Typically when someone considers upgrading the sound system in their car or truck, they go with one of two main options.  They either just want to upgrade the existing factory components with higher quality pieces, or they want take it a full step further and start adding amplifiers and subwoofers, etc.  For anyone wanting to add some decent bass to their sound system, however, adding an amplifier and subs is often not necessary, and it can be overkill for the average enthusiast.  Simply installing some quality 6×9 car speakers, powered only by the head unit’s amplifier, can provide a remarkable and satisfying amount of bass for the average listener.

Modifying your automobile is all about budgeting.  Most of us enthusiasts are younger, are in school and don’t have the money to do everything we want to our cars.  Car audio can be shockingly expensive, as can all auto performance and aesthetic modifications.  there many areas where we can save money, such as buying used aftermarket rims and used tires.  Car audio, however, is one area where you don’t want to go cheap; in the long run, you get what you pay for.

As an audiophile myself, I can say that ultimately, sound quality is what we are after.  You can buy cheap subs, a cheap amp, just to make your car boom and rattle so you can impress your friends.  That wears off rather quickly however, for most, if your cheap parts even keep working long enough.  I would always recommend a balance of purchasing the highest quality of components you can afford, with your overall system goals.  In other words, if you have 1000$ to spend, don’t buy a blown 10 speaker system with subs and amps, etc., it will sound like crap and you will likely be unhappy with it.

Instead, buy a nice professional grade head unit and some high quality speakers for the front and rear.  Power them with the surprisingly adequate 50wx50w head unit amp…done, until you can save up another 1000$.

Let’s stop for a second, though; this brings us back to our original issue.  Do we even need subwoofers and stand-alone amps, complicating the install, taking up valuable trunk space and annoying you neighbors?  Some quality 6×9 car speakers installed into your rear deck, or rear side panels, powered only by your head unit can do a surprisingly remarkable job of reproducing clear and powerful bass.  They’re also good for the full midrange and upper audio spectrums as well, which subs are not.  Good luck and happy choosing; and remember, you get what you pay for.