How to make your speakers sound their best
A few extra steps can make a big difference
Adding new brand-name speakers to your system will make a big difference in your vehicle's sound quality. But there are several easy and inexpensive ways to make them sound even better.
During installation, why not take a little extra time to ensure optimum performance from your new speakers for years to come?
Install Bass Blockers
Yes, those full-range 6-1/2" speakers you've installed in your doors can handle some low-frequency tones. But why make them? That's just like laying out the welcome mat for distortion. You really should have a subwoofer in the trunk for that end of the frequency spectrum, and let your other speakers and components handle the mid-bass on up. Bass Blockers installed in-line on your speaker wires do just what their name suggests: block the bass frequencies that your speakers can't handle. They are available with several different filter settings, so you can pick the ones that are best suited for getting more performance out of your 3-1/2", 4", 5-1/4", and other small speakers.
Use noise-deadening products
Vibration-damping products like Dynamat are designed to deaden the natural resonance of your car's body by absorbing the vibrations caused by your speakers and road noise. These materials reduce general road noise (like tire hum, engine noise, wind, etc.) that can interfere with your music, and improve speaker performance by providing a more stable mounting platform. Creating an acoustically neutral space (or as neutral as a mobile system can get) will make your music sound better. Vibration damping is also a great way to tame a trunk-rattling subwoofer for tighter bass and less distortion.
Dynamat will make your speakers (and the rest of your system) sound better.
Install foam baffles behind your speakers
Fitted foam speaker baffles serve a dual role when installed around your full-range and component speakers. First, they help keep dirt and grime away from your delicate driver components to help maximize speaker life. Second, by forming a tight mounting seal around the speaker, the baffle can actually help reduce panel-to-frame resonance for better sound. This extra material in the speaker cavity can even help reduce road noise by dulling the external vibrations that can sneak into your sound system via the back of the speaker cone.
Just click Accessories
For more sound-enhancing and speaker-specific products, check out the Accessories tab linked to the car speakers of your choice, or just give us call for recommendations.
Erik from San Andreas
Posted on 5/22/2023
Does the bass blocking technology also work with home audio? I built some really nice speakers and a separate sub but I am afraid to turn it up because the bass is too much from the speakers even with a crossover installed!
Erik from Miami
Posted on 3/15/2023
Great article! I was surprised at how much difference Dynomat made in my VW Taos. I did all 4 doors and trunk/spare tire space following the method of, if you tap on the metal and it sounds hollow, put material on and around it. You don't 'need' 100% coverage with this stuff. First time I use it in any of my cars and it won't be the last. It's time consuming but SO worth it! The speaker upgrade is next and I'm planning on using some MLV foam behind the door panels for even more sound absorption. I'm hooked!
Gregory Elias from Upland CA
Posted on 4/8/2022
Hi. I have 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Extended Cab. I purchased some JL C1 650 componet set for front doors I ordered dynamat sheet; baffles ; straps for tweeters; wire harness. I need to know the distance or inches between front of woofer mid speaker to back of stock speaker grill on door panel to fill gap so I don't get noise cancellation also do I need same for tweeters and what foam should I use or is there nothing? Thanks for reading my comment. Look forward for some answers.
Jon Paul from Crutchfield
on 4/8/2022
Gabe Reeves from Paducah
Posted on 2/28/2022
I put dyno mates in my truck, but I never thought to put foam behind the speakers to stop external noise from come in .Thanks
john lapointe from Derry
Posted on 9/22/2020
Hi guys. I was wondering if it would be any benefit to upgrade my speakers in my 2004 avalanche to utopias. I have 165kx2s in the front and kx2s in the back biked with the focal 6 channel amp and two focal 25s 10" subs in a sealed box powered by a designated pioneer gm 5 channel going the subs 600 watts rms. Thank you for your time
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 9/30/2020
Ken Haggerty from Holmes NY
Posted on 11/28/2019
Hi I have a 1968 Corvette I will building a enclosure for my 12 inch sub molding to the back of my car I have a component speakers for the front a 600 W amp for the subwoofer and a 400 W amp For the speakers I would like know since I'm building my own box I want to mount the speakers facing the front of the car should I use component speakers in the rear can you suggest the right size speakers For the rear that will be facing the front of the car And also can you recommend A set oft speakers?Thank you for your help by the way I bought all the equipment from your company
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 12/2/2019
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 3/19/2018
Brandon, depending on the layout of your trunk, weatherstrip could be useful.
Brandon from charlotte
Posted on 3/15/2018
Building a trunk wall. Not from scratch. Subs will front fire. I already have my box. Thinking of building a front baffle to attach to my box just Incase I have to move it. Just Wondering what a good method to seal the baffle to the car trunk/cabin entrance would be.
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 12/19/2017
Dan, you could cut holes in the bottom of the back of each baffle. That way, it allows air flow for better speaker performance and still minimizes the possibility of moisture getting in.
Dan from Oregon City
Posted on 12/13/2017
I installed Alpine 6.5" speakers in my doors w/foam baffles from Crutchfield and I'm noticing a flutter in my left one at higher volumes. There is about a 1/16" gap between the Magnet and the inside back of the baffles. Should I adhere some foam or Dynamat on the back of the magnets to get a firm contact, or cut a round hole the size of the magnets. I don't really notice any moisture inside my doors but I'm sure if it rained hard enough moisture would be a factor... I worry about moisture damaging the speakers...