How to Break in a Subwoofer
Buying a New Subwoofer in San Diego is Just the First Step
You just got an awesome new subwoofer installed into your car - so now what? While most people would want to immediately bump up the bass and start rocking out to their favorite tunes, that may not be the best way for you and your new sub to start off on the right foot. Instead, much like your favorite baseball glove, many experts suggest that you should break in a subwoofer for the best listening experience possible.
At Car Stereo City San Diego, it’s not enough for us to simply know how to install a subwoofer - we’re experts in our field and are available to answer any questions you have about your car, its parts and accessories, and compatibility between your vehicle and various aftermarket systems and accessories. Below, we answer some of the top questions we hear about how to break a subwoofer in.
Do I need to break in my subwoofer?
The short answer: Yes, you should absolutely break in a new aftermarket subwoofer. If someone tells you that you can turn the bass all the way up right off the bat, you’re getting bad information. Your car and new subwoofer are just getting to know each other. You need to give the various components of the subwoofer time to break in and get settled.
What happens if you don’t break in a sub?
If you choose to forgo breaking your sub in, you risk shortening the lifespan of the subwoofer and lowering the sound quality of the bass. While failing to break in a new sub will not result in any serious damage, it does mean your subwoofer is unable to perform at its very best. For us music junkies, that just isn’t acceptable. We know you’re excited to start enjoying booming bass lines, but trust us - it’s worth your while (and your money) to be patient. As they say, “Be patient, good things take time.”
How do I break in a subwoofer?
Breaking in a subwoofer is actually pretty simple. All you need to do is play some bass happy music at a low or medium volume for around two hours a day. That’s it! The hardest part is the sheer willpower it takes to not crank up the volume. Just remember, low and slow. Pick your favorite metal, rap, or techno track, keep the volume steadily low, and let your subwoofer slowly break in.
How long does it take to break a subwoofer in?
The amount of time it takes to break a subwoofer in depends on the speaker and your car sound system. Some have claimed they can break in a subwoofer in two days, while others say it takes closer to two weeks. You should hear a noticeable improvement in the performance of the bass when the subwoofer is, in fact, broken in. Ultimately, consult with your subwoofer installation expert to see what they suggest.
Why does my subwoofer smell funny?
“What, what?” This may seem like a weird question, but we promise it’s legit. If your subwoofer smells funny, this can be a sign you didn’t break it in properly. The smell could be the coil or glue burning off, but any strange odor coming from a new subwoofer means you need to break the sub in more. You want your sub to be emitting funky sounds, not funky scents.
How do I stop my subwoofer from vibrating?
So now your sub is broken in - time to crank it, right?! Not necessarily. Just because your new subwoofer is broken in doesn’t mean you should turn the bass frequency all the way up. If your subwoofer is properly installed, vibration likely means that you have the base or volume turned too high for the subwoofer to handle. The last thing you want to do is blow out your brand new sub!
Expert subwoofer installation in San Diego at Car Stereo City
Buying a high-quality subwoofer is just one part of the equation. In order to get the best sound possible, you need new subwoofer installation - and in some cases, a custom sub box - that matches your sub’s quality. And, of course, you need to break it in.
At Car Stereo City in San Diego, we offer expert subwoofer installation, as well as advice on how to properly break in your subwoofer. We carry top-of-the line car audio and subwoofer brands, including Hifonics, JL Audio, Alpine, and BOSS Audio Systems, and our knowledgeable experts know how to install every brand in all makes and models of vehicles. If you’re interested in learning more about breaking in a subwoofer or a quote on subwoofer installation, contact us online today or give us a call at (858) 277-1823.
