New to custom car audio? START HERE!

If you are new to custom car audio and installing your own speakers, amplifiers, subwoofers and audio gear you may think that just buying the best gear will automatically get great sound, but there is more to this! We need to develop our install, fabrication and design skills! In this video I give an overview of many of the helpful topics that you will need to understand in order to achieve an amazing sounding car audio system!
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🔨 Recommended Videos (in order of mention):
✔️ How to Test Ground - • YOU'RE LOSING PERFORMA...
✔️ Upgrade these electrical items - • Upgrade THESE for bett...
✔️ Calculate WIRE GAUGE SIZE - • What WIRE GAUGE SIZE f...
✔️ Fuses EXPLAINED! - • Fuses EXPLAINED! What ...
✔️ Electrical System Design for 3 amps - • HOW TO - Electrical Sy...
✔️ Make a fuse bracket - • Make a BRACKET & avoid...
✔️ Solder Station - • Solder Station Upgrade...
✔️ Picking a Car Audio Amp - • Picking a Car Audio Am...
✔️ Picking Amazing Sounding Speakers! - • DO's & DON'Ts - Pickin...
✔️ Picking a Subwoofer - • DO's & DON'Ts - Pickin...
✔️ What should you upgrade first - • Car Audio on a Budget?...
✔️ Designing subwoofer box - • Designing an underseat...
✔️ 3D Printing Dash Speaker Pods - • You challenged me! 3D ...
✔️Precision Acrylic Speaker Adapters - • Improve Sound! Precisi...
✔️STACK Subwoofer Box - • STACK Subwoofer Box La...
✔️ Subwoofer Box Beauty Panel Build - • Subwoofer Box Beauty P...
✔️ Deadening Treatment EXPLAINED - • IMPROVE SOUND! Deadeni...
✔️Amplifier Tuning Settings - • Amplifier Tuning Setti...
✔️ How to Tune a DSP - • How to Tune a DSP Syst...
🔊 Want more? Check out these links:
✅Car Audio Tutorial Library: bit.ly/CAFlearn
✅ FREE weekly training program: bit.ly/CAFlist
✅ Box Designs, BUILD YOUR OWN BOX!: bit.ly/CAFdesigns
✅Join the CAF Patreon Member Team: bit.ly/CAFpatreon
🔊🔊🔊 FULL VIDEO SERIES PLAYLISTS:🔊🔊🔊
- Ported Downfiring Subwoofer Build: bit.ly/CAFdownfire
- Dad's Sound Quality Daily Driver Build: bit.ly/CAFdadsSQ
- SEMA F150 Subwoofer Box Build: bit.ly/CAFf150
- LOUD Wrangler Build - bit.ly/CAFloudwrangler
- SQ Grand Cherokee Build - bit.ly/CAFgrandcherokee
- Stealth Hidden Bass SQ Build - bit.ly/CAFstealthaudio
Here at Car Audio Fabrication I teach you how to Master Car Audio in an effort to Design, Build, and Install your ideal car audio system. Whether you are a hardcore basshead or a HiFi focused audiophile I would love to have you subscribe and join our community!
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Website: www.caraudiofabrication.com/
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Music:
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Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Use of information from this video is at your own risk. You MUST view the full disclaimer here: www.caraudiofabrication.com/di...
Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@RYTHMICRIOT]

I remember using 18ga speaker wire for my amps power and ground. I remember not securing anything down and going around a corner too fast trying to show off to some girls walking down the street only to have my amp disconnect and end up looking like a buster. The struggle is the journey.

[@b-raffmusic9144]

I’ll never forget my first build, went bumping to see if all was well, battery died at a stoplight 😂 my first wire job was wack but I’ve learned 😂😂

[@soxoutlier5458]

Same ! I had a van with 4 12s and a boat roof sound system ! 😅1st car I’m on #11

[@zgSH4DOW]

100% they don't even remember that day, let alone what happened

[@GageDrums]

I'd love a sound deadening video on an older car that has loose squeaky panels. They drive me nuts.. The newer cars are much easier to quiet down.. An early 2000s car build would be awesome!

