Oval speakers with a powerful bass: selection, rating and installation

When it comes to high-quality sound in a car, many owners immediately think about buying an expensive subwoofer. However, it is often forgotten that the regular seats in the doors or rear shelf of most cars were originally designed for dynamic heads of non-standard shape. Exactly. oval-dynamics They can become the “golden mean” that will allow you to get a rich, deep bottom without the need to redo the body or occupy useful space in the trunk with bulky boxes.

Why are the ovals so popular among motorists looking for a bass sound? It's all about physics and geometry. The increased area of the diffuser compared to round counterparts of the same diameter allows more efficient push of large volumes of air. It creates a feeling. surround And it gives you that low-frequency punch that's so lacking in the regular acoustics. A properly selected model is able to reproduce frequencies that are usually left to the subwoofer.

In this article, we will analyze in detail what technical characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing, compare popular models and discuss the nuances of the installation. You will learn how to turn the mediocre sound of your audio system into a concert hall on wheels, using the potential of oval heads. Do not underestimate their capabilities, because they are literate. acoustics With high-quality ovals can surprise even a sophisticated music lover.

Why ovals give more bass than round speakers

The main advantage of the oval shape lies in the increased surface area of the diffuser. If you take a standard round speaker of 13 cm (5.25 in) and compare it with the oval analog 13x19 cm (5x7 in), then in the second case the area of the emitter will be much larger. This area directly affects the sound-pressure The ability to efficiently reproduce low frequencies. The more air the speaker “processes”, the deeper and more tangible the bass will be.

In addition, the design of oval speakers often provides for longer suspensions. This allows the diffuser to perform the amplitude movements needed to create low-frequency waves without distortion. In small diameter round speakers, the course is often limited, which leads to "choking" on the bass. Ovals, thanks to the elongated shape, have more space for walking in one direction, which has a beneficial effect on the development of the linearity in the low frequency region.

It is important to understand that not all ovals are the same. There are many variations in size, and each of them is sharpened for certain tasks. For example, a 6x9 inch form factor is considered a reference for bass playback among broadband and coaxial systems. Such speakers are often installed in the back shelf of sedans or in the doors of crossovers, where space allows. Their ability to play "down" is often comparable to an 8-inch subwoofer, but in a much more compact body.

⚠️ Warning: The increased diffuser area requires a more powerful amplifier. A regular tape recorder may not be able to cope with unlocking the potential of bass ovals, giving out a sluggish and flat sound.

It is also worth noting the effect of the diffuser material. To obtain a good bass, manufacturers use composite materials, mica or polypropylene with reinforcement. These materials have the necessary rigidity to not bend at large amplitudes, but remain light enough. Suspension rigidity oval models are often higher than midbass circles, which allows them to better hold the punch and not “smear” the bass component of the track.

Key characteristics when choosing bass ovals

When choosing acoustics to obtain a high-quality bottom, you need to look not only at the brand, but also at specific technical parameters. First, pay attention to the indicator resonant frequency (Fs). The lower this parameter, the deeper the speaker is able to descend. For ovals claiming the title of "basovite", the value of Fs should be in the region of 30-45 Hz. If the frequency is above 50 Hz, you will not hear deep bass, no matter how much power is applied.

The second important parameter is total quality (Qts). For operation in a closed volume (doors, shelf) without a phase inverter, the optimal value will be Qts in the range of 0.5-0.7. If the quality is too high, the bass will be buzzing and fuzzy. If too low, the sound will be dry, but it may not be enough to create a three-dimensional picture. It's critically important. magnetism: Large-sized ferrite magnets provide better control over the diffuser than cheap counterparts.

Also, let’s not forget the sensitivity (SPL). To produce a loud and saturated bass without overloading the amplifier, the sensitivity must be at least 90-92 dB. Low sensitivity will require tremendous power to rock the speaker, which is not always possible and safe in a car. High sensitivity allows even medium-power amplifiers to give a dense and squishy bottom.

Materials also play a role. In the budget segment, paper is often found that gives a warm sound, but is afraid of moisture. For bass, it is better to look for composites or polypropylene. Silk Dome In a tweeter (if it is coaxial) will provide soft tops that won't cut the ear, creating a nice contrast to the powerful bottom. If you build a component system, the presence of a high-quality crossover in the kit is a prerequisite.

