Upgrading Car Speakers Without Amp – Is it Possible?

Whether you want to improve the sound quality of your car stereo or add some bass without breaking the bank, upgrading your car speakers is a great place to start. And, contrary to popular belief, you do not necessarily need an amp to do it.

Depending on the make and model of your car, it may be possible to upgrade speakers without an amp. A big factor in this decision will be the type of head unit (radio) in your car. If you have a newer head unit with audio input jacks or Bluetooth capabilities, then upgrading your speakers is likely as simple as plugging them into the proper input jack.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your car speakers without an amp.

Understanding Amplifier Terminology

An amplifier, also known as a head unit, is the audio component in a car that produces sound. The speakers in a car rely on the amplifier to acquire power and increase their volume.

Most car stereos have built-in amplifiers, but some cars require an external amplifier.

To upgrade your car speakers without an amp, you need to know a few things about amplifier terminology.

1. Not all amps are created equal.
2. They produce different sounds depending on what they are powering.
3. It is important to remember that if you have an aftermarket stereo installed in your car (like many people do), then this system already has its amplifier.

Choose the Right Size of Speakers

When upgrading your car speakers, you will want to make sure you choose the right size. The size of your car speakers will tremendously impact the quality of sound you produce.

In general, the bigger the speaker, the better the sound quality. However, you will also need to consider the amount of space you have in your car. If you do not have a lot of space, you may need to opt for smaller speakers.

There are a few things to consider when upgrading car speakers without amp.

Speaker Diameter

The first is the speaker diameter. Most car stereos can accommodate either 6.5-inch or 8-inch speakers. If unsure which size you need, measure the speaker opening in your car’s dash or door panel.

Mounting Depth

Now measure the mounting depth of your current speakers. It is the distance from the top of the speaker (where it mounts to the car) to the bottom of the speaker.

Once you have this measurement, you can start shopping for new speakers.

Mounting Height

Mounting height is one of the most important factors when installing new speakers. It describes the measurement of the speakers from the lower section to the end-grade component of the speaker.

Installation Space

You will need to determine how much space you have to work. You may want to consider a smaller speaker if you have limited space.

The Shape of Your Speakers

Most factory car speakers are of a certain shape: either round or oval. To upgrade your speakers, you will need to determine the shape of your current speakers.

Material

There are three main types of speaker materials: paper, plastic, and metal. Each has its set of pros and cons.

1. Paper is the lightest and cheapest material, but it’s also the least durable.
2. Plastic is more durable than paper but is heavier and more expensive.
3. Metal is the most expensive and heaviest material but is also the most durable.

Power Handling

The final thing to consider is power handling. Make sure your new speakers handle the same power as your old ones.

For example, if your old speakers were rated at 75 watts max and 50 watts RMS, make sure your new speakers are rated at 75 watts max and 50 watts RMS.

If you do not know how to determine this rating yourself, take them to a professional installer for assistance.

Full-range Speakers

Full-range speakers are a great option if you want to upgrade your car speakers without an amp. They do not require an external amplifier and can provide a significant sound quality improvement over your factory speakers.

Here are a few things to remember when installing full-range speakers without an amp.

Step 1 – Know What To Look For

The most important thing to look for when shopping for new full-range car speakers is sensitivity. The higher the sensitivity rating, the louder your speakers will be. You will also want to look for wide frequency response and good power handling.

If you are unsure what to look for, ask a salesperson or look online for reviews.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Tools

You will need a few tools to upgrade your car speakers without an amp. First, gather together a screwdriver, wire cutters, and electrical tape. You will also need a drill and some screws.

Once you have your tools together, it is time to move on to the next step.

Step 3 – Get New Speaker Wire

You will need to get a new speaker wire thicker than the old one. The new wire will be able to handle more power and deliver better sound quality to your speakers. Make sure to get the correct gauge of wire for your speakers.

You can find this information in your car owner’s manual or online. Once you have the new speaker wire, you will need to remove the old wire from your car.

Step 4 – Remove The Door Panels

Now that you have the necessary tools, it is time to remove the door panels. First, locate the screws that hold the panel in place. Once you have found them, use your screwdriver to remove them.

Next, gently pull the panel away from the door, careful not to break any of the clips holding it in place.

Finally, disconnect any wires attached to the panel and set them aside.

Step 5 – Remove The Old Speaker

Removing the old speaker is usually the most difficult and time-consuming part of the process. It is important to be careful not to damage the door panel or any other car part.

Once the old speaker is out, you can start installing the new one.

Step 6 – Install The New Speaker Into The Door Panel

Carefully remove the old speaker from the door panel. You may need to use a screwdriver or other tool to loosen it. Take the new speaker and line it up with the opening in the door panel.

Gently push the new speaker into place. Once the speaker is in place, replace any screws or fasteners holding the old speaker.

Step 7 – Connect The New Wires And Test Them Out

Now it is time to connect the new wires and test them out. Start by connecting the positive wire to the positive terminal on the speaker.

Then, connect the negative wire to the negative terminal on the speaker. Once both wires are connected, please turn on your car’s stereo and see how it sounds.

If everything is working properly, you should hear a significant difference in sound quality.

Step 8 – Put the Door Panel Back and Enjoy Music!

Now that you have new speakers in your car, it is time to put the door panel back on. It is a relatively easy process, but there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind. 

1. Ensure that the speakers are properly aligned with the holes in the door panel. 
2. Use screws or other fasteners to secure the speakers in place. 
3. Reconnect any wiring that may have been disconnected during the installation process. 

Congratulations, you have just upgraded your car speakers without an amp!

Conclusion

You do not need an amp to upgrade your car speakers. There are a few ways you can go about doing it without one.

The first way is to replace the existing speakers with new ones. It is the most straightforward way to do it and does not require any extra equipment.

The second way is to add a subwoofer to your system. It will give you a big boost in sound quality without needing an amp.

The third way is to install a line output converter (LOC). It will allow you to tap into your car’s factory amplifier and use it to power your new speakers.

Whichever method you choose, upgrading your car speakers without an amp is a great way to improve the sound quality of your stereo without breaking the bank.