[@brandonthecreator698]

Your awesome man please don't ever stop making videos when I got some extra fish ill make sure to find its way to you because your teaching a man how to fish give it a year I'll be back

[@loganh7787]

I'm excited to learn! I've been frustrated with my audio project for a while now. This is exactly what I needed.

[@trivium1235]

Me too man it’s tough to dive in

[@themadmallard]

Crutchfield is simply the best, most customer-centric company for 12v beginner setup, support docs, and Q&A. 20+ year customer.

[@TheeeDannyD]

Thank you for simplifying the entire process and then going into detail on topics, it extremely helpful. I have a MK1 Capri and a VW type 2 that are entire builds and I want to get this bit right!

[@HifiVega]

Great video as always Mark! It’s easy to forget about the folks who are new to car audio when doing a video, but you’re great about keeping them in mind and breaking it down.

[@kyleduddleston4123]

This seems to be a great overview of the rabbit hole that is car audio and the main branches to explore and learn more about. Thank you!

[@olleroslin7385]

I am planning on doing my first ever car audio in my 2001 volvo s60 by expanding on the previous owner's custom built 2x12" subwoofer. Your videos have been a great help in choosing what components I need.

[@dustinrossi9384]

I'm not even two min into this video, and I already know it's gonna be good. I'm upgrading my stock stero, but I wanna try and learn as much as I can watch as much talk to ppl join groups to understand better. But your a huge help and enjoy your content, your like the audio version of that guy Doug who does car reviews lol. Cheers mate

[@obdrum1981]

would love to see some full wiring setups on systems with Active and passive crossovers. Would also like to see more stuff on 3 Sub builds and how 1.34 ohm works with 2ohm and 1 ohm stable amps pros cons that sort of thing.

[@kenhuggins7557]

Great videos as always am ready for full hands on learning

[@gregphillips.1312]

I have always strived to upgrade the lame Factory Car Systems in my my own Vehicles, I have Amps, Subs and other various components in my Stores. I currently drive an old small car, I didn't want to upgrade the Electrical System so I sound Proofed my Front Doors and fitted upgraded Components to the Factory positions. I then made my own Parcel Shelf with Tilted Stack Layered Enclosed 6x9s. I chose my Speakers by Frequency and Efficiency and it Sounds great in a small vehicle running off an aftermarket Headunit. You can certainly make your daily drive sound good on a budget. 🙏🇬🇧

[@GlycerinZ]

Mark is the CAFE, the car audio fabrication expert

[@stephendverner]

Love your channel for videos just like this one.

[@MikeSchneider-wz3ol]

I had the stock system taken out of my 23 Tacoma. Was non jbl. Learned a bunch from from local shop that did the install. Doors dampened, JL stealth sub, JL 5 channel amp, doors and dash changed to kenwood, and Kenwood Excelon DMX958XR receiver. Day and night to what was and what is. I did research options. Helped in my decision. Great info from your channel.

[@tbone12787]

How much did that cost you

[@s.nath1465]

I dont own a car yet but ill come back when I buy one someday hopefully!

[@themeeksproject9785]

nice once again....good job. always informative and thank you for the effort.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for watching!

[@kid_rajah]

I think frequency/noise interference would be a good thing to consider. The reason why it because a stationary build is different than one on the road or a build cancelling out part 15 of the FCC rules lol. You have given us several years of data and experience talking about improvements within the vehicle but not tuning to keep frequencies and sounds out.

[@romano5785]

Do rear speakers in a MDF table for a hatchback car need to be in a closed inclosure? or the back of the speaker where the magnet is can be open?

[@user-hr2oi6jd7m]

I think the best subwoofers I have ever heard in my life are the ground zero plotonuim and the pride ufo5.

[@jimmyv1753]

I grew up working on cars and started installing stereos when I was 12. It’s been a couple decades though so I thought it best to start from the beginning again and renew my knowledge. What I am wanting to do is simply add a couple subs and amp to my existing stock stereo in a 2020 Nissan Altima. I was thinking the simplest method would be to get a kit from skar audio with a single 10 or 12 and simple amp I would use the high input to connect it to my current stereo.

