Car Audio
How to Choose the Right Car Speakers for Your Vehicle
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·7 min read
Complete guide to choosing car speakers. Learn about sizes, types, power handling, and how to match speakers to your vehicle and goals.
How to Choose Car Speakers
Buying car speakers seems simple until you see the options. Sizes, types, power ratings, brands—it gets overwhelming fast.
This guide cuts through the confusion. Here's exactly how to choose speakers for YOUR vehicle.
Step 1: Find Your Speaker Sizes
Before anything else, know what fits your car.
Common Speaker Sizes
| Size | Common Locations |
|---|---|
| 6.5" | Front/rear doors (most common) |
| 6x9" | Rear deck |
| 5.25" | Some imports, rear doors |
| 6x8" | Ford/Mazda vehicles |
| 4" | Dash, rear pillars |
| 3.5" | Dash tweeters |
How to Find Your Sizes
Option 1: Check online databases
- Crutchfield.com — Enter your vehicle, see exact fits
- Manufacturer websites — Model-specific info
Option 2: Measure existing speakers
- Remove door panel (carefully)
- Measure mounting hole diameter
- Note mounting depth available
Option 3: Ask us
- We have vehicle databases for most makes/models
Step 2: Choose Speaker Type
Coaxial (Full-Range) Speakers
What they are: Woofer + tweeter in single unit
Pros:
- Simple installation
- Lower cost
- Good for rear fill
- Direct factory replacement
Cons:
- Tweeter placement not ideal
- Less staging/imaging control
- Limited customization
Best for: Rear speakers, budget upgrades, simple installs
Component Speakers
What they are: Separate woofer, tweeter, and crossover
Pros:
- Better imaging and soundstage
- Tweeter placement flexibility
- Higher quality typically
- More upgrade potential
Cons:
- More complex installation
- Higher cost
- Requires tweeter mounting location
Best for: Front speakers, quality-focused upgrades
Our Recommendation
| Position | Type |
|---|---|
| Front | Components (if budget allows) |
| Rear | Coaxials (fill and passengers) |
Step 3: Match Power Handling
Understanding Power Ratings
RMS (Continuous) Power — What matters Peak Power — Marketing numbers, ignore these
Power Matching Guide
| Your Power Source | Speaker RMS Needed |
|---|---|
| Factory head unit | 15-30W RMS |
| Aftermarket head unit | 20-50W RMS |
| External amplifier | Match amp output |
The Formula
Amp power ≤ Speaker RMS handling
Example: 75W amp → Speakers rated 75W+ RMS
Underpowering is OK. Running 50W to 100W speakers is fine. Overpowering is risky. Running 100W to 50W speakers causes damage.
Step 4: Consider Sensitivity
What Sensitivity Means
Higher dB rating = louder at same power input
| Sensitivity | Power Needed | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| 85-88 dB | High (needs amp) | Amplified systems |
| 88-92 dB | Medium | Most systems |
| 92+ dB | Low | Factory head units |
Practical Advice
No amplifier? Choose higher sensitivity (90+ dB) Adding amplifier? Sensitivity matters less
Step 5: Set Your Budget
What Different Budgets Get You
| Budget/Pair | Quality Level | Brands |
|---|---|---|
| $50-100 | Entry | Kicker CS, Pioneer A |
| $100-200 | Good | JBL, Rockford, Alpine S |
| $200-400 | Very good | JL Audio C2, Focal ACX |
| $400+ | Premium | Focal PS, Morel, JL C5 |
Where to Spend Money
Priority order:
- Front speakers — Where you listen from
- Amplification — Power unlocks speakers
- Rear speakers — Fill and passengers
- Sound deadening — Helps everything
Step 6: Brand Considerations
Recommended Brands by Category
Best Value:
- Kicker
- JBL
- Rockford Fosgate
Performance:
- Alpine
- JL Audio
- Hertz
Premium:
- Focal
- Morel
- Dynaudio
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Wrong Size Speakers
Speakers that don't fit properly sound bad and may damage panels.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Mounting Depth
Deep speakers may hit window mechanisms or door internals.
Mistake 3: Overspending on Rear
Sound comes from front. Rear is fill. Budget accordingly.
Mistake 4: No Amp for Premium Speakers
High-end speakers need power. Factory head units can't deliver.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Installation
DIY saves money but risks rattles, poor sound, and damage.
Quick Decision Chart
| If You Want... | Choose... |
|---|---|
| Simple upgrade | Coaxial, 90+ dB sensitivity |
| Best sound quality | Components + amplifier |
| Bass improvement | Component set with good woofer |
| Loud | Higher sensitivity + amplifier |
| Budget-friendly | Quality coaxials, skip rear upgrade |
Ready to Choose Your Speakers?
Still unsure? Let us help match speakers to your vehicle:
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — discuss your options
📍 Visit our Gilroy shop — hear speaker demos
📝 Get a free quote — we'll recommend the right speakers
Related Content
- Best Picks: Best Car Speakers Under $500
- Types: Component vs Coaxial Guide
- Full Service: Car Audio Services
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