How to Determine Speaker Size

Studying the issue of car acoustics, it turns out that the power must be such that the speaker system can convert it into sound waves without distortion. Moreover, there is also such a thing as rated power balance. In practice, it may turn out that by installing a modern CD receiver, you can get lower-quality sound. This is exactly the case in which a power imbalance occurred.

Small speakers reproduce low frequencies worse, especially if it is supplied more than usual; even a high-quality speaker system can wheeze at increased power. For this reason, to achieve optimal balance, a signal without low frequencies should be output at the front, and speakers with a large diffuser area should be installed at the rear. Moreover, preference is given to speakers with a round shape - they produce sound waves with less distortion than with oval geometry. To do this, it is better to purchase speakers with a diameter of 20 centimeters.

Which acoustics is better to choose?

This issue comes first when creating high-quality audio systems for cars. In practice, it is safe to say that coaxial front speaker systems are not suitable for these purposes. The only exception may be two-way loudspeakers in a combined version with a system of midrange/high frequency emitters. Acoustics with a two-way component front system, like any compromise option, also have certain disadvantages. Here it will be quite difficult to get the sound stage of the correct sound, and good balance will be even more unavailable.

Multi-band dispersed front audio systems are best suited for such purposes. This refers to three lanes, since four-lane systems are not expected to become widespread in the near future. It should also be added that obtaining high-quality sound is not an easy task, since each vehicle requires individuality. This means a complex of works, which includes noise and vibration insulation of the interior, installation of higher quality wiring and preparation of the places themselves for installing speakers. There are many nuances in these issues, which only experts in this field know.

Many car owners would like to have high-quality acoustics in their car so they can listen to their favorite music with pleasure. However, the standard sound system installed by the car manufacturer cannot always be called good.

Automakers rarely pay due attention to the quality of acoustics and the correctness of their location. As a result, the sound cannot be called ideal.

Therefore, many car enthusiasts decide to change the standard acoustics. However, her choice is a difficult matter. There are many different factors that need to be taken into account in order to purchase a truly high-quality system.

Car audio: how to correctly determine the speaker size

Are you thinking about changing the speakers in your car, but don't know if the new speakers are the right size? In fact, everything is not as complicated as it seems at first glance. In the vast majority of cases, speakers, even standard ones, have standard sizes, Pioneer Russia writes on Facebook.

Experts note that the most popular “calibers” are 10 cm (4 inches), 13 cm (5.25 inches), 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) and oval speakers measuring 6x9 inches. There are, of course, less common ones like 6-inch or 4x7 inches, but they are much less common.

To determine the caliber of speakers in your car, simply remove the panel to get to them. It must be remembered that the size is determined not by the diameter of the diffuser, but by the outer diameter of the speaker itself. There is no need to measure everything with millimeter accuracy, because the caliber of the speakers is a nominal value, the physical dimensions may differ slightly. Having determined this size, you can safely choose new speaker systems.

The size of the speakers is usually reflected in the model name. In Pioneer speaker systems, for example, TS-G1021F are 10 cm speakers, and TS-G1320F are 13 cm. As for the size of 16.5 cm (6.5 inches), sometimes the names may include the numbers 65, 165 or 17. This means that with a standard mounting size, the speaker has a larger diffuser, which means, other things being equal, it has higher sensitivity and works more confidently at lower frequencies. Like, for example, Pioneer TS-A1733I.

“And the last moment. When choosing new speaker systems to replace, pay attention to the holes for mounting the speakers. Many Pioneer models have a universal set of holes that allows you to easily install speakers in most standard places. But don't be upset if it suddenly turns out that the stock speakers have their own complex shape. For such cases, you can find adapter rings for sale for specific car models that will solve this problem,” experts note.

High-quality sound in a car depends on many factors, from the choice of radio to the size and location of the speakers. This material will help you find out which is better to install car speakers - 10, 13 or 16 cm. Only if all basic requirements are met, the driver will be able to achieve the highest quality sound.

