One of the most important parts of any in-car audio system is the subwoofer. The subwoofer radically improves the audio output of otherwise flat-sounding car speakers, and their installation does not involve any rocket science, either!
We start off with gathering the basic requirements and materials, and follow it up with a step by step approach to set up your subwoofer in little time.
This decision is one you’ll have to make based on the intended quality of sound as well as the space in the boot you’re willing to sacrifice. There are various brands to choose from, and each brand has varieties of subwoofers based on price points and physical sizes.
The various sizes available are in the range of 10 inches to 18 inches. Choose wisely! Get the tape measure out before laying down the cash on a subwoofer. The best car subwoofer is the one which satisfies all your needs in terms of size, price and audio quality.
The best method to position your subwoofer is at an incline to the wall of the boot surface, where the speaker is positioned outwardly. Make sure your box incorporates the rake angle properly. If you’re in doubt about the angle, ask the car audio shop for more information. Generally the angle shouldn’t be more than 30 to 45 degrees from the bottom of the boot.
Get your notepad ready – it’ll take a short trip to the hardware store to get all your materials. You’ll require fiberboard for the base of the subwoofer – around ¾ inch width is perfect. Then, you’ll need screws, silicone, clamps and PVA glue to secure the subwoofer in place. You’ll need electrical wire for power connections as well as speaker wire.
You’ll also require some carpeting and a cup (commonly known as the terminal cup) which has terminals to connect speakers via speaker wires. The basic approach is to build an enclosure around the subwoofer so that it stays in place, and complete the wiring process alongside.
Tools you’ll require include a tape rule and a pencil for measurements, and a screwdriver as well as drilling equipment and a soldering iron.
Let’s start with building your subwoofer enclosure!
Congratulations! The basic layout for the subwoofer is now ready and in position. You can now put the box aside, and take a well-deserved break. The next steps aren’t nearly as technical, but just as important – so pay attention!
You’re just one step away from a life-changing audio experience. This step is the trickiest, since it involves soldering and wiring. If you’re unsure of your electrical handiwork, you should ask for help!
Now’s the time to test the connection. If you’ve followed the steps to the T, your system must be working perfectly fine. Check the wiring or the connections in case the system doesn’t work – they’re the most likely offenders in this case.
This wraps up the process on installing a car subwoofer as a do-it-yourself project. Hope you had fun doing it!
Roger is a mechanical engineer by day and grease monkey by night, who spends all his free time tweaking things in his car. His love for car audio equipment is only matched by his desire to help others find the best products suited to their needs.