Speaker

Speaker overview

speakers are transducers that convert electrical signals into sound signals and are the core components of modern audio systems. From home theaters to professional performances, from mobile devices to car audio, speakers are everywhere, and their performance directly affects the quality of sound reproduction.

Main types of speakers

I. Classification by working principle

• Dynamic speaker: the most common type, using the movement of the voice coil in the magnetic field to drive the diaphragm to make sound

• Electrostatic speaker: uses electrostatic force to drive the ultra-thin diaphragm, with excellent high-frequency response

• Planar magnetic speaker: combines the characteristics of dynamic and electrostatic, the diaphragm is light and transient

• Piezoelectric speaker: uses the piezoelectric effect, with a simple structure but average sound quality

II. Classification by frequency range

• Bass speaker (subwoofer): usually responsible for the 20Hz-200Hz frequency band

• Midrange speaker: covers the 200Hz-2kHz frequency range

• Tweeter: processes 2kHz-20kHz high-frequency signals

• Full-range speaker: designed to cover a wider frequency band (usually 100Hz-15kHz)

• Subwoofer ("subwoofer") is a speaker specially used to restore extremely low-frequency sounds (usually 20Hz~200Hz). Its core function is to enhance the low-frequency performance of the sound system, provide shocking bass impact and deep diving feeling, and make the sound of music, movies and games more immersive.

III. The relationship between Driver and Tweeter

• Driver is a broad driving unit, including all types such as bass, midrange, and treble;

• Tweeter is a type of Driver, specifically a high-frequency driving unit;

• A complete speaker system usually consists of multiple Driver combinations (such as bass + midrange + treble), forming a two-way or three-way design.

IV. Classification by application scenario:

1. PA Speaker

Definition: A speaker designed for public broadcasting systems, emphasizing high sound pressure, long-distance transmission and durability

Core features:

• High sensitivity (90-105dB)

2. Car Speaker

Definition: A speaker optimized for vehicle environment, which needs to adapt to small spaces and complex acoustic environments

Core features:

• Temperature and vibration resistance (-30℃~80℃ operating temperature)

• Low impedance design (2Ω/4Ω matching car amplifier)

• Customized size (special shapes such as 6×9 inches)

Classification:

Coaxial speaker (full-frequency integration)

Crossover set (independent tweeter + mid-bass)

Subwoofer (complementary low frequency)

3. Coaxial Speaker

Definition: A speaker that physically arranges the tweeter and mid-bass units coaxially to achieve point sound source sound

Core features:

• Better phase consistency

• Space saving (suitable for car/monitoring applications)

• Simplified crossover design

Typical applications:

✔Car audio

✔Nearfield monitoring (such as Tannoy Dual Concentric)

✔Home theater center channel

Technology variants:

Dual coaxial (such as KEF Uni-Q)

Triaxial (high/mid/bass coaxial)

4. Ceiling Speaker

Definition: recessed speaker for embedded installation

Key points of difference:

• Commercial grade: 100V constant voltage system (such as TOA SR-C5)

• Home grade: 8Ω impedance (such as Sonance VP series)

• Waterproof type: bathroom/pool dedicated (IP66 rating)

5. Stone Speaker (Outdoor Landscape Speaker)

Definition: Outdoor dedicated speaker disguised as stone/garden decoration

Key features:

• Extremely weather-resistant (UV protection + waterproof)

• Visual concealment (imitation granite/pottery jar shape)

• Full-range design (limited low frequency, often need to be paired with an underground subwoofer)

Typical applications:

✔Villa garden

✔Golf course

✔Scenic spot background music

6. Wall-mounted speakers (wall-mounted speakers)

Definition: Flat speakers designed for wall hanging

Core features:

• Ultra-thin body (<10cm thickness)

• Steerable tweeter (precisely adjust directivity)

• Decorative panel (customizable color/pattern)

Sub-types:

Home type (such as Monitor Audio WT series)

Commercial type (with anti-vandalism metal mesh)

Invisible type (flush with the wall after plastering after installation)

7. Marine Speaker

Definition: Professional speakers that meet the extreme requirements of the marine environment

Core features:

• Salt spray protection (316 stainless steel fasteners)

• Mildew-proof diaphragm (polypropylene/rubber edge)

• High-brightness UV coating (anti-sunlight degradation)

V. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to:

• Companies that produce products according to customer needs but sell them under the customer's brand

• Companies that do not directly target end consumers and focus on OEM production

• Common in the manufacturing fields of electronics, automobiles, audio, etc.

VI. ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) refers to:

• Manufacturing companies that independently complete product design and research and development

• Providing "turnkey" solutions (Turn-key Solution), brand owners can directly OEM

• Typical model: "design + production" integrated service

VII. Purchase suggestions

1. Determine the type and size of the speaker according to the usage scenario

2. Pay attention to the matching of key parameters with existing equipment

3. Consider the size of the listening environment and acoustic characteristics

4. Brand reputation is as important as after-sales service

5. Actual listening is more important than parameters

With the development of material science and digital technology, modern speakers are constantly improving in the direction of high efficiency, high fidelity, and miniaturization, bringing users a more shocking and realistic listening experience.