How to choose the speakers in the car: by size, power, sensitivity

Most cars have a basic configuration with a minimum set of options, which are not included in the list of speakers. The ability to install it yourself often helps to save a decent amount of money. To do this, you should first understand in more detail which columns to choose for the car.

Criteria for choosing speakers in the car

Choosing the right system is a complex process that requires certain knowledge. Even the most expensive system does not guarantee the expected high quality sound with improper selection. This requires knowledge of the characteristics, functions and rules for choosing acoustics.

The size

The size of the columns is determined by the diagonal length of the diffuser. The larger it is, the better the low-frequency sound is reproduced. On the contrary, high frequencies reproduce better small speakers. A simple component AS includes 2 speakers with a diagonal of 17-18 cm (low frequencies), 2 - with a diagonal of 10-12 cm (medium), 2 - with a diagonal of 3-5 cm (high).

Attention! Speakers are selected based on the size of standard technological holes for installing speakers depending on the model of the car.

Power

There is a rule for choosing the speaker power: it must not exceed the outgoing power of the car radio. Failure to do so will cause the speakers to work “idle” when it is impossible to improve the sound.

Distinguish between the working (nominal) and peak power of the speakers. The first means a parameter in which the speakers operate for a long period of time without interference and the probability of failure. The second is the maximum possible sound level over a short period of time. The higher the values ​​of both parameters, the louder and more powerful the sound is produced by the system. These parameters are indicated among the descriptive characteristics of the speaker.

Diffuser material

The material used for the diffuser also affects the sound quality. The main criterion for his choice is the ability to distribute sound at maximum speed. In this case, the mass of material should tend to a minimum, and rigidity - to a maximum.
Diffusers according to the material of manufacture are:

1. Polypropylene (plastic) - provide a good sound, especially in the midrange, at a budget cost.
2. Paper - they produce high sound quality, but in conditions of high humidity they absorb water, which leads to a change in mass and a decrease in the damping coefficient. Paper models reinforce with felt, wool, less often rubber, as well as moisture-resistant impregnation.

Membranes of tweeters are made of silk, titanium or aluminum. These materials provide high strength with light weight. For the manufacture of medium and low-frequency columns, paper with additives, ceramics, and wood are used.

Reference! The cost of a polypropylene diffuser is several times lower than the cost of a paper one.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity or sound pressure is considered a priority when choosing speakers. It determines the efficiency of converting electrical energy into sound. The higher the sensitivity coefficient, the higher the volume of the sound output. The optimal value is the sound pressure level - 92-94 dB. From speakers with less power, but with greater sensitivity, you can get a louder sound.

Speaker Levels

Acoustic systems offered by the market are divided into three groups:

1. A broadband speaker is the most accessible and sought-after type that provides listening to the radio in the mode of a quiet audio phone. It is a single column that produces the entire spectrum of frequencies.
2. Coaxial - includes several speakers located in a single enclosure. Each of them is responsible for its frequency level (low, medium, high). The playback quality is significantly improved. It is well claimed by car owners due to decent sound at an affordable price.
3. Component - unlike the previous one, it consists of speakers with different frequency levels having an individual housing. A simple option includes 2 woofer and midrange speakers and 2 tweeter speakers. More expensive systems have a subwoofer or crossover.

Attention! Component systems have maximum flexibility in tuning the sound and ample layout options.

Selection depending on mounting location

In most models of modern cars, special openings for installing speakers are in the doors. Most often, their size is 16, 5 cm or 13 cm. Installation in regular places preserves the factory design of the car and does not require additional training. If the speaker is not suitable for installation in the technological hole in size, it is installed in the door on the podium or in specially prepared and selected places.

For frontal acoustics, two or three ternary systems are chosen that require the preparation of special places, since regular ones are not provided for them. If strict requirements are not imposed on sound quality, coaxial front speakers are installed. This is also true if the placement of the component system is difficult. Front speakers are installed in the front doors. Speakers with a high frequency (tweeters) are usually mounted on the front pillars of the body.

Important! For high-quality sound in the car, it is enough to install front-mounted speakers and two tweeters on the front pillars of the body.

The rear speakers provide a comfortable sound for passengers sitting behind. Almost always, coaxial systems are used for it, although they install component ones at will. Speakers can be placed in the rear doors, and a subwoofer in the trunk to provide free space between them.