How to improve the sound of your Android car radio: equalizer and DSP amplifier

You have installed an Android radio with CarPlay and Android Auto, the screen works beautifully… but the sound doesn't convince you. It sounds flat, lacks bass or starts to distort when you turn up the volume. It's one of the questions we receive most often, and the good news is that it almost always has a solution: in most cases it's enough to set the equalizer and the radio's audio options properly, and when that isn't enough, a compact DSP amplifier makes a huge difference without changing the speakers.

In this guide we explain why it happens, which settings to check first and when it's worth moving up to an amplifier.

Why does the Android radio sound worse than expected?

An Android radio has a built-in amplifier of moderate power, designed to drive the car's original speakers. That's enough to listen to music normally, but several factors keep the result from being ideal:

• Unconfigured equalizer: many radios leave the factory with the equalizer flat or with a preset that doesn't suit your car or your speakers.
• Basic original speakers: in many cars the stock speakers are simple and benefit from a cleaner, better-controlled signal.
• The car had a factory amplifier: some models with a premium sound system use an external amplifier. If it isn't connected correctly when installing the radio, the volume stays low or channels are missing.
• Low phone volume: with CarPlay or Android Auto, the volume of the phone and of the music app also affect what reaches the radio.
• Fader and balance shifted: if the sound is concentrated at the front or rear without you choosing it, the audio feels poor.

First adjustments: the equalizer and audio options

Before buying anything, check these points in the radio's sound menu. They're free and usually solve a good part of the complaints:

1. Set the equalizer to custom mode. Start from a flat curve and slightly raise the bass and treble. Avoid pushing everything to the maximum: that only causes distortion.
2. Check the fader and balance. Centre them and then adjust according to the driver's position.
3. Turn bass enhancement on (or off). Some radios have a "loudness" or "bass boost" option. Try it at medium volume and keep whatever sounds most natural.
4. Check the phone volume. With CarPlay and Android Auto, turn the phone volume up to maximum and control the level from the radio.
5. Adjust the delay or listening position, if your radio has that DSP function: it lets you "centre" the sound on the driver's seat.

If after these adjustments the sound still falls short, especially at high volume, the limit is the power and processing of the radio itself. That's where the amplifier comes in.

The solution: DSP amplifier for Android radio

The 4x80W DSP Amplifier for Android Radio is a compact module connected between the radio and the speakers to give them more real power and cleaner signal processing. These are its features, according to its product page:

• Peak power of 4 x 80 W and rated power (RMS) of 4 x 50 W: more volume without the sound breaking up.
• Pioneer PA2032 chip, known for its low distortion and good bass handling.
• 2 Ω / 4 Ω impedance: compatible with standard 4-ohm speakers and with 2-ohm systems.
• Plug & play installation through the 16-pin connector of Android radios.
• Four channels: front and rear amplified equally.

The result is a sound with more body, more defined bass and clearer vocals, without having to change the original speakers.

How is the amplifier installed?

It's designed to be mounted behind the radio itself, without cutting any of the car's wires:

1. Remove the Android radio from the dashboard slot (with plastic removal tools so as not to damage the trim).
2. Disconnect the 16-pin connector from the radio's wiring.
3. Insert the amplifier in between: it connects to the radio and to the car's wiring with the same 16-pin connector.
4. Place the module in the rear cavity, secured so it doesn't vibrate.
5. Test the sound before refitting the radio and readjust the equalizer, because with more power the ideal curve changes.

Any car audio installer can fit it in a short time, and if you're a bit handy you can do it yourself.

When is the amplifier worth it?

• When the sound distorts as you raise the volume, even though you've adjusted the equalizer.
• When you miss bass or "punch" with modern music.
• When you drive a lot on motorways and road noise drowns out the music.
• When you want to improve the audio without changing speakers or fitting a large system.

If you don't have the radio yet, the power of the unit also matters: we explain it in our guide Best car screens: how to choose yours.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to change the speakers to notice the improvement?

No. The amplifier is designed precisely to get more out of the speakers you already have. If you change them in the future, you'll notice the difference even more.

Is it compatible with any Android radio?

It connects through the 16-pin connector used by Android radios. If you have doubts about your unit, send us a photo of the back of the radio via WhatsApp and we'll confirm it.

Does it affect CarPlay and Android Auto?

No. It only acts on the audio output: CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, FM radio and USB music will all be heard through the amplifier.

My car had a premium system with a factory amplifier, will it work for me?

In those cars you first need to check how the original amplifier was connected when the radio was installed. Write to us with your model and year and we'll advise you.

Does it drain a lot of battery?

It only works when the radio is on, like the rest of the system, so it doesn't affect the battery with the car switched off if the installation is correct.

See DSP amplifier for Android radio

See all the details on the 4x80W DSP Amplifier for Android Radio product page, or take a look at the rest of our accessories for your radio. If you're not sure whether it's compatible with your unit, write to us on WhatsApp and we'll advise you.