How to Choose Speakers
Add speakers made with higher-quality materials and more features to upgrade your sound quality
Speaker upgrades are available for almost every type of vehicle and listening preference. Great speakers turn high-quality audio signals into great sound, and are easy to fit in your vehicle’s factory speaker location.
Speaker upgrades are available for almost every type of vehicle and listening preference. Great speakers turn high-quality audio signals into great sound, and are easy to fit in your vehicle’s factory speaker location.
Why Upgrade?
Low, mid, and high audio frequencies are often out of balance in factory audio systems. If your bass and treble settings are turned up, it is an indication that the low-end and high-end frequencies are not being produced properly or in balance with other frequencies. This results in a poor sounding audio.
Adding a subwoofer is one recommended upgrade that addresses this problem. See the How to Choose Subwoofers Buyer’s Guide to help navigate subwoofer options. This guide focuses on upgrading other speakers covering the lower to mid-range audio frequencies from 100Hz to 20KHz.
Adding a subwoofer is one recommended upgrade that addresses this problem. See the How to Choose Subwoofers Buyer’s Guide to help navigate subwoofer options. This guide focuses on upgrading other speakers covering the lower to mid-range audio frequencies from 100Hz to 20KHz.
Think About Great Sound First
Great speakers deliver exactly what is in the music, as the artist intended for listeners to hear it, nothing more and nothing less. The more intricate or subtle the music is, the more important it is to have high quality speakers to reproduce it.
• Frequency Range in Music - Music is made up of multiple frequencies spread across the 20Hz-20KHz range. A single speaker cannot cover that entire range, which is why typical factory audio systems, with no subwoofer and single cone midrange speakers, do not produce good sound.
• Speakers Cover Different Ranges - Different types of speakers are required to produce the full range of frequencies covered in most music. Utilizing a combination of speaker types (for example: a subwoofer, midrange speakers, and tweeters) not only covers the full frequency range, but also allows each speaker to achieve better individual performance since it is only tasked with producing the frequencies it was designed to play.
• More Is Not Always Better - Do not mistake more speakers as the way to achieve full frequency range capability. The total number of speakers in a system is not what creates better sound; it is the balance of frequencies that create full, rich sound.
• Split Three Ways - The complete 20Hz-20KHz frequency range can be divided into three segments and is effectively covered with a set of speakers specific to each of the three segments. This is called the 3-way speaker system and is composed of a subwoofer, mid-range (or woofer), and tweeters. All audio systems, from home speakers to premium car audio systems, use the 3-way speaker concept.
• Frequency Range in Music - Music is made up of multiple frequencies spread across the 20Hz-20KHz range. A single speaker cannot cover that entire range, which is why typical factory audio systems, with no subwoofer and single cone midrange speakers, do not produce good sound.
• Speakers Cover Different Ranges - Different types of speakers are required to produce the full range of frequencies covered in most music. Utilizing a combination of speaker types (for example: a subwoofer, midrange speakers, and tweeters) not only covers the full frequency range, but also allows each speaker to achieve better individual performance since it is only tasked with producing the frequencies it was designed to play.
• More Is Not Always Better - Do not mistake more speakers as the way to achieve full frequency range capability. The total number of speakers in a system is not what creates better sound; it is the balance of frequencies that create full, rich sound.
• Split Three Ways - The complete 20Hz-20KHz frequency range can be divided into three segments and is effectively covered with a set of speakers specific to each of the three segments. This is called the 3-way speaker system and is composed of a subwoofer, mid-range (or woofer), and tweeters. All audio systems, from home speakers to premium car audio systems, use the 3-way speaker concept.
Categories of Car Speakers
Car audio speakers are all ‘drivers’ or ‘transducers’ that convert electrical signals to air movement. To make speakers and their intended use easier to understand they generally fall into one of these categories:
• Subwoofer - Subwoofers are responsible for the lowest frequencies from 20Hz to 100Hz. These speakers are often referred to simply as a ‘sub,’ emphasizing the fact that they are used to play low frequencies.
• Midrange - Midrange speakers pick up where the subwoofer leaves off. They handle frequencies between 100Hz and 3KHz. There are many choices and considerations when replacing midrange speakers, such as the diameter of the factory speaker location and mounting depth. Midrange speakers made of high quality materials, such as polypropylene, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, provide better sound performance and are more durable than factory speakers.
• Tweeter - Tweeters are responsible for the highest frequencies from 3KHz to 20KHz and are often described as adding ‘sizzle’ or ‘color’ to a sound system. Instead of a cone shape, tweeters have a domed diaphragm. A range of materials can be used for the dome, and the material used influences the nature of the tweeter’s frequency response, even though they are playing the same frequencies. For example, titanium and aluminum provide a more ‘aggressive’ sound, while polypropylene and Mylar are ‘neutral,’ and silk or other fabric materials produce a ‘softer’ sounding tweeter.
