Basics of Speakers

How can you really look to build a subwoofer if you dont have at least a basic idea of how speakers work etc? That is what this small section meant to discuss with you. The purpose of a loudspeaker is so that you can convert the sound signal in its electrical form to a pressure wave that we will eventually hear as sound.

Like any other component in a car stereo system the ultimate goal of the speaker is to pump up the sound without adding any changes of the original sound to the audio signal. In its best form only one loudspeaker on each side would be needed to reproduce the entire audio spectrum.

Unfortunately a speaker that can produce low frequencies is too large to be able to produce the higher frequencies. This is why we have coaxial and component speakers. Subwoofers are also used so that we can create the extreme lows of music with an impact that can be felt as well as heard (bass). Speakers have an extreme range in quality and price because each can handle a specific amount of sound. (The more you need, the pricier they will get) They also have the greatest impact on the overall sound of a car stereo system.

When you are looking for car speakers you should be sure to listen to the speakers before you buy them. There is no other way that you can really know how the speakers will sound to you. You will also want to be sure to bring music that you normally listen to when you audition the loudspeakers. Factory model car speakers are usually ill equipped to give out the kind of sound that is emanating form subwoofer boxes, which is why buying your own speakers will likely be a necessity.

This will give you a better idea of how the speakers are reproducing sounds you are familiar with. Listen closely for low level details and how natural different when you try out a speaker to your own music you will know for sure if the speakers can handle it. For example, if you like hip hop and other music that caries a lot of bass, you will need speakers that can handle the thumping of the bass. If you like rock, you will want speakers that can identify the instruments.

Once you have narrowed down your choices to a couple of different speakers, try them out for a while. A poor quality car speaker will become annoying to listen to after a while of playing, usually because of an exaggerated low and high end. Be sure to adjust the bass and treble as well as the volume to levels that are comfortable to you.

Do not buy speakers from salespeople that do an A/B comparison of loudspeakers for you. When switching between speakers, unscrupulous salespeople will turn up the volume slightly on the more expensive speakers as a means to persuade you to buy them. It is an established fact that people tend to prefer the loudspeakers that they think are louder, as opposed to speakers that can handle bass levels etc.

Also when you are choosing loudspeakers, be realistic. If you do not want to modify your existing speaker holes, shop for speakers that will fit in the current space available. You have to bear in mind the depth considerations, especially when you are buying speakers that go in doors where speakers may interfere with windows rolling down, dashes where speakers may be limited by ducts for heat and air, and rear decks where depth is limited by bars that run underneath the rear deck.

When you are shopping for subwoofers don't get crazy trying to stuff your car with subwoofers either. You have to think about how much room you have and how much of it you are willing to deal with if you are going to achieve the low end. This will determine size as well as enclosure type for the woofers you choose.