Are you wondering what coaxial speakers are and how they work? Let’s dive into the answer and explore everything you need to know about this kind of speaker.
What Are Coaxial Speakers?
Look at the name coaxial: “co” and “axial,” meaning that two things exist together on an axis. In the case of coaxial speakers, the woofer and the tweeter sit on the axis together, creating a single, centralized location where the sound consequently comes from.
You will most often find coaxial speakers in cars (usually in the 2-way or 3-way variety) because they are easier than any other sound system to install. However, you will also find them in any household or professional capacity. It has become a popular model for its compactness and decent sound quality in an inexpensive model.
How Do Coaxial Speakers Work?
Having the woofer and tweeter together on the speaker’s central axis projects a tremendous amount of sound from the same location. All the wiring for the speakers is in a single place as a result. The tweeter and woofer have their own driver to create better sound and clearer frequency.
You will find both the mid-range driver and tweeter installed in front of the woofer cone, which helps project a broader sound. An additional tweeter helps produce a better range of sound so you can better hear the nuance of sound in music.
What are 2-Way Coaxial Speakers?
Two-way coaxial speakers combine a tweeter and woofer in one speaker. Sometimes they may use a crossover to block different frequencies from each speaker, but they also divide sound between the two speakers for clear high frequency (the tweeter) and low frequency (the woofer).
How well 2-way coaxial speakers perform depends on how well you have set up the crossover. Crossovers are necessary to split the audio frequency well between various speakers. All components generally need to be high-quality, and the speakers’ design must match wherever you are setting them up (such as the sound cabinet in a car).
What are 3-Way Coaxial Speakers?
Rather than dividing sound among two speakers, three-way coaxial speakers divide sound among three. You will find they have a woofer, mid-range driver, and a tweeter, or they will have two woofers and one tweeter in one speaker basket.
Whichever way you look at it, three-way speakers divide sound into high, low, and mid-range frequencies. In the latter case, the smaller woofer handles midrange frequencies, and the larger one takes care of the bass.
What is more, you can also optimize the woofer, mid-range driver, and tweeter to run in a specified range of sound. Doing so creates much clearer, fuller music.
Are Coaxial Speakers Better Than Component?
That depends on your speaker system needs. Component speakers have better sound reproduction since not all the sound comes from the same centralized location. They are also better for creating custom car speaker systems.
However, coaxial speakers are easy to install with the right tools. They also combine a component speaker’s 2-way audio system into one unit, so you do not have to install several speaker units individually. Similarly, you will not have to shop as hard for them because they are more common items in electronics stores.
The strongest models on the market can stand up to any component speaker system’s quality. Just because they are cheaper, it does not mean that they are not as good for any car, home, or professional setting.
Difference Between Dual Cone and Coaxial Speakers
Dual cone speakers have one driver and push sound through one large and one small cone, which handle low and high frequencies respectively.
On the other hand, coaxial speakers are like two speakers wrapped around each other and working together to produce a clear sound. Instead of two cones handling frequencies, the woofer handles lower frequencies while the tweeter handles higher frequencies.
FAQs
Time to answer a few questions before calling it a day.
Can You Replace Component Speakers with Coaxial Speakers?
Yes, you can replace component speakers with coaxial speakers. However, in doing so, you may not be able to separate low and high frequencies, as well as customizing treble and bass in your audio. You will have a faster install and less parts to deal with, though.
Can You Add Tweeters to Coaxial Speakers?
Yes, in some models. To complete the installation and prevent damage to the tweeter, you may need a frequency crossover. The tweeter is not supposed to receive the same power that the woofer or speaker does, so be careful.
Can I Remove Tweeters from Coaxial Speakers?
Once again, yes, if you have the proper model and equipment. Keep in mind that coaxial speakers need at least one tweeter to function properly, though you can replace them with new ones.
Do Coaxial Speakers Have Bass?
Some coaxial models have bass, but it tends to not be too powerful. Coaxial speakers combine the mid-bass and tweeter so sit above the woofer cone to create a strong sound, but that does not always make a strong bass.
Do Coaxial Speakers Need Crossovers?
Coaxial speakers do not normally require crossovers, though if you are using them for a car speaker system, you will. However, additional crossovers, as some setups may require, are not necessary for coaxial speakers.
Coaxial speakers already have the crossovers necessary to filter sound. However, adding an amplifier and a subwoofer to your system may require more crossovers to clear up the frequencies and improve the sound.
Do You Need an Amp for Coaxial Speakers?
Coaxial speakers do not require amplifiers, even though they can help clear up any distortions in the sound.
Amplifiers might come in handy if you listen to music with a lot of bass. If you play that kind of music too often and too loudly on your car audio system, it can get fuzzy and lose quality. Amplifiers have a built-in crossover that helps clarify bass audio, so connecting one to your speakers can create an amazing bass listening experience.