How to choose car speakers | Crutchfield

New speakers make a big difference in your car's sound system. In this video, our expert explains what specs are important, gives tips, and teaches you all you need to know when you're shopping.
One very important part of the car speaker shopping process is finding speakers that fit your car. Crutchfield has a growing database of over 15,000 cars, trucks and SUVs in which we have measured the openings, noted the screw locations, and used that info to create detailed instructions tailored to your vehicle. You can give our database a try by entering your vehicle info in our Outfit My Car tool.
See what gear fits your car: www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2I...
Jump to section:
0:00 Intro
0:09 What speakers fit my car?
0:35 What's your end goal?
1:00 Speaker efficiency and power handling
1:41 Speaker sizes & fit
2:42 Frequency response
3:29 Upgrades
3:52 Component vs coaxial speakers
4:22 Installing component systems
6:08 Tweeter materials and sound
6:51 Woofer materials and sound
7:27 Surround materials
8:03 Outro
Swapping speakers in your car is a satisfying experience. It offers you a big upgrade in sound with relatively straightforward installation. But all cars are different, and some speakers are a better match for you than others. Lucky for you, Crutchfield carries a huge selection of speakers.
Car speakers: www.crutchfield.com/i-rYTVc2I...
You've got a lot of choices when it comes to car speakers, and this video will help give you the knowledge you need to make the right choice for your vehicle and budget. If you have questions along the way, please reach out to us; you can call, chat online, or email. And when you buy from Crutchfield, you get our free lifetime tech support.
Crutchfield, America's trusted electronics specialist since 1974, has award-winning customer service, free lifetime tech support, and free shipping on most orders. Shop for all your audio and video needs at Crutchfield.com and sign up for the catalog and email newsletter at www.crutchfield.com
See more home and car electronics videos on our channel: / crutchfieldtv

[@heavychevy383]

Crutchfield... the Company that Sets the GOLD Standard for Quality Customer Service!

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O

[@dity.]

I hope all is well I feel like God laid this on my heart for me to send you this message! The Bible verses that changed my life which was Acts 2:36-43. I just wanted to say that Jesus Christ can restore your life and that is a promise according to Acts 2:39, and God loves you. If you’re in need of a good church near you here you go to google & type in UPCI Church locator a man named Gabriel helped me find the church that I went to before I moved and they led me to the church that I do go to now! God bless have a great one 🙂. I prayed for you I hope all is well 🙂

[@heavychevy383]

@@dity. thanx for sharing that ...been a follower of the teachings of Christ for 18 years now, & its always cool to hear an encouraging word from a fellow believer. 'priciate ya & god bless

[@pekka8459]

@@heavychevy383 God bless you🙏

[@sdfiske64]

Always. Always. Excellent customer service.

[@htownmmm]

I've been buying from Crutchfield since 1995. They have been on point each and every time.

[@onereall182]

U fr daimmm

[@josifmaracine5526]

Same here.

[@rowlandbuck2703]

You can get better for the same or less compared to anything from crutchfield. It’s really just an online bestbuy with the high end stuff being marked up to ridiculous retail prices.

[@rowlandbuck2703]

Nothing wrong with em but seems you can find better for cheaper if you are thorough and take your time shopping.

[@craybato7591]

@@rowlandbuck2703 yeah the prices are higher then car toys lol

[@thezebiano]

Amazing video. Very professional. Love your professional voice, no "uhm" to hear anywhere. Great job!

[@theophany1770]

Or "you knows",🤣

[@jnspincliffe2]

Prompter

[@tehIVI40A3]

6:31

[@thezebiano]

@@tehIVI40A3 Missed that one ahah

[@kendallalford464]

1:55

[@nimai0108]

Best video on KZbin for speaker knowledge. Straight to the point! No BS!

[@ticochargergt3441]

Even from a person that knows about cars. This is by far the best explanation of speakers I’ve ever watched. Keep up the good work guys.

[@tb3atz719]

Excellent high quality content which reflects or mirrors customer service, love it! Like watching you guys videos because it very informative which helps me to build my dream mobile system.