Types of speaker systems

Before choosing 10, 13 or 16 cm speakers for your car, let's figure out what types of speaker systems exist and how they differ from each other.

Today there are three main types of acoustic systems:

broadband;
coaxial;
component.

This order was not chosen by chance - it is in accordance with it that acoustics increase in reproduction quality, installation complexity and, of course, cost. In the wideband version, one speaker reproduces the entire frequency range. In fact, this is only enough for listening to news on a radio station or turning on a low background while driving. Currently, most automobile manufacturers equip their vehicles with this type of acoustics during production.

ArtSound speakers for the car

If you value truly good sound, then to obtain it, such acoustics can be replaced with coaxial ones, which literally means coaxial. In this case, several columns of 13, 10, 16 cm or other sizes installed on the same axis can be used. The frequency range reproduced by the audio system is divided into low, medium and high. To ensure better sound quality, different devices are used for individual ranges.

In total, up to five such speakers (13, 10 or 20 cm) can be installed (but not less than two), but in most cases, a three-way system is used in domestic cars. That is, if the speaker size is 13 centimeters and it is the largest among the others, then it will be a low-frequency device. And in front of its diffuser, mid- and high-frequency speakers should be mounted. It is thanks to separation that the range of reproduced frequencies generally increases, and the sound quality improves.

It should be noted that the sound quality in general is facilitated by the correct separation of channels, as well as the absence of distortion. As for channel separation, a special crossover element is responsible for this, which is a filter that can contain from 1 to 4 stages. In simpler speaker systems, crossovers are installed in the car speakers themselves. If the system itself is of a higher quality, it will use an external crossover, which looks like a block, and in some cases it can be used to adjust the signals.

Column mounted on a stand and tweeter

As for the component options, in them the sound range is similarly divided by frequency, only in this case the speakers are scattered throughout the space, they are all installed separately. Of course, this significantly increases the complexity, as well as the cost of installation, but nevertheless, in the end, almost ideal and surround sound can be achieved. Component systems are widely used among connoisseurs of high-quality sound.

To ensure the loudest and, importantly, high-quality playback of low ranges, none of these types of systems are suitable. To ensure high-quality low-frequency sound, only subwoofers can be used. This type of device belongs to rear speakers; subwoofers are usually installed in the trunk.

Magnet Diameter Power

220 mm 400-700 W
184 mm 250-400 W
156 mm 150-250 W
134 mm 100-200 W

Another important parameter is the winding height of the voice coil. On woofers it is at least 16 mm. This increases the area of thermal radiation, and the speaker is able to withstand higher long-term power. In addition, the permissible displacement of the cone increases. Among the negative aspects: the moving system weighs more, the quality of extracting frequencies in the middle and upper parts of the spectrum decreases, and the overall sensitivity also deteriorates. The height of the coils for full-range speakers is in the range of 12-16 mm. If the value of the permissible displacement (Xmax) is not specified by the manufacturer, then it can be determined by the thickness of the magnetic system flange adjacent to the frame. The Xmax value is comparable to the flange dimensions

You also need to pay attention to the winding material. The quality of mid-frequency extraction depends on it

For example, aluminum wire enhances the response, and a copper coil improves the sound of low frequencies. Until now, speaking about magnets, we meant products made of ferrite. But now there is an alternative - neodymium magnets. They are distinguished by smaller dimensions and weight, while having the same induction as larger ferrite analogues.

This sounds great, but neodymium magnets have three disadvantages:

high price;
inability to remagnetize the product;
instability to overheating and risk of demagnetization.