Top formats of oval speakers for cars

In the automotive acoustics market, there are several standard sizes of oval speakers, each of which has its own application features. The most common and perhaps the most effective bass format is the format. 6x9 inches (15x23 cm). It is the king of the back shelf and the big doors. Due to the large area, such speakers are able to produce a very convincing bottom, often replacing the subwoofer in entry-level and mid-level systems.

The second most popular format is 5x7 inches (13x18 cm) or 6x8 inches (15x20 cm). These dimensions are often found in regular seats of Ford, Mazda, Honda and some other brands. They are smaller than 6x9, but still significantly outperform the round 13-centimeter speakers in recoil in bass. Their installation allows you to maintain the standard appearance of the cabin, but radically improve the sound.

There are also less common formats, such as 4x6 or 6x10, which are more commonly used in specific models of cars or as mid-range units. However, for the task of obtaining a “good bass” it is worth focusing on the first two types. Larger diameter and elongated shape provide better low-frequency.

Format (inches)	Size (cm)	Typical installation site	Bass potential
6x9	15x23	Back shelf, big doors.	High (subwoofer replacement)
5x7 / 6x8	13x18 / 15x20	Doors (stationary seats)	Medium/High
4x6	10x15	Small doors, torpedo.	Low/Mediocre
6x10	15x25	Specific car models	High-pitched

When choosing a size, be sure to measure the seat. Sometimes the "ears" of the attachment can interfere with the installation of a wider oval, even if the bulk of the basket is included. In such cases, it may be necessary ring-making Or finishing the door paneling, which should be considered in advance.

Coaxial or Component Acoustics: Which is Best for Bass?

This question often confuses beginners motorists. Coaxial acoustics (where the tweeter is built into the center of the speaker) are easier to install and cheaper. Component (where the tweeter is remote and put separately) gives better scenery and detail. But what's better for a bass? Paradoxically, for a clean bottom, the component system often wins, not because of the tweeters, but because of the quality. midbass.

In component systems of oval type (which is rare, but happens) or when using ovals as midbass, manufacturers often pay more attention to the magnetic system and suspension, as there is no need to save space for the built-in tweeter. This allows for a longer run and a better one. linearity. In addition, a separate crossover allows you to cut the low frequencies from the tweeter and adjust the middle correctly, which makes the bass more collected.

However, high-quality top-level coaxial ovals (such as the Hertz Dieci series or Morel Maximo series) can give a head start to cheap components. They use complex crossover schemes built into the case, and high-end materials. If your goal is simply to replace the staff wheezing oval with something bassish without a complex installation, then coaxial It would be the perfect choice.

If you plan to build a system with a view to future expansion, a component approach will give you more flexibility. You can later replace tweeters or add an amplifier, leaving the ovals in place. But remember that for a component system, you must find a place to install it. high-frequency (in the corners or corners of the mirrors) so as not to lose the panorama of sound.

Secrets of installation for maximum bass effect

Even the best speaker won’t play fully if it’s installed incorrectly. The main mistake is the installation of “as is”, in regular plastic. Plastic grilles of staff seats often have weak stiffness and resonate, absorbing the bass. It is necessary to obtain high-quality sound acoustics. The speaker should be fixed on a rigid base, usually plywood rings 10-15 mm thick, impregnated with moisture-retarding composition.

The second secret is sealing. The car door is not an ideal volume. To make the oval work like a bassovik, you need to create a closed volume (ZY) or at least isolate the interior of the door from the street as much as possible. That's what it's all about. vibrating internal and external metallization of the door. This removes the ringing of metal and makes the door itself work as a resonator, amplifying the low frequencies.

The third thing is the direction of sound. Oval speakers mounted in doors often shoot you in the legs. To make the bass more directional and readable, it is recommended to use catwalks or tilt the speakers towards the listener. It also helps to avoid reflections from the door lining. Right. acoustical orientation It does wonders with bass perception.

⚠️ Warning: When installing in the door, be sure to check the passage of the glass in the lowest position. The speaker or the parser ring shall not obstruct the trajectory of the glass.

