Are you tired of weak audio? Then it’s probably time for an upgrade. Choosing the right speaker size is the key to turning your ride into a concert. Don’t settle for factory sound—make your car LOUD!
In this guide, we’re giving you the lowdown on locking in the #PerfectFit for your ride. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to upgrade your car’s audio like a pro and dominate the road with sound that hits.
Common Car Speaker Sizes Explained
In car audio, speaker sizes are more categories than they are precise measurements. Let's explore the most common sizes and their characteristics.
3.5-inch Speakers
Compact yet powerful, 3.5-inch speakers are a go-to for those looking to upgrade the tight spaces in their car audio systems (e.g.dashboards, etc.) While they're a popular choice for factory installations, they offer a lot more than you’d expect:
- Typically come as coaxials for full range quality
- Compact design makes them perfect for limited space
- Smaller woofer size limits bass production, but a quality speaker can still hit hard
- Typically installed without proper sealing, affecting sound quality
- Lower power handling compared to larger speakers
If you’re serious about upgrading your car's audio without losing valuable space, 3.5-inch speakers can surprise you with their crisp sound and impressive versatility. When built to last with premium materials, 3.5-inch speakers are more than capable of getting LOUD!
5.25-inch Speakers
5.25-inch speakers are a versatile and popular choice for anyone looking to level up their car audio experience, especially when you need more midbass presence without sacrificing space. Known for their balance between size and performance, they provide solid sound quality for a wide range of applications.
Often found in coaxial configurations, 5.25-inch speakers combine both tweeters and woofers for full-range sound without the need for additional components. They are also available in midrange or midbass-only designs, making them ideal for adding depth to your car's audio system. Typically installed in front or rear doors, rear decks, and side panels, these speakers provide balanced audio where you need it most.
6.5-inch Speakers
Among the most versatile and popular sizes, 6.5-inch speakers are a staple among car audio specialists. They strike a perfect balance, delivering robust midrange, solid midbass, and, with the right setup, even some impressive boom. These speakers are ideal for:
- Front or rear doors: Perfect for a balanced sound throughout your ride.
- Rear decks: Ensure your music reaches every corner of the car.
6.5-inch speakers come in various configurations:
- Component sets: These include separate tweeters and woofers, or stackable options, providing a tailored sound experience.
- Midbass or midrange drivers: Designed to handle a broad range of frequencies with clarity and punch.
- Woofers and subwoofers: Enhances bass without sacrificing midrange detail.
When you upgrade to a high-quality 6.5-inch speaker like DS18’s PRO-X6.4BM, you get exceptional performance that brings your music to life. These speakers are built to last, offer impressive sensitivity, high-quality materials, and can handle high volumes without breaking a sweat.
6x9-inch Speakers
Get dominating sound in any vehicle, 6x9’s are the heavyweights of the car audio world. Their large, oval design allows for a bigger cone size and dynamic sound performance that smaller speakers can’t match. Here’s what makes them a standout choice:
- Big Bass Impact: With a larger cone area, these speakers move more air, translating into deeper and more enjoyable bass.
- High-Power Performance: Designed to handle high power levels, they’re ideal for those who crave loud, clear sound and have a high-powered audio system.
- Versatile Applications: Whether for your car, RV, or boat, their robust design ensures they can deliver impressive sound across various environments.
- Component Sets: Available in component sets for enhanced customization and performance, allowing you to fine-tune your audio experience.
While size is a crucial factor, don’t forget that quality engineering is just as important. Sometimes, smaller speakers can outperform larger ones in specific ranges due to superior design and technology. To ensure you get the best sound for your ride, consider more than just the size—look into the speaker design, enclosure compatibility, and your vehicle's unique needs.
How to Measure Your Car Speakers
Ready to upgrade your ride’s sound system? Here’s how to get it right:
- Diameter: Pull out the old speaker and measure across its widest point. Speaker sizes are more of a category than an exact number.
- Mounting Depth: Lay the speaker on its side and measure from front to back. This ensures your new speakers will fit in the existing space. Disclaimer: Ensure your speaker's mounting depth fits your vehicle and does not obstruct window operation, including when windows are fully down. Always verify your vehicle’s specific requirements.
- Cutout Diameter: Measure the hole where the speaker sits. Ensure the new speaker's cutout fits perfectly.
- Impedance: Check the ohms rating on the back of the speaker. Most are 4 ohms, but they can range from 2 to 8 ohms.
- Power Handling: Look at both peak and RMS power ratings. RMS is your go-to for continuous power handling.
Installation Tips and Considerations
When upgrading your car speakers, proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Using Adapters
Speaker adapters are often necessary when installing aftermarket speakers. These brackets bolt into your vehicle's factory mounting locations, allowing you to install new speakers that might not perfectly match the original dimensions. The most common adapter size is 6.75 to 6.5, as 6.75 adapters have been adapted to fit about 70% of factory OEM speakers. When you purchase DS18 speakers designed specifically for your vehicle, we include custom mounting brackets and adapters to ensure a #PerfectFit.
Wiring Harnesses
Wiring harnesses are your ticket to seamless speaker upgrades. They connect your new gear to your vehicle’s electrical system without jacking up the factory wiring. Here’s what you need to know:
- Perfect Match: Ensure the harness functions match your new receiver.
- Color Codes: Don’t sweat mismatched colors; focus on function.
- Secure Connections: Solder and insulate or use insulated crimp connectors to avoid shorts.
Opting Out of the Wiring Harness: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can opt out of the harness. Instead, splice the wires, solder the connections, and cover them with heat shrink tubing for a secure and protected connection.
Some rides need an interface for full integration with factory setups, like amplifiers or steering wheel controls. To make your install slick and powerful—grab the right harness or choose your custom wiring method to keep your system wired for maximum performance.
Professional Installation
For those who want flawless sound and zero headaches, professional installation is the way to go. Experts handle complex setups with perfect fitment, wiring, and sound optimization.
Getting Perfect Audio
Understanding car speaker sizes and their installation is key to upgrading your car’s audio system. Ready to elevate your car's sound game? Find your #PerfectFit here! And Get LOUD today!