To solve the problem of overheating, it is necessary to install radiators on the magnetic circuits, which perform the function of heat removal. One last piece of advice: don't try to save money on a speaker system if you really want high-quality professional sound. A good product, even if made in Russia, cannot be cheap by definition, and buying an inexpensive fake will only bring an extra headache.

slippery topic..already discussed more than once..the widest possible field for the manufacturer to introduce DISTORTION into the true size of the driver aperture((

Tor, how much has already been discussed, damn it, that the NOMINAL diameter of the speaker HAS NO RELATION TO the diameter of the diaphragm

Quote

Gee, the Sensis are stated to be 17 cm, but in reality - pindyunki are 11 centimeters

8..Kolya, this is equivalent to..ahem-m..the amount of gas..at the inlet and outlet of the pipe. “There we took NE”, “Damn the Muscovites!! They won’t send money to Europe!! And we, and us...”

Source

What types of speakers are there?

It must be said right away that it doesn’t matter what shape the car speakers are installed in the car - round or oval - the quality is determined only by their dimensions. Device sizes are a standard that determines their dimensions. Basically, on modern cars the sizes of loudspeakers that can be installed are standard - 10 cm, 13 cm or 16 cm. The rear shelves of cars are usually equipped with connectors for installing oval speakers measuring 15x23 cm.

Four columns with different diameters

If the speaker diagonal is higher, it will be able to reproduce low frequencies better. In general, the size of the system largely depends on the size of the woofer, since it, as stated earlier, is the largest in the entire system.

If the front speakers are 10 cm in size, then they will be able to reproduce sounds with a frequency of 120 hertz;
with speaker dimensions of 13 cm, there will be good quality sound reproduction from 100 Hz;
with dimensions of 16 cm, the device will be able to reproduce sounds from 80 Hz.

What size is optimal?

If your car has front-facing speakers, then it is optimal to use a 16-centimeter speaker. This diameter will allow you to achieve good sound with low bass. As a rule, speakers with this diameter can be installed in a car without problems, but in some cases the installation space may be smaller. In practice, this problem can be solved on your own or by turning to specialists at the installation center for help. It is only necessary to slightly increase the size of the standard space for mounting the loudspeaker (the author of the video is URAL Sound Russia - Official Channel).

It is worth considering one main feature that many of our compatriots neglect, in particular, we are talking about the differences between models of the same line. We are talking about speaker models characterized by advanced technical features. It should be noted that the cost of different models may not vary much.

If your vehicle is equipped with three-component acoustics, then the best option would be to use 20 cm speakers. They are especially suitable for reproducing mid-frequency ranges due to their size. However, it is the dimensions that are the main problem that may cause difficulties in installing loudspeakers, especially in the front of the car. Not so often, but still such speakers are used for two-component acoustic systems; in this case, it must be taken into account that the quality of mid-frequency playback leaves much to be desired. As practice shows, 20-centimeter speakers are most optimally suited for systems that do not have a subwoofer.

If we talk about the size of the speakers 13 cm, then they are perfect for installation in a car with a front-facing system. The best way to use 13 cm speakers is as rear devices. If there is not enough space in the vehicle interior, then 13 cm speakers can be used to equip the front system, but this may lead to too limited bass (video author - LOUD SOUND).

In coaxial acoustics, speakers with dimensions of 15x23 cm can be installed on the rear shelf; these dimensions allow you to provide the deepest low frequencies. But it should be noted that devices of this type have certain disadvantages, in particular, the quality of the coaxial design itself will be low, especially since the driver will not have the opportunity to change the subwoofer. And although such a speaker can produce deep bass, it will not be full and clear, let alone balanced tonal sound. If you like a good visual effect, then, in principle, you can find oval-sized speakers on sale that will provide it. However, in this case, the problem of choice is acute, since there are not many options.

If you don’t want to use standard acoustics because of their low quality, but at the same time you don’t have the opportunity to remodel the place to install good speakers, there is a way out. For example, you can install oval speakers whose size is 13x18 cm. As for 10-cm speakers, we do not recommend that our users fall for advertising.

Manufacturers often advertise this product as a quality product that allows you to achieve better sound, but in fact this is far from the case. Devices of this type, no matter how they are advertised, are characterized by poor playback quality in general and, even more so, poor bass. So if you purchase such speakers, the acoustics in your car must be equipped with additional low-frequency support. For example, you can use so-called midbass devices, which are best mounted in the front part of the cabin.

