Upgrading the audio system of your car involves considering various components, with speakers being a crucial one. Good speakers can greatly enhance the overall sound quality of your car’s audio system. However, choosing the right speakers from the plethora of options available can be a daunting task. This article will highlight the top 3.5-inch car speakers that you can find in the market to help you achieve your desired sound quality.
Here are eight of the best 3.5-inch car speakers available out there:
Best overall: Skar Audio TX35
- Elite TX Series 3.5" Coaxial Speaker System - Includes 2 Speakers
- Peak Power - 120 Watts (Pair) | RMS Power - 60 Watts (Pair)
- Featuring a 0.8" High Performance Silk Dome Tweeter | 4 Ohm Impedance
- Frequency Response Range: 145 Hz - 20,000 Hz
- Powerful Ferrite Magnet | Sensitivity: 84 dB
The TX35 from Skar Audio is a top-notch 3.5-inch, 2-way coaxial speaker system tailored for audiophiles who crave an exceptional listening experience. The TX speaker’s elite series is a potent and efficient model that produces unparalleled sound quality at the highest volumes.
These speakers have a maximum power output of 120 watts per pair and an RMS power output of 60 watts per pair. The mid-range portion of these coaxial speakers features a fiberglass cone coupled with a premium TPE surround, providing exceptional responsiveness across a broad range of frequencies. Additionally, a 0.8-inch fidelity silk dome tweeter provides incredibly rich sound.
The Skar Audio TX35 is engineered for excellent sound quality, boasting a high-quality 1-inch copper voice coil and a premium ferrite magnet that provides more than enough power to bring your music to life. These speakers are designed to fit in tight spaces and deliver excellent highs, making them ideal for use in cars with limited space.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Compact design
- High-quality components
Cons:
- May not be suitable for those seeking deeper bass
Best Budget-friendly: KICKER DSC350
- U-treated foam Surround for longevity when mounted in Sun A soaked dash
The Kicker DSC350 is a 3.5-inch coaxial speaker that offers improved sound quality compared to stock speakers in most vehicles. These speakers are designed to fit in most car doors without obstructing the factory grilles and deliver clear audio. To obtain the best sound quality, it is recommended to use 20 watts of power.
The Kicker DSC350 features a steel frame that supports the UV-treated, ribbed foam surround. Plus, it has a durable polypropylene cone alongside EVC technology, providing high-quality sound. The woofer cones are built with tough polypropylene that can withstand the extreme temperatures and moisture typically found in cars.
The tweeter is integrated into a low-profile speaker that fits in more vehicles than ever before. The speakers have an impedance of 4 ohms and a top-mount depth of 1-11/16 inches. The package includes two 2-way speakers, two 11-inch speaker wires, and an owner’s manual.
Pros:
- Improved sound quality
- Fits in most car doors
- Built with tough polypropylene
- Low-profile design
Cons:
- Grilles must be purchased separately
Best for Value: JBL GX302
- Peak Power: 150W
- RMS Power: 50W
- Plus One,, polypropylene cone
- Mounting Depth: 1.44"
- Rubber speaker surround & Balanced dome tweeter
The JBL GX302 is a car audio loudspeaker system that delivers exceptional sound quality with its full-range response. The system includes soft dome tweeters that provide a smooth high-frequency response and increased power handling for highs and mids, resulting in a more realistic sound from instruments and vocals.
The speakers also feature low-impedance, three-ohm voice coils that allow for more power to be pulled from the amplifier, providing a clearer and richer sound for the listener. Installation of the JBL GX302 is simple, with round speaker types and flush mounting dimensions of 1.57 x 3.43 x 3.43 inches. Each pair of speakers weighs 0.4 kilograms and has an impedance of 2.3 ohms.
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality
- Soft dome tweeters
- Clearer and richer sound
- Easy installation
Cons:
- May not be compatible with all amplifiers
Best for High-Quality Sound: Infinity REF3022CFX
- Edge-driven textile tweeters
- High quality product
- Manufactured in United States
- Package weight: 2.3 lbs
The REF-3022CFX from Infinity is a 3.5-inch coaxial car speaker that is a part of the Reference Series. It has a 1/2″ balanced textile dome tweeter that produces outstanding clarity, allowing for the finer details of the music to be heard without any harshness. The edge-driven textile tweeters can handle high power and offer a smooth response with minimal distortion.
