Kia Sorento R Car Audio Upgrade Review
Service Price
$150+
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Before
After
Process photos
Kia Sorento R car audio upgrade with Audison speakers and subwoofer: approx. $1,500 USD. Delivers significantly improved sound quality.
Revitalize Your Kia Sorento R's Sound System
Are you tired of the lackluster sound from your Kia Sorento R's factory audio system? Many owners find the stock setup to be lacking, particularly in bass response and clarity. A car audio upgrade can transform your driving experience, delivering richer, more detailed sound. This review details a specific sound system upgrade for the Kia Sorento R, focusing on enhancing the audio with premium components.
The vehicle featured in this review, a Kia Sorento R, visited our Seoul, South Korea location seeking a solution to its dull factory audio. The goal was to achieve a significant improvement in sound quality within a reasonable budget. The chosen solution involved replacing the front speakers and adding a subwoofer, utilizing high-quality Audison components.
Installation Process:
- Thorough vehicle inspection and meticulous masking of door panels to prevent scratches.
- Application of high-performance sound-deadening material to inner and outer door panels for vibration reduction and improved acoustics.
- Careful removal of factory speakers and installation of new Audison Voce 2-way component speakers in the original locations.
- Installation of an Audison APBX10AS.2 active subwoofer in the trunk, optimizing space utilization.
- Final system testing and tuning to ensure optimal sound performance.
Audison Voce Speakers and Prima Subwoofer: A Sonic Transformation
Before installing the new speakers, the doors underwent a crucial sound-deadening process. Using high-quality damping mats, both the inner and outer door panels were treated to minimize vibrations and road noise. This foundational step is essential for maximizing the performance of any new speaker system. The mats were applied with precision to ensure a perfect seal, enhancing their effectiveness.
The factory speakers were then carefully removed. In their place, the Audison Voce 2-way component speakers were installed. These Italian-designed speakers, featuring a soft dome tweeter and an M-edge woofer, are known for their clear, smooth high frequencies and powerful mid-bass response. Audison has recently released new speaker lines, and our team has experience installing these as well.
The original factory speakers were carefully packaged and returned to the owner, highlighting the non-destructive nature of this type of car audio installation. This allows for potential future upgrades or a return to the original setup if desired.
Audison Active Subwoofer for Enhanced Bass and Trunk Space
The final piece of this speaker upgrade was the addition of an Audison 10-inch active subwoofer, the APBX10AS.2. This unit was strategically installed in the trunk, designed to integrate seamlessly without compromising valuable cargo space. Active subwoofers contain their own amplifier, simplifying installation and ensuring a powerful bass foundation for the entire system.
The result of this car audio upgrade is a dramatically improved listening experience. Music comes alive with crisp highs, clear mids, and deep, resonant bass that was previously missing. This type of sound system upgrade offers a significant return on investment for any Sorento R owner who values audio quality. The total cost for this specific installation in South Korea was approximately 2 million KRW, which translates to roughly $1,500 USD, though prices can vary based on component choice and labor rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a car audio upgrade cost for a Kia Sorento R?
The specific installation detailed here cost approximately 2 million KRW (around $1,500 USD). Typical car audio upgrades in the US can range from $150 for basic speaker replacements to several thousand dollars for full system overhauls.
Q. What car audio components give the best value for a Kia Sorento R?
Upgrading to components like Audison Voce speakers and an active subwoofer offers excellent value by significantly enhancing clarity and bass. For durability, ensure professional installation and consider periodic checks of connections.
Q. Is a car audio upgrade worth it for a Kia Sorento R?
A car audio upgrade is worth it for Kia Sorento R owners who prioritize a superior listening experience and find the stock system inadequate. It provides a significant improvement in sound fidelity, making music more enjoyable.
Q. How is a car audio system installed in a Kia Sorento R?
Installation typically involves removing factory speakers, applying sound-deadening material to doors, fitting new component speakers (like tweeters and mid-woofers) into original locations, and installing a subwoofer, often in the trunk.
Q. What is the difference between a stock and aftermarket audio system for a Kia Sorento R?
Stock systems are designed for basic functionality and cost-effectiveness, often lacking in power and clarity. Aftermarket systems, like the Audison upgrade, use higher-quality components for vastly superior sound reproduction, deeper bass, and clearer highs.
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