Tesla Model 3/Y Audio Upgrade Guide | Speaker & Subwoofer Installation

Tesla Model 3/Y Audio Upgrades

Want better sound from your Tesla? The standard audio system is... adequate. The premium audio is better. But neither is great. Here's what we can do.

Understanding Tesla Audio

Factory System Options

Upgrade Challenges

Tesla presents unique challenges:

• No traditional head unit — Everything runs through touchscreen
• CAN bus integration — Factory amp tied to vehicle systems
• Premium system complexity — Active crossovers, DSP
• Limited aftermarket support — Smaller ecosystem than traditional cars

Tesla Audio Upgrade Options

Option 1: Speaker Upgrades Only

Replace factory speakers with higher-quality units:

Front doors:

• Factory: 8" woofer + 2" tweeter
• Upgrade: Component set (many fit directly)

Rear doors:

• Factory: 4" midrange
• Upgrade: Quality 4" replacements

Popular brands:

• Focal — Tesla-specific kits available
• Audiofrog — Direct-fit components
• JL Audio — Custom adapters work

Price range: $400-1,200 for speakers + installation

Option 2: Add Aftermarket Subwoofer

The standard Model 3 has no subwoofer. Adding one transforms the experience:

Location options:

• Trunk corner (most common)
• Under trunk floor (stealth)
• Frunk (unusual but possible)

Recommended subs:

• JL Audio Stealthbox — Custom Tesla fit
• Alpine PWE-S8 — Compact powered
• Custom sealed 10" — Best performance

Price range: $500-1,200 installed

Option 3: Full System Upgrade

Replace everything for maximum improvement:

1. All speakers — Component front, quality rear
2. Subwoofer — 10" or larger
3. DSP — Time alignment, EQ
4. Amplification — Power for everything

Price range: $2,000-5,000+ installed

Premium Audio System Upgrades

If you have the Premium audio already:

What you gain:

• 14 speakers including rear deck
• Factory subwoofer in trunk
• External amplifier
• Better factory tuning

Upgrade approach:

• Speaker upgrades still help
• Adding DSP for tuning control
• Subwoofer upgrade for more output

Installation Considerations

Power Draw

Tesla's 12V system handles reasonable audio loads. Larger systems may need:

• Upgraded 12V battery
• Secondary battery for audio
• Careful power management

Integration

Factory audio tied to vehicle systems requires:

• High-level input from factory amp
• LOC (line output converter) for clean signal
• Preservation of safety sounds and alerts

Sound Deadening

Tesla cabins are already quiet, but treatment helps:

• Door deadening for speaker performance
• Rear deck treatment for subwoofer
• Optional additional soundproofing

Popular Tesla Audio Packages

Basic Bass Addition: $600-900 installed

• Compact powered subwoofer
• Trunk or under-seat placement
• Factory integration
• Noticeable bass boost

Speaker + Sub Upgrade: $1,200-1,800 installed

• Focal or similar front speakers
• 10" subwoofer with amp
• Full integration
• Significant improvement

Complete Upgrade: $2,500-4,000+ installed

• All speakers replaced
• DSP amplifier
• Quality subwoofer
• Full tuning and calibration

Frequently Asked Questions

Will upgrades affect my warranty? Audio upgrades shouldn't void warranty unless they damage vehicle systems. We install reversibly when possible.

Does the touchscreen still control everything? Yes. Volume, balance, EQ—all still work. Aftermarket DSP adds additional tuning capability.

Can you upgrade just the subwoofer on Premium audio? Absolutely. The factory sub location works for aftermarket upgrades.

How long does installation take? Speaker swaps: 2-4 hours. Full systems: 6-10 hours.

Ready to Upgrade Your Tesla Audio?

Make your quiet EV sound as good as it drives:

📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss Tesla audio options

📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — see Tesla demo vehicle

📝 Get a free quote — we'll design your Tesla upgrade

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