FAQ - Speakers

Will new speakers make a dramatic difference to the fidelity of my car stereo?
Yes. Most factory speakers are very basic speakers, typically a dual cone paper speaker. Car manufacturers are very cost conscious. If they can save money on speakers they will. Most factory original speakers do not have a separate midrange and tweeter like your home stereo speakers. It can be a shame to purchase a new CD radio for your car with more power and features only to be disappointed by how it sounds. This is most likely not because of the radio but instead the speakers lesser quality. Weather also plays a big part in a speaker's quality as rain, heat, cold and vibrations all can damage a factory speaker's paper cone and surround. Aftermarket speakers are typically made of more weather resistant materials and include a separate tweeter and midrange for better sound and longevity.


How do I know what speakers fit my car?
The most important question you can ask. If you attempt to put the wrong size speaker in the car, it will not fit or sound as good as one the right size. Unlike many websites offering car stereo products, we have a vehicle fit guide that can provide you this information. Using our mouse, click on your make, model, and year. The front and rear speaker sizes will be listed. Look through our speaker selection for speakers matching those sizes. Our advanced search will only show speakers fitting your car.


How important is it for me to match the power handling of the speakers to my radio and/or amplifier?
It matters somewhat but what is more important is that you do not under power them. Playing a radio or amplifier beyond its audible range will damage a speaker more due to the distortion created. This clipping by the radio or amplifier causes the speaker to heat up and attempt to play non-musical energy. Tweeters especially do not hold up when distortion or clipping is played through them. On the flip side though, if you are using an amplifier with significant power, you should ensure that your speakers are rated for that much power.


How do I choose speakers from all the different brands and materials that are available?
There are several criteria to start with:

Sensitivity - the efficiency of a speaker at a set amount of power. Frequency response- the ability of that speaker to play the full spectrum of music.
Type of speaker- a coaxial speaker, which is a separate midrange and tweeter in one speaker, will sound better than a dual voice coil speaker.
Brand-your home stereo speaker brand may also manufacture car speakers.
Budget-the amount of money you have to spend will help narrow down your choices after reviewing the others.


What about component speakers? Do they sound better?
Component speakers, also call separates, are a separate midrange and tweeter. The midrange can be mounted in the factory opening and the tweeter up higher on the door or dashboard. Component speakers are typically better sounding because the audio signal is split up so that the midrange frequencies are routed to the midrange speaker and the high frequencies are sent to the tweeter via a crossover. This allows each speaker to play the frequencies they were designed for. The other important reason that separates sound better is because you can move the high frequencies up closer to your ears. High frequencies are very directional. If the factory location of the speakers is low in the door or dashboard, the high frequencies are lost into the side of your leg or under the dash. The challenge with separates is mounting the tweeter so it is secure and cosmetically pleasing. A certified installer can handle this type of installation. A separates installation may modify the door panel or dashboard as part of the mounting so they will need to remain in the car when it is sold or the lease ends.


Is it difficult to install speakers in my car?
Speakers may be one of the simpler installations that takes place but can have its complexities. Angled screwdrivers, panel poppers and other automotive tools are required to remove dash or door panels. Another tricky part of a speaker installation is ensuring that the new speakers are installed in phase. Out of phase speakers will have no bass response and poor imaging. Typically, a speaker installation is relatively inexpensive. Allowing a certified installer to put them in can save you time and allow you to enjoy your speakers to the fullest.