Improving the sound in the car is the first step that an owner takes when he wants to get more emotion out of driving. Often enthusiasts face a dilemma: whether to immediately buy a powerful amplifier or you can do with a regular head unit. In most cases, for a qualitative result at the start, it is enough to competently choose acoustics, capable of opening from the built-in 40-50 watt amplifier of the tape recorder.
The key parameter here is not only the diameter, but also the technical ability of the speaker to produce a loud and clear sound at low input voltage. If you’re wondering what 16 cm speakers to put in a machine for good sound without an amplifier, then you need to understand the physics of converting an electrical signal into an acoustic wave. The wrong choice will lead to the fact that even expensive speakers will play quietly and flat.
In this article, we will discuss the technical nuances that distinguish acoustics for playing "directly" from systems that require external amplification. You'll find out why. sensitivity It is more important than the maximum power, and which models have proven themselves as leaders in this segment. Competent approach will save the budget for the installation, while getting a sound that exceeds expectations.
Why is speaker sensitivity important when connected without an amplifier?
The main enemy of sound from a regular tape recorder is a low level of the output signal. Built-in head-amplifiers typically produce around 18-22 volts of RMS at peak, which is significantly less than that of external units. That is why the sensitivity parameter (SPL) is of paramount importance when choosing 16 cm (6.5 inches) speakers.
Sensitivity It is measured in decibels (dB) and shows what sound pressure level the speaker will create when a 1 watt signal is applied to it at a distance of 1 meter. To play without an amplifier, you need speakers with a score of at least 90-92 dB. Models with sensitivity 86-88 dB, popular in competitive autosound, in conjunction with the standard tape recorder simply “do not scream”.
High sensitivity is achieved due to the suspension design and magnetic system. A light diffuser and a powerful neodymium or ferrite magnet allow the speaker to instantly respond to a signal of even low power. This provides not only volume, but also detail at medium volume levels when the amplifier is not yet included in the clipping.
⚠️ Note: Do not chase high rated power (RMS) when choosing acoustics for a regular system. A 100W speaker with a sensitivity of 87 dB will play quieter and duller than a 50W model with a sensitivity of 93 dB if the source is a conventional tape recorder.
The resistance of the coil should also be considered. The standard 4 ohms are optimal for most head devices. Reducing drag to 2 ohms can theoretically increase recoil, but the regular electronics of the car can not withstand such a load and go into defense or burn.
Design features: diffuser material and suspension type
The diffuser material directly affects the nature of the sound and the ability of the speaker to work without an amplifier. For systems without external reinforcement, composite materials, polypropylene or paper with special impregnation are considered the ideal compromise. They have a small own weight, which facilitates the work of the low-current amplifier of the tape recorder.
Heavy metal or ceramic diffusers require a lot of energy to rock and control the course. In conjunction with the regular GU, they often give the effect of "clamped" sound. Polypropylene It is also characterized by high damping and neutrality, allowing you to get a smooth frequency characteristic without the need for complex adjustment of crossovers.
The type of suspension also plays a role. The rubber suspension provides a great run and a deep bass, but requires energy. For games without an amplifier, a fabric suspension or a special rubber composition with high elasticity is often preferred, which quickly returns the diffuser to its original position.
When installing rubber-suspension speakers in door cards, make sure that when lowering the glass, it does not touch the edge of the diffuser. A 16cm speaker often requires a parser ring.
Pay attention to the crossover that comes with the package. In budget and medium-sized models for playing without an amplifier, crossovers can be simple (first order) or completely absent (in coaxials). In component acoustics, the presence of a high-quality capacitor in the crossover helps to cut off low frequencies from the squeaker, preventing distortion.
Component or coaxial acoustics: what to choose for a regular
Before buying, the question arises: which format should you prefer? Coaxial acoustics (where the high-frequency is built into the middle of the low-frequency) is easier to install and cheaper. However, the frequency separation in them is often rough, and the location of the squeaker in the center of the RF speaker does not always give the right scene.
Component acoustics (separate) allows you to place high-frequency speakers (tweets) separately, for example, in the racks of the windshield or in the corners of the torpedo. This creates the effect of presence and the right scene when the sound comes from the front rather than from the legs. For good sound without an amplifier, the component system almost always wins in sound quality.
If you choose component acoustics, make sure the tweeters have a level adjustment (-3 dB, 0 dB). General-purpose tape recorders often have an excess of high frequencies, and being able to reduce them will help make sound softer and more pleasing without an equalizer.
Installing component acoustics requires more time and possibly more work to lay wires for tweeters. But the result in the form of detailing vocals and instruments is worth it. Coaxials are a solution for those who want to simply replace the wheezing standard speakers without unnecessary interference with the design of the car.
