In the world of car audio, placement can make all the difference. For many, the ideal spot for their speakers isn’t in the cabin of the vehicle but in its trunk. Installing speakers in the trunk can provide a more profound and resonating sound, especially when paired with subwoofers. In this blog post, we dive deep into the world of “speakers in trunk,” discussing the benefits, challenges, and step-by-step guidance on setting it up to perfection.
Speakers in Trunk: Why Consider It?
The idea of placing speakers in the trunk might seem unconventional to some, but there are several compelling reasons behind this choice:
Enhanced Bass Response: The trunk acts as a resonating chamber, amplifying the bass frequencies, leading to deeper, richer lows.
Space-saving: If you’re working with limited cabin space or want to keep your car’s interior sleek and uncluttered, using the trunk space is ideal.
Protection: Having speakers in the trunk ensures they are less exposed to direct sunlight, potential spills, or other damages compared to door or rear shelf placements.
Challenges of Installing Speakers in Trunk
While there are benefits, it’s essential to be aware of potential challenges:
Sound Blockage: The trunk’s enclosed nature can sometimes result in sound being muffled or blocked, especially for higher frequencies.
Heat: Trunks can get quite hot, especially in summer, which can impact the longevity and performance of the speakers.
Accessibility: Accessing and adjusting the speakers can be more challenging compared to cabin placements.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Speakers in Trunk
Determine the Speaker Size and Type: Depending on the size of your trunk and your audio needs, decide on the speaker size. Subwoofers are common trunk speakers, but mid-range and even some tweeters can be integrated for a fuller sound.
Choose an Appropriate Enclosure: Decide between sealed, ported, or bandpass enclosures based on the sound profile you’re aiming for. Each has its advantages and characterizes the bass response differently.
Gather Required Tools and Materials: Speaker wire, wire strippers, screwdrivers, drill, sound deadening material, and other necessary tools should be ready.
Prep the Trunk: Clean out the trunk and consider laying sound-deadening material. This not only improves acoustics but also reduces vibrations and rattles.
Position the Speakers: Place your speakers or enclosures in the trunk, trying various positions to determine where the sound is optimal.
Wire it Up: Connect speaker wires from your car stereo or amplifier to the speakers. Ensure a clean, secure connection and keep wires organized and away from any moving parts.
Test the Sound:
Play a variety of tracks to evaluate the sound. Listen for any rattles, distortions, or imbalances and adjust accordingly.
Enhancing the Sound from Speakers in Trunk
To overcome some of the challenges and to ensure the best audio output, consider the following tips:
Use Sound Pass-Through: If your rear seats fold down or have a ski pass-through, you can leverage it to allow sound waves to flow more freely into the cabin.
Acoustic Materials: Materials like polyfill can enhance the speaker’s performance by mimicking a larger box, especially useful for subwoofers.
Tuning: If you’re using an amplifier with a built-in equalizer, adjust the settings to compensate for any frequencies that may be lost or subdued.
Safety and Maintenance Tips
Secure Everything: Ensure speakers and enclosures are securely fastened. Loose equipment can become hazardous, especially during sudden stops or accidents.
Ventilation: Make sure your trunk has some ventilation, especially if you’re using powerful speakers that generate heat.
Regular Checks: Periodically check the wiring and connections, ensuring there’s no wear and tear or loose connections.
Selecting the Right Speakers for Your Trunk
Your choice of speakers is crucial to the outcome of your audio experience. When considering speakers for your trunk, keep in mind:
Power Handling: Ensure the speakers can handle the power output of your car stereo or amplifier to avoid any damage.
Sensitivity: Speakers with higher sensitivity ratings will produce louder sounds with the same power.
Frequency Range: Depending on your music preference, select speakers that best reproduce the frequencies you love. If you’re a bass lover, look for speakers with a lower frequency range.
Integrating Additional Components
To further enhance your trunk-based audio setup, consider integrating additional audio components:
Amplifiers: While your car stereo can power your speakers, an amplifier will ensure they operate at their full potential, delivering cleaner and louder sound.
Crossovers: Especially if you’re integrating different types of speakers in the trunk, crossovers will ensure each speaker plays its designated frequency range.
Bass Boosters: If you crave that extra thump in your bass, a bass booster can be a valuable addition.
Customization and Aesthetics
While the primary goal is audio performance, aesthetics shouldn’t be overlooked:
Custom Enclosures: Instead of generic boxes, consider custom-made enclosures that fit perfectly in your trunk, making the best use of available space.
LED Lighting: Add some flair with LED strips or pods that react to your music.
Protective Grilles: Not only do they protect your speakers, but they also add a touch of style to your setup.
Future-proofing Your Setup
As technology advances, so does car audio. When setting up speakers in your trunk, it’s a good idea to think about the future:
Upgradable Components: Choose components that can be easily upgraded or replaced. This ensures you can adapt to new technologies without redoing your entire setup.
Wiring Extra Length: When wiring your speakers, it might be helpful to leave some extra length coiled up. This will come in handy if you need to reposition or replace components later.
Accessible Design: Ensure your setup allows for easy access to each component for maintenance or upgrades.
The journey of setting up speakers in the trunk is both an art and a science. While there are technical aspects to consider, there’s also a personal touch in tuning and customizing to your liking. The trunk provides a unique environment for audio, and with careful planning and execution, you can turn it into a powerhouse of sound. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or parked at a scenic spot, your car’s audio will surely be a topic of admiration. Dive into the world of “speakers in trunk” and let your musical senses be amazed.