How to Choose Speakers for Your Car Stereo
The original speakers in most cars aren't very good. If you've already replaced the original radio in your car and you want to improve the sound even more, replace the factory speakers.
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Instructions
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When You Get to the Store
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Select several speakers that fit your car and budget.
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Ask the salesperson to plug the speakers you've chosen into a radio that's similar to the one in your car.
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Play your own music when testing the speakers.
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Choose the speakers that sound best to you.
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Choose coaxial speakers for the front doors. (A coaxial speaker is actually an assembly of two speakers. One plays the mid-range/mid-bass frequencies, and one plays the highs.)
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Check the speaker package before you leave the store. Make sure you're getting everything you bought: speakers, screws, grille, speaker wire, owner's manual, installation instructions and warranty.
Before You Go Shopping
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Remove the existing speakers.
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Measure the speaker openings. Front speakers usually measure 4 inches, 5 inches or 6 inches. Speakers in the rear deck are usually 6 by 9 inches, 6 1/2 inches or 5 1/4 inches.
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Choose a favorite CD or tape to bring with you.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose 4-ohm speakers.
If you intend to connect the speakers directly to your radio, make sure the salesperson doesn't run the speakers through an amplifier in the demonstration. (This will change the sound.)
Avoid speakers with heavy magnets. You might think that heavier magnets mean better speakers, but speakers with heavy magnets cannot be powered by the average car stereo.
If you can't measure the speaker openings, bring the original speakers with you when you shop.
Use a door panel popper to remove the panel and get to the speakers.
Make sure to label and secure the original speaker wires.
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Comments
View all 7 Comments-
Nov 22, 2005
Use construction adhesive after box is finished. Layer the corners with construction adhesive - this works the best. -
Nov 22, 2005
When looking for speakers that provide the Mid to High range of freq., look at 4x6 plates instead of 4x6 coaxials and also look at Component sets. These offer better crossover networks and will provide a cleaner sound w/ less distortion. may cost more.
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Nov 22, 2005
I consider it an insult to a good and well-mastered CD if you pick speakers that can not reproduce a clean, well-defined tone. Make sure the speakers you choose have a specific range, and remember to complete your speaker set with hi-mid-low and mid-low speakers. When a CD is mastered, people look for a well-rounded sound, so make sure your system is well-rounded.
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Nov 22, 2005
I've recently upgraded my stereo system. With this upgrade came a lot of Dynamat. This stuff has stopped a lot of door rattles and given me more decibels when it comes to bass. It can cost a bit of money, but the stuff is well worth it. It can make a decent set of speakers sound great.
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Nov 22, 2005
I've recently upgraded my stereo system. With this upgrade came a lot of Dynamat. This stuff has stopped a lot of door rattles and given me more decibels when it comes to bass. It can cost a bit of money, but the stuff is well worth it. It can make a decent set of speakers sound great.
