When it comes to car audio, door speakers are an essential component in delivering high-quality sound. However, with several types of door speakers available on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenging task.
Component speakers offer the best sound quality among door speakers. With separately mounted tweeter and woofer in the door, component speakers provide more customization options and create better stage effects than coaxial speakers, resulting in a more balanced and detailed sound.
As an Amazon Associate, ImproveCarAudio will receive a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the links in this article.
Tip: For those looking for the best door speaker experience, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality component speaker system or midbass driver setup.
A good example is the Infinity Kappa 90CSX 6×9 (link to Amazon). This system features high-quality materials, precise sound reproduction, and powerful bass response, making it an excellent choice for upgrading its car audio system.
In this article, I will explore the different types of door speakers and determine which one offers the best sound quality.
What Are the Types of Door Speakers?
The two main types of door speakers are coaxial and component designs. Lets’s go below into more detail for each type:
#1. Coaxial Speakers
Coaxial speakers are the most common door speakers and offer a simple, all-in-one solution for door audio.
They typically feature a tweeter (for high frequencies) and a woofer (for low frequencies) integrated into a single speaker. Coaxial speakers are an excellent option for those who want an easy setup for their car audio system.
#2. Component Speakers
Component speakers offer more customization options and often produce higher-quality sound than coaxial speakers.
They allow you to separately mount the tweeter and woofer in the door, allowing for better soundstage and imaging. This makes component speakers an excellent choice for those who value a more balanced and detailed sound in their car audio system.
#3. Subwoofers
Subwoofers are explicitly designed for reproducing low frequencies and can be added to an existing speaker system for improved bass response.
A subwoofer is a great option if you’re looking for powerful, punchy bass. However, it’s essential to remember that subwoofers, even those 6.5″, are not a replacement for a whole speaker system and should be used in conjunction with other speakers.
#4. Midbass Speakers
Midbass drivers are designed to reproduce the mid-bass frequencies, which are typically not handled well by most standard door speakers.
Adding a set of midbass drivers to your door speaker setup can enhance the overall sound quality and provide a more balanced and detailed sound.
Midbass drivers are a great choice for those who want to take their car audio experience to the next level, but they usually work on their own but are part of component systems.
Which Door Speaker Type Gives the Best Sound Effect?
The answer to this question will depend on your personal preferences and the type of music you listen to.
If you prefer a more balanced and detailed sound, component speakers or midbass drivers may be a good choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for more bass, a subwoofer might be the way to go.
Ultimately, the choice between coaxial speakers, component speakers, subwoofers, and midbass drivers will come down to what you value most in your car audio system.
The Ultimate Sound System Experience with Component Speakers
For those looking for the best door speaker experience, it is recommended to invest in a high-quality component speaker system or midbass driver setup.
Component speakers offer more customization options and create better stage effects than coaxial speakers, resulting in a more balanced and detailed sound:
#1. Separate Mounting of Tweeter and Woofer
The main advantage of component speakers over coaxial speakers is the ability to separately mount the tweeter and woofer in the door.
This separation allows for better soundstage and imaging, resulting in a more balanced and detailed sound.
The tweeter and woofer can be positioned in such a way that they perfectly align with the listener’s ears, providing an immersive audio experience.
#2. Improved Soundstage and Imaging
With component speakers, you can achieve a better soundstage and imaging, resulting in a more balanced and detailed sound.
The soundstage refers to the perceived location of the instruments and vocals in a piece of music. Good imaging makes it easier to distinguish where the sounds come from, creating a more immersive listening experience.
#3. Balance and Detail of Sounds
Component speakers bring a sense of balance and detail to the sounds in your car audio system.
The tweeter reproduces the high frequencies, providing clarity and detail to the music. The woofer handles the low frequencies, giving depth and impact to the music.
When combined, component speakers deliver a more nuanced and natural sound than coaxial speakers.
This makes component speakers an excellent choice for those who want to experience their music in the most accurate and detailed way possible.
Tips for Choosing the Right Speakers
When choosing a component speaker system, it is important to consider the size of the speakers, power handling capabilities, and mounting options, but also look at more personalized characteristics:
#1. High-Quality Materials
When choosing a component speaker system, it’s essential to invest in high-quality materials. The speaker’s materials can significantly impact the overall sound quality, so choosing a system that uses materials like high-quality cones, surrounds, and baskets is critical.
#2. Precise Sound Reproduction
Precision is key when it comes to sound reproduction. Look for a component speaker system that uses advanced technologies and design techniques to ensure precise sound reproduction.
This will result in a more accurate and natural sound that is faithful to the original recording, and when you have a few similar options, try listening to all of them before purchase.
#3. Powerful Bass Response
Bass response is an essential aspect of any car audio system, and a significant component speaker system should be able to deliver powerful and punchy bass.
Look for a system with high-quality woofers and good power handling capability to ensure a satisfying bass experience. Most importantly, look at the RMS power, stiffness of the cone, and frequency response.
Which Are the Best Component Systems?
