Not every car has a built-in sound system, especially if we are talking about basic cars. But even the presence of standard speakers does not mean that they sound high quality. Therefore, car enthusiasts ask a logical question: “what speakers to put in the car for good sound?”
This article is about how to choose the right speakers for a car, and which speakers you should buy in 2022.
What speakers are best to put in the car?
The choice of speakers for the car is quite large. Acoustics are divided into three types:
- Broadband . One speaker capable of reproducing the full range of audio frequencies. The best options are 40-50 Hz at the “bottoms” and 12-15 kHz at the “tops”. This acoustic option is very easy to install. However, there is a nuance. The design of the diffuser is such that it cannot emit both low and high frequencies at the same time, so some interference occurs. Wideband acoustics will help create an even sound background in the car, but it is not suitable for fans of high-quality sound.
- Coaxial . The most popular system among most motorists. It combines ease of installation and high sound quality. By design, this is a broadband speaker with a high-frequency speaker mounted in the center.
- Component . A more expensive system that allows you to reproduce the entire frequency range without interference. By changing the placement and direction of the speakers, you can make the soundstage wider, further, or higher. The kit of such a system includes: tweeters, midranges, midbass.
Accordingly, the first system is suitable for beginners in car sounds, and the last one for already experienced fans. Who wants to get the golden mean - coaxial speakers are what they need.
Acoustic design
An important point that is directly related to sound quality. A general classification is provided, implying acoustic design, defined as loaded or unloaded.
In the first case, the presence of a rigid suspension and air that provides resistance leads to the fact that the diffuser is limited in its vibrations. In relation to the second classification, this is achieved solely due to the rigidity of the suspension.
In this case, systems are divided into single and double, where the former provide one-way sound radiation, and the latter – two-way. Manufacturers of car acoustics largely focus on only a few acoustic design options that are popular among car enthusiasts.
Acoustic design of the “closed box” type has become widespread. The principle here is this: a body made of sound-absorbing material and a hole in it that connects the air inside and outside. It contains a so-called free speaker, the body of which acts as a huge screen.
What size car speakers should I choose?
The size of car speakers is one of the key indicators. The most common sizes of round ones are 10 cm, 13 cm and 16 cm. Oval models 16x22 cm are less common. It is better to give preference to a large size if there is a technical possibility for this. Such speakers will reproduce low frequencies with high quality.
Diffusers with a diameter of 10 and 13 cm are more suitable as a mid/high frequency emitter in a multi-component system. Oval speakers are installed on the rear. They are to some extent capable of replacing a subwoofer.
The rating contains the highest quality speakers in the categories of inexpensive, coaxial, component and oval.
Power, resonant frequency and sensitivity
Power is an important indicator of speakers, which must be selected taking into account the capabilities of the radio. The power of the latter should be slightly lower at the output compared to what the speakers are capable of.
The resonant frequency, characterized by low rates, contributes to the depth of the bass. It is optimal if its value is from 60 to 75 Hz.
When a column is highly sensitive, this has certain advantages. One of these advantages is the ability to abandon the amplifier, which reduces the cost of the system as a whole.
The best inexpensive speakers for the car
Budget speakers don't mean they're bad. There are worthy representatives in this category that are not much inferior to expensive models.
1
Magnum MBM 6.5-4SB
Rating:5.0
- midrange speaker
- standard size: 16 cm (6 in.)
- rated power 80 W
- maximum power 160 W
- sensitivity 90 dB
Average price: RUB 1,560
Inexpensive speakers with a diameter of 16 cm, capable of producing high-quality sound that significantly exceeds the standard one. Users note that even at high volumes, music plays clearly, without distortion. This result is achieved thanks to the rigidity of the diffuser and the design features of the suspension. Magnum MBM 6.5-4SB is suitable for universal two-way and three-way systems.
Peculiarities:
Recommendations for choosing the right model
How to choose the best speaker for your car? First, you should conduct a review of the products offered, look at the ratings of quality products and reviews from owners, get acquainted with new products, and listen to the advice of professionals. It's hard to quickly decide which one is better to buy. There are many global manufacturers and each one tries to surpass competitors in the quality and reliability of their products.
