Rating of the best 16 cm speakers for cars for 2022

For most motorists, a well-functioning audio system installed in a car is of no small importance. Usually, most people who prefer clear sound immediately after purchasing a vehicle try to replace the factory speakers with more advanced models. Modern speakers with a diameter of 16 centimeters can easily be connected directly to the car radio, without an amplifier. Their installation is possible in various places in the cabin - from standard placement in the doors to the rear shelf.

Technical parameters and features of car speakers

Today's market can offer drivers three main types of acoustic systems:

1. Broadband;
2. coaxial;
3. Component.

This ranking order was chosen for a reason. In accordance with it, the sound quality of devices increases, the complexity of their installation and, accordingly, the cost. It is worth noting that for broadband variations, only one speaker reproduces the entire frequency range. From this it is clear that this model is only enough to get acquainted with audio news from a local radio station or listen to soft tunes from it while driving slowly.

Broadband models differ from coaxial and component in several technical parameters, namely for models of 16 centimeters, the following points must be taken into account:

• Reproducible frequency band;
• Rated (average) power;
• frequency resonance;
• The degree of resistance of the sound coil.

IMPORTANT! If you purchase speakers from an unknown brand and rely only on printed information about their technical parameters (contained directly on the product itself), then the risk of becoming deceived is very high, because “no-name manufacturers” simply overestimate the above figures in order to stimulate sales.

On the other hand, even expensive products from a world-famous sound quality manufacturer may not reach their full potential. As a rule, this is associated with improper installation and illiterate fixation of the device, resulting in excessive noise reduction and extremely high power supply to the sound emitter.

Most modern auto giants have already learned how to build enough high-quality speakers with a size of 16 centimeters even into the basic equipment of their cars, but if you intend to get a truly clear sound, then the system will have to be changed to coaxial (it is also coaxial). In such a system, speakers with a diameter of 10.13 and 16 centimeters, which are mounted along a single axis, can be used. The frequency range reproduced by them will be divided into high, medium and low. Various playback devices can be used to extract better sound for single bands.

In general, it is allowed to install up to 5 units of columns with different diameters, where the maximum (but not the limit) will be 20 centimeters. However, with regard to domestic cars, you can get by with three, because they often have a three-way system mounted.

Thus, if you use speakers with different sizes, then the largest of them (16-20 cm) will be responsible for low frequencies, but speakers for mid and high frequencies should be installed in front of them.

By dividing the frequency range and improves the quality of playback. This will also be facilitated by competent division into channels, as well as proper damping of audio distortion. A special component called a crossover is responsible for channel separation. It is presented as a kind of filter having from one to four steps. In the simplest systems, crossovers can be mounted directly into car speakers, and in better and more expensive ones, they are taken out. Externally, this is a block with channel separation control buttons located on it, through which the signal output is configured.

Component systems as a special kind

Most often they are presented as a speaker mounted on a rack, and a “tweeter” located nearby. In such systems, the audio sequence is also subject to separation at different frequencies, only speakers with different diameters are installed at different points in space. Their installation takes place one by one. Naturally, the method of placement makes such a system much more expensive, but only in this way is it possible to achieve surround and almost perfect sound. Component systems are the choice of true music lovers. It should be noted that subwoofers can also be used to reproduce low frequencies in component environments. They belong to rear and additional acoustic devices and their place is in the trunk.

Modern speakers

It should immediately be noted that the shape of the speakers itself (oval or rounded) does not play a big role, only the size matters. Today's sizes, presented in the corresponding segment of the automotive market, are the unity of standards that determine the dimensions of the speakers. As a rule, in a modern car it is customary to install speakers with dimensions of 10, 13 or 16 centimeters. The size of 20 centimeters is quite rare. Separately, you need to dwell on the models intended for installation on the rear shelves - these are traditionally oval speakers with dimensions of 15 by 23 centimeters.

If the speaker diagonal is large enough, then such a sample will cope very well with playing sounds at low frequencies. In principle, the size of the entire system should be roughly comparable to the size of its subwoofers, as they are the largest in it. If we apply some average picture, then it is possible to obtain the following relationship:

• With a front speaker size of 10 cm, sound will be perfectly reproduced at a frequency of 120 Hertz;
• For front speakers of 13 cm - good quality starts at 100 Hertz;
• For speakers of 16 cm - optimal playback starts at 80 Hertz.

Perfect size questions

For front-mounted speakers, 16 cm models are ideal, which will do an excellent job of delivering low bass. Usually, 16 cm models are mounted without problems in any vehicle, but it may also happen that the space for placing them in front may be limited.It’s worth mentioning right away that it’s better not to solve the problem of lack of space on your own, but to contact the installation center, where qualified specialists will help cut some parts of the body exactly where it is permissible.

Also, it is necessary to take into account one more nuance that Russian motorists usually neglect when it comes to placing speakers from the same line. This issue is especially relevant for samples that are produced with individual technical features. Thus, if the car has a three-component speaker system, then it is better to put 16 cm speakers in front, which have non-standard technical solutions. They will do an excellent job with the issuance of mid-frequency ranges, which will not depend on their dimensions, which are more focused on low frequencies. Practice shows that speakers with large diameters are most suitable for systems that do not use a subwoofer.

