Choosing good 13 cm speakers for your car

Reading time: 6 minutes(s)
Standard speaker systems in vehicles do not always meet the needs of modern music lovers. Fans of high-quality sound replace them with 13 cm speakers with good bass in their cars. When selecting equipment, not only the ratio of price and technical characteristics is taken into account. The rating, sound quality, appearance and other parameters are important.

Speakers 13 cm for cars.

Leading manufacturers of car speakers

When choosing car speakers, you should pay special attention to models from well-known brands.
In most cases they will be of excellent quality and sound good. In addition, acoustics from well-known companies will not break down over a long period. Best manufacturers:

1. Pioneer. This electronics manufacturer supplies the best speakers in terms of price and quality. All of its models are distinguished by excellent assembly, excellent sound and an optimal set of parameters. In addition, Pioneer models are sold in all stores, and finding the right speakers will be quite easy.
2. J.V.C. Another famous company from Japan produces good quality household, video and audio equipment. The latter also includes speakers with a standard size of 5 inches. They stand out for their relatively low cost and excellent performance characteristics. In addition, JVC acoustics work without failure for many years.
3. JBL. This American company specializes exclusively in the production of acoustic equipment. Its car speakers receive many positive reviews from vehicle owners, as they are easy to install and have good sound quality. At the same time, JBL equipment has an affordable price.
4. KENWOOD. This Japanese brand stands out for its wide range of automotive and consumer electronics. It also contains many speakers designed for installation in the car. This technique is not too expensive, but allows you to get a good sound of your favorite melodies.
5. Hertz. This popular brand from Italy specializes in the production of car audio equipment. Its range includes wideband, coaxial and component acoustics, so every vehicle owner can find the right model for themselves.
6. SoundMAX. This German brand produces car video and audio equipment. It always has good quality and an excellent set of characteristics. Despite this, SoundMAX acoustics are sold at an affordable price, thanks to which it has become popular in Russia and neighboring countries.
7. Ural. The best domestic company produces mainly broadband and component acoustics. This technique competes on equal terms with foreign models in most significant characteristics. At the same time, Ural dispensers are cheaper than their foreign counterparts.
8. Focal. This French audio manufacturer specializes in the production of premium speaker systems. Most of its models are expensive, but they offer the highest quality and clearest sound.

Recommendations for choosing acoustics for a car

Types of speaker systems

. There are several types of car speakers, they differ in purpose and design.

1. Component speakers have a high sound level. The system consists of separate speakers that reproduce high, mid and low frequencies. Each element can be controlled separately, selecting the most pleasant combination of frequencies. But installing such speakers is fraught with many pitfalls, and the cost of even budget acoustics is quite high.
2. Coaxial systems consist of one low-frequency speaker, with high- and mid-frequency drivers mounted in front of the diffuser. The sound quality of such systems is worse than that of separate speakers. But the consumer benefits in price and ease of installation.
3. Many speakers work well in the mid and high frequencies, but do not provide normal bass. In this case, music lovers purchase additional subwoofers. These are low-frequency speakers that can be mounted in a standard place or have their own housing for universal installation in the cabin.

Car radio capabilities.

Some users get too carried away in searching for a high-quality speaker system, forgetting about the technical characteristics of the car radio. First of all, you should pay attention to the correspondence between the rated power of the player and the speakers. Ideally, the power of the speaker system should exceed the capabilities of the player.

Installation depth.

All 5-inch speakers have different mounting depths. First of all, you should pay attention to this parameter when purchasing woofers. To avoid getting into trouble, you should arm yourself with a tape measure and measure the standard door niche. Only after this go to the store for acoustics.

Availability of navigation system

. Particular care and attention should be exercised when choosing speakers by owners of cars in which the radio is combined with a navigation system. Since the speakers will be controlled from the central console, unsuitable speakers can damage the navigation. In addition, many budget models create interference during a session with a satellite. Therefore, before purchasing new acoustics, you must consult with the service center specialists.

Design features of the car

. When choosing speakers, you should take into account such design features of the car as the quality of shock absorption and the degree of suspension stiffness. Some expensive speakers simply cannot withstand driving on rough roads in cars with rigid suspension. Experts advise paying attention to adapting the speakers to Russian operating conditions.

We have selected the 12 best 5-inch car speakers for review. You can purchase them both in automobile and online stores across the country. When allocating places, the editors of the expertology magazine relied on the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the feedback of Russian music lovers.

How to choose a column

Optimal size

The sound quality is affected by many different factors. Among them, not the least role is played by noise insulation. But to achieve a truly good effect, you should take care of the player, amplifier, subwoofer and speakers.

