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How to upgrade your vehicle's factory sound system

Life with a factory stereo doesn't have to be bad

You can't replace your car's factory stereo. This is a common problem with many newer vehicles. But it doesn't mean that you're doomed to poor sound quality in the car.

Below, we look at three ways to improve your sound system:

  1. Replace the speakers to add clarity to your music
  2. Add an amplifier for more power to further improve sound quality
  3. How to add bass for music that's more full and impactful
  4. As a bonus, we'll show you a few other ways to expand your listening options

Y

ou buy a car, you drive it for a couple of months and realize that the sound system just isn't cutting it. In the old days, you'd buy a new stereo and some speakers and life would be good. But it's not that simple anymore.

stereo and speakers

Many new vehicles won't accept this traditional car stereo and speakers combo.

The biggest dealbreaker? Instead of the old factory radio/CD player that you could pull out and replace, modern vehicles have touchscreen "infotainment" systems that incorporate climate controls, telematics systems like OnStar® and GPS, vehicle warning systems, and settings menus – all housed right along with your sound system. If you can replace your stereo at all, you might lose many of these important factory functions.

Options for the 21st century

What are your choices if you've purchased a vehicle like this? Will you have to suffer with second-rate sound quality and limited entertainment choices for the next 100,000 miles? In most cases, our answer is “No way!”

Let's talk about some of your options.

1) Replace your vehicle’s factory speakers.

Your stock speakers were created to meet a very low price point set by your vehicle’s manufacturer. If you replace those speakers with aftermarket models, you will hear a noticeable difference in sound quality, including tighter bass response, more focused midrange, and increased high-frequency details. New speakers are a great first step in improving the sound of your factory radio, even relatively inexpensive “entry-level” speakers.

  • Tip: If you have speakers in your front door and tweeters higher up in the upper door, sail panel, or dash, consider replacing the factory speakers with a component system to ensure more balanced music playback.

Premium audio systems

Car manufacturers often offer upgraded sound systems, usually designed in conjunction with famous names in home audio, like JBL, Harman Kardon, B&O, and Mark Levinson. Some sound great, some don’t.

If you’re not happy with your “premium system,” replacing your speakers is an excellent first step, but you’ll need to keep in mind that many systems use low-impedance speakers to get more power out of the factory system’s amplifier. If you replace those speakers with standard 4-ohm aftermarket speakers, you will have to turn up your system a little higher to get the volume you’re accustomed to. If you’re already pushing your premium system hard, you’ll want to look for speakers with impedance under 4 ohms and high sensitivity (90 dB and up).

These small tweeters can make a world of difference in the sound of your system.

These small tweeters can make a world of difference in the sound of your system.

Improving clarity in your music

Check out the tone controls on your factory stereo. If the treble control is turned way up, consider buying a set of tweeters. Tweeters are small, high-frequency speakers that you can install in your upper doors or dash corners. They reinforce the high notes in your music to brighten the overall sound.

In most vehicles, you can wire them together with your door or dash speakers, and you'll be amazed at how they'll bring your music to life. Even if you already have factory tweeters, installing a set of high-quality tweeters in their place can improve the clarity of your system dramatically.

For more tips and advice on shopping for new speakers, read our Car Speakers Buying Guide. Then check out our full selection of car speakers.

2) Add an amplifier to your factory system.

The most significant improvement you can make in the sound of your system is adding an amplifier, even in vehicles with so-called “premium” systems. And since we're talking about modern vehicles, we have to note that adding an amplifier isn't as easy as it used to be.

Several manufacturers offer packages that make it much easier to add an amp to any factory system, amplified or not. These popular packages and harnesses simplify any amp installation in a compatible vehicle by eliminating a lot of wire splicing and cutting. Plus, you don't have to modify your car's wiring, so you can remove your amp more easily later on.

Here are some of your options:

iDatalink Maestro AR Amplifier Replacement Module

The Maestro AR module teams up with a vehicle-specific T-harness for an easier installation.

iDatalink Maestro AR module

The AR module teams up with a vehicle-specific T-harness (sold separately), which literally plugs right into your factory radio or your factory amp. Together, they provide signal and data control to a compatible outboard processor or amplifier.

Why go this route? You'll keep all your factory features, including fader and balance controls, without having to go through some of the hassles of adding an amp (like signal summing, wire splicing, etc.). This package works with non-amplified and amplified factory systems.

  • Tip for Ford owners: With the Maestro HRN-DSP-FO2 harness and ACC-RCA1 adapter, you can use the AR module or Rockford Fosgate’s DSR1 processor to send a variable, flat, 4-channel signal to your new amplifier in wide variety of modern Ford vehicles.

Rockford Fosgate DSR1

The handy DSR1 works with all iDatalink DSP and HAR harnesses for a quick connection to your factory radio. Think of it as a separate preamp in a home audio setup – it offers extensive EQ and processing, then delivers the appropriate signal to your amplifiers. It can also be used as a standalone processor (with no T-harness) in most vehicles.

