Guide: All About Car Audio, Android Units, DSP & Buyer Upgrade Basics!

[Dr MUDHAN]

One stop solution for all your car audio related queries...
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Relax!
You just see this ‘First Car Audio’ YouTube video…

Like me, you will realize, how lucky we are to be born in this century!

My life evolved from VALVE TYPE Radio Mono sounds to DOLBY ATMOS Ultra Digital Sounds!

I really love music, enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction. But, could not be an Audiophile person who spends a lot more to acquire a taste for a lot more than just the music…

Audiophiles are an exceptional breed of people who are fascinated by pure audio, curious about science behind sounds, motivated by sound quality and addicted to audio gadgets…

I always wondered, what makes them to spend so much for a Car Audio System - That is more than the cost of car .
I felt that nothing wrong to know what is special about it, and it resulted here to share about what I learnt.

Hope, this article would be a one stop solution to you – whether you are a simple music lover or a complex audiophile person.



THE INTERESTING HISTORY - HOW CAR AUDIO TECH EVOLVED:

• 1930- The first commercial car radio was the Motorola 5T71 introduced by the Galvin Manufacturing Corporation in 1930 @ about 130 dollars, which was a fifth of the price of a Ford Car.
• 1940- Ten years later, there was a push button AM radio in practically every new car in America. Cars eventually got FM.
• 1950- Philips released a full line of compact record players that used smaller (7-inch) records.
• 1964- The real revolution in car music occurred when Philips introduced the Compact Cassette.
• 1965 to 1980 - “Stereo 8” that was introduced as a joint project by Ford, Motorola and GM – the so-called 8-track tape system.
• 1980s and 1990s the GOLDEN AGE of aftermarket audio systems. Different systems from Philips, Blaupunkt, Grundig, Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Becker were available, each one better than the other. 1984, when Pioneer introduced the first automotive compact disc player, the Pioneer CDX-1. The CD not only significantly improved audio quality. more and more multi-speaker –at least 6 speaker stereo systems were installed. Huge range of additional equipment became available like amplifiers, equalizers, subwoofers, remote controls, etc.
• Present Century: New digital technologies and the Mp3 formats totally changed those 50 years’ format. The size of the head unit changed to Single / double DIN. (DIN stands for Deutsches Institut für Normung, a German group that sets industry standards and which once set the standard for all car radios)

Now, the car HU system also decides the eliteness of a car ….

We enjoy the best of Multimedia System on wheels like Touch screen, Rear view camera / 360-degree camera, Video Recording, Navigation, Android Auto/Apple Car play and DSP and more…

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[Dr MUDHAN]

UNDERSTANDING CAR AUDIO TERMINOLOGY


OEM HEAD UNIT
An Audio unit that comes with the car from the factory, generally have provisions for AM/FM/DRM, Auxiliary (AUX) Input & Pen drive.
CD /DVD provisions are disappearing now a days.
Low end car models come with or without a single DIN (without touch display) and High end models have a touch screen. Speakers are mostly paper cone, weightless & magnet less.
Number of speakers may be 0 to 6 and more. They generally have pre amplified output of 100 to 200 RMS Watt overall, example 25x4. Tweeters are tiny and speakers are full range.
The performance neither bad nor excellent.

AUDIO FORMATS @ BIT RATE
Best audio formats to enjoy the precision of music are those loss less WAV and FLAC formats. Unfortunately, it is rare to see in OE units and only available in high end aftermarket Head Units.
The other popular compressed formats are MP3 & AAC (320 Mbps bit rate are better)

EQ
A Software or Hardware module that is able to adjust the sound at one or more points in the audible sound spectrum, helps to adjust Bass, Voice and Treble sounds.
Most equalizers in a car audio are preamp level equalizers that go in the signal path, has few adjustment capability and have limitation to set the harmonics to individual taste.

HARMONICS
They are the details of a music when the music is originally recorded. The physical space, instruments and even the uniqueness of each singer’s vocals creates good harmonics. Speakers actually introduce the most harmonic distortion in a car, as the space is never as ideal as the original studio where the music was recorded. This is made better now by digital tech like DSP -Digital Signal Processor.

