I think you’ll agree with me when I say amplifiers for car speakers are pretty costly. And while you long for louder speakers in your car, you don’t want to blow a deep hole in your pocket by buying expensive amplifiers.
There is always a way to improve your speakers – either by using dampening materials, sealing them properly, using the correct EQ settings, or it might even just be as simple as playing higher-quality audio files.
Mentioned below are a few tips and tricks on how to make car speakers louder without an amp.
- 📖 How To Make Car Speakers Louder Without Amp: Methods At A Glance
- 1️⃣ Use High-Quality Audio Files.
- 2️⃣ Efficient EQ Tuning.
- 3️⃣ Set Proper Sound Levels of the Head Unit.
- 4️⃣ Wiring Properly.
- 5️⃣ Fill the Gap Between Car Panelling and Speakers.
- 6️⃣ Noise Dampening and Sealing.
- 7️⃣ How to Make Car Speakers Louder Without an Amp: Install Additional Tweeters.
- 8️⃣ Buy High-Sensitivity Aftermarket Speakers.
- 9️⃣ Add a Subwoofer.
- 💡How To Make Car Speakers Louder Without Amp: Frequently Asked Questions
📖 How To Make Car Speakers Louder Without Amp: Methods At A Glance
| Method | Effectiveness | Easiness | Time Needed To Implement | Cost |
| Use High-Quality Audio Files | Least Effective | Easiest | 0 Minutes | $0 |
| Efficient EQing | Just Effective | Easiest | 5-10 Minutes | $0 |
| Set Proper Sound Levels of Head Unit | Just Effective | Easiest | 5-10 Minutes | $0 |
| Wiring Properly | Just Effective | Easy | 1-2 Hours | $0-$20 |
| Fill The Gap Between Paneling & Speakers | Least Effective | Moderately Easy | 1-2 Hours | $10-$50 |
| Noise Dampening and Sealing. | Just Effective | Moderately Easy | 45-60 Minutes | $10-$50 |
| Install Additional Tweeters | Just Effective | Easy | 1-2 Hours | $20-$100 |
| Aftermarket Speakers | Most Effective | Easy | 2 Hours | $100-$1000 |
| Add Subwoofers | Most Effective | Easy | 1-2 Hours | $100-$1000 |
Also Read: How much does it cost to install sub and amp in your car? (and is it worth it!)
1️⃣ Use High-Quality Audio Files.
Even though the majority of music consumed today is via streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music that provide high-quality music streaming, there is an off-chance that your audio might be playing at a lower quality.
Low-quality audio files would dampen the output sound quality of your car speakers. Even the jubilant works of Elton John or the groovy hip-hop beats from Dr. Dre would sound cheap and tarnished if you’re playing a heavily compressed music file.
Note:
Make sure the audio file is at least at a 320 kbps bit rate or higher. The more the bit rate, the better quality the audio is. If you’ve ripped off your .MP3 files from a website or YouTube, it’s probably going to be a low-quality file, somewhere around 128 to 192 kbps.
Fortunately, streaming services have the option to select the quality of the music you want to hear. Make sure to select the highest possible setting.
2️⃣ Efficient EQ Tuning.
This is a very overlooked and easy solution, considering most car owners wouldn’t be bothered to manually set the EQ of their car stereo and would probably just leave the settings at default or max out all the parameters.
Proper tuning of the EQ would probably solve issues like the loudness of bass, or clarity of the mid-range and treble, essentially making the music experience better.
Play your favorite music track and start tweaking the EQ. For a louder bass output, boost the bass a little bit and lower the mid and high end. Find a sweet spot so everything sounds perfect when you increase the main output volume.
One time I cranked up my bass at full and turns out it wasn’t good for my ears, nor for my car. Thankfully the speakers lived on, but I had to replace one of my rear passenger windows. So, I recommend you never max out the parameters (for a distortion-free sound) and always try to play with the EQ tuning settings to match your taste.
If you have a subwoofer hooked up and have a crossover frequency control available, make sure to low pass (50-60 Hz) the subwoofer and high pass (1-3.5 kHz) the main speakers. This would result in a cleaner bass and crispier mid to high-range sound quality from your system.
Also Read: 4 Ways To Power Passive Speakers
3️⃣ Set Proper Sound Levels of the Head Unit.
If you have an aftermarket stereo speaker system, another important yet overlooked setting is the volume gain level of the head unit. Most people would always check the gain levels of an amplifier, but might not do so for the head unit.
The receiver has an in-built amplifier, like the main amplifier driving the speakers, and the volume level knob (gain control) must be adjusted for maximum signal strength without clipping (going above the red levels).
