Are you wondering if your car speakers can be used on your boat? How about your marine speakers in your auto? These speakers both function as an audio device, but they do have certain differences. Let’s dive in and talk about the main differences between the two.
What is a Marine Speaker?
Car speakers need no further introduction, but marine speakers apparently are more equipped for the marine environment. They’re water-resistant and generally more durable. They’re also designed to withstand external elements like exposure to water, climate, and humidity. Now, let’s talk about the differences between car and marine speakers in terms of durability, materials, build quality, wiring, sound production, and price.
Durability
Marine speakers are definitely more durable than car speakers as they’re really built to withstand salt corrosion and harsh environments. Car speakers don’t get exposed to water and direct sunlight, so they don’t necessarily have to be as sturdy. Marine speakers need to be protected from salt, water, sun, harsh sea conditions, and rapid changes in temperature. Marine and car speakers then differ a lot in terms of longevity.
Materials and Build Quality
Marine speakers are made of heavy-duty materials to ensure durability in the harsher marine environment. They are made of special plastic to withstand harsh elements and they’re also made of stainless steel components to handle sudden changes in temperature. Marine speakers are also made to be water-resistant and waterproof. While marine speakers use plastic cone, car speakers are just made of the paper version. Thus, when the car speaker gets exposed to moisture, it easily gets damaged.
Marine speakers are also surrounded by high-quality rubber to protect its internal components further. Their grilles are tougher than car speakers. The circuitry boards in marine speakers are also coated with the right sealant without affecting the performance. These sealants are weatherproof. Car speakers don’t need special sealing as they’re just used in an enclosed space away from intense weather conditions.
Car speakers’ plastic and rubber components are also not designed to withstand rapid temperature changes. Car speakers are just made of basic materials that easily get rusty when exposed to humid or salty environment. So just don’t think about using car speakers in a vessel as it really wouldn’t last very long. Car speakers can work just fine and will last for a long time if used within an enclosed car space. We in DS18 as Marine speaker manufacturer, on the other hand, put our speakers under a strict and intense testing process before distributing them to really withstand the more intense demands of the sea environment.
Wiring
Marine speakers’ wires are protected using weatherproof materials to prevent moisture from getting into the wiring system. This protection is not necessary for car speakers as the probability of moisture is rather low. The car speaker’s circuit boards are also not covered with sealant while the marine speakers are for added protection. Again, it all comes down to the need and the environment.
Sound Production
The surroundings of a car speaker and a marine speaker are apparently different. Thus, their functionality and sound production definitely vary as well. For instance, car speakers are able to project sound to smaller areas. If you roll down the windows, you’ll no longer be able to hear the sounds a few meters away. Those cars with super loud music probably installed extra speakers to boost sound production. Since car interiors are confined and small, car stereos are also made to generate optimum sound quality for that kind of environment.
As for marine speakers, they are designed for much bigger spaces. Thus, their sound production is better even in open spaces. Some marine speakers have to be mounted and set up in a specific way to project better audio output.
Price
Marine speakers are generally more expensive than car speakers because of the special materials required to build them. But as you may have known, there are also car speakers that are insanely expensive. If you buy a substandard marine speaker and a high-quality car stereo, you will most likely spend more for the latter. The goal is to ensure that your investment is worth it and the chosen speaker will stand the test of time. Whether you’re buying a speaker for your car or boat, don’t skimp on money and think about quality above all else.
Can You Interchange Speakers from Your Car and Boat?
Both function similarly. They should work fine as far as sound production is concerned. But if you are installing a car speaker into your vessel, then don’t expect longevity. Since car speakers are not made to be as durable as marine speakers, they definitely can’t withstand prolonged exposure to water and sun. No matter what brand of car speaker you use, and even if you buy the most expensive one, car speakers are just generally not made to be weatherproof and fit for harsh sea conditions.
On the other hand, if you intend to use your marine speakers in your auto, you might experience issues with the wiring since they are really different. But if you know how to rewire the speakers, then installation could be possible. The next problem you’ll have to deal with is just the size since apparently, marine speakers will not fit a car speaker’s place as they’re probably bigger or not custom-fit to your vehicle.
Conclusion
Car speakers and marine speakers have a lot of differences. They’re both speakers, yes. However, they’re designed for different places and uses. If you wish to interchange them, just make sure that the wiring and parts are compatible. And if you’re looking to buy either a car speaker or marine stereo, make quality and longevity your top priority.
Visit DS18 for high-quality car and marine speakers that are built to last.