The size of the speaker determines the quality of reproduction of certain frequencies; the larger it is, the better. Despite this, most drivers prefer 13 cm (5.25 inches) models. Subject to the installation rules, they allow you to achieve optimal results. They perform well in the range from 100 Hz. This is enough for most owners who do not have a keen ear for music, but are also not lacking in taste. When it comes to cars, space limitations also need to be taken into account. When installing large speakers, you will have to change the design. This will require significant cash injections, as well as knowledge of the specifics of modernization and a lot of time. The 13 cm solution does not take up much space, which is important in limited space. They fit perfectly into the standard niches in the doors of most passenger cars. If desired, self-installation is possible, since no additional installation of podiums is required.

About sound

The speaker reproduces sound frequencies in several ranges.

1. Low (LF) 10 - 200 Hz. A soft surface is preferred for greater movement.
2. Medium (MF) 200 - 5000 Hz. A speaker in the shape of a dome, or horn, or less often a cone.
3. High (HF) 5000 - 20000 Hz. A rigid surface of small dimensions, since vibrations should not propagate far from the center.

One speaker per channel is not able to meet all the stated requirements, their number is increased, and the frequencies are divided into several parts.

What is the system power?

The speaker system can be connected to a separately purchased amplifier or radio. Power allocated:

1. Nominal. Shows the maximum permissible power at which the column will operate in normal mode for a long time, without the risk of damage (around 1 hour).
2. Maximum. Determines the value that the acoustics can withstand without mechanical damage in a minimum period of time (about 2 seconds).
3. Day off. It affects the sound in general. The higher the characteristic, the better. It is indicated in the technical documentation of the radio or amplifier.

To ensure the speakers work, the rated power should not be lower than the power of the amplifier.

Optimal number of stripes

The use of multiple bands improves the quality, clarity of playback and volume of sound. The following systems are used:

• Two-way. Tweeter (tweeter and loudspeaker for midrange/bass);
• Three-way (HS, MF, LF). Triggering the speakers to play specific types of frequencies helps achieve the best results. Preferred option.

To increase efficiency, a crossover is used; when connected to the speakers and amplifier, it distributes frequencies for each element.

Active or passive crossover?

Necessary to reduce sound distortion. The result is achieved by redistributing the input signal from the amplifier to separate speakers. Thanks to this, the frequencies go to specific speakers.

Crossover happens:

1. External. A free-standing element of the acoustic system with compact dimensions. It has a certain number of filters installed to distribute the signal within specified parameters (LF for subwoofers, HF for tweeters). The main component of component acoustics. Can be purchased separately from the system.
2. Built-in. It is found mainly in coaxial acoustics. Compact dimensions allow you to install the element inside the column.

By type of food they are divided:

• Active. Requires constant connection to the network. Mounted in front of the amplifier. Settings are carried out using switches and regulators located on the housing. Active filters correct the channel cutoff frequency and thereby significantly increase the order of sensitivity. Due to their high cost, they are found in premium sound systems.
• Passive. They do not need to be constantly connected to the network. Consist of resistors and capacitors. Installed in front of the amplifier and speaker. To configure, adjust the electrical circuit. The main area of ​​use is tweeters and midrange speakers. Not the best solution for LF and subwoofers. This is only allowed if high quality capacitors are installed on the crossover. Disadvantages include poor tolerance to heavy loads. When the signal intensity peaks, the filter cutoff frequency changes and the signal is attenuated. To obtain an acceptable result, the sensitivity should be up to 18 dB/octave

How to choose 13 cm speakers for a car

13 cm (5 inches) car speakers reproduce sounds from 100 Hz better than other models. The equipment is presented in several versions:

1. Component. They offer the best sound quality and are located in the front of the cabin. Consist of separate speakers on different frequency bands. A pair of low-frequency and mid-frequency units is called midbass. More expensive models are additionally equipped with subwoofers and crossovers for frequency separation.
2. Coaxial. Coaxial emitters mounted in a single housing. A mid-range or high-frequency driver is installed in the bass speaker, which saves space.
3. Broadband. One speaker is responsible for reproducing frequencies in the equipment. Finding suitable acoustics of this type is not easy. However, given the complex geometry of the cabin, it is a compromise option for people who are not satisfied with the sound quality of standard systems.