BRIDGED POWER
When you bridge an amplifier, you combine the power output of two channels into one channel. Bridging allows you to drive one speaker with more power than the amp could produce for two of the same speakers. Because of this high power output, bridging is an ideal way to drive a single subwoofer.

CROSSOVER
A filter network, either active (externally powered) or passive, that only allows certain frequencies to pass through to a speaker and to be played. For example, 2 ways, separates frequency for woofer and tweeter, and 3 ways to midrange in addition to the above.

CAPACITOR
A capacitor, or cap, placed in series with a speaker acts as a high-pass filter, allowing only frequencies above the crossover point to pass through, example- the one added for tweeter protection.
Also, It is an electronic component that store up a reservoir of power, which can supply the amplifier's peak demands (like a kick drum beat) without having to get additional current from the battery. All amplifiers have built-in capacitors.

DAMPING
Damping is controlling resonance. ( Not Dampening as it is making something wet )
Damping is done with butyl adhesive sheet based materials attached to sheet metal and plastic panels in the vehicle to reduce noise and vibration.
Read More: All you need to know about damping


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[Dr MUDHAN]

TYPES OF CAR SPEAKERS & AMPLIFIERS

How sound is produced?

The speaker works just like we produce a sound of applause by striking together the palms of the hands, by altering the air pressure level.

Speaker sounds as designed when there is a change of air pressure level. When an electric current is sent through a coil of wire, it induces a magnetic field, and by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy that alters the available air space ,compresses air and converts the motion into sound.

Speaker Materials:

Speaker cones are made of Paper pulp, Glass fiber paper, metal, plastic, and carbon aramid fibers. Each of these materials have their own sound characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The cone, surround, spider, and dust cap contain many of the secret ingredients in speaker design. Good quality speakers have better Cone material , Magnets and even Cooling Fluids to prevent heat.

Different type of car speakers:

Component Speakers- Superior speaker design to give the best possible sound. A typical component system includes separate woofers / mid-bass drivers, tweeters, and external crossovers.

Coaxial Speakers - 2 or 3-way loudspeakers in which the tweeter, or the tweeter and a mid-range driver, are mounted in front of the woofer.

Tweeter - Designed to produce high audio frequencies, known as treble. A good tweeter will make the soundstage wider, taller, and deeper. If the car has factory tweeters, we can usually mount a compatible better aftermarket one in that location.

Super-Tweeters- Designed to offer an extended high-frequency response in a coaxial speaker.

Subwoofers- Dedicated to the reproduction of low-pitched audio frequencies, most commonly referred to as BASS (Passive Sub: powered by an external amplifier / Active or Powered Sub: self-contained speaker and amplifier).

Full Range Speaker- consist of all the speaker elements in one, with a woofer for low bass sounds and a tweeter for high notes. Some full-range speakers will also have midrange or super tweeter drivers.

Woofer- A woofer is a speaker that handles the low-frequency audio signals. A subwoofer, on the other hand, specializes in reproducing deep bass frequencies.

Midrange- Targeted to handle most audible sounds, such as musical instruments and the human voice.

AMPLIFIER

Aftermarket speakers and component systems need more power for peak performance than from built-in amp and head unit. A separate amplifier is needed to provide enough power to the subwoofer.

It boosts the low-level audio signal generated by the head unit so that it's powerful enough to move the cones of the upgraded speakers in the system and improving music's clarity and intelligibility.

We need to match the number of channels on the amp to the number of speakers we have, along with matching the amp’s power output (watts RMS & Ohms) to the speakers’ power handling.

1- Channel (or Mono) Amplifier will power the subwoofer.
2- Channels amp can power: Two coaxial speakers / Two woofers / or can also bridge this amp to power a single subwoofer.
4- Channels: Four speakers or Two speakers and a subwoofer by bridging two of the channels to power the sub.
4.1- Channels: Two speakers in the front; two speakers in the rear; and, one subwoofer. Amps with 6 to 8 channels & more are also available in the market dedicated to each driver.