And don't forget the wires. Staff wiring often has a small cross section and is made of aluminum. A powerful bass signal is required copper-wiring section of at least 2.5 mm2 (and preferably 4 mm2). Thin wires will "strangle" the speaker, turning the bass into porridge.

Overview of popular models of oval speakers

There are many brands on the market, but it is worth highlighting those that have proven themselves precisely as “basic”. In the budget segment, the dynamics are excellent. Ural AS-C6947. It is 6x9 inches, which, when properly installed in the catwalks, give a very dense and deep bottom, surprising with its cheapness. They require good vibration insulation, but work out every invested ruble.

In the average price range, you should pay attention to Hertz Dieci DNX 690.3. The Italian brand is famous for its musicality. These ovals play very cleanly, with an accented but not humming bass. They are great for those who love rock, pop and jazz, where detail is important, not just “bumping”.

For fans of powerful sound and modern genres (hip-hop, electronic) a good choice will be a good choice. Alpine S-S69. The S Series is renowned for its reliability and ability to withstand high power. Their bass is resilient, fast and very controlled. They do not “swim” even at high volume, maintaining the clarity of the rhythm.

Should I buy 3-band ovals?

Three-band systems (where there is a separate mid-range) theoretically give a more detailed middle. But for bass, that's not always a plus. It is more difficult to set up a crossover, and often the bass (low frequency link) in the 3-band is smaller than in the 2-band. For maximum bass, a high-quality 2-band system with a large oval is better.

When choosing a particular model, always listen to demo versions of tracks that you know by heart. Technical characteristics are good, but subjectiveness Everyone's different sounds. Some people like soft bass, and some people like hard and percussive bass.

Do I need an amplifier for oval speakers?

This is a question that divides motorists into two camps. Theoretically, many ovals have high sensitivity and can be played from a tape recorder. But if your goal is exactly bass-qualityThe external amplifier is almost mandatory. The standard head units give about 15-20 watts of real power, which is not enough to promote the diffuser at low frequencies without clipping (distortion).

The amplifier gives the dynamics the necessary “meat” and control. It does not allow the bass to spread, making it clear and squirming. Even an inexpensive 4-channel amplifier operating in 2-channel mode on ovals will change the sound beyond recognition. The bass will get deeper and the total volume of sound will increase.

If you are not ready to buy an amplifier, choose ovals with maximum sensitivity (from 92 dB) and low resistance (2 ohms). This will allow you to squeeze the maximum from the regular tape recorder. But remember, this is a temporary solution. For deep bass in the car, the power of the amplifier should be 20-30% higher than the rated power of the speakers.

The amplifier also allows crossovers to be used, cutting off unnecessary frequencies. For example, you can cut a deep infransis (below 30 Hz), which the speaker still does not play, but spends energy on it. This will free up the resource for high-quality reproduction of the working range.

Frequent errors in selection and operation

One of the most common mistakes is to try to make a small oval (e.g. 10x15 cm) play bass as 6x9. Physical limitations will not allow it to fall below 60-70 Hz without severe distortion. Don’t demand the impossible from the speakers, it’s better to distribute the roles in the system correctly. Leave the small ovals for the middle and top, and trust the bass to larger models.

The second mistake is ignoring sealing. Installation of an expensive speaker in a leaky door with thin metal - money for the wind. The sound will go into the door map and resonate the plastic. Vibration and noise insulation This is not marketing, but a necessity for high-quality autosound.

The third mistake is the wrong phasing. If you confuse plus and minus on one of the speakers, they will work in antiphase. The bass will simply disappear, the sound will become flat and quiet. Always check the polarity of the connection, especially if you use adapters.

⚠️ Note: Do not use conventional household wiring or alarm wires to connect speakers. They have high resistance and lack of flexibility, which will kill the whole bass. Use a specialized acoustic cable.

Finally, don’t overload the speakers. Ovals with good bass often have a long-range suspension that is easy to damage when overloaded. Watch the volume level and the settings of the equalizer. It is better to add an amplifier than to “press” the magneto to zero.

FAQ: Answers to popular questions

Can 6x9 ovals be installed in 16cm round holes?

Technically possible, using special transitional frames (podiums), but this will require serious modification of the door.