How to choose speakers for a radio without an amplifier

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.

Main factors influencing the quality of speakers

How to choose speakers for your car radio

What does everyone want when considering purchasing speakers? Of course, achieve powerful and, most importantly, clear sound in your salon. Naturally, the quality of the speakers alone will not be enough for this, because many factors influence surround sound, but still. High-quality speakers, selected correctly and in accordance with the rules, are the basis of the basics. So, in order to get clear and spacious sound, you should take into account at least these main factors:

location of speakers in the car interior;
high-quality noise and vibration insulation;
speaker cable and much more.

Column types

The first question that will be asked to a buyer in an acoustics store will be the following: which speakers do you prefer to purchase, coaxial or component?

Coaxial speakers

Three-way coaxial speakers

Coaxial speakers are devices that are equipped with several speakers and they differ accordingly. In other words, it is customary to classify coaxial speakers as 2-way, 3-way, and so on. This will mean that they have two or three speakers built in, respectively.

Note. Coaxial speakers are made primarily in order to save space and reduce the cost of the assembly process.

One coaxial speaker is capable of playing the entire range of sounds, and to find out how many bands there are in it, you should count the number of speakers attached to the leg.

Component speakers

Component speakers are a device where high-frequency speakers are located separately from mid-range and low-frequency speakers. These are already completely professional speakers that allow you to parse a melody into its components and enjoy the music to its fullest.

Note. Even an inexperienced person who listens to music through these speakers will be able to recognize the playing of individual musical instruments, everything is so effectively thought out in them. Needless to say, the sound quality in these speakers is much higher than in coaxial ones, but they also cost much more.

Component speakers are designed to reproduce sound within a specific frequency range. The sound quality is always at the proper level with these speakers, and the speakers must be installed according to the following rules. So:

If the speakers selected are small, then they reproduce only high frequencies (this is described in detail below). For this reason, you should try to place them so that the sound goes directly to the driver or passenger. If you can mount them on the front panel or on a rack, that would be ideal.
You can’t install larger speakers in front (although this is possible), but they reproduce mid and low frequencies. They can be easily installed in the car doors or behind them, directly on the glass shelf. In principle, there is no difference in the placement of large speakers.

Speaker size

Of course, this is the second most important question that a store salesperson will ask. It is usually not possible to install huge dimensions in a car, and every owner should remember this. In addition, if you purchase speakers larger than the standard ones intended for this car by the manufacturer, who has prepared a place for them in advance, you will have to make modifications.

Note. You need to know that speakers measuring 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) diagonally are capable of reproducing only high frequencies. But speakers measuring 16-17 cm (6-6.5 inches) diagonally reproduce low frequencies in addition.

We can say that this is the main difference in size. The speakers are large, and in any case they will reproduce sound better, but this is not an axiom.

Power

How to choose speakers for a car radio

This is probably the most important parameter for amateurs who imagine that they understand music. But we hasten to disappoint them. It turns out that the power of the speakers in itself cannot act as a quality characteristic. There is even a rule according to which this very power must be selected, otherwise you cannot expect clear sound. So, according to the rules, the power parameter should not be less than the power of the car radio. This is already an axiom that you can’t argue with. Loss of sound quality and much more is the result of incorrect selection of speaker power. On the other hand, the power of the speakers should not significantly exceed the parameters of the car radio, as this will also not lead to anything good. Power, as such, is usually divided into:

rated power;
maximum power;
peak power.

The smallest of the three is, naturally, the rated power, but it is also the most correct. Some unscrupulous manufacturers, in order to attract clientele, indicate maximum or peak power in the passport data. In reality, a competent buyer who knows about the rated power should look for its value in that data, as the determining and only correct one.

Note. It is the rated power that determines the limits within which you can listen to music loudly and for a long time.

It is not uncommon for a speaker with a lower power rating to be able to produce the same sound level as a more powerful speaker (provided its sensitivity is higher). Power cannot act as the only criterion for high-quality sound, because you can improve the performance in another way: by installing a speaker system with a resistance of 2.5-3.5 Ohms. In addition, the amplifier, which must be adapted to the power, is of great importance, otherwise it will not be possible to avoid the imminent failure of the equipment, no matter how expensive it is.