Car Amplifiers are classified as A / B/ AB / D comparing the characteristics of the input and output signals.
its safer to use a Class AB amp for the midbass and tweeter and use the Class D amp only for the subwoofer.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

CATEGORIES OF CAR AUDIO SYSTEMS & MUSIC LOVERS:

1
SPL SYSTEM – Sound Pressure Level System, meant for BASS LOVERS who likes techno songs with lots of vibrations, also those participate in such sports/competetion..
They love higher wattage,larger sub woofers, multiple SWs with double / triple magnet types, using mono block dedicated amplifiers.
-It’s VERY EXPENSIVE

2
SQ SYSTEM- Sound Quality System, meant for AUDIOPHILE, those who love precision, and can spend more than the cost of the car
The very best sound quality system. They love clarity and fidelity while being able to hear every single frequency of the song towards excellent sound staging & superb tonal accuracy.
Involves integration of very expensive PROCESSOR, AMPLIFIERS & SPEAKERS and HEAD UNITS like Pioneer P series, Kenwood Exelon, FOCAL Elite k2 / AUDISON / MASCONI / ZAPCO /HELIX / DLS and sealed SW like GROUND ZERO.
Adding a DSP unit is the most important part for higher resolution audio & real time alignment for hearing as though we are sitting in front of a stage / live concert.
-It’s MOST EXPENSIVE

3
SQL SYSTEM – Sound Quality Level System , meant for BUDGET AUDIOPHILE, those who love all types of music like Instrumental, Voice or Techno …
Balanced sound system, far better than a normal sound system, can be considered as a budget system (@ 50:50 = SPL: SQ) by car audio lovers.
They make it by integrating mid-range, moderately expensive components.
-IT’S MODERATELY EXPENSIVE

4
ADD- ONs with OE HEAD UNIT SYSTEM – Meant for those who just need an improvement in the OE existing system.
For those who like the existing stock system, but want to add little more soft Bass and clarity. They add an under seat Subwoofer through a monoblock amplifier or replace the stock speakers/ tweeter with a better one. Or even just improve the acoustics by damping the doors.
-IT’S LESS EXPENSIVE

5
ONLY OE SYSTEM
The person likes music but not keen in their details. Happy with what is provided and available. No Add-on (or) wanting a change.
-NOTHING TO SPEND EXTRA

*Please note, the car audio components/parts are available in three specs/series based on their respective quality & price as -
1. Basic, entry level
2. Midrange, moderately expensive
3. High end, the best @ very expensive price.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

WHAT WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT ANDROID CAR HEAD UNITS!

Android system run on Android OS natively with apps, just like our Tablet / Mobile phones.

Audiophile personalities prefer an excellent high end Non-Android head unit systems but supporting Android Auto / Apple Car Play manufactured by top players like SONY, PIONEER, ALPINE, KENWOOD etc. which are pricy @ around Rs.70,000 plus. The reason, the sound output of dedicated Head Unit players are very superior than Android ones.

Car accessory HEAD UNIT market in India is dominated by Android Players & almost all the players are sourced from China.

Honestly, you will be confused by their names (so called branded), fake products and their specifications.

You can purchase them for Rs.5500 to Rs. 40,000 depending upon their real quality and specification.

Mostly we would get cheated by their manipulated specification as against the RAM/ROM (1/16, 2/16,2/32,4/32), Android version (Android 8.1/9/10), Hardware Quality (IPS Panel) etc.,

Actually1 GB RAM is not enough to run Android 9. Google released a limited basic 8.1GO Android version for such hardware to play. The software is tampered by Chinese manufactures to exhibit as Android 9 or 10 version.

Deceptive Processor configuration - Falsely advertising faster processor as inbuilt Quad- core / Octa- core against Dual- core is a way for more profit and shift obsolete stock.

IPS / QLED Panels & Gorilla Glass is another scam.



ANDROID CAR PLAYER – REAL Vs FAKE
Beware, most of them are fake, running on Android 6 or 8.1 that re-christened as higher version by fudging some system files.

Check & Identify The Fake:

Install the AIDA64 android app from Play Store, read the report. It reports the real amount of RAM & Processor. Counter check by noting the API level (Application Programming Interface). If API level shows 27, it is android version of 8.1. and if 23, it is Android 6.
You can also verify by installing another App called CPU-Z. or DeviceInfoHW

GO FOR BETTER PROCESSORS:
RAM: ROM: PROCESSOR

ENTRY LEVEL (Quad-Core) = 1GB: 16GB: MTK / CORTEX (or) 2GB: 16GB: MTK / CORTEX
MIDRANGE (Octa-Core) = 2GB: 32GB: T3 / PX5 (or) 2GB: 64GB: T5 / PX5 (DSP OPTIOANL)
HIGH END (Octa-Core) = 4GB: 64GB: T5 / (or) 4GB: 128GB: T5 / (WITH DSP, Dual/ 360 Degree AHD Camera)
Avoid Dual Core Processor.

