Choosing Car Stereo Speakers

Things to Consider: Hints and Tips

• Speaker size: Obviously the first thing that you should consider when buying a new set of car speakers is whether or not they will fit in your car. Oftentimes you can check the appropriate size in your automobile's user manual, but if you can't find the information there, most shops that sell car audio equipment will have a catalog or some other resource to help you on your way. Bear in mind that you not only have to consider the width of the speaker (e.g., 5.25", 6.5", 6x9", etc.), but also its mounting depth.

• Power output: The ratings for speakers are much the same as you'll find for other car audio equipment. The car stereo speakers will have both a peak output and an RMS ("optimal" or "average") output. Although most car stereos (also known as "head units") will say that they provide 50w x 4, that is the maximum output and not the RMS. As such to best enjoy your speaker purchase, you will need to buy an external amplifier. Of course, the speakers will work without an amplifier, but you will never enjoy its full potential.

• Frequency response: If hip hop and rap is your game, then you want to make sure that the speakers you purchase can hit the lowest lows. You won't be able to fully enjoy the latest Lil Jon smash hit if your speakers can't get crunk with the bass. At the same time, many songs have certain higher pitched components that should be addressed as well. Compare the ranges that each speaker offers.

• Sound quality: It doesn't matter if you can get the loudest speakers if the sound that they produce sounds nothing like what it's supposed to sound like. It is difficult to quantitatively measure the sound quality produced by any given set of car speakers, so try to listen to the sets that you are interested in while still in the store. Oftentimes, car audio shops have demo units on the floor for you to test out.

• Installation: Too little attention is often paid to the installation, which is arguably more important than the speakers themselves. Proper tuning, wiring, and sound deadening can vastly improve the performance of any given set of car stereo speakers.

Popular Brands

• Electronics giants: Many of the companies that you know and trust for the rest of your electronic and technological goodies also produce car stereos, especially if they are already in the car audio market with head units, amplifiers, and the like. Among the more popular names in the industry are Alpine, Sony, Pioneer, and Kenwood. The Alpine Type-S and Type-R series are usually a safe bet, whereas the entry-level Pioneer sets can provide good value for those not needing higher-end speakers.

• Car audio companies: The same companies that you'd consider for a car subwoofer also produce decent quality speakers. Some of the bigger names include Rockford Fosgate, Kicker, and MTX.

• High-end specialists: Unless you are a car audio buff, or hang around with a lot of stereo enthusiasts, there is a good chance that you haven't heard of some of these names. That said, they are easily among the best in the business and are typically found in jaw-dropping car shows. Some of the better known niche brands are Focal, Audison, and MB Quart.

• Affordable niche brands: There are many options out there for car stereo speakers, and some of these lesser-known brands can still compete with the best of them, even if they aren't a household name. One of the best in this group is Hertz.