[@alexismaxwell1057]

short, sweet, straight to the point. very informative, thank you very much!! i’ve blown my two back speakers to the point that i have to turn the sound blending all the way to the front speakers. this video is helping me find the perfect speakers to replace mine with ☺️

[@chewykarma]

This should be passed around as an example of a GOOD instructional video. Useful information, with a concise, clearly spoken explanation. Thanks.

[@aloktripathi2611]

Everything has been very well explained in this video. Great work guys and looking forward to more such videos. Many thanks.

[@Forshledian]

Instant Sub. Never seen a video from this company/channel before but I can tell they just know what’s up. Excellent Job.

[@CrashCarson14]

They are the leaders in car audio sales

[@toyotabrony]

This is the second best move forward video since Headlight revolution thst also gives u a straight forward answers. These are the types of videos that helps a lot. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@84jordie]

This is seriously the best video for someone wanting to get sound system in the car. Thank you for this video. I'd go to your store but I am in Australia.

[@vicferrari89]

I bought from Crutchfield and will not buy speakers from anywhere else except Crutchfield. Awesome website and customer service and YT info videos. Great informational video!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks Vic! We are glad we could help

[@customreviews2074]

Crutchfield makes the best most high quality videos!

[@mrmustangman]

it's the greatest best pleasure....

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

I've had nothing but amazing experiences with Crutchfield. I will continue to shop from and recommend them for a very long time

[@crutchfield]

Awww, Thanks!!!

[@UndergroundTrev]

I was surfing Crutchfield's site for new stereo parts for my old car and needed to refresh my knowledge. I came to KZbin and only a few videos down saw one from Crutchfield! Great video, I learned more than I was looking for.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you! Glad we could help. If you need anything further, please let us know.

[@glam1310]

Anyone can learn from this video. Thank you!

[@KISIEL1M]

What a video! Couple minutes and sooo to the point! Wish I could like it twice

[@hunterfmhunter2205]

simple is perfect! Short, clear, informative. Thanks for this perfect video

[@Nethasis]

Fantastic video! I love how informative this was!

[@treydaypnw]

Crutchfield....a Great company! 👍🏽👌🏽

[@willuexwilluex6241]

That camera is amazing. I forgot about looking for speakers. I want that camera

[@rds990]

OUTSTANDING piece. Clear and concise.

[@lillianyoung2508]

this was a very informational video unlike the rest of the videos on this topic. thank you!!

[@jayinmi3706]

Best way? Go to your local shop and listen to how they sound...don't buy them because they look cool.

[@ZZPxFTW]

That is the worst way. Demo walls are just… walls. Those speakers will all sound *completely* different once installed in a car, and the demo wall just imposes false expectations.

[@jayinmi3706]

@@ZZPxFTW So you're suggesting that listening to a speaker is not as good as randomly choosing them based on price ort appearance? They will sound different in the car for sure, but it's a lot closer than guessing.

[@ZZPxFTW]

@@jayinmi3706 Im absolutely not suggesting that. I'm suggesting it takes a little knowledge and research to know what values will work for specific applications. Listening to the demo wall will get you as close to what you're looking for as choosing on price and looks... Have an idea of what sensitivity, Qts, Vas, and Fs are going to be best suited for your application. Just a quick example for one of those specs: demo walls are essentially IB, and will favor high Qts drivers, but if you are installing them in an enclosure, a lower Qts would likely be a better option, but would have probably sounded worse on the wall.

[@squidduck]

There are very few local shops anymore, with the exception of a couple chain stores that only carry low to medium lines of very established companies such as pioneer or kenwood or alpine. It’s a different world now

[@jayinmi3706]

@@squidduck I work at a local shop. We have 5 locations. And I can think of 4 or 5 other local locations of other companies. It isn't that hard.