REFER:
Difference between T3 and Mtk processor:
MTK Processor vs Px5 Processor:

POINTS TO REMEMBER BEFORE BUYING:

• Android Systems will never be as stable or render a better sound output as dedicated systems.
• Buy from a reliable shop - Every shop keeper have their own favorites, trying to push out the old stock or the stock that renders more profit.
• Android Head Unit has GOOGLE map - there is practically no need of Android Auto at all.
• Check availability of a car specific Fascia / Frame in good quality and for perfect fit.
• Need for a CANBUS & extra harness to have the climate control, steering mounted audio controls, reverse sensors which are available in OE Head Unit.
• Compatibility of OE Mike / Voice control and, compatibility of OE Reverse camera if needed.
• Audio / Video formats and maximum real Display Resolution that the unit can play videos as against the origional LCD/LED Display Resolution..
• Compatibility of wiring harness of the existing Amplifier set up if already available.
• Whether you require a Signal Booster for its FM Radio
• If DSP inbuilt, whether it is hardware with discrete channels.
• Do not buy oversized units that can block the view, AC outlets and other car controls like 10 inch for small cars, or TESLA type vertical units.
• If you really want a good or an high end Android Unit (with DSP, AHD Camera and excellent display resolution) check real brands like Nippon, Hypersonic, Blockbuster, My TVS, MapMY India, Haaman (Maruti OE supplier/ not Harman of JBL), Unplug, Blaupunkt, Nakamichi , MOCO from a reliable seller. Read the user reviews at various sites, check personally the demo display at the accessory shop, buy with true warranty support.

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[Dr MUDHAN]

WHAT IS DSP - WHAT DIFFERENCE IT MAKES IN A CAR SOUND SYSTEM?

Digital Signal Processor is a device that will make your music and audio input sound amazing.

Hearing a song inside a building sounds different than a song playing in a car because of differences in the acoustics.

A DSP is a dedicated computer chip unit that performs functions like reprocessing the input signals, equalization, signal filtering & Time Alignment that is … both high and low frequencies reach the listener's ear at the same time to create a sound stage in front.

DSP makes the music sound like we are hearing it in person instead of through a speaker.

DSP TYPES:

• In built with HEAD UNIT (Beware, it might be an EQ with more bands and not a real DSP)*
• Dedicated external hardware with Remote, to add between HU and Amplifier
• DSP cum Amplifier combo with Remote & controller to add to HU out put.

* If DSP inbuilt, enough dedicated / discrete channel output lines should be available. If not, if only stereo out available, it is just a Glorified Equalizer , that can not make real DSP ‘Time Alignment ‘possible.

Please Note: DSP is Person Centric. It focusses the Driver Seat with the best of music, if you prefer self-driving.
It can be tuned to focus the passenger seat where you prefer to sit , if you engage a chauffeur.
Time Alignment will be calibrated - Using our own ears, head in our everyday driving / listening position by taking into account all in-cabin reflections and absorptions.
As SQ is subjective , DSP won't do magic if not tuned correctly. This calibration is done by using a special RTA Mike by professionals. (*A real-time analyzer (RTA) is a professional audio device that measures and displays the frequency spectrum of an audio signal), considering the factors like .. speakers sound, their positions, & opposite speakers crossing frequencies.

JUST CHECK THIS VIDEO: Nakamichi NDS6120 12 channel DSP

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[Dr MUDHAN]

FACTORS NEED TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE CAR AUDIO UPGRADE:

Remember

Complete Upgrade is changing everything that came with as OE car equipment – Removing Head Unit, All Speakers, and adding aftermarket Head Unit (Android or Non Android), Better Speakers, Amplifier (s), DSP unit, and Subwoofer.
Partial Upgrade is adding better speakers, Sub-Woofer and amplifier, retaining OE Head Unit
Simple Upgrade is just changing the OE speakers wherever required front or rear, without adding an amplifier.