Types of dynamic columns

The acoustic system consists of dynamic heads. They are divided into low-frequency, mid-frequency and high-frequency. Let's take a closer look at how different types of columns differ:

Low Frequencies

Speakers that reproduce exclusively low frequencies are called woofers. They are responsible for the band from 40–60 Hz to 800–1000 Hz, and have an average sensitivity of 86–90 dB. Low-frequency speakers are necessary to “rock” the room.

Mid frequencies

Midrange speakers are considered the most important element in a speaker system. Even without bass and treble, you can hear vocals and basic musical instruments. Such speakers reproduce a band in the range from 250–350 Hz to 6000–7000 Hz with a sensitivity of 89–93 dB.

High frequencies

Tweeters, often called tweeters, are responsible for reproducing high frequencies. They cover the band in the range from 1500–2500 Hz to 20000–30000 Hz with a sensitivity of 90–93 dB.

There are also speakers that reproduce a narrower frequency range. They are called subwoofers (from 20–30 Hz to 400–600 Hz) and midbass (from 200–400 Hz to 3000–4000 Hz). The more different speakers included in the system, the more detailed and rich the output sound. But there is no point in buying many modules for a car, because... They simply won’t fit in the cabin.

Acoustic design

This is one of the important factors affecting sound reproduction. There are many varieties of acoustic design, but it is customary to divide it into two main ones: unloaded and loaded.

Note. Unloaded design implies limiting the vibrations of the diffuser by the rigidity of the suspension. As for the loaded design, it implies limiting vibrations not only by the rigidity of the suspension, but also by radiation resistance.

In addition, it is customary to divide acoustic design into single- and double-acting systems. The first is characterized by sound emission from only one side of the diffusers, and the second - from both sides. Now let's look at the most popular types of acoustic design:

A “closed box” is a speaker housing that is covered with sound-absorbing components that effectively dampen waves. This type of acoustic design is ideal for those music lovers who put high-quality playback first, or, in other words, so that there is a slight loss of sound pressure and all this is compensated by the simplicity and small size of the speaker.

Speakers in “closed box” acoustic design

A bass reflex is a housing in which a special hole is made. It is responsible for the connection between external and internal air. Ideal for music lovers who prefer to listen to sound in two blocks at the same time.

Free acoustic design, implying the use of a large body acting as a screen.

Subwoofer in free design

Other factors

Component speakers built into the car door

In addition to the types of speakers we have analyzed, their sizes and power, there are other factors that many perceive as trifles. But let’s not forget that sometimes it’s the little things that decide the outcome of an event:

Sensivity – or the input sensitivity of the speakers. The higher this parameter is, the better. Again, not everything is so simple here and in order not to confuse anything, we remember that the recommended indicator of this sensitivity should be within 92.

How to choose speakers for your car radio

FS is already a resonant purity of reproduction, which also acts as a separate factor influencing the sound. The lower the value, the better and the speakers will be able to produce deeper bass. The normal and recommended value in this case is the limit of 60-75.
The range of reproduced frequencies is an indicator that indicates frequency boundaries. Recommended value is +/- 3 dB.
QTS – or sound quality factor. This factor must also be carefully paid attention to. The fact is that if the speakers are installed in the car door (which is fashionable today), then the Q value of the speakers should exceed 0.6. Otherwise, there can be no talk of any sound quality.

Note. Normal correct sound should reach the person in front. This is a law of physics, but there is no such option in a car to install speakers in front.

Some owners, however, manage to do this by making fundamental design changes, modifying the pillars and dashboard, but not everyone can afford it. In this regard, the sound from the speakers installed in the door will come from the side and to the feet. Therefore, the quality factor must be assessed correctly.

How to choose speakers for your car radio

To choose the right speakers for your car radio, you need to evaluate the following selection criteria:

Number of bands - their task is to provide high and surround sound for music playback. The standard system has 2 bands, but more advanced systems use 4-way technology.
Build quality of the case. The most reliable manufacturing material is considered to be wood with a silk tweeter. If you choose low-frequency speakers, give preference to models with pressed cardboard or paper. Consider the presence of a protective layer - it will extend the life of the device and protect it from damage. The dome should be titanium, and the magnetic element should be neodymium. This tandem contributes to better aging.
Power indicator. There is a nominal and maximum value. The first indicates a stable operating mode, and the second determines the ability to connect amplifiers and bass. The permissible difference between the indicators cannot be more than 3 times. The standard range varies from 50 to 150 W.
Shape and size. Products with round, oval or square shapes are available for sale, and their sizes are 13, 16 or more cm. Compact designs are often more powerful than larger ones.
Manufacturer's reputation. Choose products from trusted brands with good reviews.
Price. The cost varies from 2.1 to 30 thousand rubles.

