Many car enthusiasts who decide to improve the sound of their stock radio are faced with the mysterious term “coaxial speaker”. In the catalogs of car audio stores, this type of acoustics is found most often, and not by chance: these are the speakers that are installed at the factory during the production of most cars. Understanding what this device is will help you make the right choice when upgrading your audio system without spending extra money on complex components.
Unlike component acoustics, where the high-frequency speaker (tweeter) is placed separately, coaxial acoustics combines several sound emitters at once. Usually this full range speaker and tweeter, mounted on one axis. This design saves space in the door frames or rear seat shelves, which is critical for standard seats in modern cars.
The main feature is that the sound comes from a single point, which simplifies system setup. You don't need to drill additional holes for the tweeters or find a place to install them. This is an ideal option for those who want to receive high quality sound quickly and without deep intervention in the structure of the car interior.
Design and principle of operation of coaxial acoustics
The basis of the design is diffuser low-frequency speaker, in the center of which is mounted on a special stand tweeter. This stand can be of different shapes, but its task is the same - to direct high frequencies towards the listener. The signal is sent through first order crossover, which is often built directly into the speaker housing or located on its terminals.
The operating principle is based on frequency separation. Low and mid frequencies are reproduced by the main speaker, and high frequencies are taken over by the tweeter. Due to the fact that the sound sources are located coaxially (coaxially), phase distortion is minimized. This creates the effect of a single sound picture, when vocals and instruments are not “smeared” throughout the cabin, but come from a clear location.
Why is the tweeter on a stand?
The height of the leg is calculated by engineers so that high frequencies are not blocked by the diffuser and have the correct directional pattern. A leg that is too short will worsen the stereo effect, while a leg that is too long can cause resonances.
It is worth noting that sound quality directly depends on the materials. In expensive models it is used silk dome for tweeter and kevlar diffuser for bass. Budget options are often made of paper or pressed cardboard with a polymer coating, which also gives good results if the radio is properly configured.
Differences from component speakers
The main difference between coaxial and component acoustics - in separate installation of elements. In the component, you get separate speakers for bass frequencies and separate tweeters that need to be installed in different places. This allows you to create a full-fledged scene, but requires more time and editing skills. The coaxial option is an all-in-one solution.
From the point of view of sound physics, a component system benefits from the ability to build complex sound stage. You can raise the tweeters to ear level, which will improve high-frequency detail. However, coaxial speakers benefit from versatility and ease of replacing stock audio. For most listeners, the difference will only be noticeable when diving very deep into the audio settings.
Coaxial acoustics are the best choice for quickly replacing standard sound without altering the interior, while a component system requires a professional approach and tuning.
Another important aspect is cost. A good coaxial pair is often cheaper than a set of component speakers from a similar brand. This makes them popular for installation in rear doors, where the audio detail requirements are typically lower than in the front.
Advantages and disadvantages of installation in a car
When choosing between different types of acoustics, it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Coaxial speakers have their strengths that make them top sellers, but they also have disadvantages.
Among the advantages are:
- 🔊 Easy to install: installation takes minimal time and does not require special tools.
- 💰 Affordable price: the cost of the kit is often comparable to the price of one good component speaker.
- 🚗 Standard sizes: most models fit perfectly into the factory holes without modifications.
- 🎚️Easy to set up: Without the need to phase match between spaced speakers, it simplifies the process.
However, there are also nuances that are worth knowing about. The main disadvantage is limited power and less detail at high volumes compared to top-end components. In addition, radiation pattern treble may not be ideal if the speaker is mounted too low, such as at the bottom of a door.
⚠️ Attention: When installing coaxial speakers in the rear shelf, make sure the tweeters are facing up. If they look at the ceiling or are covered with decorative mesh, you will lose a significant part of the “tops”.
Technical specifications: what to look for when choosing
When buying new acoustics, you should not focus only on the brand. Technical parameters will tell you much more about the potential of the speaker. First of all, pay attention to rated power (RMS). It is this indicator that indicates how many watts the speaker can withstand for a long time without distortion.
The second important parameter is sensitivity (SPL). It is measured in decibels (dB) and indicates how loud the speaker will play when a standard signal is applied to it. The higher this indicator, the easier it is for the radio to “boost” the acoustics.
| Parameter | Value for budget models | Value for Hi-Fi class |
|---|---|---|
| Power (RMS) | 20-40 W | 50-80 W |
| Sensitivity | 88-90 dB | 92-95 dB |
| Frequency range | 60 Hz - 20 kHz | 45 Hz - 25 kHz |
| Resistance | 4 ohm | 4 Ohm (rarely 2 Ohm) |
Also important frequency range. If the lower limit starts above 60-70 Hz, then for full bass you will need a subwoofer. Speakers with a wider range are able to reproduce a richer low register on their own.
Installation and connection features
Installing coaxial speakers is usually not difficult. In most cases, the process comes down to removing the door card, unscrewing the old speaker and installing a new one in its place. However, for a high-quality result, you should follow several rules.
First of all, check the bore diameter. If the new speaker is larger than stock, you will need podiums or spacer rings. They can be made from plywood or you can buy ready-made plastic adapters for a specific car model.
☑️ Checklist before installation
When connecting, be sure to observe polarity. If you confuse the plus and minus on one of the speakers, there will be phase shift, and the sound will become flat and the bass will disappear. Use a high-quality speaker cable with a cross-section of at least 1.5-2.0 mm² to transmit the signal without loss.
⚠️ Attention: Never connect the speakers directly to the wires coming from the radio using twists. Use soldering or special connectors to avoid oxidation and loss of contact due to vibrations.
Do you need an amplifier for coaxial speakers?
A common question among beginners is: is it worth buying a coaxial amplifier? The answer depends on your expectations and the power of the stock head unit. Modern radios often produce about 15-20 watts of honest power per channel, which is quite enough for background music or quiet listening.
If you like to listen to music loudly and require clear sound at high frequencies, an external amplifier necessary. It will provide dynamic headroom, eliminate wheezing and allow you to unlock the potential of acoustics. This is especially true for speakers with low sensitivity.
An amplifier will also help if you plan to connect a subwoofer. In this case, a filtered signal (only mid and high frequencies) can be supplied to the front coaxial speakers, which will relieve the speakers and improve the overall picture.
If you do not plan to install an amplifier, choose speakers with high sensitivity (from 92 dB). They will play louder and clearer directly from the radio.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install coaxial speakers in the front doors instead of standard ones?
Yes, this is the most common scenario. The main thing is to choose the correct fitting size and, if necessary, make spacer rings. The sound will be much better than standard, even without an amplifier.
What is the difference between 2 and 3 way coaxial?
Two-way speakers only have a woofer and a tweeter. In three-way speakers, a mid-range speaker (midrange) is added, which takes over the vocal range. This makes the sound more detailed, but requires a more complex crossover.
Why do coaxial speakers wheeze at high volumes?
There may be several reasons: lack of radio power (clipping), damage to the diffuser, or too low rated power of the speaker itself. Also, wheezing can occur if the speaker rests against the door trim when the diffuser moves.
Do I need to warm up new speakers?
Yes, the diffuser and suspension of the new speaker are rigid. The first 10-15 hours of operation at medium volume are considered “warm-up”, after which the sound becomes softer and the bass deeper.