Of course, in terms of cost, small-sized speakers will always cost less, unlike others. However, if you want to achieve good sound, then when purchasing, you should only look at the quality of the speakers, and not at their cost. Often, car owners, trying to save money, end up with low-quality acoustics that cannot reproduce high-quality sound at high volumes.

Measuring Thiel-Small parameters at home

Attention! The article is not relevant! The entire measurement procedure is described here.

Most parameters for the manufacture of acoustic design can be measured or calculated at home using not particularly sophisticated measuring instruments and a computer or calculator that can extract roots and raise to a power. The author of this “work” does not claim any special knowledge in the field of theory, and everything presented here is a compilation from various sources - both foreign and Russian.

The most basic parameters by which you can calculate and manufacture an acoustic design (in other words, a box) are:

Speaker Resonance Frequency Fs (Hertz)
Equivalent volume Vas (liters or cubic feet)
Full quality Qts
DC resistance Re (Ohm)

For a more serious approach, you will also need to know:

Mechanical quality factor Qms
Electrical quality factor Qes
Diffuser area Sd (m2) or diameter Dia (cm)
Sensitivity SPL (dB)
Inductance Le (Henry)
Impedance Z (Ohm)
Peak power Pe (Watt)
Mass of the moving system Mms (g)
Relative hardness Cms (meters/newton)
Mechanical resistance Rms (kg/sec)
Motor power BL

Measurement of Re, Fs, Fc, Qes, Qms, Qts, Qtc, Vas, Cms, Sd.

To measure these parameters, you will need the following equipment: 1. Voltmeter 2. Audio frequency signal generator 3. Frequency meter 4. Powerful (at least 5 watts) resistor with a resistance of 1000 ohms 5. Accurate (+ - 1%) resistor with a resistance of 10 ohms 6. Wires, clamps and other rubbish to connect it all into a single circuit.

Of course, this list is subject to change. For example, most generators have their own frequency scale and a frequency meter is not necessary in this case. Instead of a generator, you can also use a computer sound card and corresponding software capable of generating sinusoidal signals from 0 to 200 Hz of the required power.

Scheme for measurements

Calibration: First you need to calibrate the voltmeter. To do this, instead of a speaker, a 10 Ohm resistance is connected and by selecting the voltage supplied by the generator, it is necessary to achieve a voltage of 0.01 volts. If the resistor is of a different value, then the voltage should correspond to 1/1000 of the resistance value in ohms. For example, for a 4 ohm calibration resistance, the voltage should be 0.004 volts. Remember! After calibration, the generator output voltage cannot be adjusted until all measurements are completed.

Finding Re Now, by connecting a speaker instead of a calibration resistance and setting the frequency on the generator to close to 0 hertz, we can determine its direct current resistance Re. It will be the voltmeter reading multiplied by 1000. However, Re can be measured directly with an ohmmeter.

Finding Fs and Rmax The speaker during this and all subsequent measurements must be in free space. The resonant frequency of a speaker is found at the peak of its impedance (Z-characteristic). To find it, smoothly change the frequency of the generator and look at the voltmeter readings. The frequency at which the voltage on the voltmeter will be maximum (a further change in frequency will lead to a voltage drop) will be the main resonance frequency for this speaker. For speakers with a diameter greater than 16cm, this frequency should be below 100Hz. Don't forget to record not only the frequency, but also the voltmeter readings. Multiplied by 1000, they will give the speaker resistance at the resonant frequency Rmax, necessary for calculating other parameters.