• Combined Midrange and Tweeters
o 2-Way Coaxial Speakers - Coaxial means ‘same axis.’ Coaxial combines a midrange driver with a tweeter in one single speaker, both on the center axis. Often called ‘2-way coaxial’ speakers, these are great speaker upgrades because the tweeter element adds high frequencies not heard using factory speakers. Many models allow the tweeter to tilt as much as 30 degrees to aim the sound toward the location of the driver and passengers. This elevates the sound off the floor, as many midrange speakers are installed low on the doors or kick panels.
o 3-Way Coaxial Speakers - Similar to 2-way coaxial speakers, 3-way versions have a midrange driver with two high frequency tweeters mounted coaxially. This generally includes a tweeter and a ‘super tweeter’ for the highest frequencies. Due to the size, 3-way models are typically limited to the larger speaker sizes such as 6.5” or 6”x9.”
o Component Speakers - Like coaxial speakers, component speakers include a midrange driver and tweeter. However, unlike coaxial speakers, the midrange driver and tweeter of a component speaker are mounted separately. Component speakers also include a filter network (called a passive crossover) that separates the low and high frequencies sent to each speaker. The filter point in most component speaker systems is around 3KHz. Frequencies below 3KHz are routed to the midrange driver and above 3KHz are routed to the tweeter. The passive crossover network adds clarity to the sound by reducing distortion in each speaker.
• Subwoofer - Subwoofers are responsible for the lowest frequencies from 20Hz to 100Hz. These speakers are often referred to simply as a ‘sub,’ emphasizing the fact that they are used to play low frequencies.
• Midrange - Midrange speakers pick up where the subwoofer leaves off. They handle frequencies between 100Hz and 3KHz. There are many choices and considerations when replacing midrange speakers, such as the diameter of the factory speaker location and mounting depth. Midrange speakers made of high quality materials, such as polypropylene, carbon fiber, and Kevlar, provide better sound performance and are more durable than factory speakers.
• Tweeter - Tweeters are responsible for the highest frequencies from 3KHz to 20KHz and are often described as adding ‘sizzle’ or ‘color’ to a sound system. Instead of a cone shape, tweeters have a domed diaphragm. A range of materials can be used for the dome, and the material used influences the nature of the tweeter’s frequency response, even though they are playing the same frequencies. For example, titanium and aluminum provide a more ‘aggressive’ sound, while polypropylene and Mylar are ‘neutral,’ and silk or other fabric materials produce a ‘softer’ sounding tweeter.
• Combined Midrange and Tweeters
o 2-Way Coaxial Speakers - Coaxial means ‘same axis.’ Coaxial combines a midrange driver with a tweeter in one single speaker, both on the center axis. Often called ‘2-way coaxial’ speakers, these are great speaker upgrades because the tweeter element adds high frequencies not heard using factory speakers. Many models allow the tweeter to tilt as much as 30 degrees to aim the sound toward the location of the driver and passengers. This elevates the sound off the floor, as many midrange speakers are installed low on the doors or kick panels.
o 3-Way Coaxial Speakers - Similar to 2-way coaxial speakers, 3-way versions have a midrange driver with two high frequency tweeters mounted coaxially. This generally includes a tweeter and a ‘super tweeter’ for the highest frequencies. Due to the size, 3-way models are typically limited to the larger speaker sizes such as 6.5” or 6”x9.”
o Component Speakers - Like coaxial speakers, component speakers include a midrange driver and tweeter. However, unlike coaxial speakers, the midrange driver and tweeter of a component speaker are mounted separately. Component speakers also include a filter network (called a passive crossover) that separates the low and high frequencies sent to each speaker. The filter point in most component speaker systems is around 3KHz. Frequencies below 3KHz are routed to the midrange driver and above 3KHz are routed to the tweeter. The passive crossover network adds clarity to the sound by reducing distortion in each speaker.
Upgrading Speakers
When installing new speakers in the factory location, consider these points:
• 2-Way Coaxial Speaker Upgrades - 2-way coaxial speakers are generally considered the first upgrade from factory installed speakers. Common sizes for round speakers are 3.5” (87mm) to 6.5” (165mm). Common oval-shaped speaker sizes include 5”x7” or 6”x8.” If a factory speaker location uses an oval shaped 6”x8” speaker, there is an upgraded coaxial speaker available that will install without modification. If an oval factory speaker is upgraded using a round speaker, a speaker mounting plate adapter will be needed to adapt the oval mount to a round opening. Coaxial speakers with tilting or adjustable tweeter elements, used to ‘lift’ the sound of the floor, allow high frequencies to be aimed to the listener’s ears for better dispersion.
• 3-Way Coaxial Speaker Upgrades - 3-way coaxial speakers are a great choice for a rear deck 6”x9” speaker or as a main front speaker in vehicles with sufficient mounting space, such as trucks and SUVs.
