Component acoustics: good sound for affordable money

High-quality sound in the car is the dream of every motorist. Many even buy a more expensive machine package, which includes an audio option. However, some drivers prefer to get rid of the standard speakers if they are not satisfied with the sound quality. Component columns may show better results. However, they will sound better than coaxial or standard ones only if you select the component kit and install the speakers correctly.

Features of component systems

A component audio system is considered optimal if you want to get a pleasant sound in the cabin with almost full coverage of the audible frequency band. It necessarily includes a head control device. For individual manufacturers, this can only be a set of crossovers for dividing the frequency bands of the signal sent to different speakers.

In expensive kits, the head unit includes an integrated amplifier with separate adjustment. This is the most convenient option for demanding consumers. It allows you to create the optimal sound image in the cabin for the front seats or passengers.

It is especially worth noting that the individual dynamics of the component system are rarely designed for placement in regular places of the car body. Therefore, the installation of the system should be entrusted to professionals.

A typical kit on the market is a minimum of 2 x component speakers. The speaker set includes tweeters, often referred to as tweeters. They reproduce high frequencies. The second part of the acoustic component consists of broadband speakers operating in the middle and lower frequency zone. For this kit you will need a dual-band crossover. Its task is to separate the frequency bands of signals sent to separate groups of sound emitters. The two-component set is affordable and therefore highly popular.

A more expensive option is a three-way component car audio. The set of speakers includes tweeters, midrange (broadband sound emitter), midbass (low range). To separate the frequencies, you need a more complex three-way crossover.

The sound quality of such a system is much higher than a two-component kit can show. It is an unattainable peak if we consider a coaxial sound emitter. Installation of a three-component system will require complex work to modify the car body, the creation and installation of unique plywood podiums. However, on the Internet, in specialized forums, you can find enough information on exactly how to correctly and safely cut new acoustics in doors or a dashboard.

The top of the component system is a three-way kit complemented by a subwoofer. This set of sound emitters can show perfect sound and reproduction of the full frequency band. On the example of just such a kit, it is worth showing how important the amplifier with separate adjustment is.

Setting component-type acoustics always comes down to fine-tuning the sound volume of individual speaker groups. Due to their characteristics, as well as different perceptions of the frequency of sound by the human ear, when a signal of the same power is applied, the following is observed:

• tweeters installed in the front of the cabin simply cannot break through the intense air vibrations created by midrange and middle bass;
• in the rear of the cabin, the audibility of high frequencies is minimal, low and medium are audible;
• the predominance of a certain frequency band may be observed if the speakers reproducing it have better conditions for the passage of air flow.

Another important fact: older people hear better bass, and young people hear higher frequencies. Therefore, the same set of acoustic components from different owners will be configured in a special way. For this, you need an amplifier with separate adjustment. It allows you to change the volume of individual frequency bands, therefore, to balance the sound picture in the cabin.

Difference from coaxial acoustics

It is most correct to describe the operation of a two-way or three-way component system by the concept of “sound in volume”. Acoustics creates an environment whose perception is different for different points of the cabin. Such a system has some differences from other popular sound system solutions.

1. A broadband coaxial speaker system directs sound vibrations along one straight line, the axis of the speakers. Component acoustics, working from different points, creates sound in volume.
2. The coaxial speaker is most often installed without problems in pre-established regular positions by the car manufacturer. For good sounding of complex component acoustics, the owner must independently create plywood podiums and look for convenient installation places for them.
3. Coaxial speakers do not require the selection of external crossovers. They can be connected directly to the output of the radio amplifier. For the acoustics component, the choice of frequency filter parameters is required. It is also recommended to select a special amplifier with separate adjustment.

Such a thesis description of the differences that component auto-speakers have, gives an understanding that the system must be configured and have a precisely selected set of components. In practice, this means that when you buy an expensive set of equipment, after connecting it directly to the radio, it is impossible to get high-quality sound. Conversely, a cheap budget kit, properly positioned and tuned, sounds great.

Characteristics

The system component always includes:

• a pair of tweeters reproducing high frequencies;
• a pair of midbasses. They reproduce a fairly wide range of frequencies, capturing the middle and low (50-3500 Hz). A coaxial speaker can be used for this purpose;
• a two-way system, including these speakers, is complemented by a pair of two-channel passive type crossovers;
• in three-way coaxial speakers there are two more speakers added. These are the so-called midrange. Each speaker reproduces sound at frequencies of 150-1000 Hz;
• for a three-way system, appropriate crossovers are used on three separate frequency bands.

The dimensions of individual speakers may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, it is recommended that you carefully study the parameters of the proposed sets before purchase. This will allow us to correctly assess the amount of upcoming work to create seats, podiums. Or it will show that individual components can be mounted on regular positions in the machine body.

Rating

Based on consumer reviews and sales statistics, a ranking of the best options for complete speakers for the car was compiled. It includes devices that offer the best balance of price and quality. They provide good sound and offer convenient installation options.

JBL CS760C

For my money, the kit plays very well. Users emphasize versatility. JBL CS760C creates an authentic sound picture when listening to any genre of music. Connection to an amplifier is recommended.

Hertz ESK 165.5

This kit, designed for 100 watts of rated power, plays perfectly even when connected to a head unit. Special shortcomings, except for a long period of "warming up", are not noted by users. The main advantage: the ability to install speakers in regular places of the body.

Morel MAXIMO-6

This component acoustics reproduces a very wide range of frequencies. Its power is enough for any car - some users note a jitter in the rearview mirror. It is especially worth noting that the system requires fine-tuning, both by turning the speakers and finalizing the twitter. Connection to an amplifier is recommended.

JBL 670GTi

The system needs fine tuning to get a good frequency picture over the entire volume range. An undoubted advantage is the presence of its own amplification units with level control in the frequency bands. A rated power of 150 watts (maximum 600) is enough to enjoy any genre of music.

Alpine SXE-1750S

For your money, the kit sounds pretty good. An undoubted convenience is the installation of speakers in regular places in the case. Acoustics shows a fairly wide band of reproduced frequencies, but a rated power of 45 W may not be enough for a large car interior.