Finding Qms, Qes and Qts These parameters are found using the following formulas:

As you can see, this is a sequential finding of additional parameters Ro, Rx and measurement of previously unknown frequencies F1 and F2. These are the frequencies at which the speaker impedance is equal to Rx. Since Rx is always less than Rmax, there will be two frequencies - one is slightly less than Fs, and the other is slightly more. You can check the accuracy of your measurements with the following formula:

If the calculated result differs from the previously found one by more than 1 hertz, then you need to repeat everything all over again and more carefully. So, we have found and calculated several basic parameters and can draw some conclusions based on them: 1. If the resonant frequency of the speaker is above 50Hz, then it has the right to claim to work, at best, as a midbass. You can immediately forget about the subwoofer on such a speaker. 2. If the resonant frequency of the speaker is above 100Hz, then it is not a woofer at all. You can use it to reproduce mid frequencies in three-way systems. 3. If the Fs/Qts ratio of a speaker is less than 50, then this speaker is designed to work exclusively in closed boxes. If more than 100 - exclusively for working with a bass reflex or in bandpasses. If the value is between 50 and 100, then you need to carefully look at other parameters - what type of acoustic design the speaker gravitates towards. It is best to use special computer programs for this that can graphically simulate the acoustic output of such a speaker in different acoustic designs. True, you cannot do without other, no less important parameters - Vas , Sd, Cms and L.

Finding Sd This is the so-called effective radiating surface of the diffuser. For the lowest frequencies (in the zone of piston action) it coincides with the design one and is equal to:

The radius R in this case will be half the distance from the middle of the width of the rubber suspension on one side to the middle of the rubber suspension on the opposite side. This is due to the fact that half the width of the rubber suspension is also a radiating surface. Please note that the unit of measurement for this area is square meters. Accordingly, the radius must be substituted into it in meters.

Finding the inductance of the speaker coil L To do this, you need the results of one of the readings from the very first test. You will need an impedance (impedance) of the voice coil at a frequency of about 1000 Hz. Since the reactive component (XL) is separated from the active Re by an angle of 900, we can use the Pythagorean theorem:

Since Z (coil impedance at a certain frequency) and Re (coil DC resistance) are known, the formula converts to:

Having found the reactance XL at frequency F, you can calculate the inductance itself using the formula:

Vas Measurements There are several ways to measure equivalent volume, but at home two are easier to use: the "added mass" method and the "added volume" method. The first of them requires several weights of known weight from materials. You can use a set of weights from pharmacy scales or use old copper coins of 1,2,3 and 5 kopecks, since the weight of such a coin in grams corresponds to the face value. The second method requires a sealed box of a predetermined volume with a corresponding hole for the speaker.

Finding Vas using the additional mass method First, you need to evenly load the diffuser with weights and measure its resonant frequency again, writing it down as F's. It should be lower than Fs. It is better if the new resonant frequency is 30% -50% less. The weights are approximately 10 grams per inch of diffuser diameter. Those. for a 12″ head you need a load weighing about 120 grams. Then you need to calculate Cms based on the results obtained using the formula:

where M is the mass of added weights in kilograms. Based on the results obtained, Vas (m3) is calculated using the formula:

Finding Vas using the additional volume method It is necessary to seal the speaker in the measuring box. It is best to do this with the magnet facing out, since the speaker does not care which side it has volume on, and it will be easier for you to connect the wires. And there are fewer extra holes. The volume of the box is designated as Vb . Then you need to measure Fc (the resonant frequency of the speaker in a closed box) and, accordingly, calculate Qmc, Qec and Qtc . The measurement technique is completely similar to that described above. Then the equivalent volume is found using the formula:

You can use a simpler formula with almost the same results:

The data obtained as a result of all these measurements is sufficient for further calculation of the acoustic design of a low-frequency link of a sufficiently high class. But how it is calculated is a completely different story.

Please note that the above method is only effective for measuring the parameters of speakers with resonant frequencies below 100Hz; at higher frequencies the error increases.

Video “How to install acoustics in a car with your own hands?”

What a car owner needs to know about how to install an acoustic system in his vehicle - watch the video (the author of the video is an EXPERT Speaks).