Where to buy the selected model? It is best to visit a specialized store where listening stands are installed. The speakers will immediately show what they are capable of. Human needs and musical ear are individual. Therefore, you can listen to recommendations, but the choice is up to the individual user. A live wiretap will help you decide.
The main criteria when choosing a product are as follows:
- Financial capabilities of a person. This indicator affects the range offered. There is no point in equipping a VAZ with equipment that costs 100,000 rubles.
- System type.
- Company manufacturer. Sometimes, even with the same characteristics, you have to pay extra for the brand.
- Suspension. You should choose between fabric and rubber ones. Rubber ones do not allow vibrations if you use the device at its maximum capabilities.
- Presence of tweeters. The need for this arises when there is a desire to equip your own car with unsurpassed acoustics. The best option is silk tweeters.
- Standard size. It is necessary to first take measurements of the seats, and then decide on the device.
- Other features of the radio. Cheap Chinese products cannot be of high quality, since they are equipped with low-quality built-in amplifiers. An expensive product works with various speakers of any type.
- Rated power of the device. You should not pay attention to the peak.
- Sensitivity. The value is measured in dB. The higher the number, the better the sound quality.
- Resonant frequency. Determines the depth of low frequencies. The minimum resonant frequency implies high-quality bass.
- Availability of instructions for use.
- Holes for mounting the product. If they are absent, problems will arise with the installation of the product.
The best coaxial speakers for the car
Coaxial acoustics are when the high and low frequency speakers are located on the same axis. This makes the system more durable and inexpensive.
1
Alpine SPR-50
Rating:5.0
- two-way coaxial speaker
- standard size: 13 cm (5 in.)
- rated power 90 W
- maximum power 270 W
- sensitivity 87 dB
Average price: RUB 10,050
Alpine SPR-50 can be described as car speakers for good sound. 2-way coaxial speaker system that produces high power and clear sound. The suspension is made using technologies identical to those of the subwoofer. The model is quite old, so we can say with confidence that it has been tested over the years.
Peculiarities:
News
Date: 2016-06-30If the conversation turns to a serious music system, the question may involuntarily arise such as “Who can be trusted to reproduce the lowest bass?” The answer is quite simple. Naturally, this should be done by the sub. Meanwhile, the truth seems true only initially.
A music system with full bass, but no subwoofer. In reality, getting full bass is possible without subwoofers. Here we will consider the situation of an extraordinary installation in a car such as a Ford Focus.
The correct choice of speaker calibers for systems not equipped with subs
Everyone knows that in the space of a car interior, sound travels somewhat differently than it does in an open area. The wavelength of sound increases and tries to go beyond the boundaries of the cabin. As a result, waves no longer exist here, and the column functions identically to a compressor piston, periodically decompressing and compressing the air throughout the cabin volume.
Efficient speakers for bass reproduction?
In order to generate the required volume level of low frequencies, the speaker must organize more significant vacuum/compression of the air space, which is impossible to say regarding high and low frequencies. This result can be achieved in two variations - increasing the movement of the diffuser and increasing the area. The initial method is decent on a theoretical level. Midbass speakers of a typical 6.5-inch caliber do not require such movement of the cone.
In order to ensure effective bass reproduction, midbass of 8 inches or more must be used.
How many lanes should a system be without a subwoofer?
To provide decent bass, 8-inch speakers must be played at midrange frequencies. The problem is that in the car, under any circumstances, they will be located at a certain angle towards the listeners. This suggests that the diffuser elements will be placed at different distances. As a result, the listener will enjoy the sum of the emissions from the various parts of the diffuser. If we consider low frequencies, then there is nothing fundamental here. Meanwhile, wavelengths starting from just a few kilohertz can be compared with the dimensions of the speakers, and their summation will imply the formation of significant distortion.
The situation can be called interference. Whereas the functioning of a speaker at similar frequencies is characterized as modal activity. 8-inch speakers can enter modal mode at lower frequencies than what 6.5-inch speakers produce. As a result, such midbass should not be used to form 2-way systems.
Correct operation of the system without a subwoofer can be organized exclusively on 3-way speaker systems.
