The quality of standard acoustics in a car is often mediocre. Therefore, many drivers are thinking about buying new car speakers. Today, speakers with a size of 16 centimeters are the best-selling and most versatile, because... They can be installed not only in the front doors, but also on the rear parcel shelf. In addition, compared to 13 cm speakers, they produce more powerful and louder music.
This article is about how to choose a 16 cm speaker for car audio, as well as which models are the best in 2020-2022.
How to choose the best car speakers
The choice of speakers directly depends on the musical preferences of the car owner. However, there are a number of criteria that are considered before purchasing these devices.
The main parameter is the type of acoustics:
- broadband;
- coaxial;
- component.
Wideband acoustics consists of one speaker. It plays music in all frequencies (low, mid, high). This option is suitable for listening to the radio or soft music. Speakers of this type are the most affordable, which is why automakers build them into their cars. It is recommended to buy such a speaker only if the car has no speakers at all. Whereas replacing it with a standard one, as a rule, does not make sense.
The next type is coaxial acoustics. This type of speaker is considered advanced. Instead of one speaker, there are several at once, located inside one housing. A separate speaker reproduces a separate frequency range. This makes the reproduced sound larger and increases its purity.
Component speakers, like coaxial ones, have the same set of speakers. But they are located in separate buildings. Because of this, the sound is rich and detailed. Today, component speakers are the most advanced, but they also have a corresponding price.
When you have decided on the type of acoustics, move on to the remaining criteria:
- Rated and peak power. Nominal power is the power at which the speaker operates for a long time without sound distortion. Peak power refers to the peak sound level produced by the speaker. At the same time, the speaker only works for a short time.
- Number of lanes. “Bandwidth” refers to the range width and number of speakers used in acoustics to separate sounds into frequencies. Without touching on theory, the principle of choice is simple: the more bands, the cleaner and more detailed the speakers sound.
- Frequency range. This parameter determines the frequencies at which sounds are reproduced by the speakers. In simple models, the frequency range is from 50 to 20,000 Hz. If sound quality comes first for a car owner, then the range should be at least 30-35000 Hz. The wider the range, the better the acoustics sound at its boundaries.
Wideband playback - factory kit for mid-range cars
Speakers with full-range playback of 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm are installed on most factory conveyors. They may or may not suit you, but the sound quality will depend on the manufacturer. The choice of this option is associated with the reproduction of low and high frequencies without a crossover. Many audiophiles are sure that this is how the purity of sound is determined, but there is one “but”.
Car speakers
It is as follows: the larger the body, the better it reproduces low frequencies and the worse it reproduces high frequencies. Large full-range speakers, first of all, cannot boast of smooth sound frequency at high frequencies. Mid-size speakers usually have smooth high frequencies and good dispersion (more on that later). Within the range of 5-7.5 MHz they sound great, but even a non-specialist can understand that there is not enough bass. Despite all the shortcomings, wideband speakers are an excellent addition to speakers, since they are small in size and, accordingly, suffer in bass reproduction. Large versions up to 10 inches are the best.
Dispersion characterizes its ability to scatter sound in all directions. If the speaker has poor dispersion, the sound will be very similar to the sound of acoustics under a blanket. If in a store you hear a good natural sound from a speaker, then everything is fine with dispersion in this model. The same applies to bass; improved samples are additionally equipped with a subwoofer, compensating for the lack of low frequencies. 10-inch devices will help you get high-quality low frequencies.
Car speakers
Which 16 cm speakers are best to put in a car without an amplifier?
The main thing in choosing a speaker is to decide on the type of speakers and what kind of music the car owner likes to listen to. Most acoustics reproduce individual frequencies well, but there are also balanced models.
If the user needs a car speaker with bass sound, then Morel Tempo Coax 6 is suitable for this purpose.
Among the speakers that play music equally across the entire range, the Audison Prima APK 165 stands out.
And for those car enthusiasts who are looking for which speakers without an amplifier are best to buy for their car, it is recommended to take the SoundMAX SM-CSA603.
