Car Speaker Selection Guide
Best Car Speakers Guide
Premium Component & Coaxial Speakers from Audio Intensity
Featuring Image Dynamics, Xcelsus, Eton, Crescendo & Dynaudio
Quick Speaker Selection Guide
| Your Priority | Best Choice | Why This Works | Installation | Budget Range | Sound Quality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Sound Quality | Component | Separate drivers optimize each frequency | Complex | $200-$1500+ | Excellent |
| Easy Upgrade | Coaxial | Drop-in factory replacement | Simple | $50-$400 | Very Good |
| Budget Friendly | Coaxial | All-in-one design reduces cost | DIY Friendly | $50-$200 | Good |
| Custom Install | Component | Flexible tweeter placement | Professional | $300-$2000+ | Outstanding |
| Quick Results | Coaxial | Immediate improvement, no wiring changes | 30 minutes | $80-$300 | Very Good |
Component Speakers
Separate Woofer, Tweeter & Crossover
Component Speaker Advantages:
- Superior Sound Quality: Separate woofer and tweeter optimize frequency response
- Flexible Installation: Mount tweeters in optimal locations (A-pillars, dash, doors)
- Professional Tuning: External crossovers provide precise frequency control
- Upgrade Path: Can add amplifiers and advanced tuning later
- Soundstage: Creates wider, more realistic stereo imaging
Component Speaker Considerations:
- Installation Complexity: Requires running tweeter wires and mounting locations
- Higher Cost: More components mean higher price point
- Professional Install Recommended: Best results need proper tweeter placement
- Space Requirements: Need room for crossovers and separate drivers
Perfect For:
Serious audio enthusiasts, custom car audio builds, users planning amplifier upgrades, and those wanting maximum sound quality with professional installation options.
Coaxial Speakers
All-in-One Full-Range Design
Coaxial Speaker Advantages:
- Easy Installation: Drop directly into factory speaker locations
- Cost Effective: Single unit design keeps prices reasonable
- Quick Results: Immediate sound improvement in 30 minutes
- Factory Compatible: Work perfectly with factory head units
- DIY Friendly: No complex wiring or custom mounting needed
Coaxial Speaker Considerations:
- Sound Compromise: Tweeter position fixed by woofer location
- Frequency Interaction: Drivers can interfere with each other
- Limited Soundstage: Less precise stereo imaging than components
- Upgrade Limitations: Harder to fine-tune system later
Perfect For:
First-time upgraders, budget-conscious buyers, and those looking for factory system improvements with superior sound quality through simple DIY installation options.
Audio Intensity Premium Speaker Brands
We carefully select only the finest speaker manufacturers known for exceptional sound quality and reliability
Image Dynamics
American-engineered speakers known for exceptional clarity and dynamic range. Image Dynamics combines innovative design with premium materials for outstanding performance.
Specialty: High-end component systems
Known For: Crystal clear highs, powerful mids
Xcelsus
German precision engineering meets audiophile-grade performance. Xcelsus speakers deliver uncompromising sound quality with meticulous attention to detail.
Specialty: Premium component speakers
Known For: German engineering, precision
Eton
German audio excellence with over 40 years of experience. Eton's advanced driver technology and premium materials create speakers with exceptional musicality.
Specialty: High-end components & coaxials
Known For: Natural sound reproduction
Crescendo
The Revolution series represents cutting-edge car audio technology. Crescendo speakers deliver competition-level performance with innovative design.
Specialty: Revolution series components
Known For: Competition-grade performance
Dynaudio
Danish audiophile heritage meets automotive excellence. Dynaudio's handcrafted drivers and advanced materials deliver reference-quality sound.
Specialty: Audiophile-grade components
Known For: Reference-quality sound
Shop All Brands
View Complete SelectionUnderstanding Speaker Specifications
Power Handling
RMS (continuous) power handling is more important than peak power ratings. Match your speakers to amplifier RMS output for optimal performance.
- Factory systems: 15-25W RMS per channel
- Aftermarket head units: 18-22W RMS per channel
- External amplifiers: 50-150W RMS per channel
Frequency Response
The range of frequencies a speaker can reproduce. Wider ranges generally provide fuller sound reproduction.
- Human hearing: 20Hz - 20kHz
- Component tweeters: 2kHz - 20kHz+
- Component woofers: 50Hz - 4kHz
- Coaxial speakers: 40Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity Rating
How efficiently speakers convert power to sound. Higher sensitivity means louder output with less power.
- Low sensitivity: 84-87 dB (needs more power)
- Medium sensitivity: 88-91 dB (balanced)
- High sensitivity: 92+ dB (efficient)
Impedance
Electrical resistance measured in ohms. Must match your amplifier's capabilities for proper performance.
- 4-ohm speakers: More power, better for amplifiers
- 8-ohm speakers: Less power draw, factory-friendly
- 2-ohm speakers: Maximum power (amplifier dependent)
Speaker Size Selection Guide
Choose the right speaker size for your vehicle's factory locations and performance goals
5.25" Speakers
Compact size with surprising performance. Perfect for front doors in smaller vehicles.
Common in: Compact cars, some sedans
6.5" Speakers
Most popular size offering excellent balance of output and installation flexibility.
Common in: Most sedans, SUVs, trucks
6x9" Speakers
Oval design maximizes cone area for increased output and deeper bass response.
Common in: Rear decks, larger vehicles
Other Sizes
4", 5x7", 6x8" and custom sizes for specific vehicle applications.
Application: Vehicle-specific fitments
Professional Installation Tips
Component Speaker Installation
- Plan tweeter locations before starting (A-pillars recommended)
- Use quality speaker wire (14-16 AWG minimum)
- Mount crossovers in protected, accessible locations
- Angle tweeters toward listening position
- Test phase alignment after installation
Coaxial Speaker Installation
- Remove factory speakers carefully to avoid damage
- Check mounting depth and diameter clearance
- Use foam gaskets to prevent air leaks
- Maintain proper polarity (+ to +, - to -)
- Secure all connections with electrical tape
Complete Your Audio Intensity System
Build the ultimate car audio system with our comprehensive component selection guides
Amplifier Buying Guide
Power your speakers with premium amplification from TRU Technology, Eton, and more
Subwoofer Guide
Add powerful bass with JL Audio and Audiomobile subwoofer systems
Head Unit Features Guide
Choose the perfect source unit with navigation and entertainment features
Cables & Wiring Guide
Connect your system with premium Harmonic Harmony OCC cables
Subwoofer Enclosures
Optimize bass performance with precision-engineered subwoofer boxes
DSP Technology Guide
Fine-tune your system with Goldhorn and Rainbow digital sound processors
Ready to Upgrade Your Sound?
Explore our complete selection of premium car speakers from the industry's finest manufacturers
Part of the Ultimate Car Audio Resource Library