13 cm speakers are purchased as emitters with good low frequency output in a multi-component system. When choosing audio equipment, the following parameters are taken into account:

1. Power. The nominal RMS rating is considered. When the system is based on an amplifier, speakers should be selected according to the parameters of the signal amplifier.
2. Sensitivity. Considered as equivalent loudness and calculated in dB per 1 W at a distance of 1 m.
3. Frequency characteristics. Must cover the range perceived by the human ear (20 Hz - 20 kHz). The nuances depend on the characteristics of the models.
4. Impedance. An important indicator when connecting to an amplifier. If the resistance is less than the required parameter, the sound system may fail. To work in tandem with a car radio, the resistance value must be at least 3 ohms.
5. Diffuser material. It is optimal if the element is made from sawdust polypropylene or pressed cardboard with moisture-proof impregnation. Tweeters use metal and silk. The diffuser suspension should be made of a flexible material that resembles rubber.

Powerful 13 cm speakers.

Car speakers 13 cm coaxial type

Coaxial speakers are models that form a separate system. It operates at different frequencies, which allows you to get excellent sound. There is a misconception that multi-voice speakers can also achieve a similar effect, but this is not the case. The coaxial type has several advantages, including low price, emission of frequencies from a single point, and ease of installation. The bass is high quality. Thus, when thinking about which car speakers are better, it is worth considering the option of coaxial devices.

AC MYSTERY MC 543

These are good 13 cm car speakers with optimal quality for the car enthusiast. Two speakers with grilles. They are easy to install yourself. The sound system is excellent, supporting frequencies from 70 to 20,000 Hz. The maximum power is 150 W, which is quite a large parameter. At maximum, pressure is felt inside the car. High-quality polymer materials were used in production.

AC MYSTERY MC 543

Characteristics:

• 2 speakers;
• round shape;
• power 40 – 150 W;
• frequency 70 – 20,000 Hz;
• sensitivity 90 dB;
• ferrite magnet.

pros

• soft sound;
• nice price;
• good characteristics;
• easy to install by yourself;
• there are no dips or muffled sounds.

Minuses

• at high volume noise appears;
• no installation wires included.

Rating of the best 13 cm speakers for cars

Speakers with a diameter of 13 cm are installed in the front doors of passenger cars. This size is popular because it fits most cars of domestic and foreign brands.

The rating contains full-range and coaxial speakers of a standard 5-inch size, from the budget and mid-price classes. Component speakers for cars are no less popular, but they are adjacent to more expensive models and, based on their characteristics, it is not objective to combine them with budget ones.

Focal RCX-130

High-quality speakers from the French manufacturer Focal fit perfectly into the concept of “the best combination of price and quality.” The woofer diffuser is made of polymer material Mylar, the low-frequency speakers are equipped with polypropylene membranes. This allowed the developers to combine long service life and good sound. Despite their small size, the speakers are able to reproduce clear sound, and the quality is maintained even at high volumes. According to experts, this was achieved due to the inverted shape of the dome of the tweeters. The bass does not “lock up” during sharp transitions, the elastic suspension ensures that everyone is working out, but this turned out to be not enough for music lovers. But for everyday use, the speakers are more than ideal in all respects.

Advantages:

• good sound;
• long service life;
• high-quality assembly;
• acceptable cost.

Pioneer TS-1339R

Pioneer, having created some of the best 13 cm car speakers, has once again proven that excellent sound can be achieved even with such a diameter. The acoustics can not only complement the subwoofer, but also independently reproduce deep bass and a good, detailed scene. In addition, 3-way coaxial speakers are designed to withstand harsh conditions. The diffuser and suspension are made of moisture-resistant material, so they are suitable for installation not only in a dashboard, but also in car doors. However, here it is worth paying attention to their mounting depth - greater power entailed an increase in the magnets, and accordingly, the space in the door panel.

Advantages:

• maximum power 200 W;
• reliability;
• durable basket;
• justified cost;
• clear sound;
• combination of price and quality;
• one of the best sounds in the class.

Flaws:

• there is no protective grille;
• installation depth is more than 5 cm.

KENWOOD KFC-S1366

Good 13-centimeter Kenwood speakers are undeservedly deprived of the attention of car owners. These are fairly high-quality two-way speakers from a well-known manufacturer with high rated and maximum power. The standard sizes of the speakers make them easy to install in the car interior. The speakers reproduce frequencies in the range of 45-1800 Hz, have a common impedance of 4 ohms and slightly reduced sensitivity. According to reviews, the speakers reproduce sound more than perfectly at low or high volumes and have no significant drawbacks. At the same time, music lovers, as happens with models in the mid-price segment, were picky about the bass.

Advantages:

• adequate price;
• build quality and durability;
• good sound;
• simple installation;
• power.

Flaws:

• not enough bass.

