When you’re in the market for car speakers, people will talk about coaxial speakers vs component speakers. You either go with both tweeter and woofer in one, or they will split up into separate pieces.
If your budget is small, then purchasing coaxial speakers would be perfect. But if you want the best quality performance, then a component speaker is better for an audiophile. In this article, Hookeaudio will let you know which is the most suitable speaker for you?
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Coaxial Speaker
Full-range speakers are also known as coaxial speakers. They have the woofer and tweeter connected to one speaker.
The most popular 2-way coaxial car speaker system type is the 2-way. It consists of the mid-woofer, which covers the entire speaker’s circumference, and the better dome tweeter, which extends from the middle.
One input terminal on the speaker’s back drives the charging system and an inbuilt crossover directs the sound and sends the mid-range speakers vs component frequencies to the woofer while the higher frequencies are sent to the tweeter.
Coaxial speakers typically use a low-cost crossover design – one capacitor is connected to the tweeter and nothing to the woofer. This is because the speaker aims to stop naturally producing higher frequencies.
This affects the coaxial speaker’s clarity and overall performance. Coaxial car speakers are an upgrade to factory speakers.
They have 3-way and 2-way coaxial speakers. However, they are not as popular as 2-way ones. The 3-way coaxial speaker system is also known as a triaxial speaker. It includes a piezo speaker that can exceed the frequency limits for tweeters.
It is important to remember that the 3-way coaxial doesn’t always have more speakers than the 2-way. Some full range vs coaxial speakers are better than others, but they work better when the frequency range splits into two or three.
Coaxial speakers vs full range are more affordable than a component speaker because of its design. They also require less power to work correctly and are easier to install the speaker.
Coaxial speakers have one major drawback. The different ranges can sometimes interfere with each other, especially the 3-way speaker. This is especially true for cheaper brands and can cause problems if you want a clear sound stage.
Coaxial speakers can be a significant upgrade to factory speakers. As long as you buy high-quality speakers, you will not be disappointed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- They are an easy upgrade as they can be used as a replacement for older factory speakers.
- All-in-one, full-range sound that requires no effort.
- The best full range vs coaxial speaker can be as good as 2-way speakers.
- Excellent coaxial speakers are very affordable: They can be had for as low as $50
Cons:
- Comparable to Component Speakers, these speakers produce a much more muffled sound.
- Not as effective as inbuilt crossovers
Component Speaker
Although they are more technical than coaxial, component speakers offer more options for your soundscape.
The passive crossover, tweeter, and mid-range woofer speakers are not all one unit, like the coaxial speaker. They can be purchased as a set or individually.
Many component speakers use superior dome tweeter and woofer materials. These features might include a tweeter volume reduction option to create a more flexible sound system and tweeter mounted fusing, which protects your car audio system from overload.
A component speaker set’s crossover is designed explicitly for that speaker. It is constructed with higher-quality capacitors, inductors, and other components typically than those found on a coaxial speaker.
They have two stages of filtering, compared to coaxial’s one step. This ensures that the separate tweeter can filter the bass and midrange sound more effectively while the woofer blocks the high range.
This ability to drive different frequencies to the intended component ensures that the sound quality is better than coaxial car audio systems.
You can also place the separate tweeters at a different location from the woofers or point them in another direction to create a surround sound effect. This gives the listener more significant control over the soundscape.
Although installing component speakers is more complicated with separate components, replacing older speakers should not be challenging by fitting the tweeters in the same place.
You will need to change the location of the tweeters if you are installing a component set for the first time. Because they are slightly distant from the car speaker, A-panels and dashboard are very popular. This will allow you to create a three-dimensional soundscape.
It doesn’t matter where you install the tweeter. Ensure it is within 12 inches of your woofer to ensure that the different sound frequencies don’t get too far apart.
Like coaxial car audio systems, you can mount the tweeter on some component speaker. This makes it much simpler to install them. I don’t think that you should buy coaxial speakers.
The crossover on the component speaker set is better and will drive better sound quality. It all depends on the installation you have and what sound you desire.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Superior sound quality thanks to a more advanced system.
- Improved RMS power handling
- Better crossover component quality
- Can tweeters be mounted separately from woofers? This will allow for better staging and imaging.
- Made of higher quality materials and components
Cons:
- Installation is more difficult
- They are more expensive
What Is The Difference Between Component Vs Coaxial Speakers?
Here are some of the key differences between coaxial and component speakers:
Sound Quality
Component speakers are designed to provide superior sound quality compared to coaxial speakers. This is because each component is optimized to produce a specific frequency range, which results in a more accurate and balanced sound.
Coaxial speakers, on the other hand, are designed to produce a full range of audio frequencies, which can result in a less accurate and balanced sound.
Price
Coaxial speakers are generally more affordable compared to component speakers. This is because they comprise a single unit, which includes the woofer and tweeter. Component speakers, on the other hand, are made up of separate components, which can be more expensive.
Installation
Coaxial speakers are easy to install because they come in a single unit, which includes the woofer and tweeter. Component speakers, on the other hand, require more installation time and effort because they need to be installed in different locations in the car.
Customization
Component speakers allow for more customization compared to coaxial speakers. This is because each component can be optimized for a specific frequency range, which allows for more precise tuning of the car audio system.
