What to Look For in Car Speakers

Whether they’re commuting to and from work or making a living full time on the road, many people’s biggest concern with their vehicle has to do with the sound system. Listening to music while driving is one of the most prolific shared driving habits that there is, and this reflects on people’s increasing awareness of and sensitivity to the quality of the sound. Many people simply won’t put up with inferior sound, and after you’ve heard a tripped out, highly-tweaked system there’s just no going back. Because of this there are many people seeking to upgrade the factory sound systems their cars come equipped with, and it is important to know exactly what to look for in new car speakers.

Match to Your Existing System

If it’s just the speakers you’re upgrading, then it’s very important to match them with your existing hardware to ensure they’ll perform well in your car. There are two main considerations when doing so:

Sensitivity: This is simply a gauge of the amount of sound a speaker can produce from the power that is given to it. Most factory audio systems are relatively low-powered, and in this case a high sensitivity speaker will work best. If the system is high-power, possessing for example an external amp of brand-name receiver then you’ll want to go for speakers with low sensitivity.

Power-handling: Measured in watts, this spec tells you how much power your speakers can cope with. Make sure to pay the most attention to the maximum RMS rating, which describes how much power the speakers can consistently handle, not just in short bursts. Factory systems are usually low power, and thus the speakers you use with them don’t require as much power handle. If you’re planning on hooking up an external amp for lots of extra power, than go for speakers with higher ratings.

Types of Car Speakers

Most car speakers fall into one of two categories: component speakers and full-range speakers. For the least amount of effort you’ll want to go for full-range. These are typically plug and play (you can unplug the old, plug in the new and you’re ready to go.) They come in a variety of sizes, such as 6.5 inch, to suit almost every power and price range. Component speakers are of a much higher quality, designed to produce the best sound possible. If you’re really looking to trip out your sound system then you’ll want to go with components.

This quick guide is intended to provide a little background information for consumers seeking to purchase new car speakers. If you’re still uncertain about any of these points or selecting your own speakers, it’s encouraged to consult with a local car audio specialist in your area.