high-quality loudspeakers. As a rule, the car radio does not have enough "thump" to correctly control the speakers or even a subwoofer.
• Error 2: no sound for the passengers
  
  If you want to pamper the passengers in the back with a sound, then you need even more speakers in the rear. An optimal 3D sound can only be achieved with the right number. Some top systems in the luxury class now have over 20 loudspeakers - in the Mercedes S-Class, for example, 27 loudspeakers are installed. An Audi A8 with B&O 3D audio also has countless speakers in the cabin.
• Error 3: too few speakers
  
  Of course, the number of speakers is also a question of cost. It doesn't matter whether you reconfigure the sound system or whether you upgrade an existing system. It should be noted that too few speakers can have a strong negative impact on the sound. As a guideline, you can say that you definitely need three to four different loudspeaker models to cover the entire frequency range with a good sound pressure level in the vehicle interior.
• Error 4: no subwoofer
  In any case, there should be at least one good subwoofer, which is ideally placed in the trunk (for the station wagon) or under the parcel shelf (limousine). Experts also recommend two additional woofers (woofers) in the foot area or below in the doors. And you can experience a special sound experience with so-called midrange speakers, for example, which should be high up in the doors. The whole thing is rounded off by tweeters in the A-pillar. They provide high notes.
• Error 5: incorrectly set sound systems
  
  Some people like it quiet, while others need the bass to really penetrate. This is of course all subjective. There are therefore many ways to adjust the system accordingly. In any case, not all buttons should be turned “all in” and adjusted across the board. Many users often change the settings too radically. That disturbs the sound experience of the best systems. You can do a lot wrong with high-end systems installed ex works. The factory setting is often close to the best possible result. After all, in the course of developing the vehicle, the engineers invested a lot of time in the sound system so that everything finally fits. But that doesn't mean that you have to leave out your fingers completely. Nevertheless, it is important not to mess around with it without mind. Sometimes it's a nuance that makes the difference.
• Error 6: incorrectly dimensioned cables
  
  If the sound system is to be improved, then of course new cables have to be laid. How many, how strong, at which positions, etc., of course, depends on the number of speakers installed or planned. Either way, a few meters can be used. But before irgendwelch to Cables irgendwie relocated, you should seek advice from someone who is familiar with the matter. Because the cables should never be too thin. If this is the case, there is not enough performance. In addition, there is an increased risk of fire if the cables are overloaded. The cables shouldn't be too thick either.
• Error 7: incorrectly laid cables
  
  A so-called cinch cable, that is the cable from the sound source to the amplifier, should not, for example, be too close to a power cable or even run directly along it. If this is the case, then unwanted noise can occur during the music playback.
• Error 8: incorrect protection of the system
  
  Another important point: additional electrical systems in the car (retrofitted sound systems are also included) must be secured accordingly a maximum of 30 centimeters after the battery. If the fuse is installed too far behind the cable, even the approval go out. And if this expires, the insurance cover also expires. If you have an accident, it can have serious financial and criminal consequences.
• Error 9: the vehicle is overloaded
  
  Many loudspeakers, cables, subwoofers etc. in combination lead to a decent sound experience, but the weight should not be ignored. With the number of components installed, the weight of the vehicle increases, sometimes extremely. If the vehicle is then loaded with the maximum number of people allowed and some luggage, the total weight can quickly be exceeded. And with a good one Trunk expansion Not only does the weight increase, a large part of the load volume also falls victim to the expansion. You should therefore pay attention to the weight. A new system alone will not overload the car - but if the vehicle is still used for shopping and other common things, the additional weight can become a trap. How much can you load? You cannot read the maximum permissible payload from the registration certificate. Only the curb weight (G) and the permissible total weight (F.1) can be read there. For the permitted payload, you have to calculate the difference between the two values. In the worst case, overcharging means a warning or a fine. 5 percent overload costs 10 euros, from 20 percent too much it costs a proud 95 euros and there is even a point in Flensburg.
• Error 10: incorrectly installed lighting
  
  If you don't just want a good sound, but also something to look at, you can also light the system properly to highlight the look. But here, too, there are a few things to consider. Because the type of lighting allowed is of course regulated by law. When driving on German roads, a maximum of one subtle additional lighting is permitted inside. Other road users must not be impaired in any way. If the lighting does not meet the requirements, it must remain switched off while driving. You can find out more about this in our large Light tuning contribution under the point Vehicle interior ... The following applies in general: Incorrect interior lighting costs at least 20 euros. The biggest annoyance would be if the police forbade driving until the lighting is properly restored. Depending on the case, the police would have the right to do so. And that also applies to the volume: The sound can also affect other road users. Anyone who makes a lot of noise while enjoying music can be asked to pay: up to 80 euros can be charged for this.

These components and changes are usually necessary:

• new loudspeakers from brand manufacturers with the same plug design as possible
• Adjust the existing recess for the door loudspeaker using a spacer ring (can also be made by yourself using MDF panels, a saw and a drill)
• new insulation to prevent swinging, rattling and rattling
• Integration of an amplifier so that the timbre and volume are improved
• Place the subwoofer under the driver's seat, in the trunk or under the parcel shelf (Current subwoofers are compact, dynamic and space-saving)
• Installation of additional tweeters (ideally swiveling pods)
• Amplifier should have its own secure power supply (Avoid series connections, only use high-quality copper cables with their own protection)
• An additional battery should be installed from an amplifier output of approx. 1.000 watts. It ensures a constant flow of current.
• Weaker systems with less than 1.000 watts can be obtained using "Powercaps" (Power capacitors)
• new audio system / radio, if the replacement of the serial radio with a retrofit solution is possible at all (USB interface and Bluetooth are mandatory)

We have put together a few more suitable video tutorials for you below. This should facilitate the installation of the new sound system.

Install subwoofer | Retrofitting an output stage | JBL universal | DIY tutorial

Install the system in the car. Quick and easy!

Install subwoofer & retrofit power amplifier

Correctly connect speakers in the car

Of course that had not happened yet!

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