PAC AmpPRO packages

The AmpPRO package includes both module and vehicle-specific T-harness, giving you an easy way to get speaker-level signals to your new amp. The AmpPRO package is somewhat limited in EQ and other processing capabilities, so it’s best paired with a digital signal processor (DSP) or an amp with built-in DSP.

Axxess module/T-harness packages

The Axxess processor module comes with the T-harness, so it’s ready for the installation in a number of factory systems. The processor gives you access to ten individually assignable preamp outputs, each with independent 31-band equalization, frequency filters, and time delay capability.

PAC LocPro T-harnesses

These handy PAC LocPro harnesses plug into your factory radio, giving you these connections:

  • speaker outputs to connect to your amplifier or processor
  • power and ground wires to run a processor or line output converter
  • connections to the vehicle’s speaker wires that connect to your speakers
PAC APH-CH42 AmpPro Harness

The AmpPRO Ford harness saves you a lot of time and effort installing your new amp.

Sound Processors and DSPs

We offer a wide variety of sound processors for amplifier installations, giving you extensive equalization capabilities and allowing you to add amplifiers and subwoofers.

Many factory systems use a preset EQ curve that makes the factory speakers sound good but creates a serious sonic mess when you try to add an amplifier and/or new speakers. Most sound processors will flatten out this factory curve, so you can install an amplified system and enjoy impressive sound quality.

[Learn more about in our article about sound processors.]

Important notes about adding an amplifier

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when planning an amp installation in your vehicle.

  • Load-Generating Devices: When you cut speaker wires to run into your amp, some vehicles require a load-generating device to fool the factory radio into thinking it still has speakers connected. The most common symptom is no sound at all, or you might hear output that’s uncontrolled and tinny. We’ll let you know if you need load resistors for your vehicle.

  • Line Output Converters: If your amp doesn't have speaker-level inputs, you’ll need a line output converter (LOC) to drop your speaker-level signals down to a level that your amp can accept. If your factory radio outputs a high-voltage signal or if you’re tapping into the outputs of a high-power factory amp, you'll need an LOC to drop that voltage to an acceptable preamp-level signal. If your aftermarket amp will not accept at least 8 volts on the high-level input, we recommend using an LOC. Learn more about line output converters.

  • Hybrid Vehicles: We recommend that you only install an amp or powered sub with a fuse rating of 30 amps or less in a hybrid vehicle. For more information, read our tips for upgrading the audio in your hybrid.

  • Electric Vehicles: Currently, we don’t recommend installing any amplifier or powered sub in an EV. We’re actively researching electric vehicles but we’d like to err on the side of safety for the time being.

Read our article about adding an amp to your premium factory system to learn more. If you get confused or overwhelmed, give us a call and our helpful advisors will explain everything you need.

3) Add a subwoofer to your system.

The Achilles heel of many factory systems is bass. Add a subwoofer system (amp, sub, and enclosure) or a powered sub, and you’ll improve the sound in your car dramatically, even if your vehicle has a "premium" system. Why? When you turn up the bass on your car stereo, you lower the effective power of its amplifier because it takes more juice to produce bass. With a powered sub, you can leave the bass set to "0" on your factory radio, and let the sub bear the brunt of producing the low-frequency response you want to hear. You'll get a much cleaner overall sound.

Speaker-level inputs

Almost any amplifier or powered sub will offer "speaker-level" inputs, so you can connect to the factory system by tapping into the speaker wires. Powered subs range in size from small enclosures designed to fit under a seat to larger units that install in your trunk or rear cargo area.

236FMUSB5N MTX ThunderForm

A custom-fit sub takes up minimal space in the trunk.

Custom-fit subs

For many vehicles, you can also opt for a "custom-fit" subwoofer, a molded plastic enclosure with a pre-installed subwoofer that installs in the rear side panel or under a seat. Powered versions include an amplifier for an all-in-one bass package that goes in an out-of-the-way place so that you don’t lose cargo space.

Roadblocks to great bass?

Here are some potential roadblocks to keep in mind.

Automatic Noise Cancellation

If your vehicle has an Automatic Noise Cancellation (ANC) system, you will need to bypass that system when installing an aftermarket amp or powered sub.

The ANC system sees the sub as unwanted noise, so it tries to produce an out-of-phase signal to combat that noise. Since your amp is receiving that speaker-level signal, it amplifies the out-of-phase signal and creates a vicious loop of terrible sound.

Bypassing the ANC will vary by vehicle make. You’ll either need to cut a wire to defeat that system, disconnect an ANC module, or disconnect one or more factory ANC microphones. ANC bypass harnesses are available for a range of vehicles and we'll let you know if there's one for your vehicle.

iDatalink bCH3 bypass harness

This little harness plugs into the factory wiring as a jumper that bypasses the noise cancellation module.