It is extremely undesirable to be distracted while driving a car. However, how to overcome the fatigue and monotony of a long road? Most drivers answer this question unequivocally: turn on music or broadcast a radio station. And everyone wants to have high-quality sound, without which listening turns into real torture.

If you buy a new set for your car, it is important to know how to select speakers for the radio. If you choose the wrong components, a situation may arise when one component of the system cannot fully reveal its capabilities. Or the likelihood of a breakdown with subsequent need for repair increases.

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.

How to determine the power of a radio

First, a little theory. The power of any playback device to which the car radio speakers are connected cannot exceed the parameters of the on-board electrical network. In the case of a sound system, this is a voltage limit of 12 V. From the standpoint of pure physics, the head unit or radio cannot have a power per channel higher than 4.5 W.

The correctness of this statement is confirmed by extremely cheap electronics options. If you buy, for example, a tape recorder for 400-500 rubles, it will produce just such a small power and the speakers for the car radio should be selected accordingly.

Modern middle-class electronics work with a bridge circuit. Its amplifier can produce up to 18-20 watts of pure power. If there is a model in the store with such parameters, you can safely buy it, because it will not throw up any surprises. A product of this type works physically correctly, according to the classical scheme; the speakers selected for the car radio are guaranteed not to experience unexpected overload and fail.

But what do the magic numbers of 45, 50, 80 W mean at the output of the car radio amplifier, proudly duplicated by inscriptions and stickers on the front panel? This is both a marketing lie and a technical trick. An intermediate power storage device is installed in the amplification circuit of such models. This is a capacitor that is charged during the period of time when the sound picture allows operation at a signal power below 20 W.

During a period of increasing amplitude, for example, during a sharp hit of a drum or a powerful increase in the volume of a track, the capacitor releases energy and the amplifier exceeds the physically correct signal level. This approach takes advantage of the characteristics of human hearing. When the capacitor's charge runs out, the overall volume drops, but the person does not notice this due to the effect of inertia of perception.

Based on an understanding of basic physics, it is easier to understand what exactly the data indicated in the data sheet for the radio means.

Power in Watts - peak value of the signal, short-term. If the device documentation provides a PMPO value, it does not require conversion and can be used as a guide when choosing speakers for the radio. In the case when RMS power is given, the indicator must be divided by 1.41 to obtain the desired parameter.
Sound scheme. Today, a standard stereo system is quite rare in market offerings. A regular radio has 4 or 5 output channels and can be equipped with a separate subwoofer connection port.

All data can be found in the documentation for the sound-reproducing device or looked at the tag placed on the case. The information obtained will be used when it comes time to select speakers for the car radio based on power.

Determining the space for the speakers and their size

In most cases, car manufacturers have already decided everything for the average owner. The design of the case already provides places for installing acoustics. If this is done, it is recommended to take advantage of the auto manufacturer's offers.

In standard places for acoustics, all measures to neutralize vibrations are provided and structural strength is created. The installed speaker will not rattle excessively; it will have enough volume to produce high-quality sound and operate at rated power.

All that remains for the owner of a modern car is to look at the documentation or visually determine which speakers can be installed in the standard compartments. The machine makes it quite easy to get to them, including during wiring.

If the car does not have space for acoustics, it is recommended not to immediately take up a power tool to disassemble the interior and cut holes, but use the experience of other craftsmen. There is enough information on the Internet, on specialized forums, including videos, on how to properly install speakers in a car. When solving this problem, it is necessary not only to obtain good sound and convenient wiring, but also not to compromise the structural strength of the body elements.

Today there are the following standard places for installing speakers:

in the doors, mid-frequency speakers are located here;
in the A-pillars of the roof, in the area of the front glass, to accommodate high-frequency satellites;
in the rear shelf, where high-power speakers with close-to-bass ranges are installed.

Subwoofer placement is considered separately. It may have a design solution that directly indicates its position inside the car body. For example, this could be an acoustic unit for installation in the trunk, on the floor with a flat shape, or as a product for placement under the rear seats.