• OE Head Units have sound output, perfectly matched with OE speakers. The sound system produces 25 watts to 40 watts in each channel to ensure a comfortable decibel/acoustic zone.
• If we want a better Hi fidelity sound, we may need to go for complete upgrade using dedicated Head Unit, sacrificing some extra features which are available in Android units.
• While adding number of speakers, we should always think the design of the car, whether Sedan, SUV, Hatch Back Small or A big vehicle, number of Passenger seats etc., The speaker impedance/Watts & channels should always match the amplifier chosen.
• Generally, it is preferred to have a component speaker set in the front and Coaxial speakers in the rear and a subwoofer either under seat or in dicky, now a day in the Stephaney wheel compartment.
• Closed SW are better performers than open type SW. An under-seat subwoofer cannot produce deep or tight bass. SQ Lovers prefer at least a 10" subwoofer in a sealed enclosure with a monoblock Amplifier. If we are concerned about boot space sometimes, detachable Speakon connectors can be used.
• Adding Components in the rear side is good for rear passengers but should not overlap the front sound.
• Adding good quality oval coaxial speakers on the parcel tray rear may work good for hatch back but again it will sound good only when the dicky is empty.
• Adding both a subwoofer in the boot and coaxial speakers on the parcel tray should be avoided as it will spoil the resonance.
• While upgrading speakers on the door, always remember the aftermarket speakers have larger magnets that may hit while downing the door glass and make it break. It is better to add right spacers to increase depth. Also add speaker protection covers to protect them from moisture and dust.
• Check the type of speaker socket used by the car manufacturer and connect the aftermarket speakers by suitable adopter/coupler wiring harness ( Whether you need male or female or both) to avoid wire cutting, inline tapping or exposing.
• The vibration of door metal sheet while the speaker sounds would be greatly reduced by proper fire proof padding and damping.

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[Dr MUDHAN]

SPEAKER WIRES & CABLES – WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW?

Let us not get into the everlasting dispute between Audiophile and normal music lovers over the hyped expensive 'Gold Plated High Quality Oxygen Free Copper Wire ' whether really needed.
It is still to be proved.

(*Gold though does not oxidise & good for open terminations but as it has a higher resistivity to copper and rarely used as speaker cable.)

Speaker wire is made up of fine strands of wire, usually copper or copper-clad aluminum (CCA), that are bundled together and electrically separated from each other inside a flexible shield / insulation.

Good Plastic Insulation makes easy to run the wire and connect, reduces pesky electrical interference, and protects the core from oxidization over time.

• It is understood, a good quality standard copper wire with proper insulation is acceptable, provided the right choice depends on the thickness and length.
• A lower-gauge number indicates a thicker wire, while a higher-gauge number indicates a thinner wire. Speaker wires with lower-gauge numbers are better at carrying an amplified audio signal.
• When determining which wire gauge to use, consider how far away the speakers are from your amplifier or Head Unit.
• Avoid using cheap non-standard wire or cables that can result in sound changes, although very minor.
• Do not coil long lengths of speaker wire as this can create inductance that reduces some sound frequencies as a crossover does.
• The wire between crossovers and the speakers should be kept fairly short.
• It’s also important that the wire lengths to both side speakers are the same to ensure they both have equal impedance values.
• When stripping insulation to expose bare wire, while joining & extending you can prevent oxidation by “tinning” that is by soldering.
• Professionals suggest a 4ga OFC power wiring kit and 16ga for speakers.

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

THE FUTURE OF CAR AUDIO: SPEAKER-LESS SOUND EXPERIENCE!


The famous German Tyre-Maker CONTINENTAL has come out with a new technological innovation, the ‘Speaker-less Car Audio System’ Called ‘Ac2ated Sound’.

With Ac2ated Sound x AMBEO Mobility, the two companies Continental and Sennheiser offer a first-class 3D audio experience with a scalable and adaptive sound system that completely dispenses with conventional speakers.

The new system is said to use surface vibrations to deliver sound through tiny transducers called actuators like the sound goes through string instruments…

The actuators are connected behind panels in the car where they make micro-vibrations that are carried by surfaces across the interior of the vehicle including dashboards, car doors, ceilings, and more.

