If you have a newer car, the chances are better and better that your car stereo doesn't just play music any more. With increasing frequency, car manufacturers are moving away from standard-sized stereo receivers in favor of more complicated integrated systems. These may include things like Bluetooth®, navigation, and climate controls, and are built into the dash in such a way that removing them may be extremely difficult or impossible.

So what can you do if you want to expand or upgrade your factory system? It's easier than you think. A factory sound processor can take control of the sound coming from your in-dash factory stereo, and send a high-quality, clean signal to your aftermarket amplifiers and speakers — without affecting essentials like navigation, OnStar®, or climate controls.

Crutchfield carries several different factory sound processors, each of which are meant for slightly different applications. One of these is the simple but amazing CleanSweep® from JL Audio.

The CleanSweep gives you aftermarket sound from your factory stereo.

The CleanSweep isn't much to look at — it's a black, metal box about the size of a paperback book — but it's meant to be heard, not seen. And what it will do for your factory stereo is simply astounding. You can achieve audiophile-quality sound, but keep your dash intact.

It uses its state-of-the-art, SHARC DSP processor to automatically adjust up to four channels with 30-band accuracy. The factory radio's built-in audio settings are removed, restoring the audio signal to its pristine state. The CleanSweep then converts the corrected signal back to analog, and sends the corrected signal to your aftermarket amps and subs via low-distortion, line-level outputs.

You won't have to do any tweaking, either — it performs these tasks automatically. Simply play the included CleanSweep calibration CD and press the "calibrate" button on the CleanSweep. In about 20 seconds, it will optimize the sound for your particular system, and store the settings internally. Your settings will still be there even if your battery gets disconnected. And if you switch cars, just calibrate it again.

The CleanSweep accepts just about any analog signal, from line-level to speaker-level. You can connect another audio source, like an iPod® or a satellite radio tuner, directly to the CleanSweep using its auxiliary input. The same high-quality audio magic is then applied before the signal is sent to your amps and subs.

Though it's a simple machine, the CleanSweep does offer some room for expansion. If you're in need of more than one auxiliary input, the CleanSweep CL-SES offers three more, each with trim level controls. Switching between sources is automatic, but can be done manually if you prefer. Each input is balanced and provides the pristine sound quality you'd expect from the CleanSweep system.

If you have a "premium" sound system, or want to hook up a variety of audio gear with varying signals, the CleanSweep CL-SSI acts as a "summing" device. Basically, it takes the disparate signals and "sums" them into consistent, full-range stereo signals, kind of like an audio mixing board would do. It converts the signals, sets optimal levels, and ensures that your system gets balanced, high-quality sound.

Add the CL-SS1 (left) to balance varying signals in your system. The CL-SES (right) gives you a total of three auxiliary inputs.

Overhauling a factory stereo

Lex, one of our Crutchfield Advisors, recently overhauled the sound system in his wife's 2007 Mitsubishi Galant. The factory stereo was integrated into the dash, providing no option for aftermarket radio installation. "The functions of the factory system are great," he says, "but the sound was horrible."

With the CleanSweep installed, Lex is confident he'll get great sound.

Fortunately for his wife, Lex is a guy who knows a thing or two about overhauling a stereo. "The CleanSweep provided the foundation for a complete system overhaul," he explains. "It took the factory sound out of the signal so I could set my own crossover preferences based on my choice of speakers and subwoofer."

In this case, he decided on an Alpine MRP-F250 4x40 watt amplifier, an Alpine PLT5 subwoofer, JL Audio VR 6-1/2" rear speakers with baffles, and JL Audio VR 5-1/4" speakers in the front doors. And, of course, the JL Audio CleanSweep at the center of it all.

The CleanSweep was easy to install. Lex decided on the glove box as an easy way to keep it out of sight — but make it easy to access if needed. "Once I decided on the glove box location, the installation was as easy as hooking up an aftermarket stereo. I just spliced into the factory speaker wires behind the radio, and grabbed 12-volt power. It only took about 30 minutes to get it installed and powered up."

Lex hid the CleanSweep in the glovebox for a clean installation and easy access when needed.

"However, all the other stuff, like the 4-channel amp, all the speakers, and a subwoofer, took nearly two days total. But that is typical of this type of installation."

The CleanSweep sends a pristine audio signal to his amp and sub.

"Better than expected," he says. "The CleanSweep gave me the flexibility to install a great amplifier and speaker combination in an otherwise unmodifiable factory car stereo. Now my wife has the same functionality of her factory stereo, but with the sound quality of a music hall."

Give us a call at 1-888-955-6000 for more information on how the JL Audio CleanSweep family can help your factory stereo sound its best.