Regarding 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.
If you’re looking to upgrade your car’s sound system, choosing between coaxial and component speakers can be a daunting task. The right speakers can make all the difference in sound quality, but with so many options on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
This article will discuss the differences between these two types of speakers in detail so you can make an informed decision. By the end of this post, you’ll be able to choose the right type of speaker for your car and enjoy a more immersive listening experience.
Difference between coaxial and component speakers
Coaxial speakers are speaker components where 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 be mounted into its 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 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 – Which 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 otherwise housed in separate components of a multi-speaker system.
For example, if you have 5.25″ woofers and tweeters each on their 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 their 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.
Features Differences Between Coaxial and Component Speakers Crossover
In Component speakers, each speaker driver has its crossovers to filter out frequencies they are not responsible for. Coaxial speakers have a single crossover that filters out a range of frequencies, resulting in less accurate sound reproduction.
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 specific amplification.
However, most car audio enthusiasts prefer component systems over coaxials since the installation process is much faster and offers better quality when all sections of the audio spectrum are reproduced.
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 frequencies. Coaxials work differently; these systems retain full-range performance because their drivers operate together in the same enclosure instead of over separate crossovers that filter out different signal parts 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.
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 specific amplification to function properly.
Component speaker crossovers use a better design
More expensive car audio systems use separate crossovers for each driver. This is because more affordable models like coaxials and speakers with their crossover built-in at the factory; result in lower manufacturing costs and poorer sound quality.
The result is an increased tendency to distort, which produces a less accurate single-sound reproduction.
How do 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, it’s best to go with a high-quality adapter like those manufactured by Scosche Industries.
These adapters will ensure a proper connection between the radio’s output and the input on your new 4-way components or coaxials without losing sound quality and tone control.
Are coaxial speakers better, or are component speakers better?
This query has no perfect answer since both speaker systems have 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.
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 want to listen to – bass or treble frequencies. Suppose you love listening to music with many basses and high notes. In that case, it’s best to go with individual components since they can reproduce these sounds more efficiently than coaxial speaker systems.
However, suppose you ease the convenience of having one set of speakers for all types of music or lack the knowledge required to install a component system properly. In that case, you should 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 components or coaxial speakers
It would help if you used an amplifier to power your new speakers properly because they will give you the sound quality and volume you want.
If you decide to run speaker wire directly from your receiver, using a high-quality adapter like Scosche Industries is best.
These adapters will ensure a proper connection between the receiver’s output and the input on your new 4-way coaxial or component speakers without losing sound quality or tone control.
FAQs
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, where your speakers get their power.
Can you mix coaxial and component speakers?
Yes, you can mix and match any speaker system; however, it isn’t recommended since the sound quality will suffer. It would help if you always tried 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?
If your receiver lacks enough power, 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 properly connect your new speakers and receiver without losing sound quality or tone control.
Conclusion
If you love listening to music with lots of bass and treble, it’s best to go with individual components since they can reproduce these sounds more efficiently than coaxial speaker systems. However, suppose you want the ease of having one set of speakers for all types of music or lack the knowledge required to install a component system properly. In that case, you should go with a coaxial speaker because they’re easier and cheaper to install, even though they won’t sound as good.
