Refers to the size of the speaker measured in inches. Every vehicle has standard application sizes. Please use our vehicle fitment guide for your vehicle's specific speaker sizes if you do not know them.
The number of individual drivers in a car speaker. Speakers with 2 drivers are known as a 2-way, and 3 drivers are known as a 3-way. Component systems are often referred to as "separates" because the tweeter is not attached to the midwoofer (main speaker driver) and mounts separately in a location such as a door post. Component systems typically come with an external crossover so you can easily adjust the high and low frequencies sent to both the midwoofer and the tweeter. Center channel speakers are great for those looking to have surround sound in their vehicle.
The RMS power is the amount of power the speaker requires to operate safely and properly. RMS Power Handling refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle on a continuous basis. We recommend powering your speakers or subwoofer with 80%-120% of its recommended RMS rating. The RMS power handling specification is typically rated per speaker unless otherwise noted.
Peak power handling refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle during a brief musical burst. The RMS power range figure is a much more reliable rating for determining the speaker's power requirements. The Peak power handling specification is typically rated per speaker unless otherwise noted.
An efficiency or sensitivity rating tells you how effectively a speaker converts power into sound. The higher the number, the more efficient the speaker and the louder it will play with the same input power. An efficient speaker helps you maximize your available power. Most sensitivity ratings measure the speaker's output with 1 watt of input, 1 meter from the speaker. Some speakers' sensitivity is measured with 2.83 volts of input, instead of 1 watt.
Efficiency (1w/1m) is not an accurate indicator of a subwoofer's output capability and should not be used as a comparison to other speakers or subwoofers to determine which one is "louder".
The load value (in ohms) that the speakers present to the amplifier per voice coil - the amount of resistance to the current flow. This is a key specification as subs wired in parallel or low impedances can create problems with your amplifier and potentially void all warranties. We encourage you to ask our support department prior to purchase if you do not understand which impedance level will suit your application best.
This means that the subwoofer/speaker is designed to be installed in areas that do not have a lot of space. Shallow mount subwoofers are typically found under a seat or behind the seat in some trucks.
Shallow mount speakers will typically have a mounting depth of 2" or less, while shallow mount subwoofers will typically have a mounting depth of 3" or less.
Designs such as cone, dome, semi-dome, balanced dome, and whizzer are most popular. Cone tweeters are simple, efficient and typically are the most reasonably priced. Dome tweeters are used in most home speakers, and provide a smoother and more accurate sound. Semi-dome design is one with a dome placed inside a cone. A Balanced dome driver is a semi-dome with equal reproduction area given the cone and dome portions of the driver. A whizzer tweeter is a separate tweeter cone driven by the voice coil of the woofer.
Many brands group their products into series or lines of products to help customers know the level of quality (good, better, best for example). You can filter by series and the brand using our guided browsing.
Coaxial car speakers, also known as full-range speakers, combine multiple speaker elements in one unit. These elements typically include a woofer for low frequencies and a tweeter for high frequencies. Some coaxial speakers may also have a mid-range driver for enhanced sound quality. The key advantage of coaxial speakers is their simplicity and ease of installation, as all components are housed in a single unit, making them a popular choice for stock speaker replacements.
In contrast, component speakers consist of separate speaker elements—woofers, tweeters, and sometimes mid-range drivers—allowing for greater customization and sound quality. Component systems offer better sound separation and imaging, making them a preferred choice for audiophiles and those seeking high-quality audio in their vehicles.
Speaker sensitivity, measured in decibels (dB), indicates how efficiently a speaker converts power into sound. Higher sensitivity speakers produce more sound with less power, making them suitable for low-powered factory stereos or aftermarket head units. Lower sensitivity speakers may require more power to achieve the same volume level.
When choosing car speakers, it's essential to consider sensitivity to match your stereo's power output. If you have a low-powered system, opt for high-sensitivity speakers to maximize sound output without distortion. Conversely, higher-powered aftermarket amplifiers can work well with lower sensitivity speakers. Balancing speaker sensitivity with your system's power output is crucial to achieving optimal audio quality and avoiding distortion.
Speaker impedance, measured in ohms (Ω), represents the electrical resistance a speaker presents to an amplifier. Car speakers typically come in 4-ohm and 8-ohm versions, with 4-ohm being the most common. The speaker's impedance affects the amount of power it draws from the amplifier.
In car audio systems, it's essential to match the speaker's impedance with the amplifier's minimum recommended load. Amplifiers are designed to work most efficiently within specific impedance ranges, and a mismatch can result in reduced power output and potential damage to the amplifier or speakers. Most car audio amplifiers are optimized for 4-ohm speakers, so choosing 4-ohm speakers is generally a safe choice. However, if you're connecting multiple speakers, it's crucial to calculate the total impedance to avoid overloading the amplifier.
Upgrading factory car speakers with aftermarket speakers offers several advantages:
Improved Sound Quality: Aftermarket speakers often feature better materials, construction, and design, resulting in clearer, more detailed sound.
Enhanced Bass: Upgraded speakers typically provide deeper and more pronounced bass response.
Greater Power Handling: Aftermarket speakers can handle more power, reducing the risk of distortion at higher volumes.
Customization: Aftermarket speakers offer a wide range of sizes, styles, and features, allowing you to tailor your sound system to your preferences.
Durability: Many aftermarket speakers are built to withstand the harsh conditions of automotive use, increasing their longevity.
Overall, upgrading car speakers can transform your in-car audio experience, delivering higher fidelity and more enjoyable sound.
2-way and 3-way car speakers differ in the number of driver elements they incorporate. A 2-way speaker consists of a woofer for low frequencies and a tweeter for high frequencies, while a 3-way speaker adds a mid-range driver for improved sound separation.
The choice between 2-way and 3-way speakers depends on your audio priorities and budget. 2-way speakers are cost-effective and suitable for most users, providing good sound quality and clarity. They are ideal for replacing factory speakers or upgrading basic audio systems.
3-way speakers offer enhanced sound separation and improved mid-range performance. If you seek more detailed and balanced audio with better instrument and vocal reproduction, 3-way speakers are a worthy upgrade. However, they tend to be pricier than 2-way speakers.
Ultimately, your choice should align with your audio preferences and budget, as both 2-way and 3-way speakers can significantly enhance your car's audio system compared to factory-installed speakers.
Browse our selection of 12-inch, 10-inch and other popular car subs in here. You'll also find various sub boxes and loaded enclosures, including ones made specifically for your car.
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