High-quality sound in a car depends on many factors, from the choice of radio to the size and location of the speakers. This material will help you find out which is better to install car speakers - 10, 13 or 16 cm. Only if all basic requirements are met, the driver will be able to achieve the highest quality sound.

Some useful tips

Finally, we will give a few more useful recommendations that will help you make the right choice of car speakers so that you can enjoy high-quality sound:

The suspension of the speakers should not be made of fabric, but rubber.

Silk tweeters should be used, since silk provides an even, soft and detailed sound.

The speakers need to be fixed as rigidly as possible (preferably to wood or metal).

It is imperative to soundproof your car if high-quality sound is important to you. Otherwise, the music will be drowned out by the noise of the engine and wheels.

If you don’t understand it yourself, entrust the process of selecting and installing acoustics to specialists. To get really good sound, you need to have certain knowledge and skills in various industries. In addition, setting up acoustics is a complex process.

Types of speaker systems

Before choosing 10, 13 or 16 cm speakers for your car, let's figure out what types of speaker systems exist and how they differ from each other.

Today there are three main types of acoustic systems:

broadband;
coaxial;
component.

ArtSound speakers for the car

Column mounted on a stand and tweeter

Component car audio

Alpine X-S65C – for high quality audio

A powerful speaker with a rating of 120 W operates in a very wide frequency range of 55-40000 Hz. The system “sings” expressively, producing detailed sound at the level of expensive home acoustics.

Accordingly, it is designed for listening to the highest quality Hi-Res audio, which is greatly facilitated by speakers made of modern and technologically advanced materials such as carbon fiber and nanofiber.

Pros:

Powerful yet very clear sound.
The cone cone on the midbass is made of rigid and lightweight nanofiber, which ensures stability of the frequency response and reduces distortion to a minimum.
Neodymium magnets were used in the manufacture of the speakers - as a result, the manufacturer managed to reduce the seating depth, but maintain the required power.
Cast aluminum baskets of midrange drivers are rigid, strong and durable.
On a complete crossover, you can not only change the level of the highs, but also instantly switch the polarity of the tweeters when setting up an already installed system.

Minuses:

Tweeters are intended only for outdoor installation, and to obtain a “diffused” sound they require precise selection of direction.
There is a noticeable lack of bass - you will have to buy a subwoofer separately.
The price is about 30 thousand rubles, although you can pay that for such quality.

Airtone S6.5 Comp – a good two-component budget

This inexpensive but very worthy set of acoustics pleasantly surprises with the manufacturer’s serious approach to workmanship. Here, the speakers use silk and impregnated cellulose compacts, which provide beautiful sound in any composition.

The kit itself includes a 6.5-inch midbass with a frequency response from 65 to 5000 Hz, as well as a crossover and a tweeter with a diameter of 25 mm - all in pairs.

Pros:

The system is moderately bassy - if you don’t listen to rock or jazz, you can even do without buying a subwoofer.
The speakers work cleanly, without extraneous noise, even at maximum volume.
Polyurethane foam suspensions on diffusers are clearly a low-budget solution, thanks to which the bass sounds more velvety and the speakers do not dull in winter.
The passcrosses provide the ability to switch the HF level control: boost or cut by 3 dB, or leave it in the neutral position.
High-frequency tweeters can be embedded into the surface or left outside - housings for external installation are included.
Neat assembly and at the same time a very affordable price - only 2800 rubles for the entire set.

Minuses:

Low power of 50 W and not the most impressive sensitivity (91 dB) - lovers of loud music will miss all this.
The supply wires on the midwoofers are a bit short and are stretched during installation. The problem is partially solved by bending the terminal plate.

What types of speakers are there?

Four columns with different diameters

If the front speakers are 10 cm in size, then they will be able to reproduce sounds with a frequency of 120 hertz;
with speaker dimensions of 13 cm, there will be good quality sound reproduction from 100 Hz;
with dimensions of 16 cm, the device will be able to reproduce sounds from 80 Hz.