How to Upgrade Your Volvo Sound System
Upgrading your Volvo sound system can dramatically improve your driving experience.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Depending on the car model and upgrades you select, your Volvo may have ten, fourteen, or even up to nineteen speakers—but there are ways to improve your listening experience even further.
Different Volvo models come equipped with different base sound systems, ranging anywhere from a standard ten speakers to nineteen speakers with enhanced audio quality. In addition to choosing a higher trim level, upgrading your Volvo's factory stereo is another way to achieve better stereo performance.
If you’re hoping to improve your Volvo’s sound system, then you’re in luck!
Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app, has got everything you need to know about upgrading your Volvo’s sound system and keeping your stereo protected with the right insurance coverage without increasing your Volvo car insurance cost
too much.Don't get ripped off!
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What kind of sound system does a Volvo have?
Most Volvo vehicles now come standard with a pretty superb sound system. Which sound system you get depends on the model you have and any optional extras you purchase. Here's how they stack up:
High Performance
This base-tier sound system is intended to provide a good balance of quality and value while not sacrificing the listening experience. This powerful 10-speaker music system is easily controlled by steering wheel controls, the center display with touch screen, or voice control. It comes standard in the following models:
- Volvo C40 (2022-present)
- Volvo S60III (2018-present)
- Volvo S90(2017-present)
- Volvo S90L (2017-present)
- Volvo V60 II (2018-present)
- Volvo V60 Cross Country (2018-present)
- Volvo V90 (2017-present)
- Volvo V90 Cross Country (2017-present)
- Volvo XC40 (2017-present)
- Volvo XC60 II(2017-present)
- Volvo XC90 II(2015-present)
Harman Kardon
The Harman Kardon premium sound system provides a beautifully balanced and strong sound that is designed to engage the senses. The 14 speakers are customized to the acoustics inside your Volvo and give a strong, compelling surround sound experience, powered by a multi-channel digital amplifier with up to 650 watts of output.
This comes standard on some trim levels for the XC60 and XC90, and if you wish to add the Harman Kardon system to your XC40, for example, it’ll cost around $800.
Bowers & Wilkins
The Bowers & Wilkins sound system provides a real high-fidelity experience, beginning with high-end quality and cutting-edge audio technology.
The figures are impressive: one 12-channel amplifier, an astounding 1400W power, and up to 19 independent high-end speakers, including two automotive innovations: an open-air subwoofer and a tweeter-on-top center speaker facing the occupants for detailed, true-to-life sound. The Bowers & Wilkins system is offered in Volvo's 90 and 60 Series cars.
You'll hear extremely different sound quality depending on which of these sound systems you have. Even if you have one of the cheaper trim levels, you can update your stereo system with a little aftermarket modification.
MORE: Illegal car modifications to avoid
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How to upgrade a Volvo sound system
Before you begin updating your Volvo's sound system, you must make one critical decision: will you install the aftermarket modifications yourself or will you hire a professional to do so?
It's not a good idea to undertake a DIY installation unless you're already quite familiar with altering the electrical systems in Volvo cars. If you've never attempted a project like this before, your best bet is to select the upgrades you want and let a professional install them for you.
When it comes to actual upgrades, there are three major categories that you should consider updating: speakers, amplifiers/reivers, and subwoofers.
Speaker upgrades
Improved speakers are the most basic and simple way to modify a sound system. If you have the Bowers & Wilkins sound system in your Volvo, you won't really need to look into aftermarket upgrades—the 19-speaker system is already quite impressive in terms of sound quality.
If, though, you have a lower trim level, you can make some major changes. Here are some of the top Volvo aftermarket speaker upgrades:
Subwoofer upgrades
Aside from basic speaker upgrades, you may want to consider investing in a better subwoofer. This is a significant upgrade for Volvo owners who want to truly experience the bass.
Subwoofers are specialist speakers that intensify the low-range notes and percussion elements in a song; they are the speakers that will truly shake your car when you pump the volume up!
The
JL Audio 10W0v3-4
10-inch aftermarket subwoofer is the best option if you want to improve the sound system in your Volvo. The heavy 2-inch voice coil correctly drives the woofer for top-notch performance in extreme conditions, and the cone's extra-long excursion capacity allows it to hit deep notes without distorting—all for around $180.Amplifier/receiver upgrades
Finally, we can look at upgrades to the amplifier and receiver. These two components are the heart of your stereo setup, as they control the amount of juice sent to your speakers. To get the crystal-clear sound you've been searching for, it's not enough to simply have the best speakers money can buy; you also need a matching amplifier and receiver.
For Volvo models, you should consider purchasing the
Pioneer DMH-WC6600NEXreceiver
and the Kicker 46CXA400.1T amplifier.
They cost $1,200 and $169.96, respectively, and provide excellent audio quality for vehicles.MORE: How many miles can a Volvo last
How to protect your Volvo sound system—and save on insurance!
Before you start working on installing an aftermarket stereo in your Volvo, you should be aware of the price tag that will accompany the upgrade. In addition to the cost of the devices and the installation fee, you’ll likely need to add
sound system coverage
to your car insurance policy if you want your expensive new stereo to be covered.Fortunately,
Jerry
, the licensed insurance broker app, can help you quickly and easily find the best deals on your Volvo car insurance cost
!After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to.
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FAQs
What sound system does Volvo use?
Volvo cars use either a High Performance, Harman Kardon, or Bowers & Wilkins sound system!
How many speakers does a Volvo sound system have?
The number of speakers in your Volvo depends on which specific sound system you have. The High Performance system has 10 speakers, Harman Kardon has 14 speakers, and Bowers & Wilkins has 19 speakers.
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