It makes the car speakers-less, can make cars lighter @ weight, also drawing less power from the car’s battery increasing vehicular efficiency.

Volkswagen and Toyota have begun integrating transducers in their vehicles & have their own version of speaker-less audio systems.

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[Dr MUDHAN]

PIONEER SOUND TUNE APP
JUST TRY, YOU WILL LOVE THE DIFFERENCE!


Do you want to hear a better way other than the way you normally hear the music?

Why don’t you try this?

Download this Pioneer Sound Tune App into your mobile. Hear your favorite songs by playing through this player by selecting the special sound effect equalizer of your choice.

Wow, it would be really wonderful to hear in Car Head Unit, Head phones or through your home music system via Bluetooth mode.

I preferred SUPER BASS or TODOROKI (Natural) in EQ, and CAFÉ in Live Simulation modes. You try yours!

Also, You can try another Android App - jetAudio HD Music Player

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Time to Conclude…

I stop here, dedicating this thread for our TAI Forum Members, Well-wishers & Guest Readers with a request to share their experiences over the captioned thread.

READ MORE: My Other Postings:

All About Android Head Unit (For Honda City 3rd GEN & More)

Guide: How to Pick Soul Soothing Music While Driving (Understand the science behind soothing music / Make the existing OE setup to its best by simple, affordable & cost effective procedures./ Suggests the best legal, free software that can easily make playable HQ Audio formats / files.


Drive with care; Life has no spare.

With Warm Regards
Dr MUDHAN

 

[350Z]

We’re excited and privileged to read another enriching piece of content from you @Dr MUDHAN for which “thanks” is too small to convey. Such content will continue to benefit readers for years to come.

Drive Safe,
350Z

 

[INDU]

Hello Sir
Beautiful article and a Ready Reference for those who love music. I want to ask you, in case if I replace my car stock speakers (Front/Rear or only the Rear) with aftermarket ones, without adding an amplifier and by retaining the OE Head Unit whether it would improve the sound quality of my car?

 

[Dr MUDHAN]

@INDU , Thank You.

THIS IS MY EXPERIENCE:

If you want to change OE Speakers

• Don’t change only the Front or Rear ones. If you change only the rear speakers with aftermarket coaxial, you will miss the bass produced by the factory fitted Dual Cone Full Range Speakers and, some inbuilt tweeters in aftermarket coaxial speakers may generate unpleasing High pitch sounds. (I learnt from my mistake. I tried to change only the rear side by adding JBL A302Hi and felt the incompatibility, as front OE speakers are of 25W and JBL of 45W and, finally restored to the OE.)
• If you want to change speakers, change all the speakers with matching output in RMS by adding front- component and Rear-Coaxial of the same brand (original) / series. If you are combining two different brands, make sure their compatibility.
• If those speakers are of more RMS, you can also add a Sub, amplifier(s), DSP @ sound damping if budget is not a constrain.
• If you want to change everything factory fitted OR If your car is a base model with No head unit /No speakers and then the choice is yours. If you are a music lover & money is not an issue, you need to go for a dedicated head unit like Alpine/Pioneer/Kenwood with matching speakers/Sub, amplifier(s), DSP @ sound damping etc.,

If you are happy with the OE setup

• If your car has already stock speakers (Mostly *Paper Cones, weightless with small **magnets but best matched full range speakers, with or without tiny tweeters in the A pillars - Please add a good aftermarket tweeter in place OE tweeters, you will definitely see the improvement on adjusting your EQ and fader Controls. Read my article HERE.

*Paper Cones are not bad, they produce best acoustics, only thing durability may not be like synthetic materials. ** More than the size of the magnets, the quality of the magnet is important.

• If your stock speaker malfunctioning, replace with OE in case if you are happy with existing system.

Regards,
Dr MUDHAN

 

[saran008]

Hi Dr. Mudhan,
Excellent informative article & great read.
I have read some & known some points earlier, this article taught me a lot more & this collective info is more like "Automobile ICE basics for Dummies".

If you have time please take a look my ICE requirement thread and share your valuable thoughts and inputs.
ICE setup for My Amby 2011