A selection of full-range speakers up to 6.5″ from Aliexpress
Today's post is about full-range (WF) speakers for DIY audio projects. Homemade acoustics projects using wideband speakers are distinguished by their simplicity (no need to design a separation filter between playback bands) and guaranteed pleasant sound (even phase, one radiation source).
Let's look at several popular options for wireless speakers of various sizes on the AliExpress site.
FOUNTEK FR58EX
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Opens the selection of a two-inch version of the wireless speaker from FOUNTEK. A miniature DIY acoustic system with these speakers is shown in the title photo of the topic. The FR58EX model features a powerful neodymium magnetic system and a large voice coil with a diameter of 20 mm for this cone size. Power 15 W, resistance 8 Ohms.
The diffuser is made of aluminum and is coated on the back with a composition to reduce resonance phenomena.
The lot description contains dimensions for installation and full Thiel-Small parameters for calculating acoustic design.
Vifa NE65
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Another 2″ speaker with aluminum diffuser NE65W-04 from Vifa. Power 20 W, resistance 4 Ohms. This model has a rigid molded plastic basket, a neodymium magnet system and a 1-inch diameter voice coil.
The description contains the Thiel-Small parameters of the model from the manufacturer; you can rely on them to calculate the effective acoustic design of the speakers.
The even frequency response of the speaker in the voice range allows you to get an interesting design for desktop or portable acoustics.
Peerless P830986
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Let’s move on to the most popular size for desktop speakers for PCs and portable solutions – 3″. I myself used the Peerless P830986 (1.7 liter closed box design) in my project and I can say: smooth, balanced sound, pleasant vocals and clear bass, despite its tiny size.
The P830986 model features a molded plastic basket, a neodymium magnetic system and a wide rubber suspension.
The lot includes a pair of speakers, retail packaging and markings. The exact dimensions, frequency response of the speaker and parameters are given in the lot description.
AIYIMA 3″
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Next, a 3″ silent speaker with a classic design from AIYIMA with a power of 15 W. A phase-aligning bullet and a sighting cone (horn) are used here to level out the high-frequency range. As well as a wide rubber suspension and a shielded magnetic system.
Brief parameters for modeling acoustic design are given in the lot description.
The lot contains a pair of speakers, and a choice of: 4/8 Ohm impedance and flange shape (round/square with rounded corners).
HIFIDIY P3-93N
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The speaker option is 3.7″ in size (basket diameter 93.5 mm), and quite inexpensive. Power 30 W, resistance 4 ohms. The magnetic system is neodymium, with a ventilated core. The basket is made of molded plastic.
The high price of the speaker is justified by the use of a rigid carbon diffuser with a lightweight titanium cap. The final sensitivity of the P3-93N is 91 dB.
There are 1 or 2 pieces in the lot to choose from. The packaging is reliable.
Sounderlink 4″
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DQ40TZF-02 4″ full-range speaker from Sounderlink. This is quite an adult size for table/bookshelf speakers. Power 15 W, sensitivity 88 dB.
The design is classic: neat white diffuser, aluminum bullet, speaker.
The lot description contains all the necessary technical information. The frequency response is quite uniform over the entire frequency range.
Sold as a pair. The lot includes fast delivery from a warehouse in the Russian Federation. And a choice of resistance 4 or 8 ohms.
GHXAMP 4″
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Another 4″ size option from GHXAMP. Power 25 W, resistance 4 ohms, sensitivity 88.5 dB. Stamped steel basket.
This model has a neodymium magnetic system and an aluminum phase-aligning bullet.
The necessary parameters for calculating the acoustic design and frequency response are given on the product page. The quality factor is quite universal; you can use the speaker with a bass reflex and in a closed box.
Speakers are sold as a pair. There is fast delivery from a warehouse in the Russian Federation.
Sounderlink 6.5″
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The selection is completed by the speaker with the largest size to date – 6.5″. The outer diameter of the basket of model 6529-ARROW is 165 mm. The size is quite suitable for a small floor-standing speaker system or a large bookshelf speaker. If there are not enough high frequencies, you can supplement the project with a separate super tweeter.