Which midrange speakers are best to use?
Based on the fact that we are faced with the task of building a system without a subwoofer, the playback process should be assigned to the 8-inch midbass. Practice shows that with a greater load of bass on the speakers, the reproduction of mid frequencies becomes coarser. On this basis, it is more correct to lower the frequency of the midbass section with mid-frequency speakers lower. In such situations, it is at least not worth using mid-range speakers with high values of their resonance frequency. In such systems, it is more correct to assign their task to the AD M35NEO cone speakers, which can operate from 200 Hz.
In order to get clear sound in the mid-frequency range, for the systems under consideration it is more correct to consider installing cone mid-frequency speakers, which can produce a rather low sound.
— Disassembly of doors. In order to ensure the required stiffness characteristics on external panels, it is extremely insufficient to carry out single-layer vibration damping. It's worth taking 4mm aluminum strips. They should be bent to the shape of the doors and mounted on a glass-type sealant. This material optimally combines the damping effect and bonding strength characteristics. This state of affairs will increase the rigidity many times over. Next, it’s worth rolling the panel together with the aluminum ribs with a pair of vibration damping materials. One of them is represented by a bitumen layer, and the second by rubber. This combination has a special effect in the widest temperature range. In addition, whatever one may say, multilayer coatings cope more effectively with vibrations.
The eight-inch caliber can confidently be considered a transitional option to subs from midbass. On this basis, it is quite problematic to properly install “eights” in doors. To fully reveal their capabilities, it is necessary for them to ensure virtually indisputable rigidity of the mounting locations. For housings, it is necessary to ensure rigidity characteristics identical to the monolith.
Egg cassettes stand out as one of the primitive means, which is distinguished by the effectiveness of its solution. The cassette is thoroughly impregnated with polyester type resin and left unattended for a certain period of time. After the resin has begun to harden, but has not completely hardened, the material is glued to the door using the sealant already described above. Next, the structure should completely harden. The inherent relief of cassettes guarantees excellent rigidity. It is worth noting that in this case there is no significant increase in the weight of the door.
For the purpose of dispersion, the relief located behind the column is installed in the reverse order with respect to the radiation of the diffuser. In this case, it provides rigidity and eliminates the vibration observed on the outer door panel.
The next step is to prepare seats specifically for the midbass speakers. At the same time, podiums are made up of a couple of parts - external and internal. Due to the fact that the door metal and the upholstery in this place are not parallel, the rings cannot be flat either. We use MDF in the upper and lower parts. Between them there is a polyester type putty mixed with fiberglass. If the door is the speaker housing, then the panel that covers the technological window appears in the form of its front wall. Its greater rigidity allows it to more fully reveal its capabilities. On this basis, vibration damping materials are used to secure it.
The basis of the outer area of the podium is made of aluminum sheet. The upholstery is sealed with masking tape. Between it and the aluminum, all available space is filled with polyester-type putty filled with fiberglass.
In the upholstery, every existing cavity appears as a potential resonant source. They need to be filled with polyurethane in a liquid state.
The question of the rear doors is simpler. Excessive rattling is also not allowed here. On this basis there is minimal impact on the outer panel.
In the station wagon's interior, the roof appears as a rather powerful source of unnecessary noise. They can be resisted through the use of vibration damping materials.
Mounting midrange speakers in racks requires special care. Based on the fact that they must function starting from 200 Hz, the installation sites must be distinguished by their rigidity. Such requirements are quite easily met by the podium in the car, for the manufacture of which fiberglass is used. Initially, to install the rings, you need to select the required angle, which is temporarily fixed. At the next stage, the resulting skeleton should be covered with elastic fabric and soaked in polyester resin.
Next, on the inside, the structure should be expanded with glass mat on the polyester resin already discussed. Here a metal bracket is inserted into it, designed to bolt the podium to the rack. Standard plastic clips are not able to provide the required rigidity to the fastening. Identical technology is used in the production of podiums for tweeters, which are placed in the corners of mirrors.
Information taken from: https://www.auto-magnitola.ru
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Good component speakers for the car
A component speaker system is a set of speakers with different frequency ranges. They are installed separately in different parts of the car. This option, unlike coaxial speakers, takes up more space, but is more suitable for fans of high-quality car sound.
