Having a perfect sound system in a car adds to the joy of driving. However, not all cars come with an impressive audio setup. A speaker upgrade is one of the most favorable ways to enhance the quality of music you hear. If you are considering a 10” car speaker upgrade, then here are the basics you need to understand before making a decision.
Size Matters
A 10″ speaker refers to the diameter. This is larger compared to the size of speakers typically installed in cars, which are usually 6.5″ or 6″ x 9″. A larger speaker cone car speaker upgrade equals more bass response and overall power. However, keep in mind that the fitting might require modifications, so make sure your car’s interior has ample space for a 10″ speaker.
Type of Speaker
In the market, you would come across two major types of speakers – coaxial and component.
Coaxial speakers, also known as full-range speakers, come with the tweeter and woofer combined. These are more common due to their simpler design, easy installation, and relatively lower cost. These types of speakers are ideal for casual music listeners.
Component speakers, on the other hand, consist of separate woofers, tweeters, and external crossovers, each designed to produce a range of frequencies. The separation allows for a fuller, more accurate sound with more depth. Serious music enthusiasts or audiophiles usually opt for these.
Power Handling
The power handling of a speaker constitutes two main specs – RMS and peak power.
RMS, Root Mean Square, refers to the amount of continuous power a speaker can handle without getting damaged. Always aim to match your amplifier’s output with the RMS of your speakers.
Peak power is the maximum power that a speaker can handle in short bursts. While this spec is usually heavily advertised, it doesn’t have any real impact on performance and shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
Sound Quality
The construction of a speaker has a significant impact on the sound quality. The materials used for the woofer, the tweeter and the surround are crucial considerations.
Woofers crafted from lightweight yet stiff material give excellent bass response. Polypropylene is a common material. For a premium option, look for woofers made of metal, ceramics, or other synthesized material.
The Tweeter’s material also impacts the sound. Tweeter materials generally vary from textile blends to high-tech compounds like silk or even diamond.
The surround should be made from a durable and flexible material like rubber for long-lasting superior performance. Cheaper options typically use foam or cloth, which deteriorates faster.
To Conclude
A car speaker upgrade to a 10″ model can drastically enhance your listening experience, whether you are a casual listener or a serious audiophile. Keep these basics in mind to select the right one for you, ensuring it matches your audio quality expectations, fits perfectly inside the car, and is compatible with your car’s power output. Always remember, a larger speaker doesn’t always mean louder or clearer audio. It’s all about matching the right specs with the right kind of music.