[@98gsoup]

So old school.I made my 9wnx-overs. Ty radio shack

[@desvest]

Hi Mark, I'm new in this and would like to improve my audio in a BMW E30. What brand would you recommend to put on tweeters in the doors, front, back deck (all the original mounts) and a subwoofer and amp? thank you!

[@jasonhead1970]

I’m looking to build/install a stereo system in my 1956 chevy 3100 truck. I want to make a custom speaker set up using the original gas tank behind seat. I’m not going to use it for fuel anymore. I was thinking 2 woofers and two speakers. With the amplifier mounted in a recess in middle of front face of tank. I know it will require some welding and fabrication but I plan on using the stock strap mounts. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

[@reckingball6242]

This a battery question and I love your videos my friend. I have four rockford fosgate t2 16 inch subs at 1ohm two t2500-1bdcp amps and one 320amp alternator for now. What kind of audio batteries should I get for my system?

[@Choconuss]

what Audio would u replace a current Bose system with on a 2008 Saab 9-3 the current layout it has now says there's a 150 watt amp within the EHU and a 2nd one in the trunk 150 watt as well! =

[@rajasingh5490]

Hey Mark I bought 2023 Toyota highlander with stock 11 speaker jbl sound system. The sound is not great. I am thinking of installing a sub and and amplifier. Do you think this will make the system sound better ? Or do I need to change the speakers as well ? Thank you

[@carlinmanendez4850]

Ok so I have a question now I am placing an amp in my semi truck with 6X9 and 12 inch 1200 watt sub with 2000 way 5 channel amp. Now I was told to have a second amp run on the sub. However idk if I can do that in a semi. Would it kill the batteries? And and if I do a second amp where should I run it??? Daisy chain, or straight from the batteries?

[@GJGAMING5]

How do I get around my car having a factory high pass filter and no option for a head unit upgrade or replacement?

[@dantepaperinosky25]

Thanks for video

[@justinp1982]

I have an AudioTech Fischer Match Up 7 DSP hooked up in my new BMW X5. The DSP has one RCA output to run an external amp. I'm going to use this output on the DSP to connect my new JL amp to power a JL W7. Obviously the JL amp has both red and white input but the DSP only has a single RCA output. Do I need to get a 1 male to 2 male Y splitter RCA cable? If not, since there's only one plug on the DSP, which input on the JL amp do I plug into from the DSP, white or red? Maybe I'm overthinking this and it doesn't matter?

[@busatodd12]

What’s the best way to keep existing head unit but still have a kick ass system. I want to build my 18JLU Wrangler

[@pissgoat]

Do you have a guide on how to do a complete wiring with a second battery and a capacitor?

[@jimmyteter]

Do you have any guidance on using a DAP with systems?

[@daymanfighterofthenightman]

I'm a sound guy, via mixing boards and what not. Luckily a LOT of this looks familiar to me, I really need a job and finding gigs for live shows is really hard where I'm at but there''s a hundred car audio shops lol thank you for this

[@wolfthornhawkridge5705]

I don’t think I e seen you tackle a convertible yet? That would be interesting to get your approach.

[@normanrubenzer]

do you have a designed box with 4 subs that will fit behind the seat of a regular cab. not alot of room for sure. mtx made one back in the 2000 but im sure you could come up with something awesome

[@eduardobaez6222]

I got a 2021 Audi A8L 3.0T with B&O basic sound system. Would like to upgrade speakers only but can't find anything to help me swap them out. i.e sizes, brands etc... for this model. Even at crutchfield don't have anything. What do you recommend ? Any assistance is helpful. Thank you.

[@bigdavedownunder]

Wiring is my struggle I'm OK with simple mud tweeter crossover but I want to move into more individual speakers 4 tweeters 4 mids each front door etc I'm after loud stupid loud lol

[@sams_sends6267]

Hiya, I'm looking for advice on upgrading the sound system on my Hyundai i10 se 2017. Looking to spend around £500 but this is my first car and I have never installed any car audio at all. Mechanic by nature but looking for advice on parts. What would anyone recommend parts wise for a sub amp and wiring / fuse for £500

[@mikehonda7934]

Would say, I’m battling number 1 in my head because it is a tie. I say your budget is number one, but also, your source of sound should be the 1st thing you deal with. If your head unit is a distortion monster, or harmonic distortion monster, that is first priority.

