The factory speakers in most cars are only there to make the car sellable, it will provide some decent sound for a while but is likely to deteriorate relatively quickly. The problem arising from old factory car speakers is a sound that is weak in bass, tone, and volume. At this point, it may be time to consider switching out the old speakers for some higher-quality aftermarket car speakers.
Replacing your set of old speakers with aftermarket speakers can improve the sound quality of a car’s audio system by producing a clearer and more dynamic sound with deeper and tighter bass notes at the full range of frequencies. However, there are several factors to consider when shopping around for car speakers and deciding if they are worth spending money on, which you can read about more below.
What Car Speakers Are Available?
The first step in figuring out what kind of car speakers you would want is to take a look around at the range of car speakers available. You can read detailed specifications and reviews of car speakers online at a great site for audiophiles written by people who love their cars and enjoy turning up the volume for their favorite tracks. The choice of speakers depends on someone’s sound preferences, budget, and the limitations of the car’s audio system.
Car speakers come in two main types, component and full-range, both of which provide good quality sound but are different in how they can be placed, the sound they produce, and how they operate.
Component speakers offer a better quality sound than full-range speakers because of their design which features two separated speaker components, the woofers, and tweeters that can be placed at different places around the car to create a more optimal sound. However, compared to full-range speakers, component speakers have a higher price tag.
Full-range speakers combine the components into one unit, and although they don’t provide as much depth in sound as component speakers, they are much easier to install and are more affordable. What’s interesting is that with the right adaptation you can use some of these speakers in cafes and outdoor setups.
What Other Equipment Is Needed?
Aftermarket car speakers require a strong signal and power from the stereo and amp, which perform best together when well connected, fitted, and of similar quality.
The stock stereos fitted in most cars when new can hold back your sound quality or even ruin a music experience altogether. Old cars are likely to be fitted with analog stereos whereas newer models will come with limited digital stereos installed. Replacing an old car stereo allows for a stronger signal and more power to support higher quality car speakers.
Car drivers looking to add more power in terms of volume and bass to their sound systems also choose to install an amp to provide speakers with enough wattage. When linked to a quality stereo and amp the speakers will give a sound with more range, power, and clarity.
For people who enjoy more bass in their music, there is also the possibility of installing a subwoofer to provide even more depth to bass tones. Although usually, the combination of a high-quality stereo, amp, and speakers will already produce enough stability when hitting deeper notes.
After installing a new speaker system you may also notice some noise pollution or interference from both internal and external sources. However, you can mitigate these through some maintenance and soundproofing work, for example, if a panel or casing in your car’s interior is vibrating during certain frequencies then it will need tightening. Noise pollution can also come from a car’s engine, outside traffic, and the tire’s traction on the road. To reduce unwanted noise, sound deadening floor mats and foam can be added to the doors and other cavities. The cost of fully soundproofing a vehicle ranges from $500 to $800.
What Are The Costs?
The costs of buying and installing a set of car speakers vary depending on if you want full-range or component speakers.
A set of full-range speakers are considerably cheaper than buying component speakers and typically costs around $100. The lower price tags and ease of installation make it a more popular choice for car owners upgrading their speakers.
The cost of purchasing a component set of speakers which would include crossovers, tweeters, and subwoofers would be significantly higher, typically starting from $800.
Installing full-range speakers is possible by yourself which can be made easier if you check the specifications are correct, read the user manual and follow a guide online. For people without the know-how or time to fit car speakers, going to a car audio shop costs a further $100 in labor. However, the labor costs for installing a component speaker system would likely be much higher.
What Are The Sound Improvements?
The sound improvements after changing stock car speakers for higher quality aftermarket models can be instantly noticeable. Nearly every aspect of a car’s sound would be upgraded including higher volumes, clearer tones, and a stronger base.
Of course, sound improvements depend on the type and number of speakers you install, and how the new sound system is tuned to suit your car. One way to get a good idea of whether you like the sound a certain set of speakers creates is to visit a car audio shop to test them out, listen to recordings and videos or read customer reviews.
How Long Will They Last?
When thinking about investing in new car speakers many people will consider the cost, quality, and how long they are likely to last for and perform at their best. Various factors affect the lifetime of aftermarket car speakers including:
The materials it is made of. Speakers made of materials that are damp resistant will last longer.
The brand, some models have higher-end specifications than others so you can expect them to maintain performance for years.
How it was used. Turning up settings for volume, gain, and bass to maximum levels regularly is not good for speakers and will lead to distorted sound and likely damage them over time.
Generally, you can expect aftermarket car speakers to last from between five to ten years depending on the factors above.
Upgrading car speakers to higher-quality aftermarket models can fix most of the sound problems in a car, however, before splashing out the cash there are several factors to consider including the type of speakers you want, the other equipment required, the costs, and how long the speakers will last.
