Coaxial Vs Component Speakers
When it comes to speaker systems, two main types of audio technology are used: Coaxial Speakers and Component Speakers. Each type of speaker has unique benefits and drawbacks that must be considered when choosing the right one for your system. This article will discuss the differences between these two types of speakers in detail so you can make an informed decision.
difference between coaxial and component speakers
Coaxial speakers are speaker components in which the drivers (bass, midrange, and treble) are housed in one unit. The drivers function together to provide sound only in the frequency range they were designed for.
Component speakers allow each of the drivers, or sections, to be separated into different units where each section can then be mounted into its own location within the vehicle. This allows for better sound quality since each driver is responsible for a specific frequency range rather than all three working together to cover the entire audible spectrum.
Coaxial speakers are easier to install than component speakers since they fit flush against your car’s door panels or dash, whereas component systems may require you to drill mounting holes through your doors or dashboard.
Coaxial vs. Component Speakers – What is better?
Coaxial speakers are much easy to install but offer lower sound quality than component systems where each speaker driver is responsible for a different part of the audible spectrum.
What does coaxial mean?
A “coaxial” speaker system consists of two or more drivers arranged inside a single enclosure, so all the elements function as one unit. A coaxial speaker combines various types of loudspeakers into one enclosure, with multiple drivers working together simultaneously to reproduce
What are component speakers?
Component speakers are speaker drivers (woofer, tweeter) housed in separate units. They feature all the individual elements that are otherwise housed in separate components of a multi-speaker system.
For example, if you have 5.25″ woofers and tweeters each on their own board, then you can combine them into one 5.25″ component speaker element, which will produce the sound only in the frequency range it was designed for.
This is to say that, unlike coaxial speakers where drivers work together over a larger frequency range, component speakers instead reproduce the entire spectrum but cut out frequencies outside its designed operating range.
A component speaker system offers better quality than coaxial systems because its design improves accuracy by keeping certain parts of the audible range clear.
Difference between Coaxial vs. component speakers crossover:
In Component speakers, each speaker driver has its own crossovers to filter out frequencies they are not responsible for. Coaxial speakers have a single crossover that filters out a broad range of frequencies which results in less accurate sound reproduction.
Coaxial vs. component speakers power handling:
The more drivers you have in any one unit, the harder your amplifier will have to work to drive it. This is especially true in smaller cars where space is always an issue. In this case, coaxial speakers will require slightly less power than individual components since they don’t need their own specific amplification.
However, most car audio enthusiasts prefer component systems over coaxials for this reason since the installation process is much faster and offers better quality when all sections of the audio spectrum are reproduced.
Coaxial vs. component speakers frequency range
Component speakers match the frequency range of their drivers. For example, if you have 6″ woofers and 6″ midranges in separate enclosures, then each one will be cut off from frequencies outside its designed operating range.
The result is better sound quality since your entire audio spectrum will be reproduced without losing out on any frequencies along the way. Coaxials work differently; these systems retain full-range performance because their drivers all operate together in the same enclosure instead of over separate crossovers that filter out different parts of the signal like in component systems.
However, this means that coaxial speaker drivers will only reproduce a broad range of frequencies rather than the entire spectrum like in component systems.
Coaxial vs. component speakers power handling
The more drivers you have in any one unit, the harder your amplifier will have to work to drive it. This is especially true in smaller cars where space is always an issue.
In this case, coaxial speakers will require slightly less power than individual components since they don’t need their own specific amplification.
However, most car audio enthusiasts prefer component systems over coaxials for this reason since the installation process is much and offers better quality when all sections of the audio spectrum are reproduced.
Coaxial vs. component speakers impedance:
Coaxials (and multiple drivers used together) typically have a lower impedance than individual speaker units because there’s less circuitry involved for the same sound. And, Component speakers, on the other hand, have a much higher impedance than coaxial speakers since they’re made up of many smaller parts and need their own specific amplification to function properly.