Get a 10 kHz sine wave audio from the internet, set the EQ tuning as flat (default setting), and then set the gain anywhere from 50-75% for most units, at least until the point where it just starts clipping. Then lower it accordingly.
This straightforward method I’ve mentioned doesn’t include all the math and audio geeky stuff that includes using an oscilloscope and whatnot for getting the maximum non-clipping gain.
One more thing to note: if your stereo system has a ‘time correction’ feature where you have volume control settings of individual speakers, it’s also good to adjust those parameters.
Also Read: 7 Top Double Din Head Units For Car Audio [Updated List In 2022]
4️⃣ Wiring Properly.
More often than not, a speaker system loses its loudness due to a faulty speaker wire or improper wire connections.
The cables also lose their effectiveness and slowly start to degrade over time. This disrupts the electrical current between the speakers and the amplifier, which results in the speakers not receiving enough power.
It is advised to replace the speaker cable connection as a solution for weaker car sound system performance.
If you have installed aftermarket speakers, then make sure to check the terminal connections – both for proper wiring and for proper connection. Every car speaker is connected to the stereo system head unit via two wires – both sides having positive and negative terminals.
The positive of the car speaker should be connected to the positive of the stereo head unit and the same for the negatives. If there’s been a mix-up in these connections, it causes an ‘out-of-phase’ speaker which heavily impacts the sound quality.
It is well worth the effort to check these connections.
Also Read: 3 Ways To Hook Up Amp In Your Car
5️⃣ Fill the Gap Between Car Panelling and Speakers.
If there is a gap present between your car speakers and the paneling, it can cause unnecessary movement of the sound within the gap and can cause the sound to come out suppressed. Or even clash with the front sound waves from the speaker which can result in a muddy audio output.
Also Read: How To Fix A Crackling Car Speaker
6️⃣ Noise Dampening and Sealing.
This is a subtle yet significant detail that can increase the quality and loudness of the overall speaker system.
As you drive, there is a lot of ambient or external noise that adds to the equation while you’re listening to music in your car, like wind noises, traffic, engine noise, and various other background noise.
A lot of times as you drive, the door speakers might create rattling or powerful vibrations when you play loud music since the door speakers are directly built-in into the metal door panel. So, we use sound dampening material to eliminate all these excessive noise issues.
Sound dampening materials like rubber or foam are readily available in the market and take hardly a few minutes to install. You can find acoustic foam pads for door panels online as well.
Moreover, the acoustic response of the car is greatly increased as well. You might notice a deeper bass response and a tight soundstage inside the car while listening to music.
Additionally,
Ensure that the door speakers are sealed properly. Sealing will not allow the air generated from the back to get in the front of the speaker, so the audio quality is not compromised.
Also Read: Do You Need Amplifier For Door Speakers
Sealing the speakers using speaker gasket tape is inexpensive and very easy. A gasket tape has foam on one side and an adhesive layer on the other. Place the tape inside the mounting hole of the door speaker and place your speaker back in. That’s it!
7️⃣ How to Make Car Speakers Louder Without an Amp: Install Additional Tweeters.
Another popular method to make car speakers louder without an amp block is adding extra tweeters that would give a boost to the high frequencies and cause the peaks of a track to sound pristine.
Tweeters will only take up a small amount of space, and depending on where you place them, they can provide a great acoustic setting for your car. Usually, they are installed in the door panels or window pillars.
Installing them is not expensive either since they do not require additional amplifiers to power them, considering most modern car stereo units have enough power to drive the sound of the tweeters.
8️⃣ Buy High-Sensitivity Aftermarket Speakers.
Well, this is probably the most obvious one. But you have to agree, it is the best solution. But then again, it is also the most expensive.
You see, the car manufacturers aren’t really concerned about the audio system they install in the car. They usually slap a basic speaker system which mostly has a sensitivity of 88 dBA. Not the best for loud music.
Replace the factory speakers with a higher sensitivity speaker set, around 92-95 dBA, which would give a louder volume, and fuller sound. Good quality speakers from reputed audio manufacturers like JBL, Skar Audio, and Pioneer are your best bet.
Whichever speaker set that you buy, it is always going to be a lot better in terms of sound, and also would come with a host of features that you can mess around with.
9️⃣ Add a Subwoofer.
A quality subwoofer is a huge addition to your car stereo system. Not only because of the excellent bass response you’d get, but they can also enhance the overall soundstage of the speaker system.
Since the main speakers of the car would be best at handling midrange frequencies and high frequencies, they can be tuned to cut the low bass end giving more space for the subwoofer to shine through.