If one or more elements of the speaker system require their own amplifier for their operation, you need to carefully consider its placement. In this case, it is worth relying on the manufacturer’s recommendations and common sense. The device will need to give off a lot of heat, so it cannot be installed in a confined space.

How to choose

When choosing acoustics for a car, it is necessary to take into account not only the type of device, but also the main technical characteristics. These include power, sensitivity, frequency range, dimensions, impedance and much more. The correct location of the system in the car also plays a huge role. Here are some useful tips to help with the purchase and installation of pop-up speakers:

Power. You should not choose overly powerful pop-up speakers for your car. Keep in mind that the space is small and does not require large energy costs. The optimal indicator for car acoustics is a power from 10 to 100 watts. Moreover, 100 Watts is a fairly high threshold, which is more suitable for trailers or motorhomes.
Frequency range. It is difficult to determine sound quality based only on the audio range. Frequency response plays a big role, but the manufacturer rarely provides it. Good pop-up acoustics for a car interior should have high-frequency speakers (with a frequency from 4000 to 20,000 Hz), mid-frequency speakers (from 500 to 5000 Hz), subwoofers (from 30 to 100 Hz) and midbass (from 80 to 1000 Hz).
Dimensions. When choosing, be sure to consider the amount of free space in the car. The smaller the speakers, the more compact they can be placed. However, the size of the drivers greatly affects the quality of the reproduced sound.
Impedance. This indicator is responsible for the resistance of the equipment. The impedance of the speakers should be equal to the power of the amplifier.
Sensitivity. This parameter controls the volume of the speakers. The higher the sensitivity, the louder the audio speakers will sound. The optimal indicator is from 95 to 100 dB. Be sure to check that there is no distortion at high volume levels.

The top part of the torpedo is considered a good location for the speakers. But you should not mount tweeters in door trim or other regular places, otherwise they will sound separately from each other and the stereo effect will disappear. If you have never installed acoustics before, it is better to seek help from a specialist.

We determine the required resistance, sensitivity and other parameters

The electrical characteristics of acoustics play a large role in the formation of high-quality sound and the overall functional suitability of an individual loudspeaker. Each speaker or column is selected according to the following criteria:

Resistance. It is desirable that this characteristic corresponds to the value specified in the radio data sheet. In this case, the acoustics will operate normally, without causing signal distortion from the amplifier.
Sensitivity. On the one hand, this parameter describes how quickly the speaker responds to signal changes. On the other hand, it describes sound pressure. When it comes time to choose acoustics, it is worth remembering one feature of the car power network. It contains quite strong interference. Therefore, it would be wrong to choose speakers with high sensitivity. A reasonable solution would be to buy acoustics with a parameter value in the range of 90-95.
Good quality. This parameter describes how strongly the inertia of the diffuser affects the correct reproduction. For speakers installed in cars, it is advisable to choose speakers with a Qts indicator of at least 0.6.

The last and most important thing is the choice of speaker power. Based on the physics of the operation of the amplifier and the mechanics of signal delivery at different periods of time, it is worth relying on the following postulates.

The rated power of the acoustics should be at least one and a half to two times higher than the value specified in the passport for the radio. This is the main requirement for car speakers.
The maximum power should not be less than three times the amplifier rating. This is a desirable, but not mandatory, compliance requirement.
In some cases, when the speaker manufacturer specifies peak rather than maximum power, it is worth choosing a product that has an exact threefold reserve (or higher).

Some selection principles are worth explaining. The stated speaker power rating is based on testing. The acoustics are supplied with a signal in a wide range of frequencies. The test is carried out according to the scheme one minute of work - two minutes of downtime.

Therefore, the rated power means a certain technical maximum, which is achieved when reproducing an average audio signal with a variable volume level.

It is not at all guaranteed that the speaker will not burn out if the amplifier supplies it with rated power with values close to the peak for hours. Therefore, it is recommended to take one and a half or double margin when choosing speakers. This ensures the performance of the acoustics when playing music for hours and even days.

The maximum power shows the parameters of the input signal that the speaker can withstand for a minute (for some manufacturers up to 5 minutes). This parameter is not measured by testing. It is calculated based on winding characteristics and other engineering parameters.

In real conditions, the radio can burn out the speaker with a sudden surge of power close to its maximum. Therefore, it is also recommended to have a threefold margin for this parameter, mainly to prevent overheating of the winding.