The REF-3022CFX has a frequency response of 85-21,000 Hz, a sensitivity of 91 dB, and can handle up to 25 watts RMS (75 watts peak power). The package includes two adhesive-backed foam gasket strips, two 270 microfarad capacitors, an instruction manual, and a template on the box.
Pros:
- Balanced textile dome tweeter
- Minimal distortion
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Limited power handling capacity
Best for Bass: Rockford Fosgate P132
- The Punch P132 is an impressive 2-way full-range speaker designed for fanatics who need a high quality factory replacement in an easy to install package
- The P132 3.5” 4-Ohm black speakers come as a pair, have a power handling of 20 Watts RMS/40 Watts Max and includes mounting hardware
- Featuring a PEI dome tweeter with built-in crossover and injection molded mineral filled polypropylene cone with butyl rubber surround that provides high output and accurate frequency reproduction
- FlexFit basket design utilizes slots instead of single screw sized holes that allow for a slight adjustment of the speaker when aligning with OEM mounting holes for a better fit
- Famous Rockford Fosgate build quality with a full 1-year warranty
The P132 speaker from Rockford Fosgate is a 2-way full-range driver with a size of 3.50 inches and a power rating of 20 watts RMS. It is an excellent choice for audio enthusiasts who require a high-quality replacement for their factory speakers. The P132 comes with two speakers, mounting hardware, and integrated high-pass crossovers. The cone is made of responsive polypropylene and has a butyl rubber surround that can withstand extended periods of high-volume listening.
The P132 uses a novel method to attach the surround to the cone, eliminating the need for any additional mounting hardware. It belongs to the Punch series of speakers, amps, and subs from Rockford Fosgate, which is known for its exceptional sonic performance. The Punch components provide excellent sound quality that stands out from the competition.
The P132 speaker is intended to be a premium factory speaker replacement, with a peak power handling of 80 watts per pair or 40 watts each, and an RMS power handling of 40 watts per pair or 20 watts each. It also features a PEI dome tweeter with a sensitivity of 85dB and an impedance of 4 ohms. The mounting depth is 1-3/8″, and the slot-mounted frame pattern allows for variable adjustments to the mounting position.
Pros:
- High-quality replacement for factory speakers
- Excellent sonic performance
- Polypropylene cone and butyl rubber surround
Cons:
- Size may not be suitable for all vehicles or installations
Best for Midrange Response: Pioneer TS-A878
The Pioneer TS-A878 is a 3.5-inch speaker designed to offer exceptional music reproduction. With a maximum power handling of 60 watts and nominal power handling of 15 watts, it is a custom-fit two-way speaker that features a carbon/mica-reinforced IMPP cone and a 26mm tweeter. Its mounting depth is 1-3/8 inches.
The TS-A878 is specially designed for various Japanese, American, and European vehicles with non-standard speaker cutouts; making it a perfect fit for these vehicles. It can be used as a dash mount coaxial speaker pair. Customers have reported that the sound quality of the TS-A878 is impressive, given its small size.
Pros:
- Exceptional music reproduction
- Perfect fit for most vehicles
- Loud, clear, and crisp sound quality
Cons:
- Installation can be challenging
Best for Factory Replacement: JBL CLUB3020
- edge-driven PEI balanced dome tweeter
- handles up to 20 watts RMS (60 watts peak power)
- frequency response: 90-20,000 Hz
- impedance: 3 ohms
The JBL Club 3020 is an affordable 3.5-inch coaxial car speaker that delivers high-quality sound, making it an ideal replacement for your factory speakers. It can handle up to 120 watts of peak power and 20 watts RMS with a frequency response of 90-20,000 Hz and an impedance of 3 ohms.
