How to Add Serious Bass
to Your Factory Car Audio System
If you're driving around with your factory car audio system and feel like the bass just isn’t cutting it, you’re not alone. Factory systems are often designed to give you just enough sound to fill the cabin, but they rarely deliver the rich, deep bass that many of us crave. Whether you're a bass enthusiast or just someone who enjoys music that moves you, upgrading your system can make a world of difference. But why exactly does factory sound fall short, especially concerning bass? The answer lies in a common feature of factory audio systems called
bass frequency roll-off.
What is Bass Frequency Roll-Off?
In many factory-installed audio systems, bass frequency roll-off is built into the system to protect the factory speakers from being overdriven, especially at higher volumes. Manufacturers often design the system to reduce low frequencies—those deep, chest-thumping bass notes—once you reach a certain volume. This roll-off is essentially a safety feature meant to prevent distortion and protect inexpensive, low-power speakers.
While this might be good for preserving the longevity of stock speakers, it severely limits the bass response, leaving you with a hollow sound that lacks that full-bodied punch.
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Why Factory Bass Response is Subpar
There are a few reasons why most factory audio systems have subpar bass:
Cost-Cutting Measures
Car manufacturers often prioritize cost efficiency over sound quality. The stock speakers they install are usually designed to handle a broad range of frequencies but aren't specialized for low-end bass. As a result, the bass reproduction is weak and can become distorted at higher volumes.Small Speaker Sizes
Most factory systems use smaller speakers, which simply can’t move enough air to produce those deep, rich bass notes. Subwoofers, which are specifically designed to handle low-frequency sound, are usually missing or greatly underpowered in factory systems.Lack of Power
Factory amplifiers generally don’t provide enough wattage to drive bass-heavy speakers. Without enough power, the system lacks the muscle to push out powerful bass, especially at higher volumes.Protective Roll-Off
As mentioned, manufacturers program bass frequency roll-off to prevent stock speakers from being overdriven. While this reduces distortion at high volumes, it also cuts out the frequencies that provide punchy, impactful bass—leaving you with a system that sounds flat and uninspiring.
How to Add Bass to Your Factory System
The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your entire system to get that bass response you’ve been missing. Here’s how you can add serious bass to your existing factory setup without losing the benefits of a stock look.
1. Install a High-Quality Subwoofer
The easiest and most effective way to add bass to your system is by installing a dedicated subwoofer. Subwoofers are designed specifically to handle low-frequency sounds and will give you that deep bass that you can both hear and feel. You can choose from different sizes, typically ranging from 8 inches to 15 inches, depending on how much bass you want.
At Advanced Car Audio Solutions, we carry some of the best subwoofer brands in the industry, including Gately Audio, Audiofrog, Focal, and Gladen. These brands are known for their exceptional performance, durability, and ability to produce high-quality bass. Plus, we can tap into your factory wiring and keep the installation as stealthy as possible. Our team specializes in using hidden enclosures to maintain the stock look of your vehicle while providing a huge upgrade in sound. With the subwoofer and enclosure tucked away, you’ll experience powerful bass without sacrificing any interior space or the factory appearance.
If you’re really limited on space, we also offer state-of-the-art Trulli Audio low-profile subwoofers. These subwoofers are not just beyond shallow—they deliver the best bass response you can get in the industry for their size and depth. With Trulli Audio, you can enjoy high-quality bass performance even in the tightest spaces, making them perfect for vehicles where space is at a premium but sound quality can't be compromised.
2. Use a Bass Restoration Processor
If your factory system rolls off those critical low frequencies, a bass restoration processor—like the Wavtech bassRESTOR—can bring them back to life. These devices are designed to detect when bass frequencies are being cut off and restore them, providing a fuller, more dynamic sound. This is essential when working with a factory system with built-in bass limitations. If you are listening to Banta or Classic Rock but wish you had more tubas or want to feel the bass drum kick… this is the answer.
3. Add an Amplifier
Adding an amplifier to your system can make a huge difference, especially when paired with a subwoofer. Factory systems typically lack the power to push out strong bass, so an aftermarket amplifier will ensure that your new subwoofer gets the juice it needs to perform.
At Advanced Car Audio Solutions, we carry top-tier amplifiers from brands like Mosconi, Wavtech, Gately Audio, and Audiofrog. These amplifiers are designed to drive subwoofers to their full potential while delivering clean, distortion-free sound. With the right amplifier powering your system, you’ll experience much stronger, punchier bass that doesn’t just sound good—it feels good.
4. Upgrade Your Factory Speakers
While adding a subwoofer and amplifier can dramatically improve bass, upgrading your factory speakers can take your entire system to the next level. Aftermarket speakers are designed with better materials, larger cones, and greater power handling, giving you more accurate sound across all frequencies—including bass.
5. Soundproofing for Better Bass
Adding soundproofing material to your car, such as Second Skin automotive insulation, can significantly improve bass response. Soundproofing reduces rattles and prevents unwanted noise from distorting your music, letting you enjoy clear, punchy bass without distractions. It also helps retain the sound inside the cabin, allowing you to feel the bass more effectively.
What this all Mean?
While factory car audio systems might offer a decent all-around sound, they often fall short when it comes to delivering deep, impactful bass. The limitations of small speakers, underpowered amplifiers, and bass frequency roll-off all contribute to a subpar bass experience. Fortunately, with the right upgrades—like adding a subwoofer, amplifier, and bass restoration processor—you can transform your factory system into one that delivers the rich, full sound you crave.
Advanced Car Audio Solutions specializes in customizing factory audio systems to deliver amazing bass without sacrificing the aesthetics or functionality of your vehicle’s original setup. Whether it’s tapping into factory wiring, using hidden enclosures for a stealth look, or upgrading to the best components from Gately Audio, Mosconi, Wavtech, Audiofrog, Focal, and Gladen, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the perfect sound system for your ride!