Peak power characterizes the speaker's chances of surviving a short-term intense signal pulse. This data is obtained by the manufacturer as a result of testing a batch of products. Therefore, if the acoustics data sheet indicates exactly the permissible peak power, a choice with a threefold margin is mandatory.

Coaxial or component speakers

The purchase of coaxial speakers or a multi-point speaker system depends not only on the wishes of the car owner. The radio plays the role.

Coaxial speakers reproduce sound over a wide range of frequencies. They can operate at the same volume in all points of the cabin, forming an equally distributed sound picture, almost the same for passengers and the driver.
Component systems consist of multiple speakers operating in different frequency ranges. Such a set must be configured to obtain an acceptable sound picture for passengers or the driver. The radio must be able to adjust the channel volume.

Often, separate amplifiers are used to control a component system, complementing the capabilities of a standard playback device.

The average car owner who is not an audiophile is recommended to buy coaxial speakers. These are devices that have two sound emitters. Today on the market you can select models that provide high sound quality over a wide frequency range.

People for whom life is not sweet without a completely authentic sound environment and the natural sound of musical instruments cannot do without purchasing a component system. It may take a lot of time to balance and adjust it. However, the end result is worth it.

What is pop acoustics

Variety or concert acoustics are a separate type of professional acoustic systems, used primarily in car audio. Popular speakers include high-frequency, mid-frequency and low-frequency dynamic heads.

Concert acoustics are used in all areas related to public events. Over the past few years, manufacturers have been actively producing pop-up speakers adapted for car owners. Such devices have standard input and output characteristics, but are not sold as a set, unlike modular systems. Simply put, each element will have to be purchased separately, and sometimes even from different manufacturers.

Popular brands

To immediately predict the characteristics of the sound image inside a car, without having special knowledge, you can buy acoustics from one or another manufacturer. Each brand is distinguished by clearly distinguishable features of the sound and design of its speakers or individual loudspeakers.

KENWOOD

KENWOOD products offer a full range of acoustic systems. You can buy coaxial broadband speakers or a component kit. But the proposals for speakers for regular seats are especially interesting. Such kits allow you to equip your salon with high-quality acoustics with minimal effort.

KENWOOD sound is a balanced sound image without emphasizing the bass. They are well perceived and distinguishable, but situations where the music turns into a continuous low hum are impossible with any adjustments and settings. When working with brand radios, KENWOOD acoustics provide very clear, high-quality sound.

Pioneer

The Pioneer consortium has been working in the car acoustics market for a long time. Prices for speakers and loudspeakers are not affordable. However, this is easily explained by the fact that the company uses its most advanced engineering solutions even in the cheapest systems of its production.

Pioneer acoustics are of interest to motorists because in the range of items you can find a ready-made set of speakers for installation in standard places of a car of a particular model. The sound of the speakers has a low level of distortion. The speaker diffusers and coils show fast response and withstand overloads well. Most models work well in the low frequency region.

This company is the standard for speaker protection measures. Here you can find thoughtful ventilation schemes, special design solutions for coils and much more. The speakers sound very clear and rich, regardless of type.

The company's offerings include standalone speakers, coaxial systems, and active and passive subwoofers. The features of the products include a clear correspondence of the actual parameters to the declared values. Therefore, to guarantee long-term stable operation of the acoustics, you need to choose the right speakers and Edge speakers.

The acoustics of this brand are recommended for those who want to get the optimal ratio of cost and quality. The speakers are distinguished by their thoughtful design and the use of classic engineering solutions. Coaxial acoustics are designed for operation in small volumes.

Sony products offer high-quality sound without frills or shifts of the sound image down or up in the frequency band. Each model fully meets the buyer's expectations. Not the least advantage of the brand’s products is their reasonable price and wide range of models on the market.

Hertz

For many, Hertz acoustics are synonymous with quality. The brand's speakers are characterized by a high speed of response to changes in the input signal. Therefore, the acoustics sound rich, powerful, conveying the smallest shades of melody.

Hertz speakers are suitable for playing music of any style. Moreover, even relatively small diffusers cope well with bass reproduction. In the range of the company’s offerings you can find not only acoustics of almost any type, but also everything you need to independently build a high-quality system. You can buy amplifiers, crossovers, subwoofers, and special car electronics with noise filtering.