1
Audison Prima APK 165
Rating:5.0
- component speakers
- standard size: 16 cm (6 in.)
- rated power 100 W
- maximum power 300 W
- sensitivity 93.5 dB
Average price: RUB 12,595
Unlike all previous representatives of the rating, this model is more suitable not for beginners, but for true connoisseurs. The price of the Audison Prima APK 165 speakers is quite high, but the natural, detailed sound is worth it.
Peculiarities:
Characteristics of car radios
Standard size
determines the height of the device.
The width of all models is the same - 180 mm. But according to height they are divided into two types: 1 DIN
(50 mm) and
2 DIN
(100 mm).
But if the manufacturer left 2 DIN under the radio, then there are more options - a single-din radio can be easily installed in a double-din socket using an adapter frame.
Maximum output power
- this is the peak power that the radio amplifier can produce in principle. This is an important parameter, but when choosing a radio, it should be used with caution: there is no generally accepted method for measuring maximum power; each manufacturer determines it independently. In addition, long-term operation at such power is impossible, and the rated output power is usually several times (or even tens of times) lower than the peak one.
For an inexpensive car radio without a voltage converter, the output power, in principle, cannot be more than 50 W. The standard speaker impedance is 4 ohms, if we assume that the output voltage cannot be greater than the supply voltage, then from the power formula
If the characteristics of the radio indicate the maximum sinusoidal power (RMS), then you should focus on it. If this information is not available, then the maximum output power should be considered only in conjunction with the class of the device and the honesty of the manufacturer. For a cheap model from a little-known manufacturer, RMS may differ from the indicated power by 20-40 times. At the same time, for models from well-known manufacturers, RMS is only 2-3 times lower than maximum power. But for radios in the same price segment, you are unlikely to notice the difference between 4x40 and 4x50 by ear.
All car radios can be divided into three groups based on maximum power:
4x35 W and less - inexpensive radios that can provide a car with sound at a minimal price. This is where their advantages, as a rule, end.
The majority of car radios are in the range of 4x40 - 4x60 W. Then everything depends on the components and build quality.
There are still few radios with a maximum power of more than 4x60 watts, but they do exist, and installing such a model can allow an unassuming music lover to completely abandon the car amplifier. How to make sure that 4x80 or 4x100 on the box is not a hoax, but real maximum power?
The best oval speakers for the car
Oval speakers are designed for installation in the rear shelf. They are much larger than round ones, which makes it possible to get spacious bass.
1
JBL GT7-96
Rating:5.0
- three-way coaxial speaker
- size: oval 15×23 cm (6×9 in.)
- rated power 70 W
- maximum power 210 W
- sensitivity 94 dB (2.83 V/m)
Average price: RUB 3,616
Three-channel oval speakers are suitable for fans of good bass who do not want to waste space in the car for a subwoofer. Despite the power, the bass does not dominate other frequencies, which makes the sound quality. JBL GT7-96 fits perfectly into a standard shelf.
Peculiarities:
- Plus One technology increases the effective diffuser area;
- I-Mount system provides more accurate exposure and simplifies the installation of speaker systems;
- High sensitivity allows you to produce the desired sound without an amplifier.
2
Morel MAXIMO-Coax 6×9
Rating:4.9
- two-way coaxial speaker
- size: oval 15×23 cm (6×9 in.)
- rated power 100 W
- maximum power 200 W
- sensitivity 92 dB (2.83 V/m)
Secondary school: RUB 4,990
Two-way oval acoustics are optimal for the “lower” range. Passengers sitting in the rear will not be able to experience good sound due to the weak silk dome tweeter. And for the driver, the MAXIMO-Coax6x9 will be fully replaced by a subwoofer. The Morel brand has transferred all the qualities from more expensive acoustics to this model.
Peculiarities:
- the midbass ferrite magnet creates a powerful magnetic field, which gives high power and output;
- Acudamp coating eliminates cone resonances that are perceived as distortion;
- Crossovers use high-quality components from more expensive models.