If we talk about coaxial acoustics, then it is allowed to place oval speakers on the rear shelf, whose diameter is almost always 16 cm (namely, 15 x 23 cm). They will be, so to speak, in "their place" and properly provide the sound of low and deep frequencies. However, in this case, it is necessary to mention a certain feature: the overall sound of the entire system will be far from ideal, it will be characterized by the dominance of low tones, and it will become very difficult to adjust the subwoofer. In principle, this situation should not upset young users who are used to listening to club music, replete with bass. But it is hardly possible to listen to the classics in such a system with full dedication.

A bass-tailored 16cm speaker can create full and clean bass in an overall system when balanced with a few smaller speakers that deliver a balanced sound across the various tones.

It is also necessary to mention the visual effect of the design, which is created in the interior of the car after installing the speakers. It is absolutely natural that 16-centimeter speakers will look ridiculous in a subcompact car, regardless of where they are installed. At the same time, any attempt to mask them can lead to distortion of the output sound. On the other hand, if the car has a roomy interior, then the owner should supplement the audio system with optional low-frequency support. Such options include the installation of so-called mid-bass devices that will fill the interior with reproducible sound with sufficient uniformity.

Advantages of acoustics with a diameter of 16 centimeters

Starting talking about the advantages of 16 cm speakers, it can be noted that they are less susceptible to counterfeiting and forgery. A similar situation develops due to their relatively large size, and it is very easy to distinguish a fake from the original at a price. Moreover, most of the well-known manufacturers of car acoustics are focused on this size.

The connection of the type of speakers under consideration can be carried out directed to the head unit, bypassing the use of an amplifier (this, of course, will affect the strength of the output bass, but this circumstance will not be critical for the hearing of the average person). Installation can be made in the front of the cabin, usually in the driver's and passenger's doors.

Most of the samples from world famous brands have excellent operational reliability, with a very low probability of breakage. The standard sensitivity of 16 cm models is about 93 decibels, which allows them to be used without a VLF (low frequency amplifier). The diffuser is standardly made of reinforced polypropylene, and this indicates the ability to withstand any load above average, while maintaining excellent operational strength.

At the same time, you should pay attention to good frequency characteristics: almost all popular samples easily operate in the range from 35 Hertz to 25 Kilohertz. The newest and most advanced models in terms of their power may well replace a full-fledged subwoofer, reproducing bass with high quality, while not depriving the quality of high frequencies.

Difficulties of choice

First things first, when choosing such a complex technical product as speakers, it is customary to focus on the manufacturer.

It is important that the speakers fit in a specially designated area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe cabin - here we are talking about the front doors or the rear lining. Thus, if the interior of the car has non-standard shapes and geometry, then it is better to measure the future location of the speakers before buying them.

At the same time, you should choose the color of the speakers to match the overall design of the interior. Professionals advise sticking to the uniformity of the overall palette, avoiding the use of poisonous colors (light green, yellow, red) on a common classic background (gray or black).

As for the technical characteristics, they will depend on the personal preferences of the future owner:

• Performance system - component, wideband or coaxial;
• Number of operating frequencies, their depth, range and impedance (acoustic impedance of the environment);
• Sound bands - one, two or three;
• Maximum and average (rated) power;
• Diffuser execution material (from special paper to synthetics).

The market overview in the segment under consideration allows us to identify several firms that are favored by the domestic buyer:

• "Ural";
• "James Bullough Lansing (JBL)";
• Morel;
• Focal.

Rating of the best 16 cm speakers for cars for 2022

Budget segment

3rd Place: "Digma DCA-K602 (no grille) 150W 90dB 4ohm 16.5cm (6 1/2") (comm.:2 count)"

These products are able to provide decent sound quality at a high level. They will create the necessary mood for a productive working day or an easy and relaxed atmosphere during a long trip with friends. The type of acoustic system is coaxial, the number of speakers in the set is 2, the number of frequency bands is two-way, the shape of the speakers is round. Each speaker measures 16.5 cm (6 1/2 inches). The used frequency range is 100Hz-20KHz. Depth of admissible installation — 55 mm. The package also includes instructions and branded packaging. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1330 rubles.

• Adequate price;
• Sufficient installation depth;
• Coaxial execution system.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Soundmax SM-CSA603 180W 91dB 4ohm 16cm (6inch) (comm.:2 count)"

Designed with customers in mind, this 3-way coaxial car speaker delivers the perfect combination of value for money and thoughtful functionality. The system has clear sound, simple and fast installation.Size (cm): 16.5, system type - coaxial, number of bands - 3. Maximum power (W) - 180, average power (W) - 90. The material of the woofer cone is injection molded polypropylene. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1580 rubles.

• Quality performance;
• Pure sound;
• Sufficient power.

• Not detected.

1st Place: "Edge EDST216-E6 120W 86dB 4ohm 16cm (6.5inch) (comm.:2 count)"

This 2-way coaxial audio system has a maximum output of 120W. Average power - 60 watts. The impedance is 4 ohms. Frequency range, Hz: 65 - 20000. The material for the manufacture of the HF cone is polyesterimide. Polypropylene is used for the low-frequency cone. Permissible mounting diameter, mm - 140, with mounting depth, mm 50. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1845 rubles.

