Tweeters

For car audio with surround sound you may have two or more speakers,  a subwoofer and a tweeter,  depending on the size of the space and the amount of volume and intensity you want. How do you choose the right tweeter? 

The Basics

Amplifiers increase and amplify the volume of the sound as the name suggests. Most home speakers come with integrated amps, as do subwoofers. However, if you want more than a two-way stereo in your car,  you need to add on other components:

Top Rated Car Tweeters
(from CNet.com)

 Less than $50:

Between $50 and $150:

More than $150:

  • First would be a subwoofer, which produces "lows."
    • For example, the thudding bass sound you hear in rap music.
  • Second is a midrange,  which produces middle-range tones (hence the name).
    • It is generally a balance between highs and lows.
  • Third is a tweeter,  which is designed to produce high-range frequencies.

Together, these components improve the sound quality and create a fuller, wider range of sound -- the way it was meant to be heard.

But, if all this information seems a bit too complicated, you might want to opt for a component system  that comes equipped with subwoofer, tweeter, and midrange in one convenient system. This is a more affordable option, as it  guarantees compatibility between all the components at one low price.

Upgrading

Most cars come with integrated speakers, complete with a subwoofer and tweeter, or in other words, a two-way speaker system.  To get better sound, think about upgrading to either a three-way system  or four-way system.  With a three-way system, you will have the benefit of a mid-range driver.  Four-way systems have low, mid and high range, plus a supertweeter that provides high frequencies. The amount of money you want to spend will determine what type of speaker setup you can get. Unlike stock speakers that come pre-installed in your vehicle, brand name speakers come with a crossover  that measures and adjusts the frequencies of your various components to ensure that they are at the right levels, improving sound rendition.

Thinking of Revamping Your System

  • Keep the grills,  as most speakers won't come with them.
  • Remember that while creating more control over your sound components, you will also have more special wiring to do.
    • Crutchfield has a guide for speaker component installation.
  • Make sure to purchase speakers of the same size as the last ones.
  • If you want better sounding music in your car, adding a tweeter  will definitely help.

Tweeter Essentials

  • Power: You want the power on your tweeters to match the power on your speakers and subwoofer. Likewise, there should be enough power from the stereo system to power the tweeters and any other components that you've got running. When in doubt, always go for more since there is always be room to upgrade.
  • Impedance: 4-8 ohm is standard.
  • Mounting: Surface, flush or angle, in-ceiling or door-mount. Where you put the tweeters depends on where you have space and which space is the most convenient for wiring's sake.
  • Material Matters
    • Tweeter cones or domes made of polypropylene or silk make a clearer smoother sound than those made from paper
    • Foam and paper also deteriorates quicker
    • The elements will gradually take a toll on any component, but brand name products are made to be more resistable using technologically advanced materials
    • There are also bullet-style, titanium and chrome tweeters
  • Size Doesn't
    • You will have to think about where you'll put the tweeter, but it is not as complicated as finding a place for a subwoofer.
    • Usually tweeters are very small components (1-6 inches) compared to subwoofers

Related Buying Guides

Speakers

Amplifiers

Subwoofers

Receivers

Satellite Radio

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