Pairing a car subwoofer with an average amplifier tremendously increases its bass sound quality. A subwoofer’s primary task is to increase bass quality from your stereo and comes equipped with a factory-installed internal amp. This makes it unnecessary to install a separate amp, however, installing one and pairing it with your subwoofer has numerous benefits, which include enhanced sound from your stereo. Does a car subwoofer need an amplifier?
Car stereo systems need amplifiers to produce clear, distortion-free sound. However, a car subwoofer doesn’t need an amplifier to work, although installing and pairing a high-rated amp with your subwoofers will improve sound quality. It is also recommended to install an amplifier if you own passive and main speakers.
Car owners are pairing subwoofers with an amplifier for different reasons. However, for financial convenience, you should learn how to install a subwoofer without an amplifier.
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How To Use Your Subwoofer Without An Amplifier
Some subwoofers are manufactured with internal amplifiers. This type of amp does a moderate job of amplifying the sound from your subwoofer. However, you do not get 100% satisfactory sound as the internal amp is not as powerful as a stand-alone aftermath amplifier.
Nonetheless, you can always use a subwoofer without an amplifier in your car.
“But how do you set up a subwoofer without an amplifier? Let’s take you through the simple process, step by step.”
• First, you need to unplug your car battery to prevent electrical shocks and other electrical problems.
•Once unplugged, you can now go ahead with grounding your subwoofer to the metal chassis of your car.
•Prioritize a good location, and make sure it is protected from contacts. Proper grounding also requires good wiring.
•Next, connect the power cable to your battery.
• Check your stereo for a subwoofer outlet and connect it.
An important part of installing subwoofers in your car is placement. You want to get it right to avoid overheating, loose screws, and damage from contacts. Most car owners use the trunk of their cars because of the huge space.
“Always make sure liquid doesn’t spill on your subwoofer.”
Subwoofer placement should be carefully considered. If you use a small or compact car, it is advised that you find smaller subwoofers. Don’t cramp your subwoofers.
Benefits Of Installing An Amplifier with your Subwoofer
While subwoofers with in-built amplifiers are self-sufficient, adding an amplifier has been known to improve the quality of the sound of car stereos.
The first improvement that follows the installation of an amplifier with your subwoofer is a higher sound frequency that comes without distortion. You enjoy louder and clearer sounds than before.
This comes in handy if you love partying from the trunk of your car. A properly installed car amp is what you need to complete your mobile party system.
Speakers and subwoofers are at the mercy of the quality of all their inputs. Awful input will lead to terrible sound. Other cases may involve the non-maximization of your speaker’s capacities. Installing an amplifier helps to improve your sound by adjusting the gain, mid, and volume.
You can also adjust your amplifier to better suit the capability of each speaker and subwoofer. So, if you just bought new subwoofers, installing an amplifier will be a great way to enjoy 100% performance.
“The installation of amplifiers is necessary for subwoofers without inbuilt amps.”
Although rear, car subwoofers need an accompanying amplifier for proper functionality.
How To Install An Amplifier With Subwoofer
Installing an amplifier is similar to installing a subwoofer. You need to take the same precautions and follow the same steps.
• First, disconnect your battery and subwoofer to make touching the wires safe.
• Next, find the best location for grounding your amplifier. It is recommended that you place it next to the subwoofer for optimal performance.
• Avoid crowded locations. You want to also look out for overheating. Make sure there is enough ventilation for your amplifier and subwoofer.
• If you don’t have an RCA cable, now is the best time to buy one. Make sure the cable is in good working condition before using it to connect the amplifier and subwoofer.
Types Of Subwoofers
There are two types of subwoofers that you can install in your car, passive and powered/active subwoofers. These speakers both function differently and satisfy different needs.
A passive subwoofer, for example, is used by a car owner who either only wants the low frequency it produces or seeks to amplify the bass frequency by connecting it to an external amp.
Passive amps don’t come preinstalled with amplifiers. However, a powered/active amplifier is the complete package. It comes with a dedicated in-built amplifier.
The powered subwoofer doesn’t require an external amplifier to function, however, installing an amplifier enhances the sound.
Tips For Buying The Right Subwoofer and Amplifier For Your Car
If you’re looking for the best subwoofer to buy, then you need the right tips to help you get the best deal.
• Power is important. You want to buy a subwoofer with enough RMS (Root mean square) for guaranteed continuous power.
• Also, you want to make sure your amplifier is powerful enough to handle the output from the subwoofer.
• A more technical precaution is to make sure the amp and subwoofer have the same coil and amperage.
Having problems figuring out the right sub for your amp, consult a professional today.
• After selecting amps with the right RMS, look out for how low the sub can play. This is called the frequency range. It helps you determine how low and how high a subwoofer can play.
• Choosing a subwoofer range should be dependent on the purpose of the subwoofer. Higher frequencies mean louder sound without crossover distortions.
Higher sensitivity leads to higher efficiency.
You want a subwoofer that utilizes power efficiently. Some subwoofers and amplifiers waste over 50% of received energy, thereby causing heat and more power demand as they have no off switch.
These types of amps and subwoofers keep working without a signal. Check out class A/B or D amplifiers for best performance.
The enclosure type of your subwoofer determines the type and quality of sound it produces. The bass is amplified in a box while the subwoofer is louder when placed in a bandpass and ported enclosure. Determine what type of sound you want and facilitate it by getting the correct enclosure type.
A significant feature to consider is the size of your subwoofer. Bigger subwoofers and amplifiers have better sound fidelity but low effectiveness. They use more power and can put a strain on your battery.
They also need a big space for placement. On the other hand, smaller amplifiers are more efficient and can be easily placed somewhere in your car. They also have good sound fidelity, which means more quality sound without distortion.
Quality amplifiers and subwoofers are durable but will require a bit of maintenance to reach their full cycle. As mentioned earlier, you want to always keep your car’s sound system cool. Placement should be in a ventilated area in your car. You can also install a fan nearby to provide air. You should also check the grounding from time to time.
Always check the screws and make sure they are fastened to the chassis of your car. A loose screw can displace your sound system and cause it to collide with the body of the car.
Another important maintenance tip is power. If your sound system is draining too much battery, then you may want to install a secondary battery with an alternator. By doing so, you ensure that your sound system is always powered.
Pairing a subwoofer with a powerful amplifier is the best and safest way to achieve quality sound. Look out for portable and efficient sound systems that’ll produce distortion-free clear sound.