[@Kcducttaper1]

Great video for getting started and all good points! Some things I would like to see listed on the speaker specs page that usually aren't include: 1) Xmax. Power rating doesn't mean squat once the cone runs out of travel. 2) How many orders the crossover has. I bought a set of JBL units that only have a 1st order (capacitor only) on the tweeter and nothing on the woofer. The blend between the woofer and tweeter is friggin harsh! Lesson learned. 3) Verified frequency response in an infinite baffle setup (basically what car doors are). Manufacturers lie about frequency response all the time. 4) THD at 50% rated power, 80% rated power and 100% rated power using pink noise (not a sine wave). 5) Dispersion pattern measurements.

[@mrmustangman]

doubt you will ever see these ratings....

[@Querencias7]

E X C E L L E N T tutorial. Useful info w/out getting too technical, i.e., ideal for most of us lay people. Much obliged for a very nice job. Many thanks!

[@joelong8181]

I don’t know much about sound systems and in searching for a video to help me understand the basics of the differences in speakers, this video was the best so far. Thanks

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@ethanhicks4080]

This info is awesome, thank you guys!

[@freestylerjpartner6270]

I was confused 🤔 about rms-db..now I get it. Thank you so much!

[@crutchfield]

Hello Bully Boy, Of course! Let us know if we can help you with anything else. Thanks, Alana with Crutchfield Corp

[@ismaelledesma6467]

I appreciate these analytical breakdowns the most

[@ScottOrd]

Clear and informative, thanks for this!

[@wtrdogg20]

Thank you so much for this video!!! Now I know what to look for. I checked in the Crutchfield website replacement speakers for my Civic LX and they recommended a set of Kickers 46CSC674, but I would like to know whether there are other good options, as Kicker uses polyester foam surround and I have heard that foam does not last much.

[@shannonbunch1003]

Just had a stereo put in my son's car. We were lucky that we found a shop that the guys were completely honest and understood what we wanted... I couldn't afford to do a complete system, but wanted a good head unit and some good sounding speakers ( later on add a amp and sub ) he recommend a nice Jvc head unit and some polk audio db's , they didn't even charge us for the speaker sound padding in the front doors... I wanted a Kenwood head unit, but he assured me this Jvc would do the trick.... And man did it sound clean... We sat in the parking lot listening to it for 30 min before we left... Everything came to around $400 out the door... Unbelievable, I was so happy and my son loves it... We will definitely let these guys finish the system for us, I learned you didn't have to pay $$$$ of dollars for a great sound system

[@mrmustangman]

i like Kenwood.!!!!!!!!!

[@pullingguard5435]

Thank you for speaking about speakers. Great video

[@matthiasprosser5179]

Extremely well made video, very informative and concise!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you!

[@dukeofpearl]

Focal.....all the way! 🎶👍🏻

[@possibleproblem479]

bought a 95 civic and want a really nice stereo system. road trips just aren't good without good music

[@crutchfield]

We can help get your Civic roadtrip worthy! We have advisors that can discuss your goals and preferences for the audio and give a personal recommendation on gear to meet them. Here's how to reach us for this help: www.crutchfield.com/I-rYTVc227/support/ContactUs.aspx

[@possibleproblem479]

@@crutchfield i already wired in a harness adaptor for a pioneer deh into it. just need to get new speakers and maybe a small subwoofer

[@702ringo1]

Holy cow this was a good video! You explained everything so perfectly. thank you for posting this video I had no idea how to choose which speakers for my car, thank you so much!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad it helped. Let us know when we can help again

[@victorsuro662]

You guys are amazing!! Keep up the good work!!

[@crutchfield]

We appreciate the love🥰. Thank you for enjoying our content and commenting, we are here to help!

[@DiscoInferno166]

Very informative. Super video with all the info I needed.

[@stevenallen6245]

Crutchfield been around forever love buying merchandise from them👍🏾

[@crutchfield]

Thanks Steven! Let us know when we can help again

[@Edge5055]

This was the best video ever!!!! Thank you

[@JCam151]

What an outstanding explanation. Thanks!

