Hey everyone, I have a stock Honda Civic Sport 2019, and my dad suggested we upgrade the sound system. We went to a shop since neither of us knows much about sound systems, and the guy there said the speakers and center console are fine. He recommended adding a subwoofer and gave us two options: the Kicker 45VL7R102 or the Kicker 49KKPDF212.
I listen to techno and house music with lots of bass, but I also enjoy country and salsa sometimes. Would a subwoofer help with all these types of music? And if I do get one, which one should I pick? Would I need to upgrade anything else along with it? Thanks for the advice!
Adding a subwoofer can make a huge difference to your sound system. Most subs will need an amp, although some come with one built in. A good sub enhances all types of music since every genre has bass, and stock car systems often lack deep, quality bass.
You might notice your other speakers feel weaker after adding a sub, but you can adjust the levels or upgrade over time. I personally recommend JL Audio subs, but if that’s not in your budget, the Kicker options you mentioned are solid too. Remember to get a good amp to power the sub properly.
@Abi
Thanks for the advice! I’ll check out JL Audio and see if the shop has them since they also handle installations. I’d rather not DIY this and risk messing something up!
Nova said: @Abi
Thanks for the advice! I’ll check out JL Audio and see if the shop has them since they also handle installations. I’d rather not DIY this and risk messing something up!
If you’re just starting out, JL might be overkill for your needs. The Kickers you mentioned are a good choice and more budget-friendly. Just make sure you factor in the cost of a decent amp. A setup like this can still give you great sound for techno and house.
Make sure to get a bass knob. It’s a small dial you can use to control the volume of your subwoofer. Many amps include one, and it’s super handy for adjusting the bass depending on the song you’re playing.
@Foster
If your amp doesn’t come with a bass knob, you can get a generic one that works with RCA cables. It’s a simple way to control bass levels without upgrading your entire setup.
If you’re into techno and house, keep in mind that a lot of the punch you feel at clubs comes from midbass, which regular subwoofers might not fully cover. You can set up your sub to handle those ranges, but it might take some extra tuning or even upgrading your other speakers for the best effect.
@Ben
Actually, most subs can play into the midbass range if you adjust the settings. With the right tuning, a subwoofer can make techno and house music sound amazing, and it’ll definitely enhance the overall experience.
I’ve been adding subwoofers to my cars since I was 16, and I’m 48 now! It’s a hobby I’ve loved for years. If you’re new to this, try installing your first system yourself. It’s a great way to learn, and it can be a fun project to do with your dad. Just make sure you use quality wires for the power connections!
If you’re not upgrading your interior speakers, consider an under-seat subwoofer. It won’t take up much space, costs less, and still gives a decent boost in bass. It’s a great option for people who just want a bit more depth without going all out.
Yes, a subwoofer is worth it for almost any kind of music. Start with something basic but decent, and you can always upgrade later. A good sub will make techno, salsa, country, or any genre sound better. Just pick something that fits your budget and setup.
Kicker is a great starting brand. Don’t feel like you have to spend big on premium brands like JL unless you’re really into this hobby. For most people, the difference isn’t noticeable. Start with something solid and see where it takes you. Have fun!
You won’t know how much you’ll love it until you try. Whatever sub you choose, make sure the amp is a good match for it. If you like a variety of music, you might also consider upgrading your front speakers. But fair warning—once you experience a good system, you’ll never want to go back to stock audio!
Yes, a subwoofer is worth it. Depending on your amp size, you might need upgrades like a secondary battery or alternator, along with heavy-duty cables. If the shop says your car is ready for the install, though, you should be fine. Enjoy!
I’m from Texas, and I see a lot of people talking about Nemesis Audio. It’s everywhere—on TikTok and Facebook. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m definitely considering it for my next subwoofer upgrade.