Modernization of the car audio system often begins with the replacement of regular acoustics, and the most popular size for this is the sound system. car-columns 16 cm. This standard, also known as 6.5 inches (160-165 mm), is ideal for most seating in the doors and rear shelves of modern and used foreign cars. This diameter allows you to get a high-quality low-frequency range without the need to cut new holes in the metal or use complex adapters.
Car owners often underestimate the impact of quality speakers on the overall perception of music in the cabin. The standard speakers installed in the factory are usually made of cheap paper with minimal power, resulting in wheezing at high volume and no bass. The installation of new acoustics can radically change the sound picture, adding depth and detail even when using a regular tape recorder. However, choosing the right components requires an understanding of the technical specifications.
Before you go to the store, you need to understand the types of acoustic systems on the market. This will help avoid mistakes when buying and save the installation budget. Below we will take a detailed look at what to look for when choosing, and will analyze the key differences between different models.
Types of acoustic systems 16 cm
The main division of automotive acoustics occurs by design. For the size of 16 cm, coaxial and component systems are the most common. Coaxial acoustics represents "all in one": a high-frequency speaker (squeaker) is fixed on one diffutor. This solution is ideal for those who want to simply replace the old speakers without the complicated installation and setup.
In turn, component It consists of individual low-frequency speakers (midbass) and remote high-frequency speakers (tweets). This system allows you to place the squeakers in the optimal place for sound, for example, in the racks of the windshield, creating the right scene. The sound becomes voluminous, the instruments are separated, and the listener feels himself in the center of the concert hall.
- 🔊 Coaxial systems – easy installation and affordable price, suitable for the rear or frontal system entry level.
- 🎼 Component systems – high quality sound, the ability to build a scene, require a crossover and competent installation.
- 📦 Subwoofer speakers – sometimes 16 cm are used as midbass in conjunction with a subwoofer to play the “middle bass”.
When choosing between these types, it is important to consider your expectations of sound. If you just need to "play louder and cleaner," coaxials will be enough. If you are an audiophile and want to enjoy the nuances of the composition, the component system is the only choice.
⚠️ Attention: When installing component acoustics, be sure to use the crossovers included in the kit. Connecting tweeters directly to a tape recorder without a crossover will cause them to burn up instantly due to the low frequency feed.
Key technical specifications
When you look at the catalogs, it is easy to get confused in the numbers. The main parameters that should be considered when choosing 160 mm autoacousticIt is power, sensitivity and resistance. Rated power (RMS) shows how many watts a speaker can withstand for a long time without distortion. Peak Power (Max) is a short-term spike that you shouldn’t target, as it’s a marketing ploy.
Sensitivity is a parameter often ignored by beginners, but critical for systems without an amplifier. It shows how loud the speaker will play when applying 1 watt of power at a distance of 1 meter. The higher the sensitivity (90 dB and higher), the louder the sound from the standard tape recorder will be. Low sensitivity will require the use of an external amplifier.
The resistance (impedance) is usually 4 ohms. There are models with a resistance of 2 ohms or 3 ohms that allow you to remove more power from the tape recorder, but they heat the head unit more. Also important is the material of the diffuser: polypropylene is durable and not afraid of moisture, paper gives a warm sound, but is afraid of water, and composite materials (Kevlar, carbon) combine hardness and lightness.
Pay attention to the depth of the speaker landing. In some cars, wires or a window lift can be held behind a regular place. A depth of more than 60 mm may require the door to be reworked.
Do not chase record power if your head unit is not able to give it. An overloaded speaker sounds worse than an underloaded speaker. The optimum power reserve is 20-30% of the value of the tape recorder or amplifier.
Comparative table of popular models
The market offers many options from different manufacturers. To make the choice easier, we compared several popular models that have proven to be reliable and quality solutions for replacing the standard sound.
| Model | Type | Power RMS (W) | Sensitivity (dB) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pioneer TS-G1730F | Coaxial | 80 | 92 | High sensitivity, protection from moisture |
| Alpine S-S65 | Component | 75 | 87 | Soft RF dome, pure average frequencies |
| Hertz DSK 165.3 | Component | 60 | 93 | Played from a tape recorder, Italian sound |
| Morel Maximo 6 | Component | 60 | 89 | Tissue HF, deep bass, require an amplifier |
As you can see from the table, the models Hertz DSK 165.3 They are highly sensitive, making them ideal for installation without an amplifier. At the same time, more expensive components like Morel require high-quality training and reinforcement to unlock the potential.
