Component Speakers
A component loudspeaker is a single driver designed to reproduce frequencies in a given range. Component speakers are used in tandem with other component speakers to reproduce the entire audio spectrum. As few as two and as many as four or more different size drivers can be used to create a component set. The drivers are kept operating within their designed audio band by a series of frequency filters known as a crossover. By using a crossover to keep speakers operating within a certain range the speakers do not become distorted by trying to reproduce frequencies that they are physically unable to reproduce.
In order to keep the point source attribute with a set of component speakers these speakers must be placed very near each other. However this is not always done in practice. Sometimes a midrange/woofer will be placed in a door while the tweeter may be placed in the front corner of the front window (sail panel) or on the pillar that separates the windshield from the door frame (A-pillar). This is done to raise the apparent position of the musicians on an imaginary stage in the front of the vehicle.
It is generally considered desirable to have a sound system that gives the impression that the musicians exist on a stage across the top of the dash, extending beyond the edges of the dash. Raising the tweeter level can help in this goal but other problems occur such as time alignment, the difference in time it takes the low and high frequencies to reach your ears. Ideally all frequencies should arrive at your ears at the same time.
Advantages of this design are generally better sound and more options
for installation. Disadvantages are added cost, more complex installation,
and possible problems with time alignment.
Aspects and features that need to be considered when purchasing components
are:
Frequency Response: This is the how much of the audible
spectrum a loudspeaker can reproduce. The value should be given with a
rating of +/- some number of decibels, usually three. The greater the
frequency range, the better up to 20kHz and down to 20Hz. Realistically
a component speaker will not play much below 80Hz. That's why we have
subwoofers.
Mounting Depth: This is the distance that a speaker
needs behind its mounting surface for its basket and magnet structure.
This can be very important when speakers are being installed in the rear
deck of automobile that has torsion bars in the trunk or door speakers
with window clearance problems.
Power Handling: This is the amount of power a speaker
can withstand before failing after a given amount of time. The most important
number is the speakers continuous or RMS power handling. Peak power handling
means virtually nothing.
Sensitivity: This is a reference measure of how loud a speaker will be with a certain amount of power at a certain distance. The standard is one watt at one meter. By halving the distance an increase of six decibels will be realized and doubling the power will increase the output by another three decibels. This is a trick used by some companies to make their speakers to appear more efficient than they are. Most loudspeakers will be in the ninety decibel range. Keep in mind that a difference of three decibels is equivalent to a doubling of the amplifier power.
The Car Audio Help DVD catalog includes five different videos covering many areas of car audio installation and custom fabrication. Topics range from basic system installation (head units, CD changers, amps, speakers, etc.) and mobile security (car alarms and remote start) to subwoofer box design and fiberglass fabrication. If you're interested in custom fabrication and car audio installation be sure to check out what we have to offer.
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