• Component Separate Speaker Upgrades - Component speaker midrange drivers are available in 4”, 5.25”, 6.5”, 5”x7”, and 6”x8” sizes. Tweeters are usually between 3/4” and 2” in diameter. When installing, adding sound deadening material to the mounting around (or cavity) and surface will support midrange frequency balance and suppress vibration of vehicle sheet metal. Component speakers provide the best sound quality upgrade because of the flexibility to install the tweeter at a higher location than the mid-range woofer, eliminating any obstruction between the tweeter’s high frequencies and listeners’ ears.
o Passive Crossover - The passive crossover is an important part of a component speaker set. It routes the audio signals to the proper speaker and filters out frequencies each speaker is not designed to play. Passive crossovers are connected to the audio system between the amplifier outputs and the speaker(s). Separate wires connect the midrange and tweeter to the passive crossover to filter the frequencies sent to each, reducing distortion and producing better, more reliable sound. This also allows each speaker’s to handle more power (up to their maximum power handling).
• Mounting Depth - This is the depth of the cavity into which the speaker is installed. Ensure the speaker’s required mounting depth does not exceed the available depth. For speakers mounted in the vehicle’s doors, measure the mounting depth when the windows are down to avoid obstructing the window glass when rolling them down.
• Wiring - Most upgrades can use existing factory speaker wires. To install the speaker, cut the factory speaker connector and crimp a new push-on terminal to the factory speaker wires.
o Leave one to two inches of wire on the factory connector, in case the factory speakers ever need to be reinstalled.
o Be sure to connect wires to the correct polarity, positive (+) and negative (-).
o If running new wires, be sure to use a grommet or protected factory wire path anywhere the wire passes through metal, such as the door. This protects the speaker wires from getting damaged, which might cause them to short out.
• 2-Way Coaxial Speaker Upgrades - 2-way coaxial speakers are generally considered the first upgrade from factory installed speakers. Common sizes for round speakers are 3.5” (87mm) to 6.5” (165mm). Common oval-shaped speaker sizes include 5”x7” or 6”x8.” If a factory speaker location uses an oval shaped 6”x8” speaker, there is an upgraded coaxial speaker available that will install without modification. If an oval factory speaker is upgraded using a round speaker, a speaker mounting plate adapter will be needed to adapt the oval mount to a round opening. Coaxial speakers with tilting or adjustable tweeter elements, used to ‘lift’ the sound of the floor, allow high frequencies to be aimed to the listener’s ears for better dispersion.
• 3-Way Coaxial Speaker Upgrades - 3-way coaxial speakers are a great choice for a rear deck 6”x9” speaker or as a main front speaker in vehicles with sufficient mounting space, such as trucks and SUVs.
• Component Separate Speaker Upgrades - Component speaker midrange drivers are available in 4”, 5.25”, 6.5”, 5”x7”, and 6”x8” sizes. Tweeters are usually between 3/4” and 2” in diameter. When installing, adding sound deadening material to the mounting around (or cavity) and surface will support midrange frequency balance and suppress vibration of vehicle sheet metal. Component speakers provide the best sound quality upgrade because of the flexibility to install the tweeter at a higher location than the mid-range woofer, eliminating any obstruction between the tweeter’s high frequencies and listeners’ ears.
o Passive Crossover - The passive crossover is an important part of a component speaker set. It routes the audio signals to the proper speaker and filters out frequencies each speaker is not designed to play. Passive crossovers are connected to the audio system between the amplifier outputs and the speaker(s). Separate wires connect the midrange and tweeter to the passive crossover to filter the frequencies sent to each, reducing distortion and producing better, more reliable sound. This also allows each speaker’s to handle more power (up to their maximum power handling).
• Mounting Depth - This is the depth of the cavity into which the speaker is installed. Ensure the speaker’s required mounting depth does not exceed the available depth. For speakers mounted in the vehicle’s doors, measure the mounting depth when the windows are down to avoid obstructing the window glass when rolling them down.
• Wiring - Most upgrades can use existing factory speaker wires. To install the speaker, cut the factory speaker connector and crimp a new push-on terminal to the factory speaker wires.
o Leave one to two inches of wire on the factory connector, in case the factory speakers ever need to be reinstalled.
o Be sure to connect wires to the correct polarity, positive (+) and negative (-).
o If running new wires, be sure to use a grommet or protected factory wire path anywhere the wire passes through metal, such as the door. This protects the speaker wires from getting damaged, which might cause them to short out.
When to Consider Professional Installation
Vehicles are complex machines. Before attempting any DIY installation, assess your comfort level with the installation of electronics and mechanics of your vehicle.
Consider a professional installer if:
1. You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2. You do not have a suitable work area available.
3. You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4. You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
Consider a professional installer if:
1. You are not comfortable disassembling vehicle interior panels.
2. You do not have a suitable work area available.
3. You do not have the recommended tools for the job.
4. You do not have the necessary installation accessories specific to your vehicle year/make/model.
Many independent retail installation shops welcome jobs with products purchased on Amazon.com. Professional installers can also provide many of the installation accessories you need for jobs that are covered in this guide. Always look for a Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) installation technician to handle your most challenging installation needs.
Want to purchase installation now? Find an InstallerNet card on Amazon.com that corresponds to your job type.
THANKS: amazon.com