Replacing the standard acoustics is perhaps the first and most notable step in improving the sound of the car’s music system. Many car owners are faced with a situation where even at high volume, the sound remains flat, devoid of depth and detail. At this point, the question arises as to what good speakers 16 cm They will be in the regular places without any unnecessary alterations.
Mid-frequency speakers with a diameter of 16 centimeters (or 16.5 cm) are the gold standard for automotive sound. They have an optimal balance between the size of the diffuser and the area occupied, which allows them to effectively reproduce both vocals and instrumental parts. Properly selected acoustics can radically change the perception of music in the cabin, turning the trip into a real pleasure.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the technical characteristics that you need to pay attention to, compare popular models and discuss the nuances of installation. You will learn why power is not the only important parameter, and how to avoid the typical mistakes when upgrading an audio system.
Technical characteristics: what to look at when choosing
The first thing that the buyer pays attention to is the nominal and maximum power. However, for quality sound, acoustic sensitivity, measured in decibels, is more important. The higher this indicator, the louder and cleaner the speaker will play at the same power of the head device. For standard magnetols without an amplifier, the sensitivity of the 90-92 dB.
The second critical parameter is the diffuser material. In the budget and medium segment, polypropylene is often used, which is resistant to moisture and temperature changes. More expensive models can be equipped with diffusers made of Kevlar, carbon or composite materials with the addition of mica, which provides a stiffer structure and, as a result, less distortion at high volumes.
⚠️ Note: Do not chase the incredible power of 200-300 watts, if you have a conventional tape recorder. A speaker simply won’t reach its potential, and in some cases may even sound worse than a less powerful but more sensitive competitor.
It is also worth paying attention to resonance (Fs). For midbass speakers, which are "sixteen-centimeter", the value in the region of 50-70 Hz is considered a good indicator. This will allow you to get a denser and deeper bass without the need to install a subwoofer. If the resonant frequency is above 80-90 Hz, the low frequencies will sound dry and precipitous.
The overall dimensions and landing depth are parameters that cannot be ignored. In some cars, the space behind the door card is limited, and a magnet too deep can rest on the metal of the door or window. Always check the mounting depth before buying to avoid installation problems.
Popular manufacturers and acoustic series
The automotive sound market is packed with brands, and it’s easy for a beginner to get confused about series names. Japanese and American companies have been leaders of the industry for many years. For example, Pioneer It is famous for its TS-G and Champion Series, which offer excellent value for money. Their products often have rubberized suspension, which makes the sound soft and pleasing to the ear.
Brand Alpine Traditionally focused on build quality and accuracy of reproduction. The SPG and SPE series are hits due to their versatility. They play well from both the amplifier and the amplifier built into the magnetol. This brand's acoustics often have silk tweeters that give soft, non-hearing-cutting high frequencies.
You should not ignore European brands, such as Hertz or Morel. Italian Hertz In the Dieci and Cento series, it offers a very energetic sound with emphasized medium frequencies, which is ideal for modern pop music and rock. And Morel It is famous for its warm basses and detailed middle, although their installation often requires a more careful selection of crossovers.
Component systems deserve special attention. Unlike coaxial acoustics, where the tweeter is embedded in the center of the speaker, here the high-frequency is taken out separately. This allows you to create a large and extensive scene. Good 16cm speakers of component type are the best choice for front-facing installation in doors.
Coaxial or Component Acoustics: Which Should You Choose?
The choice between coaxial and component is the choice between simplicity and quality. Coaxial speakers are a single design where all frequencies are reproduced from a single point. This makes it easier to install: you just take out the old "pancakes" and put new ones. However, the sound scene in this case will be located at the bottom, in the area of the driver's legs.
Component acoustics require more complex installation. You’ll have to place tweeters in windshield racks or in torpedo corners, and also find space for crossovers (frequency filters). But it is the component that allows you to build a scene at the level of the ears, creating the effect of the presence of musicians in front of you. For front doors, this is an alternative for high-quality sound.
- 🔊 Coaxial acoustics: It is ideal for the rear (back shelf or back doors), where the creation of a complex scene is not required, but just fill the space with sound.
- 🔊 Component system: It is a must for the front if you want to hear the details of the execution and the correct arrangement of the instruments.
- 🔊 Crossovers: In component systems, they often have 2 or 3 layers of protection, allowing you to customize the frequency slice for the tweeter so that it does not burn.
It is worth noting that good 16cm speakers in coaxial performance may sound better than a cheap component. Therefore, if the budget is limited, it is better to buy a quality coaxial from a top brand than a questionable component from "nouneym".
If you are putting component acoustics, try to position the crossovers as far away as possible from the metal parts of the door body to avoid tips and interference.
Features of installation in regular places
Installation of acoustics with a diameter of 16 cm in regular places is often associated with the need to manufacture parsley rings. The regular openings in the doors of cars can be oval or have a non-standard diameter. The plastic from which the standard speakers are made often does not withstand dismantling, so be prepared for careful work with the tool.
