Essential Considerations When Upgrading a Car Speaker Kit

You have owned a new car for a few months now, and the maintenance routine has ensured the vehicle smells good, looks mint, and drives like a dream. However, every time you turn on the sound system, you cannot help but realise the speakers are seriously lacking. Well, it happens to most people with relatively new cars because stock speakers typically deliver a less-than-impressive sound quality. Fortunately, even speakers on premium vehicles can be improved without ruining the car. However, you need to consider a few specifications when equipping your car with a new speaker kit.

Power Handling

A speaker's power handling capability is the first thing you should consider when upgrading your car's audio system. Notably, manufacturers often present power handling ratings in two values; RMS (continuous power) and peak power. The former denotes the amount of continuous power that speakers can handle. In contrast, peak power is the highest wattage that car speakers can handle in short bursts without breaking down. Understanding the two values is vital since it helps match speakers to an amplifier, whether you already have one or plan to install an add-on. Therefore, if you want speakers with a 60W RMS rating, your amplifier should be rated 60W or above.

Sensitivity Rating

The best way to establish a car speaker sensitivity rating is by converting power into volume. To measure the value, experts power a speaker with one watt and record the loudness levels in decibels (dB) over a distance of one meter. Notably, speakers with a high sensitivity rating can operate optimally with less power from an amplifier or stereo system. For instance, a 90dB rated speaker can run efficiently with a 50W amplifier. However, you need a powerful amplifier if you buy speakers with a sensitivity rating below 90dB.

Mounting Depth

How much space will new speakers occupy in your car? Most motorists do not think about space requirements when buying new speakers and only realise the mistake during installation. Notably, mounting brackets allow you to install new speakers on car doors. However, if you want a flash-mount, ensure that the new speakers' mounting depth matches the current configuration. It is advisable to measure the distance between a mounting flange and speaker cone. Most importantly, always round up, not down, the dimensions if unsure about the measurements to achieve seamless installation. Alternatively, engage a highly experienced car audio technician to handle the task.

To learn more, contact companies that sell or install car sound system accessories.


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