Coaxial speakers, on the other hand, are designed to produce a full range of audio frequencies, which can limit customization options.
Why Are Coaxial Speakers More Popular?
Coaxial speakers, also known as full-range speakers, have become increasingly popular in recent years. This is largely due to their many advantages over other types of speakers, such as component speakers or subwoofers. Here are some reasons why coaxial speakers are more popular:
Convenience
Coaxial speakers are more convenient than component speakers because they combine the tweeter and woofer into one unit. This means that they are easier to install and require less space, making them ideal for smaller cars or those who do not want to spend much time installing.
Cost-effective
Coaxial speakers are typically less expensive than component speakers, making them a more affordable option for those on a budget. They also eliminate the need to purchase separate tweeters and woofers, which can add to the overall cost of a speaker system.
Wide range of frequencies
Coaxial speakers are designed to produce a wide range of frequencies, from low bass to high treble. This means that they can provide a full sound spectrum without the need for additional speakers.
Improved sound quality
Coaxial speakers are designed with a cone-shaped woofer and a dome-shaped tweeter, which helps to produce clear and crisp sound. They also provide better sound imaging and staging, making them a great option for those who want a high-quality listening experience.
Durability
Coaxial speakers are built to last, with many models featuring materials resistant to water, heat, and other environmental factors. This means that they can be used in various settings without the risk of damage or deterioration.
Do Component Speakers Sound Better?
Component speakers are designed to separate the different elements of a speaker system. Rather than having the tweeter and woofer mounted together in a single unit, component speakers have separate tweeters, woofers, and crossovers that can be mounted in different locations within a vehicle.
Here are some key factors to consider when determining whether component speakers sound better:
- Separation of frequencies: One of the main advantages of component speakers is the separation of frequencies. The tweeter handles high frequencies, while the woofer handles mid to low frequencies. Component speakers can produce more accurate sound and better imaging by separating these frequencies.
- Customization: Component speakers allow for greater customization in placement, crossover settings, and amplifier power. This customization can improve sound quality, as the system can be fine-tuned to the listener’s preferences.
- Higher quality materials: Component speakers are often made with higher quality materials than coaxial speakers. This can result in better sound quality and a longer speaker lifespan.
- Cost: Component speakers are generally more expensive than coaxial speakers. However, the increased cost can be worth it for those prioritizing sound quality.
- Installation: Component speakers require more installation work than coaxial speakers, as they have separate components that must be mounted in different locations. This can make installation more difficult and time-consuming.
Should I get component or coaxial speakers?
You Should Get Coaxial Speakers if:
- You don’t need a lot of money or have a limited budget. What you want is something that sounds good and doesn’t sound “high end.”
- It would help if you had an easy way of replacing your speakers.
- If you don’t intend to amplify your speakers, then you will be using a standard stereo.
- Component speakers don’t require extra wiring or extra work.
- A custom installation is not something you can afford to do.
You Should Get Component Speakers if:
- Sound quality is what you’re mainly after
- You are primarily after sound quality.
- You would like to use speakers made of more advanced materials, especially for the tweeters.
- You prefer speaker crossovers with a higher cutoff and a lower tweeter volume option.
- We will be installing marine speakers, a car stereo system, and custom homes with high-end electronics.
- Stereo imaging is essential for music playback and critical listening.
- An amplifier can be used to boost the power and clarity of your audio system.
There are component speaker systems that look a lot like traditional component speakers. This makes them much easier to install. This will save you a lot of time and hassle.
For best results, component speakers should always be driven by an amplifier. A low-power stereo system won’t give you great sound. Is your choice the answer for are coaxial speakers better than components?
Read more:
- What Size Speakers Are In My Car? Top Full Guide 2023
- How To Choose Car Speakers 2023: Top Full Guide
FAQs
Which is better, component or coaxial speakers?
Both component and coaxial speakers have their advantages and disadvantages. Component speakers typically offer better sound quality, especially in imaging and soundstage, but they can be more difficult to install and expensive than coaxial speakers.
Coaxial speakers are easier to install and more affordable, but they may not provide the same level of sound quality as component speakers.
Can I use component speakers without a crossover?
No, component speakers require a crossover to function properly. The crossover is responsible for splitting the audio signal into separate frequencies and sending them to the appropriate speaker component.
Without a crossover, the speakers would not produce the desired sound quality and could be damaged.
Can I mix and match component speakers from different brands?
Mixing and matching component speakers from different brands is generally not recommended, as each brand may have its own unique sound signature and technical specifications.
This could lead to an imbalance in sound quality and performance. Sticking with components from the same brand and series for optimal performance is best.
Do component and coaxial speakers require different amplifiers?
No, the same amplifier can power both component and coaxial speakers. However, it is important to match the impedance of the speakers with the amplifier to ensure proper power handling and avoid damage to the equipment.
It is also recommended to use an amplifier with enough power to adequately drive the speakers for optimal sound quality.
Conclusion
It is important to consider the various factors when choosing between component and coaxial speakers for your car’s audio system. Component speakers offer better sound quality and more flexibility in terms of customization but are typically more expensive and difficult to install.
On the other hand, coaxial speakers combine all drivers into a single unit, making them more affordable and easier to install, but with less control over sound quality. If you want to upgrade your car’s audio system without breaking the bank, go for coaxial speakers.