[@softarmor111]

thanks a lot! been struggling for a year trying to replace my speakers and that was very useful

[@JamarD421]

Damn man is it that hard. It's only been a couple days for me and I feel like I'm struggling....

[@bryanCLXT]

@@JamarD421 I've been hunting and watching vids and reviews for a week. been wanting to change my speakers for like 4 months yes the rabbit hole of audio goes deep

[@JamarD421]

@@bryanCLXT I dont think I could take that long to do it. Anything is gonna sound better than my stock garbage speakers. All I want is speakers since I dont expect my car to last another 5 years

[@ActinOut]

Best summary I've seen on key points to be aware of when buying & matching speakers to receiver. The link to and your site info is very helpful. Great deals. Very impressed. From what I've seen, you may just win out my business from Amazon, which is not a bad thing. The only thing you might be a little short on compared to amazon is return shipping. But I'm definitely going to be watching your site for deals equal to amazon. If you did free returns on smaller items like speakers you'd be guaranteed to get my audio business over amazon. You're still a strong consideration though and I'm preferring to move away from Amazon as much as possible because of their growing cancel culture.

[@webvoyager999]

Very helpful video, wish you guys had a presence here in the UK... I’d be a customer. Thank you.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks!

[@goo6341]

Thank you 🙏 for the great 👍 explanation!!!

[@kimberlywilliams4690]

Just watched this video. I’ve been searcher for a system to put in my Supra boat. Great information.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks, Kimberly! 🙂 Please let us know if you'd like help choosing or need anything else.

[@oscar90210]

Wow! What a great information. I didn’t know what to look for or what would be the best for my car as I just want a bit of more quality sound. Thank you 🙏🏻 for making the video

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We're glad to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@lowbo47omsascotave]

*Eastside Low Bottoms sh*t !* _Tappin' in from South Central LA_ Great insight. I was having an issue with 6x9's in my lowrider. I went thru a few different brands because the tweeters would blow out on all of them. I had Kenwood, then tried Pioneer, then JBL, then Infinity. I ended up back with a pair of Kenwood, but with 650 watts. I was told to look less for watts which is "peak power" and look more for "RMS power". I haven't had that problem again so far, and they sound great !

[@marcorossi1763]

Wow amazing quality helpful video, very impressed thank you!

[@masonbrooks6520]

This is the best video I’ve ever watched

[@vascomiguel3384]

this man's a hero, thanks!

[@elirubio4741]

Love you JR . I've learned alot from this video

[@Hartboytray]

Thanks! Using your tips to change mine now!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. Glad we could help!

[@bassebassesen2254]

I must say, surprisingly good video from this company

[@karankaul4814]

Best video ever on car speakers. Helped me make the decision!

[@crutchfield]

We are glad to hear it helped!! Let us know when we can help again

[@sarahdell4042]

This was very helpful! Thanks

[@Valid_OW]

Super helpful video, thanks.

[@ooopsohnoo9061]

Very informative. Thank you very much for making this teaching video

[@L.M.Delgado]

Thanks for the information. Very helpful.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@lickaroosky]

Excellent impartial and valuable information. Thanks very much!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! We are glad it helped!

[@sonofagreatsouthernland]

A really valuable tutorial to set the buyer on the right path. Thanks!

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome! It's great to hear that you found it informative!

[@silverevans7763]

Crutchfield is 100% the best place for your audio needs excellent costumer service great videos on how to thanks Crutchfield

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! We certainly appreciate it! 🙂

[@justatiger6268]

this was an *EXCELLENT* video. Thank you!

[@crutchfield]

We are glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting us know! 😄

[@jinbaittai85]

Nice video. Thank you. Love Crutchfield.

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! Glad it helped. Let us know when we can help again

[@pyrophilly]

Very good, information dense video. Fantastic to get up to speed on what to look for in a car speaker, what the difference are and how they impact sound, installation and more. 👏👏👏

[@crutchfield]

Glad we could help!