Conclusion
Adding a dedicated subwoofer would mean you’d have to get a subwoofer box, then make space in your car for the setup and then connect everything properly. And there are various types of subwoofers available, so choosing one would also be a task. It would take time, money, and a decent amount of effort, but believe me when I say it is 100% worth it.
💡How To Make Car Speakers Louder Without Amp: Frequently Asked Questions
Why do car speakers become quiet?
1. Wiring – Faulty wiring, improper connection, or wires being squeezed can cause the speakers not to receive adequate power or electrical current to generate the sound loud enough.
2. Audio settings might be set in a way that causes low sound volume.
3. If the speakers receive more electrical power than they can handle (or less electrical impedance), it causes a blown speaker.
4. If the speakers are placed in a way without getting enough ventilation, they generate an excessive amount of heat, which might be a reason that can cause a blown-up speaker.
Most of the time, there is an issue with the wiring or connections. Check if the connection is backward and if the connections are proper. Also, make sure your cables are good quality and capable enough to handle the electrical power needed for the speakers.
What is the best sound setting for a car stereo?
A starting point is to play a couple of songs, and analyze which section needs boosting and/or cutting.
Usually, the bass should be a point or two more than the mid-range, and the treble must equally fill in for the bass. A 4:5 ratio is recommended for the bass, mid and treble.
If your stereo system has a three-band EQ, then you would need to experiment with different settings because each band controls a wide frequency range. Otherwise, if you have more bands then it is suggested you keep the mids a little bit lower than usual and boost the bass up a notch while maintaining the treble levels to match with the bass.
Be careful not to overdo any settings to avoid distortion.
Do car door speakers need an amp?
It depends on what you want and expect from your car stereo system. You don’t necessarily need it, but installing an amp for the car door speakers is better.
Not only for greater quality sound, but for the longevity of your speaker system and better power handling that an external amplifier provides.
How can I get bass in my car without a subwoofer?
There are a few tricks to perhaps increase the bass frequency response without a subwoofer. Replacing your factory car speakers and going for an upgrade will certainly increase the bass quality.
You can try to get a reasonable amount of bass from your car speakers by getting a bigger sized speaker (installing a 6.5-inch speaker instead of a 5.5 inch), or using an enclosure for your speakers. Other than that, play high-quality music and adjust the treble/bass levels in your stereo settings to increase the bass response.
What frequency should I set my car speakers to?
Setting the car speaker frequency will depend on the type of speaker system you have installed in your car. There are a few recommended settings for the majority of setups.
1. For most car speakers, the frequency should be set around 50-60 Hz (high pass) for a smoother audio response.
2. For two-way speakers, set the frequency around 3-3.5 kHz (high pass).
3. For three-way speakers, the frequency should be set at 500 Hz (low pass) and 3.5 kHz (high pass), which are the woofer and tweeter crossover points respectively.
4. Subwoofers should be set around 70-80 Hz (low pass) for a stronger bass response.
5. Midrange frequency woofers should be set between 1 kHz to 3.5 kHz (low pass).
About the Author
Rach Wellard
Rach Wellard is the driving force behind Sound & Solitude. Her mission is to help you discover the profound impact of sound in your daily life and to explore the beauty of solitude. With a deep passion for the connection between soundscapes and emotions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and personal dedication to our platform.
Rach understands that every individual's auditory journey is unique, and she’s here to guide you every step of the way. As a devoted audiophile, Rach’s discerning ear carefully selects the most exceptional products that align with your desires for Sound or Solitude. In a world filled with noise and chaos, Sound & Solitude serves as your sanctuary.
Rach’s journey as an autistic individual with a heightened sensitivity to sound fuels our commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone can find solace while enjoying the meaningful sounds in their lives. Her understanding of diverse sensory needs enables us to offer personalized recommendations and insights, ensuring that your chosen audio equipment not only meets technical criteria but also resonates with your unique sensory preferences. And if you simply seek the best sound possible, Rach has you covered.
At Sound & Solitude, authenticity is our foundation. We provide unbiased reviews and comparisons because you deserve nothing but the truth. Our reviews are meticulously crafted, drawing upon Rach’s deep understanding of audio technology and the human experience in the Sound and Solitude realms. Whether you're searching for noise-cancelling headphones to immerse yourself in music or seeking a gaming headset that transports you to virtual worlds, you can rely on our reviews and personally tested comparisons to find the best equipment for your specific needs. Explore our carefully curated content, from the latest wireless audio advancements to tips for creating your ideal auditory retreat.
Let Sound & Solitude be your companion in your quest for perfect sound, rich experiences, and beautiful serenity. Join Rach as she redefines the way you listen, connecting you to the power of Sound and the Solitude it brings. Together, we'll evolve into your trusted platform for all things related to Sound & Solitude.