For the manufacture of paddles, it is best to use moisture-resistant plywood 6-8 mm thick or durable plastic. The tree must be treated with varnish or bitumen mastic to protect against moisture that inevitably enters the door pocket. Metal spacers are not recommended for use due to the resonating properties of the metal.
☑️ Pre-installing check
An important step is vibrating doors. The car’s standard door is a thin metal that, when working, the speaker begins to vibrate, creating an extraneous ringing and distorting the bass. Sticking the vibration insulation material on the inside of the outer lining of the door turns it into a closed volume, which significantly improves the sound quality.
⚠️ Warning: When drilling slots, be careful not to damage the window wiring or the central lock that often runs inside the door map.
Also, do not forget about acoustic insulation (noise absorber), which is glued on top of the vibration insulation. This will help remove the echo inside the door map and make the sound cleaner and dryer. Good installation location preparation can improve the sound of speakers by 30-40%.
Comparison of popular models: Characteristics table
To make it easier for you to navigate the sea of offers, we have prepared a comparative table of popular models that have proven themselves as a good model. good speakers 16 cm It's a replacement for the regular acoustics. The data is relevant to the current model range.
| Model | Type | Power (nom/max) | Sensitivity | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer TS-G1733F | coaxial | 45/300W | 92 dB | High sensitivity, played from the tape recorder |
| Alpine S-S65 | Component | 75/240 Watt | 89 dB | New diffuser material, soft sound |
| Hertz DSK 165.3 | Component | 60/180 Watt | 93 dB | Italian design, bright high frequencies |
| Morel Maximo 6 | Component | 60/120 W | 90 dB | Warm bass, requires amplifier to fully reveal |
| JBL Stage3 607C | Component | 65/200Watt | 91 dB | Plus One Technology, Increased Diffuser |
As can be seen from the table, the models differ not only in brand, but also in the approach to sound. If you want a loud sound without an amplifier, it’s worth looking towards Pioneer or Hertz with their high sensitivity. If you plan to build a high-quality system with an amplifier, then Alpine and Morel will give a more accurate and deep picture.
What is JBL's Plus One?
Plus One technology involves the use of a diffuser of increased area by changing the shape of the suspension. This allows the speaker to work more efficiently and give more bass at the same dimensions.
Do I need an amplifier for new speakers?
That's one of the most frequent questions. The short answer is that good 16 cm speakers can play from a tape recorder, but the amplifier will unlock their full potential. Generally, head units typically give out about 15-20 watts of real power per channel, which is enough to create a sound background, but not enough for dynamic and clean sound at high volume.
When connected via an amplifier, you get several advantages. First, it's a power reserve: the bass becomes elastic, not humming. Secondly, the amplifier has its own equalizer and filter settings, which allows you to more finely adjust the sound to your preferences and acoustics of the cabin.
However, if you are not ready to install a separate amplifier, opt for acoustics marked "High Power Handling" or high sensitivity. Modern radios with a power output of 4x50 W (often marketing power, real about 20-25 W) are quite capable of "swinging" sensitive acoustics to an acceptable level.
The amplifier is not just volume, it is control over the speaker. The better the control, the cleaner the sound and less distortion on the bass.
If you decide to install an amplifier, pay attention to the 4-channel models. They will allow to power the front and rear, and if necessary, two channels can be paralleled or switched to the bridge to connect the subwoofer in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I put speakers 16 cm instead of the standard 13 cm?
Yes, it is possible, but it will require the manufacture of parser rings and, possibly, the modification of the door map. The main thing is to make sure that the enlarged magnet speaker will not interfere with the course of the glass when lowered.
Why are the new speakers hoarse at high volume?
There may be several reasons: lack of power of the tape recorder (clipping), incorrect polarity (phase), lack of vibration isolation of the door or the defect of the speaker himself. Also, wheezing can occur if the cut frequency is not tuned and the speaker tries to reproduce basses that he cannot.
How to determine the polarity of the speakers when connecting?
Usually on the terminals of the speaker there are markings "+" and "-". If there is no marking, you can use a 1.5V battery: briefly touch the battery and speaker with the contacts wires. If the diffuser moved outwards, the polarity is correct (plus to plus), if it is drawn in, the reverse.
Should you buy speakers without a brand (Chinese copies)?
Risky. Cheap copies often have claimed characteristics that do not match reality and are made of low quality materials. It is better to buy a proven entry-level model from a well-known brand (for example, Pioneer or Sony) than a “top” nouneim.
Do I need to warm up the new acoustics?
Yes, the diffuser and suspension of the new speaker have rigidity. The first 10-15 hours of operation should not turn on music at full volume. Let the speakers “warm up” at medium volume so that the materials are developed and the sound becomes softer.