There are two main specifications to consider when choosing your next car speakers that will have a positive impact on the overall sound quality.
Sensitivity – The sensitivity of a speaker is measured to identify how it converts power (watts) to volume (decibels). The rating is measured in decibels, and the higher the rating, the louder the sound from the speaker.
Most factory car stereos are equipped with speakers of low power (15 watts RMS per channel) or less. If your car is equipped with a low-power stereo, speakers with high sensitivity, above 90 dB, will be more suitable. Alternatively, high-power sound systems, with 16 watts RMS or more, will benefit from speakers with low sensitivity.
Aftermarket speakers with a high level of sensitivity will also work best if your car is equipped with a weak factory stereo. And if you’re using a high-powered external amplifier, speakers with a low sensitivity level are the best option.
Power handling – The power that a speaker can handle is measured in watts and is known as processing power. Although it sounds technical, this ensures that your speakers are able to handle the power produced by your stereo or external amplifier. That’s why many people prefer to buy a new stereo before buying speakers.
The classification consists of two numbers. The smaller number represents the minimum power required to achieve the desired sound from the speaker, while the higher number represents the power that the speaker can handle for an extended period. When looking for new car speakers, you should adjust the power supply level to the recommended range (RMS) of the speaker.