Difference between component speakers and just speakers

[pfar54]

When I go to sites to buy speakers one will say component speakers and the other will just say speakers. What is the difference?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

well there are (2) different types of speakers

(1) component. these will feature a seperate woofer and tweeter and use a crossover to filter the sound between the two. these are the best sounding speaker because you can mount the tweeter away from the woofer and create an optimal image. they also dont have a big hole in the speaker for the tweeter which helps with the bass and distortion of the speaker.

(2) coaxials. these will include a woofer and tweeter all in one package. this is the most common speaker because most dont use a crossover, which makes them easier to mount. they also are what comes factory in most cars. they have the tweeter located in the center of the speaker.

that is the difference. if you are not an audio junkie. just get the coaxials.

 

[pfar54]

ok... I'm into it, but I just want something to sound better in my truck. It doesn't have to be amazing or anything.

What about different 'way speakers', I'm pretty sure the 4-way speakers are better than the 2-way. But why is this and is it worth spending the extra few bucks to get a 4-way over a 2 or 3 way?

 

[Jay FX4]

ok... I'm into it, but I just want something to sound better in my truck. It doesn't have to be amazing or anything.

What about different 'way speakers', I'm pretty sure the 4-way speakers are better than the 2-way. But why is this and is it worth spending the extra few bucks to get a 4-way over a 2 or 3 way?

3 or 4 way speakers are not necessarily better than 2-way. You'll notice, wherever you're shopping for speakers, that your highest-end coaxials are usually 2 way, while the 3 and 4 way speakers are usually cheaper. The more little speakers your cram into the center of your woofer cone, the less the woofer is able to move, which can hurt bass response. Also the "super tweeter" on 4 way speakers is very tiny and insignificant, in my opinion.
I upgraded all 4 speakers in my truck recently, and I shopped around quite a bit, comparing features, specs, and prices. I found that 3 and 4 way speakers often had lower power handling, and in many cases didn't even offer a wider frequency range than 2 ways. 3 and 4 ways will give you clean and crisp mids and high, but it will most likely come at the expense of bass. IMO, an upper end 2 way with a single large tweeter and made with good woofer/tweeter materials is superior, because you can have excellent mids/highs as well as excellent bass response. When I first started looking for speakers, I though for sure I was going to buy at least a 3 way. But after I did a lot of research, I decided that the extra speaker(s) were not justified.
So my point is that there's nothing wrong with a 3 or 4 way speakers, but don't automatically assume that they're going to be better than a 2 way.

 

[pfar54]

Ok. Well what if I am going to have a sub in the back would it really matter if the speaker gets the low bass because won't the equalizer eliminate most of the lower bass from the speakers anyway?

 

[Loud Ranger]

speakers and subs dont play the same bass, or shouldnt anyway. your speaker plays midbass so subs wont be playing the same notes as door speakers as long as you have your high pass and low pass filters set up correctly. just find some decent 2 ways as stated above and you will be set especially if your adding a sub.

 

[pfar54]

alright guys. thanks a lot!

 

[pfar54]

Which ones look the best?

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11635_Alpine+SPS-507.html#

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_3568_Kicker+KS68.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_11502_Kicker+KS680.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_18911_Infinity+Reference+6832cf.html

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_13967_Infinity+Kappa+682.9cf.html


I know the last infinity speakers I posted has the highest rms. I also know infinity is a really good speaker brand. Well all of these are, but I have heard the best from them. I really like those alpine speakers I posted though. It has the second highest rms and has a pair of those little gasket things that goes inbetween the door and speaker for less 'rattle'. Which one do you guys like?

 

[RangerFabWorks]

the last infinity ones are the best on the list.

 

[pfar54]

How does the top link look though? The alpine ones? Those look like they are any good?

 

[flyingbrick]

The infinity's are 2 ohm so unless your going to amp them, you could burn out your head unit. The alpines are good OE replacement speakers.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

for the same money, i would get these http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9125_Polk+Audio+db571.html

 

[pfar54]

for the same money, i would get these http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_9125_Polk+Audio+db571.html

Why is that? It is because the frequency goes down about 21 more hz and the higher db rating? Isn't all of that just like peak wattage power, that you will hardly ever hit it?

 

[Loud Ranger]

Why is that? It is because the frequency goes down about 21 more hz and the higher db rating? Isn't all of that just like peak wattage power, that you will hardly ever hit it?

no those are important specs, db is sensitivity, or how efficient it is. frequency range shows how broad of a range the speaker will play.

and in my opinion, Polk audio>Infinity. polks have a much more natural smooth sound compared to infinitys screechy, harsh tweeters. But what sounds good to one person wont always sound good to others, it is very user subjective so just go find a shop that has both and listen to them with music you know very well and know exactly what it Should sound like. Then buy them off ebay or another online dealer.

also compare the silk/polymer tweeter to the infinitys metal/textile tweeter. it just depends what you are looking for a smoother more relaxed sound, or a really bright sound. i used to have the older models of those polk db 5x7's and i loved them.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

Why is that? It is because the frequency goes down about 21 more hz and the higher db rating? Isn't all of that just like peak wattage power, that you will hardly ever hit it?

as loud ranger said, those specs tell you how efficiant the speaker is. i like polk because you get a great speaker for the price of the other cheaper ones.

me personally, i like polk, jl audio, and pioneer. but thats just me.

the best question i can ask is, what do you want your stereo to do? please explain in detail and tell me what things you would like and your budget and i will build you a system.