For more information, read our article “Disabling active noise cancellation in your car.

Subwoofer phase

You'll want to make sure that your bass is firing together with your speaker system. Most modern amplifiers have a phase switch or control. Try changing your phase setting to see if the bass increases. If it does, life is good. If your amp doesn't have a switch, turn off your system, then get a friend to switch the speaker wires going to your sub. Do you hear more bass when you turn the system back on? Again, more bass means your sub is in phase with the other speakers.

4) Add entertainment options to your factory radio.

Satellite Radio: Vais Technology makes adapters that allow you to add a SiriusXM satellite radio tuner to your factory radio. These adapters are a more stealthy solution compared to installing a Dock-and-Play SiriusXM radio, but the installation requires a little bit of car audio experience or possibly professional installation.

Wireless CarPlay adapter: If your factory radio only does wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, we offer an adapter that will convert it to wireless operation. Get in the car and your phone brings up CarPlay or AA automatically. Very cool device.

CRUX ACP-WLX Wireless CarPlay/AndroidAuto Adapter

This interface works with any factory radio with wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, converting it to wireless operation.

Bluetooth adapters: These Bluetooth kits plug into the factory radio with the help of a vehicle-specific wiring harness. This combo connects your smartphone to your factory stereo, muting the stereo when you receive a phone call. Once you get in your car, the phone and kit sync up automatically, ready to accept or send calls. Your phone stays in your purse or coat pocket, and your eyes stay on the road.

More audio options are on the way

If you buy a popular vehicle only to find out that you can’t replace its radio, keep an eye out for any updates. Manufacturers of installation parts like iDatalink, PAC, American International, and Metra are constantly developing packages for popular vehicles which allow you to replace part of the dash so that you can install a new car stereo.

Focal Inside IC T3Y 100

Focal designed this 4” component system to fit right into select Tesla vehicles.

Other manufacturers are creating vehicle-specific speakers with proprietary connectors that fit right into factory locations in select vehicles. These models make installation easier and have the correct impedance to work with your factory amplifier.

Looking for inspiration?

Here at Crutchfield, it should be no surprise that our people are always installing new audio gear in their vehicles. Here are a couple of installation stories that are highly relevant to this article.

Darren installation

Our installation-parts wizard Darren upgraded his VW Golf Alltrack using a digital signal processor while keeping the factory radio.

JR

See how our trainer JR used a line output converter to upgrade the sound in his Subaru while retaining the stock radio.

Don’t get stuck—contact Crutchfield

In short, life with a factory radio can be good. As car audio manufacturers continue to adjust to the changing market, you'll find more and more products available that'll add functionality and performance to your factory system.

Stuck with a factory stereo and haven't found what you want in this article? Contact us, and we'll help you find options for improving the sound of your system.

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Ed from Sugar Land

    Posted on 7/16/2022

    I gave a lot of cds, but can't play them on my 2020 Ford F-150 lariat. Are there any portable players that can connect to system for my enjoyment?

    Commenter image

    Dominic DeVito from Crutchfield

    on 7/18/2022

    Howdy Ed - thanks for reading. There are a fair number of portable CD players out there that should work with your Ford (assuming its stereo has an auxiliary input), but unfortunately we don't carry that line of products anymore due to low demand. A quick web search should locate some sources, and you'll want to determine the best way to power it -- you can try to find a 12-volt adapter that'll work directly with your truck's 12-volt port and the player's power input, or you can find a player that uses a USB power source and plug that into a factory or add-on USB port on your truck. Good luck!
  • Patrick

    Posted on 5/6/2022

    I have a 2020 GM infotainment system (not premium). I have 6 speakers: 4 door speakers, and 2 "tweeters". All this is factory installed. I am relatively happy with this system as it is a technological upgrade from my previous vehicle's sound system. I have an android phone...and I have on purpose chosen to NOT connect my phone to the infotainment system (personal reasons). As I am done with commercial radio, I have a premium (no ads) Spotify account with downloaded content to listen in my car. Very happy so far with Spotify. I use a standard AUX cord to connect my phone to the infotainment system. I do this "old school" because the sound quality is superior to Bluetooth connection. To improve the sound quality of this situation, I use the in phone equalizer and customize how I prefer the settings. There are 8 different band widths in the custom equalizer (I was impressed that it had that many). Also, I use the infotainment equalizer. There are 3 band widths (I was unpleasantly surprised there were only 3). That said, between the 2 equalizers I can regulate the sound pretty good FOR ME. A true sound aficionado would probably laugh hysterically at my set up...oh well. Great info in this article. Thank you!

