Sound Quality: It’s Only As Good As Your Car Audio Speakers

You might think the factory system that came with your car sounds pretty good, but unless you shelled out for an upgrade then chances are you’re missing out. When you compare the sound quality of your system to even a low-cost aftermarket system you’ll be blown away by the difference.

Not all car stereos/AV receivers are equal when it comes to processing music, and not all speakers are equal when it comes to playing it. You don’t have to be an audiophile to be able to tell the difference between a good set of speakers, or to hear the quality of sound in a professional installation that uses higher quality wires and sound dampening. Clearer notes, deeper bass tones, greater audio range, higher fidelity, less fuzz and distortion at higher volumes – hearing really is believing.

The cost of a car audio speaker upgrade is cheaper than you think, adds value to your vehicle and makes long commutes feel a lot shorter. If you’re the sort of person who looks forward to road trips and long drives because you can play more music, then upgraded speakers are an easy choice to make.

Some facts about car audio speakers:

• Speakers make sound by vibrating the air at frequencies that replicate the source signal. Low tones vibrate slowly, high tones vibrate quickly, which gives a sound its tone. The amount of air pressure determines the volume of air that’s displaced.
• Since the movement of air requires the movement of a diaphragm or cone of material, you could say that speakers truly do have moving parts, and like anything, the quality of materials and construction influences the quality of the experience and longevity of the product.
• Better speakers have optimized electromagnetic coils that float up and down over higher quality magnets to a greater degree of accuracy, moving the diaphragm and soundwaves more precisely. Better quality construction and materials also reduce vibration, and won’t “blow” or become damaged at higher volumes. They are also designed to produce a greater range of sound.
• Most factory car speakers offer 15 to 20 watts of power, while most aftermarket speakers are around 50 watts. The difference at low volumes isn’t that dramatic, but when you start to turn the volume up — say in a highway situation where you’re driving around diesel trucks, your windows are open or rain is beating down on your windshield — then the difference is dramatic. Higher wattage, better quality speakers will sound crisp and clear at high volumes, and will replicate the sound more accurately.

Don’t take our word for it. Drop by Prestige Car and Marine Audio in Metairie to take the test, factory speakers vs. aftermarket, and hear for yourself what quality car audio really sounds like. There’s just no comparison.