[@BigFoot-be8oc]

Anyone know why when I install an aftermarket head unit in a 2005 bonneville head unit won’t turn on checked multiple times everything wired correctly and the stock one works when I plug it in

[@NitrousXProductions]

Is there a European version of crutchfield? Reason why I ask is that they appear to only list cars based in the US

[@2ZH]

Hello, pretty new to this and was wondering if I could get some help? I have a 19 VW GTI, I'm looking for something that is fun. But doesn't have to be crazy or over the top . I've been looking at a Kicker 48TCWRT102 sealed enclosure with single 10" CompRT® 2-ohm subwoofer and passive radiator. Would this work well ? Over kill? Or just look elsewhere?

[@Micuamacu1]

Man, which brand for subwoofer still being the best for you? Thanks

[@garrettbrown1871]

Hi Mark. Love your videos. I’m having a problem with my system that started a year ago. Every time the bass kicks in it sends my amp into protect mode. I’ve tried swapping out wires, a different amp, a different sub, a different t head unit,re grounding the amp. Do you or anyone in the comments have any clue what might be happening, or have a video on the subject?Battery is good. Can an alternator cause this?

[@jayhart5170]

Could be a voice cool going out….when the sub moves it breaks the connection. When it rests the connection is remade (plays when you first turn it on or at lower volumes).

[@ConcertCrap1999]

I would like to learn about why you twist wires, what exactly are you twisting which wires and why, how it helps and the purpose of doing it! I see you do it often in your build videos but I’ve never understood why

[@phizzle24]

Taken from Audioholics website; "Twisted pair cable is beneficial when you're parallel running multiple sets of speaker cables in close proximity to reduce crosstalk or mutual coupling though we've only heard/measured such phenomenon when the amplifier end of one speaker and its associated cable was left unterminated (disconnected) to the amplifier while the adjacent speaker cable was transmitting a large signal to power another speaker. The audio signal transmitting from the powered speaker cross coupled over to the disconnected speaker cable and actually drove the attached speaker of that cable to audible levels sitting 15 feet away from the speaker!" Note, don't leave unattached, powered cables loose just so you can try and recreate this effect. Because not good haha

[@user-fy7zz8tm5n]

im brand new to car audio and i've never upgraded anything before. where should i start?

[@14tutto14]

Any alternative to Crutchfield for Europe? There are no Peugeots listed in their website 😢

[@RMendes94]

Can do you a fiber glass subwoofer box in the spare tyre space that we all can learn what to use and how to do it? Please

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Here's a tutorial I did for fiberglass before, the process is the same - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHWagp-Fe9enh9U Here's how to use wood in the spare tire space - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJWQo4htd7GboLs Thanks for watching!

[@GJGAMING5]

I would also like to do this, fibreglass the bottom and use wood for a nice flat top. I’m stuck on how to attach the wood to the fibreglass

[@davidserna1345]

I need help lol I want to get a nice system for my 2017 Chevy Colorado crew max truck and people are telling me to get Rockford fosgate p3 10 inch shallow subs but I have no idea what to get or what those are and how many and what amp and what kind of box can anyone help?

[@damianhamilton1225]

How do u get the Rev sound out of the speaker

[@lunatiger7253]

im just trying to learn how to build something like this but it isnt for my car, i want to build a sound sistem for my yard, but kind of like a scaled down festival sound sistem... but maybe building it for a car instead of for a open air situation isnt the same

[@chrisk6474]

Start at sound treatment. It isn’t glamorous and only you will care about it. But it will make your entire system sound better than the rest.

[@98gsoup]

I made my own x-overs, Radio Shack next door. 1.25 cbic box and about a 200 watt amp with a 4.5 inductor would make your fillings rattle

[@chrismathews669]

Mark, do you offer hands-on classes?