3
Alpine SPG-69C3
Rating:4.8
- three-way coaxial speaker
- size: oval 15×23 cm (6×9 in.)
- rated power 90 W
- maximum power 350 W
- sensitivity 91 dB
Average price: RUB 4,480
One of the most popular models. The uppers here are better than the previous Morel brand rating model, but still not perfect. The speakers will play electronics well, but not instrumental music.
Peculiarities:
- Soft dome tweeter and square-wound voice coil provide excellent sound quality;
- the basket is injection molded and therefore resistant to resonance;
- ferrite magnet woofer;
- Injection molded polypropylene cone with mica added for clear and precise sound.
Price
It is not an indisputable fact that only expensive acoustics guarantee high-quality sound. In some cases, high fees are charged for the brand. An alternative to an expensive system can be individual speakers at an affordable price, characterized by quite acceptable characteristics. The lower price threshold for coaxial acoustics with satisfactory parameters is 1,500 rubles. If you want to get truly high-quality sound, then you need to tune in to the price tag of 5,000 rubles.
Attention! To eliminate unnecessary expenses, you need to select speakers that suit your car radio. Pay attention to its standard holes, oriented towards connecting speakers.
Component acoustics cheaper than 3,000 rubles should not be considered as a possible purchase option. High-quality systems cannot cost less than 5,000–7,000 rubles. When choosing individual speakers, keep in mind that there are savings to be had. Two speakers with satisfactory sound can cost 2,000 rubles. For more powerful samples of such products you will have to pay much more.
Costs for high-end equipment usually fall within the range of 20–30 thousand rubles. Such systems can satisfy the needs of most car enthusiasts. Those who strive for maximum sound quality and are willing to incur corresponding expenses should focus on professional systems with a price tag of 40 thousand rubles.
Blaupunkt Vc 542
Type : component speaker
Price : 2,923 rub.
For its price category, Blaupunkt Vc 542 is perhaps the best model. Buyers were pleasantly surprised by the clarity of the sound in the midrange and the attack of the drums. The speakers are packaged with a protective plastic mesh. The material of the basket from which the speakers are made is steel, and the diffuser is polypropylene. The speakers have a pleasant, balanced sound, and the presence of bass is surprising. They are suitable for listening to any music in the car: be it classical, rap or ambient. For that kind of money, high-quality Blaupunkt Vc 542 acoustics are just a gift!
Interesting fact: Blaupunkt has been in business since 1923. It was founded in Berlin under the name "Ideal". In 1938 it was renamed Blaupunkt. When World War II ended, the company was based in Hildesheim.
JVC CS-ZX530
Type : coaxial
Price : 2,890 rub.
the JVC CS-ZX530 speaker system . Now you can listen to your favorite tunes in improved sound and enjoy this event. The sound is clear, without any wheezing.
The design in the photo, according to buyers, is not very impressive, but in person it is very pleasant. When listening to music through the JVC CS-ZX530 speakers, it becomes clear that they have surpassed the popular TX-G1033i Pioneer and even Sony! If you've listened to music through standard speakers before, you'll be pleasantly surprised.
JBL CS760C
Type : component
Price : RUR 2,376
JBL CS760C series of speakers is designed for those who want to listen to music while traveling and enjoy it. The speakers install easily and fit virtually any standard size.
According to customer reviews, they have no complaints about the sound of these speakers: they work very well. To warm up the acoustics, buyers are advised to listen to CDs of different music genres. Within 2 months after this, the sound can become much better. To get high-quality sound, a regular radio is enough, you don’t even need an amplifier.
1 0
Pioneer TS-R1350S
Type : coaxial speaker
Price : 2,450 rub.
Car enthusiasts have long been eyeing the Pioneer TS-R1350S . They liked the stylish appearance and excellent sound at an affordable price. Quite noticeable bass, thanks to which you can rock the interior of the car. Even to the eye you can see that the acoustics are made with high quality, as they say with love.
At first, the sound may seem blurry, but you can play with the equalizer settings to help solve the problem. The sound of the acoustics is clean and clear, listening to music is a pleasure. The main advantage of the speakers is their wide frequency range. They provide an amazing aerial stereo image; buyers rated the assembly a solid 5.
