Coaxial acoustics: what is it, how does it differ from component acoustics

Acoustic speakers are an important part of any sound reproduction equipment. The frequency band perceived by the human ear lies in the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. There are no loudspeakers that reproduce such a band of frequencies. This is determined by physical processes during the reproduction of bass and treble frequencies. To obtain high-quality sound, acoustic systems consist of several speakers, each of which reproduces its own section of the sound range. By frequency band, speakers are divided as follows:

HF speaker (twitter, tweeter) – 5,000 Hz-20,000 Hz
Midrange speaker – 200 Hz-5 500 Hz
Woofer – 20 Hz-250 Hz

There may be slight differences in these values between different speaker systems. The main thing is that the frequency bands overlap to avoid dips. A slight drop in level is easily compensated by the tone controls. An almost ideal amplitude-frequency response is obtained using a multi-band equalizer. Passive LC filters are used to divide the audio range into separate bands. They are usually mounted inside the speaker cabinet.

What is coaxial acoustics

Based on their design, sound speakers are divided into two groups: component acoustics and coaxial systems. The difference between component acoustics and coaxial acoustics lies in the way the speakers are installed. In a component system, speakers are typically arranged vertically. At the bottom of the case there is a low-frequency speaker, above it there is a mid-frequency emitter, and at the very top of the case there is a high-frequency head.

Component acoustics allows the use of low-frequency amplifiers of almost any power. The cabinet design allows the installation of not only three dynamic heads, but also more. To reduce the length of connecting wires, which negatively affects sound quality, crossover filters or crossovers are placed inside the speaker system, next to the speakers. Component speakers are not necessarily housed in a common enclosure. In some designs, frequency emitters are spaced throughout the room to create spatial sound and sound effects. This arrangement is used in multi-channel home theater amplifiers.

A coaxial speaker is a design where the speakers are mounted on the same axis. In the central part of the woofer, above the diffuser, there is a plastic plate on which small-sized dynamic heads are installed. Two-way coaxial acoustics consists of a low-frequency driver and a tweeter. A more advanced coaxial type sound speaker consists of three speakers and provides high-quality sound with sound separation into three bands.

How to install a sound system

Coaxial devices are located in the rear parts of the cabin. On rear shelves or doors. Simpler options are installed in panels at the front. But you need to understand that it is not recommended to overload the front panels. If you want to connect sound to the front of the car, the elements are mounted in the front doors.

Sound system installation

The best coaxial acoustics should please not only the driver, but also the passengers. Therefore, the quality of the system is very important. Setting up effective sound is easy. And many do the work themselves. There is no need to carry out complex calculations or make special podiums. This does not affect the sound quality.

It is important to know that all elements must be firmly fixed. To avoid their failure when moving and shaking. Experienced drivers know that there are special places in the cabin where acoustics are needed.

Installation and connection of all acoustic components
By following the following recommendations, you can handle the installation without difficulty.

Select speakers with the appropriate diameter. If the colonies are not commensurate with the holes, use adapter rings.
When connecting sound to a car, you need to know the power characteristics of the radio and speakers. Also, choose your amplifier wisely.
The energy source for the car's electronics is its battery. Therefore, keep in mind that with a large number of equipment, there will not be enough power. The likelihood of stalling at the wrong time increases. To solve this problem, capacitors are installed. Devices reduce electricity consumption.
To secure the speakers, a wooden spacer ring is made.
The rear shelf of the car is designed for speakers. To secure them, you need to remove the shelf. Only proper fastening will prevent the elements from creaking and rattling.
Wires are selected separately. It is better to buy them with sections up to 4 mm. Wires are included with the system, but it happens that they are not suitable for power and can only be connected to low-power heads (up to 20 W). If you connect wires with a small cross-section, you will not get high-quality sound and normal operation of the speakers.
Before you start connecting elements and wires, check all items for proper power.

Speakers for cars

Coaxial speaker system

The layout of the speakers on one axis involves certain technical difficulties in the manufacture of speakers. The main thing in coaxial speakers is the reliable and durable installation of dynamic satellite heads, which are located above the woofer. Bass frequencies, especially with a high-power low-frequency amplifier, can disrupt the installation panel and damage the speakers themselves. Therefore, with a very large ULF output, it is better to use a component design rather than coaxial speakers.

Choice when purchasing

When purchasing, you should consider the following features:

Installation depth. It determines the complexity of installing the entire system. The shape and size of the speakers should match the location where you are going to install them. You should also pay attention to the fastenings.
Frequency range. An important indicator when choosing acoustics, because The sound quality depends on it. The wider the frequency range, the more varied sounds will be transmitted through the speakers. If the system has a wide range, then the speakers will transmit clear and rich sound.
Power. This indicator for the speakers and the amplifier must correspond to each other.
Coaxial acoustics HI END class. If you want high-quality sound and pay inexpensively, then this system is suitable for you. Here the crossover is made remote.
Brand. Little-known brands often produce low-quality products. Therefore, pay attention to the name of the manufacturer.
Diffuser material. For midrange and bass speakers, they must be made of special paper. All other materials will not give good sound. Silk diffusers are suitable for tweeters.
Speaker sensitivity. The higher this number, the better the quality.