When it comes to the best component speaker systems available, there are many options to choose from.
But I will not make a massive list of the “20 best…”. Instead, I will show you below my top three:
Focal PS165 FSE
In their pursuit of audio excellence, Focal has developed a new line of speakers that utilize a flax woofer cone.
The flax fibers used in these cones are half the weight of fiberglass, resulting in a highly rigid and lightweight cone that ensures accuracy and reduces unwanted vibrations.
The Focal PS165 FSE (link to Amazon) is a 6-1/2″ component speaker system designed to deliver a dynamic and accurate sound that leaves you feeling like you’re listening to live music.
Design
The shallow-mount woofer basket allows for easy installation in more challenging vehicles, and the patented surround uses “tuned mass damper” technology to enhance the structural stability of the woofer cone.
This results in smoother and more natural sound. The aluminum/magnesium inverted dome tweeter provides a rigid and non-resonant platform for the superior components, and the aluminum frame helps to ensure accuracy and stability.
Functionality
The PS165 FSE speakers can handle up to 70 watts RMS and have a frequency response of 70-28,000 Hz. They are not the most powerful and can run with the factory stereo, but if you decide to install them, you need to use their full potential and add an amplifier.
The sensitivity of the speakers is 91.5 dB at 2.83 volts, and the mounting depth is 2-3/16″. The 4-ohm impedance of these speakers ensures they will work well with a wide range of amplifiers.
In addition, the inverted dome design of the tweeters distributes high frequencies in a broad pattern to create an exceptionally natural soundstage.
Features
The flax woofer cone with “tuned mass damper” surround is a unique feature that sets these speakers apart from the competition.
The combination of flax and inverted dome tweeters results in a dynamic and accurate sound that leaves you feeling like you’re listening to live music which is a unique experience at this price point.
The shallow-mount woofer basket and aluminum frame ensure that the speakers are easy to install and provide a stable platform for the components.
Ease of Use
These speakers are designed to be easy to install, with a shallow-mount woofer basket that allows for installation in cars which cannot accommodate the deeper design.
But do not be misled by their shallow design, they can make genuinely outstanding tones in any car.
The aluminum frame provides a rigid and non-resonant platform for the components, and the 4-ohm impedance ensures that the speakers will work well with a wide range of amplifiers.
Pros
#1. The Flax woofer cone provides a dynamic and accurate sound
#2. Shallow-mount woofer basket allows for easy installation
#3. Aluminum frame provides a stable and non-resonant platform for the components
#4. Inverted dome tweeters distribute high frequencies in a wide pattern to create a natural soundstage
Cons
#1. It may require a high-quality subwoofer to pick up where the speaker’s capabilities drop off in low bass
The combination of flax woofer cones and inverted dome tweeters provides a natural, live sound that will impress.
The shallow-mount woofer basket and aluminum frame make these speakers easy to install and provide a stable platform for the components. If you’re looking for a high-quality component speaker system, the PS165 FSE is definitely worth considering.
Infinity Kappa 90csx
Infinity has been a leader in the car audio industry for many years, and their Kappa Series car speakers are no exception.
Designed and built with the audiophile in mind, the Kappa 90csx component speaker system (link to Amazon) is a 6″x9″ design that boasts uncompromised audio quality and a refined design.
Design
The Kappa 90csx component speaker system comes with 2 woofers, 2 tweeters, and 2 large external crossovers.
The 6″x9″ Plus One+ glass fiber woofer cone is surrounded by a hi-roll rubber surround, and the edge-driven, soft dome tweeter provides a smooth and open response with minimal distortion at high volumes.
The crossovers are made with premium components and can accommodate an upgrade to a 3-way system if desired. In addition, grilles are included with the speakers, which is a plus because not all brands include grilles.
Functionality
The Kappa 90csx are low impedance. They work at a 2.5-ohm impedance, allowing exceptional performance, but only when you have them powered by a powerful amplifier with around 120-180W RMS per channel.
The speakers have a sensitivity of 94 dB at 2.83 volts and can handle up to 135 watts RMS (405 watts peak power), making them perfect for use with an outboard amplifier.
The frequency response of the speakers is 35-35,000 Hz, which is an excellent result for 6×9. 35Hz is not always achievable by subwoofers.
Features
Infinity’s proprietary technology, such as their edge-driven dome tweeters and Plus One+ woofer technology, make the Kappa 90csx component speaker system a top choice for many car audio enthusiasts, and I do love how they sound.
The edge-driven dome tweeters provide a more defined soundstage and a clearer, more lifelike sound, while the Plus One+ woofer technology extends the cone to the edge of the basket, resulting in a bigger cone and more bass to complement the high-frequency response.
Another good thing I like o much is that the external crossovers are made with premium components and can accommodate an upgrade to a 3-way system if desired.
So, if you want to expand your audio with mid-range speakers in the future, you just plug them into the crossovers, and the job is done.
Ease of Use
Installing the Kappa 90csx component speaker system is relatively easy, and they fit in most vehicles without issue.
