Surprisingly easy, powerful parts that improve sound ... Amplifier [Installation of car audio unit]

Although interested in upgrading the car audio system, it is difficult to understand how much it will cost to install it, and as a result, it seems that not a few drivers have forgotten to upgrade the system. In this special feature, we are developing to clear that part.

This time, we will clarify how to install an "external power amplifier" and its cost. In addition, this special feature always asks stories to famous car audio pro shops nationwide and produces articles. This time, we requested cooperation from the popular shop "Kafai" in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. I got a lot of useful information. By the way, what is the contents?

If you install it under the seat, you can reduce the cost!

An "external power amplifier" is not absolutely necessary. This is because the main unit also has a built-in power amplifier, so you can use it to produce sound. However, if you use an "external power amplifier", you can raise the sound quality by another rank. The amount of information increases, the resolution increases, and you can enjoy richer sounds. Especially if you are replacing the speaker with a commercial product, the advantages will be especially effective.

Now, how much effort and cost will it take to install it? First, I asked Mr. Koganei, the representative of "Kafi", about the standard installation method and the cost.

"First of all, it is the place to install the" external power amplifier ", but the standard is under the seat. If you install it here, the installation cost can be relatively reduced. So if you want to reduce the cost, under the seat I think it's a good idea to choose a model that fits. By the way, if you choose an ultra-small model that can be attached to the glove box, the cost can be further reduced. The cable can be shortened. However, this is a special case, so The standard is the installation under the seat.

If you install it under the seat, it does not cost much to fix it to the vehicle. In particular, if you choose the method of fixing with a hook-and-loop fastener (so-called magic tape), it will fit reasonably. Attach a hook-and-loop fastener to the bottom of the "external power amplifier" and attach it to the carpet to fix it. However, some carpets do not work with hook-and-loop fasteners, so in that case, fix them using another method.

By the way, even if the car model can use the hook-and-loop fastener, if the floor surface is uneven, it will be necessary to lay a board. Lay the board horizontally with respect to the highest point, and screw the "external power amplifier" to the board. If the board can use a hook-and-loop fastener, fix it with it, and if the hook-and-loop fastener cannot be used, screw it to the body, etc., and decide the fixing method after consulting with the customer. "

The costly point is wiring work. Difficulty varies depending on the vehicle type and the machine used.

"It's still a bit more expensive to lay a board, but I don't think it makes a big difference.

Rather, there are other points that are costly. It's wiring work. Wiring work for the power cable, line cable, speaker cable, and these is also required, and wiring work for the power cable and speaker cable is particularly time-consuming. And there is a difference in how it takes time and effort depending on the car model. In some cases, it takes more time and effort.

By the way, the power supply wiring uses a method called "battery straight" that draws the positive power supply directly from the main battery of the vehicle. If it is an electrical component with low power consumption, it may take power from the back of the main unit or the fuse box, but in the case of an "external power amplifier", I think that "back straight" is a must. Because it consumes a lot of power. Although it is a point that requires a certain amount of time and cost, "back straight" is indispensable for installing an "external power amplifier".

The difficulty level also changes depending on the thickness of the cable used. For models with high power consumption, it is necessary to use a cable of a certain thickness, and the thicker the model, the more difficult the wiring work becomes.

Regarding the wiring of the speaker cable, the difficulty level changes depending on the part that is pulled from the room to the inside of the door.

So, the main cost is the cost, but if the car model allows all the work to proceed smoothly, the installation cost excluding the cable fee will start from 20,000 yen (excluding tax) in our shop. If you install it under the seat, even if it costs a lot, I think that in many cases it will cost more than 10,000 yen. Of course, we will explain how much it will be exceeded at the time of receiving the request. "

When installing in the trunk, the "external power amplifier" may also become large, and the cost will increase.

Next, I was told about the case to be installed in the trunk.

"Even when installing in the trunk, the difficulty of the work will change due to various factors, but in the case of our shop, we will start from 40,000 yen (excluding tax). When installing under the seat The cost is higher than that because the total distance of wiring work is longer. Wiring needs to be finished not only cleanly but also safety enough, and if the distance increases, it will be The work time will increase accordingly.

Also, fixing tends to be larger than when mounting under the seat. It is often attached to the trunk because the "external power amplifier" itself is large, so there are more cases where it is better to lay a board. Also, in the case of sedans and touring wagons, it is often fixed in a visible place, and if so, it will be necessary to pay attention to the appearance, such as wrapping a carpet on the board underneath.

In addition, when it comes to "attractive specifications", the cost will increase accordingly. And the range that increases depending on the method also expands considerably. For example, if you embed an "external power amplifier" in the floor and make only the top plate visible, the cost will still be low, but if you decorate the embedded rack itself, the cost will increase. Even more if you use acrylic or embed LEDs.

The estimated cost is from 100,000 yen (excluding tax). Costs vary greatly depending on how the customer is particular about.

If you come to the store, we will explain in detail how to install it while watching the situation of the vehicle. In addition, we will propose various light menus, so please feel free to come even if you are new to us. We look forward to"