The diffuser is made of woven synthetic fiber and has a phase-equalizing bullet. The unevenness of the frequency response over the entire frequency range is within 10 dB.
Power 40 W, resistance optional 4/8 Ohm, sensitivity 98 dB.
I hope the selection of wideband speakers for homemade acoustics was useful, and you will choose an option to suit your taste and budget.
Happy shopping! Don't forget to apply AliExpress coupons and discounts.
Additional components of any speaker system
As mentioned above, installing simply wideband speakers today will not suit anyone. Many motorists who have standard speakers installed in their cars either supplement them additionally or completely replace them with more advanced sound emitters.
Subwoofers
- I would like to give a special place in our hierarchical system to 6x9 speakers or simply subwoofers (see How to make a subwoofer: practical tips). These drivers are designed to reproduce deep bass. Typically, such low-frequency drivers are manufactured with a larger diameter and a larger diffuser area.
Subwoofer
Note. Installing a subwoofer will perfectly complement the reproduction of low-frequency speakers. On the other hand, such modernization will lead to a significant increase in the cost of the entire system.
Crossover
- What is a crossover? This component of the speaker system consists of a capacitor and an inductor, which are tuned to a specific frequency. Crossovers successfully separate the frequency spectrum in component and coaxial acoustics.
How to properly glue speaker hangers
In order to correctly carry out the work of replacing the speaker suspension, you must:
- Remove the damaged or destroyed suspension and its elements from the diffuser and housing, and also remove the dust cap. A hair dryer is used for this. At the same time, this procedure must be performed very carefully so as not to damage the diffuser itself.
- The basket and diffuser are cleaned of old glue residues using a special glue remover “Anti-Glue” second
. - The area where new glue is applied is degreased with a solvent or other substance intended for this purpose.
- The diffuser is centered so that it moves freely without catching the coil.
- Apply a layer of glue about 2-3 mm using a brush or even a cotton swab. This should be done on the surface of the diffuser and suspension.
- Direct gluing is performed, and you need to pause for reliable connection of the elements, specified in the instructions. The suspension is applied evenly to the diffuser and pressed.
The choice of glue for repairing and gluing elements of speakers and other acoustic systems must be approached carefully; you cannot use any that comes to hand, since vibrations during operation of this equipment are a normal operating mode.
Glue selection
When choosing glue for speakers, pay attention to its composition and scope of application. Take the appropriate one, taking into account the nature of the damage.
- Diffusor SL is a universal adhesive consisting of one component. Its main constituent element is polychloroprene. Originally created to correct defects in dynamic loudspeakers. A good choice for assembling speakers. Thanks to special technology, this composition forms a colorless, neat, high-strength seam. It sets within two hours, complete drying is completed after a day, and then you can use the speaker for work. The choice of specialists involved in the repair of subwoofers.
- DKD is a modern choice of adhesive material. Its composition is distinguished by a single-component structure with low viscosity. Used to restore the turns of the winding enameled wire necessary for gluing the voice coil. Complete drying takes about two to three hours, and can be accelerated with a hair dryer.
- Akfi 705 is suitable for quick assembly. It is distinguished by its versatility. This two-component composition is suitable for quick speaker repairs. Well proven for rubber and plastic surfaces.
- Interbond is a two-component viscous composition based on ethyl-2 cyanoacrylate. Used for repairing centering washer, coil gluing, flexible leads.
How to choose the right speakers for your car
As mentioned above, standard wideband acoustics often fall short of acceptable sound quality. In this case, you have to choose speakers that would be much better quality and at the same time not too affordable for the family budget.
What is high-quality acoustics
Needless to say, the world of car speakers is pretty mainstream these days. Installing speakers correctly means first selecting them correctly, and then creating the sound stage. So:
- If the motorist does not have too high demands on music, then wideband speakers are the most correct option. And you won’t have to pay a lot for them and you can install them yourself.
- A wideband speaker will allow you to listen to high-quality news or music on the radio.