The choice of a particular model depends on the musical preferences. For rock and electronics, dynamics and percussion bass are important, for jazz and vocals - the detailing of the average frequencies. There is no universal solution, but modern technology allows you to find a balance.
Why are paper diffusers still in use?
Paper has excellent damping properties, which allows it to fade quickly after a pulse. This gives a "live" and natural sound that is appreciated by audiophiles, despite being less moisture-resistant than synthetics.
Preparation for installation and necessary tools
The process of replacing speakers requires accuracy and preparation. You should not rely only on a screwdriver and a knife. For quality installation autosound Special equipment and supplies will be required. Mistakes at this stage can lead to plastic creaking or even door cards breaking.
First of all, you need to remove the door map. This is done with a set of plastic shoulder blades so as not to damage the clips and skin. Metal tools are best avoided as they leave deep scratches on the ends of the plastic. After the card is removed, access to the standard speaker is opened.
- 🛠 A set of plastic blades for removing the skin.
- 🔧 A drill or screwdriver with metal and wood drills.
- 🔌 A soldering iron, soldering and thermal shrinkage for connecting wires.
- 📏 Line and pencil for the layout of the seat.
Often new speakers 16 cm have non-standard fastening holes. In this case, you will need to make podiums or parcel rings of plywood 10-15 mm thick. Plywood must be treated with moisture-protective impregnation or varnish, since condensation is always present in the doors of the car.
⚠️ Attention: Before drilling holes in the door or parswax ring, make sure that the wiring harnesses or elements of the window lift mechanism do not pass from the back side. Use a flashlight to check.
☑️ Ready for installation
Installation process and connection scheme
The installation begins with the fitting of the speaker. If you use a spare ring, fasten it to the metal of the door with standard bolts or new screws. Make sure the speaker does not touch the glass when lowering. The clearance shall be at least 10-15 mm.
Connecting the wires is the most important moment. The standard wires in cars are often very thin and short. They are better to build copper wire cross-section at least 1.5-2.5 mm2 (marking) 2x1.5 or 2x2.5.5). Screws can not be done - only soldering using flux or connection through terminals.
Connection diagram:Magnetola (+) -> Crossover (Input +) -> NF-Dynamic (+)
Magnetola (-) -> Crossover (Input -) -> RF speaker (-)
Tweeter -> High frequency
It is important to observe polarity: plus to plus, minus to minus. If you confuse the polarity on one of the speakers, the bass will disappear, and the sound will become flat and quiet. After connecting, check the system before the final assembly of the doors.
High-quality vibration insulation of the door before installing the speaker increases the efficiency of basses by 30-40%, turning the door into a closed volume.
Adjustment and primary listening
After installation and assembly of the cabin comes the adjustment stage. If a component system is installed, you need to set the volume level of tweeters relative to midbass correctly, if the crossover has such an adjustment (usually 0, -3, -6 dB). It depends on the location of the squeakers and acoustics of the cabin.
In the head unit (magnet), it is worth turning off all “improvements” like Mega Bass or Super Sound, as they often cause distortion. The basic settings of the equalizer are better set to zero ("flat") and adjust to taste, listening to familiar tracks. Pay special attention to the frequencies in the range of 200-500 Hz – there is often a buzz here.
Let the system warm up. New speakers, especially soft suspension speakers, require several hours of medium volume work to develop a mobile system. After that, the sound will become more even and deep.
Do I need to buy a 16 cm amplifier?
For coaxial acoustics and sensitive component systems (from 90 dB), the power of a standard radio recorder (usually 15-20 W RMS per channel) is often enough. However, if you want a clean, loud sound without distortion at high volume, or if the speaker sensitivity is low (less than 88 dB), an external amplifier is a must. It will provide stable nutrition and control over the diffuser.
Can I put 16 cm of speakers instead of 13 cm?
Physically, it is impossible to install a larger speaker in a smaller hole without cutting metal. However, there are special boxing rings-addressers that allow you to close the hole 13 cm and fix 16 cm speaker on the surface of the door or card. The main thing is to check the depth of the landing so that the speaker does not interfere with the mechanisms.
Why are the new columns wheezing?
Wheezing can occur for several reasons: 1) Dynamic "not disassembled" (time is required). (2) The magnetola gives clippings due to overload. (3) The diffuser touches the safety net or door components. (4) Poor sound source (low bitrate mp3). Check these items consistently.