With the help of such speakers you can create good sound in the rear of the car. You can also install speakers in the doors, but the main equipment will still be installed under the rear window of the car. This system allows both rear and front passengers to hear full sound without distortion or other shortcomings.

Some drivers install a component system in front, and, as an addition, coaxial speakers in the rear.

For small cars, component car audio is not suitable, because... the sound will be the same as from coaxial. Therefore, there is no point in spending money on expensive equipment.

Which is better, component or coaxial acoustics?

The main advantage of a coaxial speaker system is its small dimensions. Therefore, the use of coaxial speakers is justified where the size of the speakers plays an important role. First of all, this applies to car acoustics. Which is better: component or coaxial speakers? The vehicle's audio output devices are mounted in the doors, front panel or seat backs. In these cases, it will not be possible to use component cabinet speakers due to limited space and the configuration of the vehicle elements. Therefore, vehicles are equipped with coaxial cables designed for two or three audio frequency bands. Such speaker systems are easily mounted in seats on car doors.

Advantages and disadvantages

We list the main advantages:

relatively low price (due to simplified design);
ease of installation (only 2 outputs are needed for connection);
the ability to improve sound using additional speakers;
There are standard holes in the car doors for speakers;
saving space when placing them.

Let us list the main disadvantages of this equipment.

Low quality. Unfortunately, even leading manufacturers do not guarantee high-quality sound. But if you are not picky about sound quality and just need background music in your car, then this equipment is quite suitable for you. Little-known manufacturers make such equipment using low-quality raw materials, so the speakers can quickly fail.
With a system already connected, it is difficult to add additional speakers. Moreover, in some cases this is almost impossible to do.
Installing the tweeter. With component acoustics, you can install a tweeter on the door higher or lower, thereby improving the overall sound balance. This is impossible to do when installing coaxial equipment.
You will need to purchase a frequency filter. It is impossible to listen to music without it, because... the playback will be in the form of incomprehensible sounds.
High sensitivity to dust and debris. If it gets between the heads and other places, the sound quality deteriorates significantly.
The number of stripes is not correct. Such a system is most often two-way. But some manufacturers claim that their system is three, four or even five-cavity. Externally, everything looks like this: there are several heads for the woofers. In fact, only one head works, and all other heads are a deception of the manufacturer. This is typical for Chinese manufacturers.
In some systems, a capacitor acts as a crossover. Because of this, the quality of the music drops significantly.

What is the difference between component acoustics and coaxial acoustics?

Besides the layout, the difference between coaxial and component speakers lies in some nuances of sound reproduction. The mid-frequency and high-frequency speakers are installed above the diffuser of a powerful low-frequency head, so during playback the phenomenon of interference of sound waves occurs. In this case, the amplitude of individual frequencies increases, and waves arriving in antiphase are mutually canceled out. The amplitude-frequency response becomes very uneven, which negatively affects the sound quality. In addition, coaxial speakers are not equipped with LC separation filters. Usually, to save space, one capacitor is installed. Some coaxial speakers have an additional speaker - a super tweeter, which reproduces a narrow band of high frequencies at the edge of the audible sound range.

In this case, the entire sound stream is directed to the listener from one point. A component speaker system, that is, assembled from individual components, allows you to orient dynamic sound emitters in such a way as to provide the listener with a high-quality perception of music. This is not possible with coaxial speakers. Since the car interior is not intended for listening to Hi-End music fragments, some reduction in quality in car acoustics is quite acceptable.

Pioneer wideband speakers

Car enthusiasts leave good reviews about this installation - Pioneer 16 cm. Coaxial speakers 16 cm have a rated power of 50 Volts and a maximum power of 300 W. This three or two-way design offers clear sound from 28 to 41,000 hertz. This is an excellent indicator for such speakers. The sound is clear even at high volumes.

The system is also easy to install and connect. The sound is not distorted at any power. With all its qualities, the price of the equipment is low and the design of the speakers is stylish.

For many, it is not only the quality of sounds that matters, but also the volume limits. For example, if people like to listen to songs in nature. Such users prefer to choose powerful equipment. And it is Pioneer that is best suited for them.

Pioneer wideband speakers

Since 16 cm speakers have many advantages:

They tolerate powerful overloads well;
small sizes;
the sound is deeper than that of 13 or 20 centimeter analogues;
the best system in terms of quality indicators.

Pioneer coaxial speakers are a high-tech development of manufacturers. The use of a reverse magnetic system allows you to bring the quality of music to a high level without inflating the price.

What is the difference between component and coaxial acoustics

The arrangement of the speakers of the acoustic system on one axis saves space and allows you to do without a housing and a bass reflex. This is especially important in the sound design of a car interior. What is the difference between coaxial speakers and component speakers? Models of passenger cars have standard seats for speakers. The owner can easily replace the existing acoustics with a more powerful or higher-quality model without any modifications. Since the power of the low-frequency head of a coaxial system is limited, car owners use the subwoofer as a separate bass channel.

Results

Coaxial acoustics : ease of installation, relatively low price, but the sound quality is lower compared to component acoustics. It is better to use it for sound in the rear area of the car, if needed. Common installation locations are rear doors or rear parcel shelf.

Component : costs more, requires an installation approach. But the sound quality is much higher. Has ample customization options. Installed from the front of the listener.