Coaxial vs. component speakers frequency range
If you want the best possible sound quality when installing your car audio system, then it’s best to go with component systems that use separate components for each frequency range because it will produce better and more accurate sound reproduction, which is very important if you like listening to music with lots of bass and treble in it.
Most people also prefer this type of speaker wiring because it’s easier and simpler to install since it is not necessary to find room for separate enclosures; rather, all drivers can be mounted in any location.
Component speaker crossovers use a better design:
More expensive car audio systems use separate crossovers for each driver in the system. This is because more affordable models like coaxials, speakers that have their own crossover built-in at the factory; result in lower manufacturing costs but also poorer sound quality.
The result is an increased tendency to distort, which produces a less accurate single sound reproduction.
How to wire component speakers and coaxial speakers:
The best way to connect your new component and coaxial speakers is direct to an aftermarket receiver.
This works because most receivers can handle the different impedances that each speaker system has; however, you should always check with the owner’s manual first before hooking up your new speakers. If you want to keep your factory radio, then it’s best to go with a high-quality adapter like those manufactured by Scosche Industries.
These adapters will ensure proper connection between the radios output and the input on your new 4-way components or coaxials without resulting in any loss of sound quality and tone control.
Are coaxial speakers better, or are component speakers better?
There’s no perfect answer to this query since both types of speaker systems have their own advantages and disadvantages. Component speakers are more expensive than coaxials, but they produce cleaner, crisper sound with better midrange frequencies which is very important if you like listening to music with lots of bass and treble in it.
On the other hand, coaxial speakers offer an easier installation process because all drivers can be mounted in any location; this results in less time, effort, and money on your part since there aren’t as many pieces involved.
Should I get component or coaxial speakers?
It depends on what you would like to listen to the most – bass or treble frequencies. If you love listening to music with lots of basses and high notes in it, then it’s best to go with individual components since they can reproduce these sounds more efficiently than coaxial speaker systems.
However, if you ease the convenience of having one set of speakers for all types of music or simply lack the knowledge required to properly install a component system, then you should definitely go with a coaxial speaker because they’re easier and cheaper to install even though they won’t sound as good.
Do you need an amp for component or coaxial speakers?
It is recommended that you use an amplifier to properly power your new speakers because they will give you the sound quality and volume that you’re looking for.
If you decide to run speaker wire directly from your receiver, then it’s best to go with a high-quality adapter like those manufactured by Scosche Industries.
These adapters will ensure proper connection between the receiver’s output and the input on your new 4-way coaxial or component speakers without resulting in any loss of sound quality or tone control.
What does an amp do to speakers’ sound?
Amplifiers come in many different types and sizes; some produce 1000 watts of power while others can be as small as a matchbox. They connect directly to the receiver line out, which sends an audio signal to the amplifier; this is where your speakers get their power from.
The speaker wires run from your speakers to the amp and get their power through it like you would get electricity at home. If you decide not to use an amp, then it’s best to go with a high-quality adapter like those manufactured by Scosche Industries.
These adapters will ensure proper connection between the receiver’s output and input on your new 4-way components or coaxial without resulting in any loss of sound quality or tone control.
Can you mix coaxial and component speakers:
Yes, you can mix and match any type of speaker system; however, it isn’t recommended since the sound quality will suffer. You should always try to stick with one or the other to ensure that your music sounds as crisp and clear as possible.
Can you use a car amplifier for component speakers:
Yes, if your receiver doesn’t have enough power, then an amp is required when running 4-way components from a factory radio.
This works because most receivers have more than enough power, but just in case, Scosche Industries produces high-quality adapters that will properly connect between your new speakers and receiver without resulting in any loss of sound quality or tone control.
Conclusion
If you love listening to music with lots of bass and treble in it, then it’s best to go with individual components since they can reproduce these sounds more efficiently than coaxial speaker systems. However, if you want the ease of having one set of speakers for all types of music or simply lack the knowledge required to properly install a component system, then you should definitely go with a coaxial speaker because they’re easier and cheaper to install even though they won’t sound as good.