Alpine SXE-1325S

Popular speakers from a reliable Japanese manufacturer are famous for their sound quality. Despite the average cost, the purity and versatility of the reproduced tones were highly appreciated by both experts and buyers. The speakers confidently hold the bass and produce clear high tones. However, at maximum volume they wheeze, so the model shows its best qualities at medium load. The reason for this is said to be the plastic basket and the titanium mylar from which the diffuser is made. But the round-shaped speaker, with a small installation depth, fits perfectly in place of the standard speakers in the front doors. As a result: good quality, low price, but high volume is contraindicated.

Advantages:

• excellent sound reproduction;
• transparent high frequencies;
• excellent high frequencies;
• good build quality;
• Small installation depth and easy installation.

Which speakers are better to choose for a car?

Choosing good acoustics for a car is always a search for compromises, so it is impossible to say unequivocally which speakers are better to buy. The rating from our editors contains 5-inch models - one of the most popular parameters. Due to technical features, such speakers do not impress with their bass performance, however, such tasks are rarely assigned to them, because they are often placed in the front doors, amplified by a subwoofer.

When purchasing good car speakers, you need to take into account that coaxial speakers are superior to broadband speakers in sound quality. High- and mid-frequency speakers are installed on the same axis with a low-frequency diffuser. However, they usually cost more or have more modest characteristics. Broadband, in turn, is structurally simpler and easier to install yourself.

Having become acquainted with the participants in the rating of the best speakers with a diameter of 13 cm, making a choice is much easier. Our editorial experts analyzed the market and settled on models that fully meet the main criteria: build quality, clear sound and affordable price.

Wideband acoustics

This category presents full-range speakers that have only one universal speaker. Thanks to this simplicity of design, this speaker system is extremely easy to install and is very inexpensive. Its only drawback is not the highest sound quality.

Pioneer, TS-1301i

This full-range speaker is the best-selling speaker in its category. It has a standard size of 5 inches, thanks to which it can be easily installed in the car interior. Buyers will also like the set of characteristics of the device. Its rated power is 25 W, and its maximum is 130 W. It is also worth highlighting 90 dB of sensitivity, an impedance of 4 Ohms and a reproducible frequency range of 48 - 25,000 Hz.

The TS-1301i features reliable and durable performance. The best proof of this is the long warranty from the manufacturer.

9.9 /10 rating

pros

• Easy to install
• Excellent set of characteristics
• Long warranty from the manufacturer

Minuses

• Polypropylene diffuser

Pioneer, TS-1301i2

JVC,CS-V518

This broadband car speaker is one of the best in terms of price and quality ratio. It stands out for its high power (maximum), which is 200 W. In this case, the nominal value of this parameter is only 25 W.

The CS-V518 reproduces frequencies in the range from 52 to 20,000 Hz. Among other parameters, users note an impedance of 4 Ohms (standard for most wideband models) and a sensitivity of 90 dB.

9.6 /10 rating

pros

• Acceptable price
• High power
• Carbon and mica composite diffuser

Minuses

• Non-standard installation depth (44 mm)

JVC,CS-V5183

KENWOOD, KFC-S1356

This speaker has become popular due to its reliable performance and durability. It has a standard size of 13 cm and is easily installed in the car. An important feature of the model is its high power ratings (nominal and maximum). The value of the first is 30 W, and the second is 260 W.

The speakers reproduce frequencies in the range of 45 – 1,800 Hz. In addition, they have a standard impedance (4 ohms) and a slightly reduced sensitivity of 89 dB.

9.5 /10 rating

pros

• High power ratings
• Durability
• Rare breakdowns
• Versatility

Minuses

• Reduced sensitivity

KENWOOD, KFC-S13564

Pioneer, TS-G1310

TS-G1310 is a high-quality and relatively inexpensive car speaker. It has 80 W of maximum power and reproduces frequencies in the range of 40 – 20,000 Hz. The popular standard size of 13 cm allows you to quickly and easily install the equipment into the car interior.

This model is universal as it fits most old and modern vehicles. Among other advantages, buyers note good sound and long service life.

9.3 /10 rating

pros

• Wide frequency range
• Durability
• Versatility
• Low price

Minuses

• Insufficient maximum power

Pioneer, TS-G1310

Budget models up to 1000 rubles

DIGMA DCA-M502

Price: 850 rubles.

The coaxial 2-way speaker system has almost all standard speaker sizes, which makes it easy to select them based on the basic dimensions of the speaker mounting holes in your car.

Specifications:

Middle segment 1-2 thousand rubles

Pioneer TS1302i

The average cost is 1970 rubles.

View from all sides of the Pioneer TS1302i

The acoustics of this manufacturer will please car enthusiasts with a pleasant price, quality and design. If we consider the technical parameters, on individual points, these speakers are superior to any of the budget options proposed above, which is why their cost is higher.