• Variability of material used for diffusers;
• Wide frequency range;
• Good impedance to ambient acoustics.

• Not detected.

Middle price segment

3rd place: "AMP Hybrid FR65M20 / 16 cm / 100 W / 130 - 12000 Hz / 93 dB"

Designed for broadband systems. The warranty period is 12 months from the date of sale. The operating temperature of the ambient air can vary from minus 15°С to plus 45°С. Rated power, W - 100, maximum power, W - 200. Speaker size - 16 cm (6 inches), number of bands - 1, resistance, Ohm - 4, sensitivity, dB - 93. Minimum frequency, Hz - 130, maximum - 12000. The recommended cost for retail chains is 2400 rubles.

• Excellent value for money and quality;
• Great sound even without an amplifier;
• Decent impedance.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "AMP LD 6.5 / 16 cm / 50 W / 60 - 20000 Hz / 89 dB /"

This component acoustics is presented in 16 cm standard size. Great for car front doors and entry-level amplifiers. The beveled shape of the basket will greatly simplify the installation in the regular places of the machine. The kit includes a crossover - for a more correct distribution of frequencies and a grid for outdoor installation. The complete package includes: 2 speakers, 2 crossovers, 2 tweeters, 2 grills, instructions, installation kit. The recommended cost for retail chains is 2600 rubles.

• Extremely complete set;
• Variability of integration;
• Component implementation.

• Not detected.

1st place: "AMP MD 652 / 16 cm / 40 W / 55 - 22000 Hz / 90 dB /"

This product is an excellent representative of the flagship line of coaxial acoustics MD652. The Kevlar cone provides excellent stiffness and lightness, making the bass punchy and loud. The impedance of the speakers is 3 ohms, which allows them to be used with not the most powerful amplifiers, including regular head units. Acoustics is suitable for any place of installation in the car. Protective nets are included for outdoor installation. Basket material - steel, number of bands - 2, impedance - 3 ohms, sensitivity - 90 dB, nominal power - 40 W, maximum - 150 W, frequency range - 55 Hz - 22 kHz.The recommended cost for retail chains is 3010 rubles.

• Pleasant and clear bass;
• Excellent integration into the door cavity through special plugs;
• Quality build.

• Not detected.

Premium class

3rd place: "Alpine SXE-4625S, coaxial, 2 pcs"

This coaxial speaker system has a nominal power of 20W and a maximum of 150W. The reproducible frequency range is from 90 Hz to 20,000 Hz. A powerful speaker system makes it possible to listen to music without distortion. The Alpine SXE-4625S series are loudspeakers that correspond to the installation dimensions, speaker placement features in specific car models. The system allows integration into even the smallest machine. The speakers are easy to mount in the doors and back of the car, while maintaining good sound. The product is easy to install, has high efficiency. Filters are built into each speaker. The recommended cost for retail chains is 4500 rubles.

• Great alternative to any regular speakers;
• High-quality sound;
• Small size.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Shockwave 100W65 (without grille) 200 W, 96 dB, 4 ohms, 16.5 cm"

High sensitivity allows to develop high sound pressure levels in a wide frequency band. Not just loud, but tonally accurate and undistorted, with the signature sonic signature of JBL far-field live audio monitors. Diffusers are made of a special lightweight cellulose composite with increased rigidity.Reinforced fabric surrounds provide exceptional mechanical linearity and minimal impact on cone edges. More powerful than conventional drivers, the motors provide maximum cone movement control and no transient oscillation. Vibration-decoupling pads are provided to ensure the tightness of the installation and the correct operation of the acoustic design. High-quality connection terminals with a coating that provides a more reliable contact and no problems with corrosion. The recommended cost for retail chains is 4700 rubles.

• Many different improving options in the design;
• Lightweight diffuser material;
• Corrosion protection.

• Not detected.

1st place: "SENTEC 6.5(16.5×16.5cm)/280W/3 bands/frequency 75-20000Hz"

These speakers contribute to the high-quality sound of various musical compositions. Thanks to the optimal sensitivity indicator, the device provides clear playback of tracks at any volume. A wear-resistant paper composite is used as a diffuser. Designed for installation in regular places of the vehicle. The columns are designed for a long period of operation, and also retain consumer properties throughout the entire service life. The model is made of high quality materials, therefore it is characterized by resistance to significant mechanical stress and wear. Product type - coaxial, has separate stripes. This ensures the reproduction of low, high and medium frequencies. The recommended cost for retail chains is 5300 rubles.

• Peak output power - 280 W;
• Frequency range: 75-20000 Hz;
• 20mm ASV voice coil.

• Not detected.

Conclusion

The vast majority of Russian motorists prefer to buy 16 cm speakers for a quality subwoofer replacement, because they are the easiest to integrate into the front cabin system. At the same time, it is worth remembering that for large speakers you will need a good radio, so it is better to make two purchases at the same time. Only in such a tandem can you get a qualitative and fully clean sound in the cabin of your car.