The speakers come with an adapter that can be used for aftermarket installation, and the grilles are included for added protection.
Pros
#1. High-quality audio with smooth and open response
#2. Capable of handling high volumes without distortion
#3. Can be powered by factory radios or aftermarket stereos
#4. Easily upgradeable to a 3-way system
#5. Grilles included for added protection
Cons
#1. The crossovers are large, and difficult to find a good mounting location inside door panels.
To summarize, the Infinity Kappa 90csx component speaker system is a top choice for car audio enthusiasts looking for high-quality audio and a refined design.
The speakers are capable of handling high volumes, but you need to use a strong amplifier. The Kappa 90csx component speaker system is easily upgradeable to a 3-way system and comes with grilles for added protection.
Overall, the Infinity Kappa 90csx component speaker system is an excellent choice for anyone looking for high-quality audio in their vehicle.
JBL GTO609C
JBL GTO609C component speakers (link to Amazon) are an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their car audio system and do not want to spend too much money.
These speakers are designed to produce clear and powerful sound, with the capability to handle up to 270 watts, which is quite a lot for 6,5″ speakers.
Whether you are looking for a direct replacement for your factory speakers or want to take your car audio system to the next level, the GTO609C component speakers are an excellent choice.
Design
Although the JBL GTO609C component speakers have been on the market for a long time, they feature a sleek and modern design that looks great in any car interior.
The Plus One carbon-injected cones provide a larger speaker-cone area than other cones in their class, resulting in better low-frequency response and tones.
The soft-dome tweeters feature oversized voice coils for better heat dissipation and higher power handling, resulting in smooth and fatigue-free highs.
Functionality
The patented I-Mount system allows for unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to flush-mount or surface-mount your component tweeters.
The dual-level tweeter volume adjustment helps compensate for less-than-perfect speaker placement and can even be set to suit your personal listening preference and musical taste.
Features
The JBL GTO609C component speakers handle 270 watts peak power (75 watts RMS), making them an ideal match for systems powered with an amplifier, but it does not have to be stronger than 100W RMS per channel.
The GTO609C component speakers are capable of producing tight and punchy bass, making them an excellent choice for a balanced listening experience.
The voice separation is excellent, and the tweeters are crisp, making the GTO609C component speakers perfect for clear and powerful sound.
Ease of Use
The JBL GTO609C component speakers are easy to install and use.
Whether you are a seasoned car audio enthusiast or a beginner, these speakers are designed to be user-friendly and easy to install.
The GTO609C component speakers can be installed as a direct replacement for your factory speakers, or if you do not have factory tweeter locations, you may need to modify door panels.
Pros
#1. Clear and powerful sound
#2. Ideal for systems powered with head-unit or factory-amplifier power levels
#3. Can keep up with systems that feature one or more subwoofers
#4. Sleek and modern design
#5. Easy to install and use
#6. Tight and punchy bass
#7. Crisp and clear tweeters
#8. Voice separation is perfect
#9. Build quality is excellent
Cons
#1. For some music types, tweeters can make the highest tones too crispy.
With clear and powerful sound, easy installation, and a sleek and modern design, the JBL GTO609C component speakers are the best choice for anyone looking for high-quality car audio.
Conclusion
Component speakers offer the best sound quality among door speakers. With the ability to separately mount the tweeter and woofer in the door, component speakers provide:
- A more balanced and detailed sound.
- Improved soundstage and imaging.
- A more immersive audio experience.
When choosing a component speaker system, it’s essential to invest in high-quality materials, precision sound reproduction, and powerful bass response.
Excellent examples, and actually, my favorite ones are Infinity Kappa 90CSX 6×9, all JBL Stadium GTO, or the more expensive shallow mount Focal PS165 FSE (links to Amazon).
All feature high-quality materials, precise sound reproduction, and powerful bass response. With the right component speaker system, you can bring your car audio experience to the next level and enjoy your music like never before.
FAQ
How Do Different Speakers Affect the Overall Sound Quality in a Car?
The different speaker types have a significant impact on the overall sound quality in any car.
Coaxial speakers are a great option for a simple and easy-to-install solution. They offer decent sound quality and are relatively affordable.
Component speakers, on the other hand, provide a more customized audio experience by separating the tweeter and woofer for more precise sound reproduction.
Are Surround Sound Door Speakers Worth It for an Enhanced Audio Experience?
Surround sound door speakers can bring an enhanced audio experience to your car.
They work by creating a surround sound effect, which makes the listener feel as if they are in the middle of the action. This speaker setup is perfect for those who enjoy watching movies or listening to music in their car.
However, it is worth noting that surround sound door speakers can be more expensive and complex to install compared to other speaker types.
How Can I Tell if Speakers Will Bring Great Sound Quality?
One of the best ways to determine if a speaker will bring good sound quality is by researching the company, checking the speaker’s specifications, and comparing it to other speakers in its price range.
I also recommend listening to the speaker to get a better idea of its sound quality.