Specifications:

Pioneer TS1302i

Advantages:

• Convenient installation;
• Acceptable price;
• Build quality;
• Sound.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

EDGE EDST215-E6

Price: 1300 rubles.

EDGE EDST215-E6

The cone-shaped coaxial model is designed to enhance bass response and crystal-clear highs, driven by mid- and high-end PEI elements. The delivery of the product includes grilles and mounting screws.

Specifications:

EDGE EDST215-E6

Advantages:

• Powerful;
• Sound clarity;
• Build quality;
• Design;
• Unique lightweight IMPP cone;
• Suitable for almost every car.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

Alpine SXE-1325S

Popular speakers from a reliable Japanese manufacturer are famous for their sound quality. Despite the average cost, the purity and versatility of the reproduced tones were highly appreciated by both experts and buyers. The speakers confidently hold the bass and produce clear high tones. However, at maximum volume they wheeze, so the model shows its best qualities at medium load. The reason for this is said to be the plastic basket and the titanium mylar from which the diffuser is made.

But the round-shaped speaker, with a small installation depth, fits perfectly in place of the standard speakers in the front doors. As a result: good quality, low price, but high volume is contraindicated.

Advantages:

• excellent sound reproduction;
• transparent high frequencies;
• excellent high frequencies;
• good build quality;
• Small installation depth and easy installation.

Flaws:

• plastic fastenings;
• wheezing at maximum volume.

MRM-POWER MR-GTF1365

The average cost is 1270 rubles.

Equipment MRM-POWER MR-GTF1365

The speakers, available in black with a full mounting kit, provide excellent sound quality, are easy and quick to install, and are made of durable materials that ensure a long service life.

Specifications:

MRM-POWER MR-GTF1365

Advantages:

• Pure sound transmission;
• High quality;
• Equipment;
• Easy to install;
• Price.

Flaws:

• Not identified.

JVC CS-V518

The average cost is 1860 rubles.

JVC CS-V518 speaker system design

The stylish speakers are made from durable materials and are well constructed. They will allow you to enjoy high-quality sound for a long time.

Specifications:

JVC CS-V518

Advantages:

• Value for money;
• Volume;
• Design.

Flaws:

• Low frequencies.

Tips for choosing a product

13-centimeter speakers are included in a set of standard sizes along with 10 and 16-centimeter models, so most often they are purchased by both beginners and people who know a lot about this matter. Acoustics of this type reproduce sound from 100 Hz, thereby appealing to a huge number of motorists with average hearing (they have a taste for music, but are not demanding on the quality of playlist playback).

Recommendations:

• To avoid wheezing and sound distortion, it is better to purchase acoustics with a power slightly higher than the tape recorder can handle.
• If the resonance indicator (displays the depth and richness of the bass) has a low number, then the sound will be better.
• If you want to install the system on the rear shelf, then the coaxial model is the ideal option. This is due to the fact that the user determines the direction of the sound source precisely by the HF, and the drop in high frequencies in this case is only beneficial.
• Full-range speakers designed for lovers of background or low-frequency music. The best option for installing them is the rear hemisphere of the car.
• Component acoustics are recommended for the front hemisphere.
• The diffuser material plays a huge role in sound reproduction.

The emitter (diffuser) is a special cone-shaped membrane, which is made of cellulose, propylene, silk, various metals, composite and other materials.

Paper affects the high sensitivity of the acoustic system, has lightness and smoothness of the frequency response, but does not differ in rigidity and mechanical strength.

Polypropylene is resistant to atmospheric influences, has excellent impulse characteristics, a smooth frequency response, a smooth transition to the zone mode, but like paper, it cannot boast of high rigidity.

Composite materials are endowed with high strength, good rigidity and weather resistance.

Among these main components, the compositional option occupies a leading position. However, which speaker the buyer chooses is up to him to decide.

Sources

• https://zuzako.com/reyting-populyarnyh-modeley-kolonok-13-sm-s-horoshim-basom-v-avto/
• https://yanashla.com/luchshie-avtomobilnye-kolonki-13-sm/
• https://obzor-expert.com/kak-vybrat-kolonki-13-sm-s-horoshim-basom-v-avto-top-14-populyarnyh-modelej/
• https://expert-kachestva.ru/luchshie-tovary/avto-i-mototehnika/top-luchshix-kolonok-13-sm-dlya-avto.html
• https://vyborok.com/rejting-luchshih-kolonok-13-sm-dlya-avto/
• https://tops-cars.ru/avtotovary/top-30-luchshih-kolonok-13-sm-s-horoshim-basom

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