[@jimmyv1753]

Something I think is interesting is how much power can you add to a stock system before you need to add an upgraded alternator and battery like amp size

[@willy__yikes9603]

wow this is overwhelming and VERY complicated. I had no idea that much went into making those

[@josphatgichuru5640]

What of hybrids that have no alternator?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I've got $20 for you to spend with show sponsor Crutchfield! New customers sign up to save here: www.crutchfield.com/I-rRAFc0001/rf/ef28766d-4881-4df6-9f8b-287145ad3d36/ Thanks for watching guys and thanks to Crutchfield for making these videos possible!

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

I just inherited my moms 2016 CR-V SE. Long story short the sound is terrible. To a 73 year old grandmother "it sounds great" she says. But no...its weak sauce. Anyway, l am definitely on a budget and i want the best first step. The car is completely stock and l dont know if it will even take an amp which l feel is the best place to start. I listen to mostly death metal if that helps. What do you think?

[@mohammediqbal1257]

I'm in the UK, do you have any contacts for us here??

[@severianomartinez5420]

I Watch this video at least 8 times a year

[@tundras4ever552]

Only reason I haven’t had a system installed in my car is because I don’t trust any company out here to be careful and professional when doing the install.

[@Bramon83]

In Captain planet voice *THE POWER IS YOURS* if you get it you're as old as me

[@turboduckhead6179]

If you are struggling to understand Ohm’s law then you need to find a book that explains Algebraic Fractions. A book I would recommend that is very easy to follow and will explain Fractions and more is - K.A Stroud Foundational Mathematics. This will give a foundation for understanding Ohm’s Law. 1 last tip - if you don’t understand it 1st time, don’t quit. Read and re read until it sticks, and it will.

[@gtavtheavengergunnerlegend3340]

go all alpine type R and JL amps Kenwood excellon deck

[@muthumohan9947]

sony jbl kenwood car amplifier how many amps transformer should l supply for home use?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You can learn about power calculations in this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJrbeYiEpJWMf6s

[@ctrlaltdel02]

If I understand corectly, you want to use car audio components at home. Short answer: you don't. Long: it is not worth a trouble powering car amp from a wall, nor efficient or cheap either. What you will save on amp, you will lose on buying power supply for that. You would be stepping voltage down, than up again inside amp, each conversion is loses. Personally I went with pro stuff (like in studios and concerts) for amps and DSP, for example Behringer makes decent stuff for a price. Downside going with pro, you really need to know what you are doing. If you want to be babysited by settings menu, just go home hi-fi.

[@jeremiahertzberger423]

Resistance is ohms, just btw

[@jaydnfregia2004]

you kinda just told me what i wanted to know you didn’t explain the things i wanted to know you just said what they are😭

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I gave you links to everything. You're not going to learn everything in car audio in one 10 minute video

[@eugeniourbina3019]

Good answer

[@13slot28]

Bit of advice, invest in good sound deadening, and as you take off panels to get to speakers layer that shit so you don't have to go back.

[@TheCompleteConfusion]

I’d like to see you do a video on building a system using cheaper equipment and cheaper tuning equipment. Like using the Dayton audio iMM6 rtf mic. Maybe like an Amazon product only build? I don’t know lol Just because I’ve been there, and I’m very curious on how YOU would go about that. I guess pick your brain would be the term.

[@chicken133221]

I have a Polaris Slingshot that I put a system in. There are lots of vibration points. How do you weed out the spots that need main focus to keep down the farts[rattles]

[@ycaroovoador7744]

👍👍👍 👍👍👍

[@WildMidwest1]

Overwhelming. I’m going back to my 1972 Dodge Swinger AM radio with premium in-dash mono paper tweeter. (JK - great overview.)

[@elfuego4341]

Calibrate your budget to your expextations to avoid dissapointment!

[@Tokez7]

but ur spare tire😂. u gonna regret that

[@derrellbyram7635]

000000

[@cesarconh895]

I don't know anyone right now who can afford to put 3 thousand dollars of stereo in their car.

[@derrellbyram7635]

0

[@frankiez7414]

Too complicated. 3 D printing ! Good dealers supply a system for your vehicle, this is way over complicated and not for most people

[@GorefiendGaming]

Well that’s why it’s a video on CUSTOM car audio and not dealer or factory installed haha different strokes for different folks

[@derrellbyram7635]

0