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Coaxial vs Component Car Speakers: Full Explanation

Coaxial vs Component Car Speakers: Full Explanation

Coaxial vs Component Speaker: Which One Is Better? Sound often comes from choosing the right single speaker or speaker set for your needs. For You? When it comes to upgrading new speakers for your car audio system, one crucial decision you’ll need to make is whether to go with coaxial or component speakers.

Coaxial speakers are simpler and cheaper because all parts are in one unit. Component speakers have separate parts for better sound quality and customization options. 

In this article, we’ll delve into the differences between coaxial and component car speakers to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle’s audio needs. 

What is the difference between coaxial vs component speakers?

Speakers have different types; you might find coaxial speakers or opt for single cone speakers in simpler systems. Whether you’re choosing speakers for your car or home theater, it’s good to know which type of speaker system is best and how to pick the best one because speakers are the best investment for sound quality.

Here are the main differences between component vs coaxial speakers:

  1. Coaxial speakers are like 2-in-1 systems with all parts together, making them easy to fit and affordable. Component speakers have separate parts that need individual mounting, offering better customization.
  2. Coaxial speakers, often seen as an upgrade from factory speakers, are made to be budget-friendly and compact, but this means they might not have the best parts. For example, they often use cheaper tweeters and more straightforward speaker crossovers to keep costs low. Component speakers use better materials for tweeters, like silk or aluminum, and have more complex crossovers for improved sound.
  3. Component speakers can handle more power than coaxial ones. Coaxial speakers usually work with 35W to 65W RMS power, while component speakers can go from 65W to 100W RMS or more.
  4. Installing coaxial speakers is straightforward, but component speakers take more work.
  5. Because of their design, component speakers provide clearer and better quality sound than coaxial speakers. They are generally okay but not as good as component speakers (though still an upgrade from the most basic speakers).

Comparing Coaxial and Component Speakers

Aspect
Component Speakers
Coaxial Speakers
Quality of Sound
Better
Doesn't sound as good
Frequency Response
Better
Lower for low sounds
Crossover Quality
Better
Built into the speaker
Imaging Quality
Better
Not as good
Power Handling
Higher
Lower
Control/Flexibility
More control and flexibility
Limited control and flexibility
Install
Complex
Easy
Price
Higher pricing
More affordable

What are coaxial speakers?

Coaxial speakers are made to play a full range of sounds from just one speaker. They have a big part called a woofer for lower sounds and a small part on top called a tweeter for higher sounds. This setup lets them play almost all the sounds we hear, from very low to very high (20 Hz to 20 kHz).

Many people who own cars choose these speakers, whether they be factory speakers or an aftermarket speaker set, because they’re easy to put in and sound good. They’re also simple to make sound right since all the music comes from the same spot, a trait of 2-way coaxial speakers.

Kinds of Coaxial Speakers

Coaxial speakers are divided into four main types.

Coaxial Speakers
Components
2-way speaker system
One Woofer & one tweeter
3-way
Woofer, tweeter, & one midrange driver
4-way
Woofer, tweeter, & two midrange driver
Built-in crossovers
Crossovers, a woofer, & one tweeter

What Do They Offer?

Coaxial speakers are an easy way to improve your car’s audio. Installing them is also easy. You connect them to your car’s main audio system; no extra parts are needed.

Pros of Coaxial Speakers

  1. They quickly improve how your music sounds across different pitches.
  2. You can easily find them for sale.
  3. You don’t need to buy extra parts to make different sounds work together due to speaker deisgn; coaxial speakers come with what’s needed.
  4. They’re budget-friendly and still sound good.
  5. Putting them in is straightforward.

Cons of Coaxial Speakers

  1. The sound quality could be better than that of the component speakers.
  2. They, referring to single-cone speakers, can’t handle very loud volumes well.
  3. The place where the high-pitch sound part (tweeter) is not the best for making music sound is its best all around you.

What are component speakers?

Component speakers are made to give your car’s sound system the best possible quality. They come with separate parts like woofers, subwoofers, tweeters, and fancy crossovers. Each part does its job, but they make your music sound great. These speakers have different parts that work on different sounds, like bass or high notes.

Component speakers are better than coaxial ones because they’re made to sound good. Their parts are set up to handle specific sounds, a characteristic of a well-designed speaker set. Also, since each part is separate, you can put them in different places in your car stereo, making the music sound even better. If you put component speakers in your vehicle, it’s like having a concert right inside.

Kinds of Component Speakers

Component speakers are divided into four main types.

Component Speakers
Components
Using different big and small speakers, each with its special part to split up the sounds.
3-way coaxial Speakers
Using different big, small, and middle-sized speakers, each with its special part to split up the sounds.
Using different big, small, middle-sized, and extra small speakers, each with its special part to split up the sounds.
Coaxial speakers
Woofers and tweeters are set up side by side, with their special parts to split up different sounds.

What Do They Offer?

Component speakers give you top-notch sound. You can pick each part separately, giving you more control over how they work together. You can also customize your setup however you want, choosing how many big speakers, small speakers, or other parts you want in your system.

Pros of Component Speakers

  1. They have good sound quality compared to coaxial speakers.
  2. They can handle loud volumes well.
  3. Separate parts make the music sound better all around you.

Cons of Component Speakers

  1. They’re very pricey.
  2. Putting them in is tricky.
  3. You need extra parts to make the sound good.

What are the Similarities b/w Component and Coaxial Speakers?

Component or coaxial speakers are similar in several ways:

  1. They aim to improve the sound in different audio systems, whether in cars or at home.
  2. Both types use similar technology to make sound, with big speaker design for low sounds and small ones for high sounds.
  3. You can find them at various prices, so there are options for different budgets.
  4. They come in different sizes and styles to fit audio needs and tastes.
  5. Depending on how good the speakers are and how they’re set up, they can make listening to music feel more like you’re there.

Speaker Selection: What to Consider

Purpose and Use

Coaxial speakers are fine if you want basic audio for listening to the radio or streaming music occasionally. But if you’re into great sound and want the best experience, go for component speakers.

Budget

Coaxial speakers are cheaper but still give decent sound.

If you want to spend more on top-notch sound, go for component speakers.

Space

Coaxial speakers are smaller and easier to install, which is good for small cars. Component speakers need more space because they have multiple parts, so they’re better for bigger cars or if you have lots of trunk space.

Deciding between coaxial and component speaker systems is crucial when picking the right car speakers. Consider why you need them, how much you can spend, and how much space you have. Use these tips to compare the systems and pick the one that suits you best. Follow our advice on setting up your audio to enjoy great sound.

Conclusion

After looking at both speaker types, here’s what we found: Component speakers give you the best sound and customization, but they need to be more challenging to set up and cost more.

Coaxial speakers are cheaper and easier to install, but the sound quality could be better. If you’re really into great sound and know your stuff, go for component speakers. But for most people, coaxial speakers are just fine for casual listening and are easier to deal with.

No matter what you pick, do your research and think about extra costs like installation. Hope this helps & you understand Coaxial vs Component Car Speakers.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Yes, most coaxial speakers have a woofer and a tweeter. This setup, typical of a component speaker set, allows them to produce sounds across all frequency ranges.

 

Coaxial speakers, acting as a single-cone speakers alternative, have all parts in one unit for easy setup; component speakers have separate parts for better sound but are pricier.

There are two main types: 2-way coaxial and component system. The best depends on your balance between simplicity and budget (coaxial) or sound quality (component).

Yes, you can mix them, but it’s important to match their power and sound characteristics closely for the best sound.

 

Not necessarily, but using an amp can improve the sound quality and volume of both coaxial and component speakers.