TOP manufacturers and models of acoustics 16 cm for playing without amplifier
The autosound market offers a variety of solutions, but not all of them work equally well from the built-in amplifier. We selected several proven lines that have proven themselves as “easily rockable” and have high sensitivity.
The table below presents popular models with a diameter of 16 cm (16.5 cm), which are often recommended for upgrading the standard system. Pay attention to the range of prices and the declared characteristics.
| Model | Type | Sensitivity (dB) | Power RMS (W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morel Maximo 6 | Component | 92 | 60 |
| Pioneer TS-G1733i | Coaxial | 93 | 40 |
| Hertz Dieci DSK 165.3 | Component | 93.5 | 60 |
| Ural AK-74C | Component | 92 | 80 |
| Helix X 165 | Component | 91 | 60 |
Models from Morel and Hertz They are famous for their musicality and soft high frequencies, which is ideal for vocals. Pioneer The G series often offers better sensitivity in the budget segment. A critical factor in choosing a particular model is not the brand, but the series: one manufacturer may have lines for both amplifiers and regular GIs.
When buying, pay attention to the depth of the landing. Speakers with a large magnetic system may not stand in a regular place without spacers, especially in the doors of the front racks. The depth of the 16-cm speakers varies from 55 to 80 mm, which can be a decisive factor.
Installation nuances: spacers, noise insulation and wires
Even the best speakers will sound bad if they are installed incorrectly. The regular seats in the doors of cars are often just a hole in the metal, closed with a plastic card. Without preparation, the speaker will operate in an “acoustic short circuit.”
The first thing to do is to make or buy a pair of rings. They allow you to firmly fix the 16-cm speaker and, most importantly, to take its diffuser away from the door card. The plastic of the door doesn’t have to resonate with the music.
☑️ Checklist before installation of acoustics
The second important aspect is vibrating doors. By pasting the vibration insulation material on the inside of the outer metal door, you will turn it into a closed volume. This will immediately add bass and remove the rattling of metal at medium frequencies. Without this stage, the replacement of the speakers will only have 30% of the possible effect.
⚠️ Attention: When installing the pads, make sure that the screw caps or the edges of the speakers do not interfere with the lowering of the glass. Always test with a window lift until the final assembly of the door card.
Also, do not forget about the wires. Staff wiring is often thin and twisted. Replacing it with a copper wire with a cross section of at least 1.5-2.0 mm2 (OFC) will improve signal transmission and reduce losses, which is critical in the absence of an amplifier.
Adjusting the sound after the acoustics are replaced
Once you have installed new speakers, the sound may seem unusual. Staff tape recorders often have aggressive equalizer settings sharpened under cheap speakers. Now they need to be re-examined.
First, reset the equalizer settings to “0” or “Flat”. Then start the setup again. Usually, component acoustics require a little lowering the high frequencies (Treble) and adding medium (Mid) to make the vocal sound natural.
Function Bass Boost or Super Bass On regular tape recorders, it often creates the illusion of bass, but in fact it just introduces strong distortions. When playing without an amplifier, it is better to keep this function off or at a minimum, relying on the quality of the LF response of new speakers.
The secret of setting up the scene
If the tape recorder has a balance and a fader, try a little (on 1-2 divisions) to add volume to the front speakers relative to the rear. This will help to raise the scene to the level of the driver’s ears.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the settings. Each bundle of “magnetician – speaker – interior of the car” is unique. What sounds perfect in one car may require a correction in another. The main thing is to avoid the extreme values that cause wheezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect 4-ohm speakers to the tape recorder, if the regular was 2-ohm?
Yes, you can. Speakers with 4 ohms resistance will work safer for the tape recorder, but the maximum volume may drop slightly. But the sound will be cleaner, since the load on the built-in amplifier will be less.
Do I need to change the wires when installing 16 cm acoustics?
It is desirable, but not always necessary. If the wire is not rubbed, it will be enough for the start. However, to fully unlock the potential of new speakers, it is better to lay a separate copper wire with a cross section of 1.5 mm2.
Why are new speakers wheezing at maximum volume?
Most likely, the built-in amplifier of the tape recorder can not cope with the load and is included in clipping (signal restriction). This is a signal that you have reached the power limit of the head unit. To further increase the volume without distortion, an external amplifier will be required.
Will speakers 16 cm in regular seats 13 cm?
No reason. The diameter of 16 cm (160-165 mm) is larger than 13 cm. It will require the manufacture or purchase of parser rings and possibly the refinement of the door card or the metal of the door.
Choosing the right acoustics is a balance between technical specifications and budget. Focusing on sensitivity and quality materials, you can get great sound even without buying an expensive amp.