Car speakers are a means of mobile entertainment that people have been enjoying since they were first introduced in the 1930s. Vehicles originally just had one speaker mounted into the dashboard, but in the 1970s the technology evolved to include amplifiers and multiple speakers within the car. Their popularity has soared ever since then and many people seek to upgrade the stock speakers that come in their cars or replace old, worn out ones.
Without a good audio system, driving long distances can be mundane. Today, speakers have more than one function though. They are not used for just music anymore. Now, people can talk on their phones through their speakers or listen to audio books or lectures. Shopping for speakers ccan feel overwhelming because there are so many things to consider, and their cost can range from being relatively inexpensive to costing nearly as much as the vehicle they are installed in. Before shopping, drivers should consider the following 6 things that will help them choose the speakers that are best suited to their needs and budget.
Speaker System Glossary
Before getting started, there are a few terms pertaining to speaker system components that shoppers should understand.
Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Tweeter
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The tweeters are the small speakers that produce the higher-end sound frequencies.
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Subwoofer
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Subwoofers produce the very low sounds, usually under 180 hertz.
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Woofer
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The woofer is responsible for all of the low to midrange frequencies.
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These are the three main components seen in speaker systems so it is necessary to understand their functions when shopping.
With an understanding of the some speaker terminology, buyers can consider the following 6 things before buying car speakers and speaker systems:
1. The Types of Speakers
There are two main categories of speakers to select from. Getting the one that best fits the driver’s needs could save them money and provide them with the quality sound they are looking for. The chart below discusses the two types of speaker systems .
Type of Speaker System | Description |
|---|---|
Component
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Component speaker systems are designed to deliver the best possible quality of sound. Their components, such as the tweeters and woofers, are separated so that they can be moved around within the vehicle. These are higher priced and are more suited for those looking for an advanced system.
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Full-Range
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Full-range speaker systems are an all-in-one system. They are the simplest to install, usually the lowest price, and they can produce any range of sounds. These are best suited for those who are simply looking to replace their factory speakers. A nice set will produce quality music, though they are not as customizable as component speaker systems.
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Each type of speaker system can still have a different range of sounds and features. Selecting the type is just the beginning.
2. Sound Quality
The entire point of speaker systems is to produce sounds. When shopping, there are a few things that buyers can look for to determine the quality of sound the speakers will produce. The first thing to check on is the frequency range. Stereo systems have certain frequency ranges. The wider the range is, the more sounds the speakers are capable of reproducing. Usually the peak frequency that speakers will have is 20,000 hertz, and the lowest is 10 hertz. It is not necessary for vehicle owners to have the entire range in order to get good sound quality. The extremely high frequencies are usually not even audible; however, many enthusiasts like to have the full range.
The next item to consider is the sensitivity rating. The sensitivity does not necessarily affect the sound directly, however, it controls how much sounds the speakers can create using the power supplied to them. If a vehicle has a low-powered stereo, then the best choice is to get a system with a high sensitivity rating. If the stereo is high-powered, then the speaker system can have a lower sensitivity rating.
3. Car Speaker Materials
The materials that the speaker components are made from have a large impact on the sound quality as well as the lifespan of the system parts.
Speaker Component | Materials |
|---|---|
Tweeter
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The tweeter is usually made with soft materials such as textile blends, silk, or polyurethane. The soft materials help produce a warm sound. However, harder materials such as metal, ceramics, or graphite will make the sound pop with higher tones.
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Surround Materials
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The surround is the casing around the woofer. It has to withstand heat and humidity. The best performing material is rubber. However, foam and cloth surrounds are less expensive and still work well.
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Woofer
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In order to produce the bass sounds, the woofer needs to be constructed with a lightweight, stiff material. Polypropylene is a popular material because it produces accurate bass sounds. Other materials may be used as well such as woven fabrics.
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Make sure that the manufacturer lists the materials used in the speakers and systems. Failure to list the materials often means that low quality ones were used.
4. Extra Car Speaker Features
Car speakers can come with some additional features that vehicle owners may be interested in investing in to enhance their audio experience.
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Detachable tweeters are universal in that they can be installed in full-range or component systems. They can come in handy when it comes time to switch vehicles because new tweeters will not have to be purchased.
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External crossovers are seen in some full-range systems. The feature separates the frequencies that are sent to the woofer and the tweeter so that they don’t try to produce the frequencies that they can’t. The result is cleaner, better sounding audio.
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If the speakers have to be installed in an awkward place like low in the door, pivoting tweeters can be moved around to send the sound in the listeners’ direction.
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Each of these features will add to the cost of the car speakers so shoppers should only choose them if they feel that the price is worth the benefit.
5. Cost of Speaker Systems
The price range of car speakers varies greatly. Simple replacement speakers can be very affordable, while the high-tech, high-performance systems can cost as much as a used vehicle or more. Drivers should determine their budget before beginning to shop, and then find speakers with the best capabilities within that range. It is easy to constantly increase the budget to include more capabilities or features in the car speakers.
6. Car Values
Speakers should be chosen based on how they will make driving more enjoyable because, unfortunately, speaker systems will not raise the value of the car by much. The only instance in which the value may go up slightly is in an older vehicle. However, the speakers are more likely to make the car more desirable, but not more valuable. In today’s vehicles, manufacturers have realized the popularity of good speaker systems and they have been producing vehicles that come stock with better sound systems. This makes the value of changing out the speakers drop even more.
Conclusion
A good speaker system in a car can make driving much more enjoyable for everyone in the vehicle. The ideal speakers will be reasonably priced while still enhancing the car’s sound system. In order to select the right speakers, shoppers need to be aware of their options. This guide has helped people in the purchasing process by discussing 6 things to consider before shopping. Understanding the types of speakers, their sound quality, the materials to choose from, extra features that are available, their costs, and their value, will aid shoppers in making a more informed decision with their purchase.
source: ebay
“My number one goal, whether you spend $1 or $10,000 is to ensure you have the best solution for your budget, with the best service and a great experience.”
-Leo Monney
http://www.monney.com
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