Speaker Buyer's Guide

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Speaker Facts and Buying Tips

Tweeters:
(Reproduce high-frequency sounds like they symbols or high-hats on the drums)

Dome type tweeters deliver better performance over other types. Typical dome materials are silk, polymer, aluminum and titanium.

In many cases, lower crossover points on tweeters can point to the overall performance. High-end speaker systems typically use tweeters with lower crossover points around 2kHz. Higher crossover points can still deliver awesome sound quality if the midrange and smooth high-frequency performance.

The size of the tweeter typically determines the voice coil size and power handing. Typically, 1" tweeter deliver better power handling over 3/4" tweeters. Some high-end tweeters have even larger dome with impressive results.

Midrange:
(Reproduces mid to high-frequency sounds like the vocals)

Midrange sizes range from 2 inches (usually dome type used in three-way systems) to 8 inches (extreme cases) Larger midranges deliver better midbass and bass response, while smaller drivers have better high-frequency characteristics and blend better with the tweeter.

Cone material can affect reliability. If you have a convertible (or boat), you would want to stay away from paper cone speakers. even though they have coatings, they will not be a weather resistant as poly or metal cone speakers.

The size of the voice coil determines the power handing of the midrange. Midrange speakers have voice coils that range from a small 1/2 inch to 3 inches and greater. Typically, larger voice coils can handle more power.

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Speakers Buying Tips
Before you compare, make sure you know what size speaker fits your vehicle. Having a good speaker that is the right fit is much better than a great speaker that doesn't fit at all.

Audition the speakers. No amount of specs will let you know if the sound is right for you or if it meets your expectations or system requirements.

If you are unsure of your installtion capabilities, have your speakers professionaly installed. We recommend have the product installed at an authorized dealer. They have been trained to get the most out of the speakers.

There are several different types of speakers: full range, coaxial, component and convertibles. Typically, component and convertibles can deliver the best sound quality. However, it is more accurate to say that more expensive speakers deliver better performance.