  • Craig from Blanchard

    Posted on 5/1/2022

    Crutchfield is my go-to site for upgrading my sound systems due to the great products and great service. Now, I have a challenge. I've recently purchased a 2022 Mazda CX-5 without the Bose system due to the chip shortage. The stereo is pretty bleh. It at least needs a subwoofer. There is no way to replace the stereo in this car as there aren't any available that fit. I'm not real sure about tapping into existing wiring because of the lack of high volts. Is there a sure fire way to get a good sounding sub? Or an Amp for future speaker upgrades?

    Commenter image

    Dominic DeVito from Crutchfield

    on 5/2/2022

    Hi Craig - thanks for your business and your question. The issue you're asking about can probably be resolved with a conversation with a real live human, so one of our Advisors will be getting in touch shortly via email to help you find the right solution. If you're in a hurry, you can always call or chat one of our Advisors online.
  • D. from Vernon CT

    Posted on 4/3/2022

    What if you're buying a vehicle which doesn't come with a CD player and much of your music collection is on CD's. If you can not replace the factory unit with one that has a CD player, is there a CD Player that can be plugged in that would work? Or does one have to have a CD player installed by a Car Stereo Shop?

    Commenter image

    Dominic DeVito from Crutchfield

    on 4/4/2022

    Hi D. - It's an unfortunate reality that fewer new cars are going to be CD-friendly: they won't come with a CD player, and the factory system will not accommodate a change to the stereo. Crutchfield carries a couple of car DVD players that can be mounted either in a standard 2" tall dash opening OR in a glove box or other out-of-the-way location in your vehicle. Alternately, you can buy a portable CD player (like the old-school Discman) and use your radio's auxiliary input (if it has one) to enjoy your discs. If you're looking for more ideas, check with your local car audio specialty shop or give one of our Advisors a call or chat online. They'll be happy to help!
  • David C from Clermont

    Posted on 3/25/2022

    How about option for a Freightliner Cascadia 2020? it's a tractor, I want more bass!

  • Ron Burgess from San Diego

    Posted on 2/27/2022

    My stock radio in my 2018 Ram Big Horn 1500 is driving me nuts, it blinks, beeps switches stations asks me to set clock, on and on and can't turn it off. Don't care about having radio but back up camera is essential and all the controls are run through radio. Told replacing radio would be well over $1,000.

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 2/28/2022

    Ron, you may have some less expensive options for changing the stereo and keeping your camera. You can use our vehicle selector to confirm which stereos fit your Ram and get some info on what else is needed for the installation.
  • Connor Crist from Lakeside

    Posted on 2/25/2022

    Hi I have a 2012 Honda Accord EXL and have a 1500 watt max amp matched with a 1200 watt dual sub system. I have a stock stereo and have a kicker line output converter. I noticed that at somewhat high volumes there is a popping sound that seems like distortion. I use a multimeter to see how hard I'm pushing the system and I'm only pushing about half of what the sub and amp can take at their rating. I went to an audio shop and they said it's a power issue. The lights dim when there is popping in the sub. They said I need a new stereo, alternator, and battery. Is this true? I know something has to be done, but do I need to do all 3? I was wondering if the factory radio and line output converter has limits. My basic question is what is the main cause and what course of action should I take. Can I get a second battery and just that ? Any advice would help.

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 2/28/2022

    Great question Connor! I've passed this info along to our advisors. One of them will get in touch to go over the options we may be able to offer with your system.
  • Orlando W. from Fairfield

    Posted on 9/24/2021

    I've Veen using Crutchfield for 27 years. Never had an issue. I will continue to use them whenever I need a stereo.

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 9/27/2021

    Thanks, Orlando - always great to hear from a long-term customer!
  • Phillip Brodie from Aurora

    Posted on 9/15/2021

    I purchase a 2013 Hyundai Elantra with a broken factory stereo, and am finally having it replaced with a JVC KWR940BTS. I've been told that the USB and AUX port by automatic shift will go dead and that they can't use the factory microphone. I hope that I will still be able to use my auxiliary power outlet. I did purchase a steering wheel kit. But will I loose other functions like the seat heaters?

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 9/16/2021

    Phillip, if you purchased your gear from us we should be able to help. Give our tech support people a call and they'll explain what options you have, given the adapters you have and the exact model of your car. If you purchased your gear from someone else, you can use our vehicle selector to gather more info on what else is needed for the installation and what capabilities you can keep.
  • Lionel Holmes from Chester Va

    Posted on 7/31/2021

    I have a 11 sonata without the navigation and I would like to add 4 door speakers with a amp any suggestions thanks Lionel

    Commenter image

    Ken Nail from Crutchfield

    on 8/2/2021

    Lionel, your best first step is seeing what speakers will fit your Sonata. You can use our vehicle selector to narrow that down and get some info on what else is needed for the installation. For the next step, I'd get up to speed on amplifiers. This article should be a big help. Good luck with your project!
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