[@BTunaTTV_YT]

@@crutchfield do you have speakers that eill fit a 2002 mitsubishi space star? It would br amazing because im thinking of replacing the oem door ones and not very keen on how to measure and all that

[@MarkAKathurima]

Fantastic, clear and concise

[@beachbums271]

Most helpful video I’ve found

[@honahwikeepa2115]

Thank you for your knowledge. Excellent explanation. 👍

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome. It's great to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@bradgiez6192]

Tks JR this video was very helpful well done

[@rudyalmanza7107]

I subbed immediately they have a website that makes it easy to find the right fit for you

[@geoffjackson7894]

The biggest pain with most of these technical type videos is the person presenting speaks in jargon and I am left more confused than when I started watching. This was the most informative and non patronising video I have watched on speakers ( and I have watched a lot) thank you!!!!!

[@ecgodsmack86]

Very informative. Much Respect. Thank You.

[@crutchfield]

Thank you!

[@SWIN6R]

Why can I not like more than one time you are literally my savior

[@crutchfield]

Awesome, thanks! If you need anything further, please let us know.

[@LuisMiguelCostaVideos]

Thank You, Sir. This video has given me a much wider insight into the research I am doing!

[@crutchfield]

You're certainly welcome! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@robertglancy4474]

Thx...a big help in getting me to my final choice.

[@crutchfield]

Anytime! It's great to hear that you found the video helpful! 🙂

[@brodiewalsh8328]

I just bought my dream car and the previous owner had a '3phase' set up with tweeters and a big sub and amp but took the amp and sub out before I got it. I have no clue when it comes to speakers and shit but this really helped me understand more about what I should be looking for with the speakers. Thank you

[@crutchfield]

Anytime! We're glad to hear that you found it helpful! 🙂

[@sereylim1050]

Very professional always !!! Very good teacher !!

[@crutchfield]

Thank you so much! We really appreciate that! 😊

[@orlana2575]

The most professional video about speakers I have seen

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! It's great to hear that you found it helpful. 🙂

[@portalsrule1239]

That website is super helpful!

[@jione8722]

Cool. Thanks. I am unknowledgeable about sound systems, but this gives me a foundation.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! If you need help choosing or anything further, please let us know.

[@HearMeLearn]

What a great video. Not even much self promotion to speak of. Really makes me wanna check you guys out for my speakers

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! If we can help you choose your speakers or anything else, please let us know.

[@sigmamale2008]

Its these kind of videos that make me like, share and subscribe :) Very informative and I like the way you covered all the nuances of speaker system and beautifully explained. Love from India!!

[@crutchfield]

Thanks for the kind words! It's great to hear that you found it informative. 🙂

[@kenmueller6029]

Awesome video

[@smashinglollipops]

Answered a lot of my questions and I think I'll be able to cut my costs in half for a diy install.

[@rogiervantilburg3440]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! Glad we could help

[@dha8085]

I'm glad to have come across your video, vry englihting for a beginner like me

[@danielduke9700]

Great video!

[@fatihorkunss]

Thank you sir for wonderdul information.

[@qualitysets]

Great video! ♥️

[@crutchfield]

Thanks! 🙂

[@nickk1502]

Excellent. Thanks so much

[@simonnaquin1252]

Thx that was really helpful...

[@vernyjm]

Very informative 👌🏻❤️

[@plearbear]

this is super helpful, thank you!

[@crutchfield]

Of course, Plear! If there's anything else we can help you with, feel free to give us a call 1(800)955-3000! :)

[@Silentjustin06]

@@crutchfield can I play my midrange speakers on full position instead of HPF if I the crossover set to the speakers frequency range. I use my pioneer avh-x4800bs network mode crossover

[@brandonstroud5148]

Excellent video.

[@rafaelgomez1989]

*** THIS IS AN AMAZING TUTORIAL PROFESIONAL VIDEO ...WOW....THANK YOU !!!!

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! 🙂

[@esatrisaputra5133]

The greatest. Thankyou

[@SuperKhusta]

thank you for this Quality content, with love from South Africa.

[@crutchfield]

You're welcome! :)