3 Things You Should Understand About Car Speakers
Upgrading your car's speakers can provide a significant boost in audio performance, sometimes at a relatively low cost. However, choosing the correct speaker for your application requires wading into a bit of terminology that might be unfamiliar. Car audio is a complex field, but the basics are relatively accessible for newcomers.
Since speakers are typically the star of the show with any audio install, they're an excellent place to start. Below are three things you should know about car speakers before deciding on your new audio upgrades.
1. Audio Speakers Come in Two Shapes
Does size matter when choosing speakers? That's a debate that might require more space than a single article, but you may have noticed that speaker sizing isn't even always consistent. You'll typically see speaker sizes listed in one of two ways: as a single number or as two numbers. For example, 6.5" speakers versus 6x9" speakers.
This distinction exists because you can buy both circular and oval automotive speakers. Single numbers tell you the diameter of a circular speaker, while two numbers will tell you the width and height of an oval speaker. You'll typically use circular speakers to replace door panel speakers, while oval speakers often find a home in your car's rear shelf or separate enclosures.
2. You Aren't Limited to One Size
Your car's manufacturer originally designed the door panels and other speaker locations to utilize a specific speaker size. While you'll have the easiest time installing matching sizes, you can upsize or downsize your speakers. Some manufacturers use non-standard sizes, in which case you may have trouble finding an exact match for your factory equipment.
Installing smaller speakers usually requires adapters, which you'll either need to custom design or buy specifically for your vehicle. On the other hand, you may need to modify your doors to fit larger speakers. If you aren't comfortable with these tasks or aren't sure if new speakers will physically fit in your doors, it's best to leave your installation to a professional.
3. Matching Matters
If you're going for the best possible sound quality with the least amount of distortion, it's critical to match your speakers to the rest of your audio system. Matching speakers typically means aligning your amplifier output to your speaker's power handling rating. Choosing an amplifier that's too powerful (or speakers that expect more than your amp can output) will lead to weaker, poorer quality sound.
In most cases, the best way to match components in your system is to work with an experienced professional to design your car's audio upgrade from the ground up. Audio shops specialize in this work, and they can help you select components that work together to provide the best mix of power, affordability, and sound quality.