To withstand extreme environmental conditions, the JBL Club 3020 has UV-resistant polypropylene woofers that offer outstanding performance. The woofer cone is made of polypropylene plus ONE material, which provides a larger cone area than other speakers in its class. The edge-driven balanced dome tweeter is crafted from PEI (polyetherimide), which provides a precise and clear high-frequency response.
Thanks to its low-impedance design, the JBL Club 3020 can draw more power from the car stereo without risking damage, resulting in an extra punch to the music. Nevertheless, using an external amplifier may provide even better outcomes. The speaker also comes with separate high-pass filters that eliminate low bass, if necessary.
Pros:
- Affordable and high-quality sound
- UV-resistant polypropylene woofers
- Edge-driven balanced dome tweeter
- Low-impedance design
Cons:
- Separate high-pass filters may be required
Best for Clear Highs: Alpine SPS-110TW
The Alpine SPS-110TW is a high-quality 1″ tweeter made for car speaker systems. Its purpose is to enhance the sound quality of music by adding excitement and detail. With a peak power handling of 300 watts per pair (150 watts each) and an RMS power handling of 200 watts per pair (100 watts each), it is capable of handling high volumes without distortion.
The SPS-110TW has a sensitivity of 88dB and a frequency response range of 1000-22k Hz. The package includes everything needed for installation, including flush-, top-, and bottom-mount hardware, in-line high-pass crossovers, two tweeters with attached wire, two tweeter grilles, and two swivel flush mount housings.
The top-mount depth is only 3/4″, making it easy to install in most vehicles. The SPS-110TW also features copper-clad aluminum voice coils, copper shorting caps, high-grade neodymium magnets, and aluminum bobbins borrowed from the Type-R series, resulting in superior power handling.
Pros:
- High-quality sound with added detail
- Capable of handling high volumes
- Easy to install with included hardware
- Borrowed technology from the Type-R series
Cons:
- May not fit all vehicles due to size constraints
Factors to Consider Before Buying 3.5-Inch Car Speakers
Before buying 3.5-inch car speakers, you need to consider the following factors:
Compatibility
Firstly, you need to make sure that the speakers you choose are compatible with your car’s audio system, which involves checking the size of your existing speakers before buying new ones. This is important because the size of speakers can vary from car to car.
Power Handling
Another key factor to consider is power handling, which refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle without getting damaged. It’s important to choose speakers with a power handling rating that matches the power output of your car stereo. If you choose speakers with a higher power handling rating than your car stereo’s output – you risk experiencing distortion and damage to the speakers.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is also an important factor to consider when choosing car speakers. This refers to how efficiently the speaker can convert power into sound and is measured in decibels (dB). A higher sensitivity rating means that the speaker can produce a louder sound with less power.
Frequency Response
Frequency response is another factor to keep in mind. This refers to the range of sound frequencies a speaker can produce. To enjoy a broad range of sound frequencies, it’s important to choose speakers with wide frequency responses.
Type of Speaker
Finally, it’s important to consider the type of speaker you want to purchase. 3.5” car speakers usually come in two types: component and coaxial. Component speakers offer better sound quality but can be more expensive and complex to install. Alternatively, coaxial speakers are more affordable and easier to install but provide lower sound quality.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate 3.5-inch car speakers can considerably improve the audio system in your car. Whether you’re looking for the top-performing option or the most cost-effective one, our guide aims to assist you in making a well-informed decision about the speaker that fits your requirements and preferences.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hole mounting size for 3.5-inch car speakers?
Prior to purchasing new speakers for a car, it is crucial to measure the size of the existing speakers accurately. If the new speakers’ shape, size, and dimensions are not suitable for the car, they may not fit properly or perform as intended. Typically, the hole mounting size for 3.5-inch car speakers is approximately 3 1/4 inches wide.
How to install 3.5-inch car speakers?
To install car speakers, you will typically need two speakers, a speaker wire, mounting screws, speed clips, and instructions. You can also use metal car audio installation straps to help with the installation. The installation process may vary depending on the brand and model of the speakers. It’s recommended to follow the installation manual provided by the manufacturer for specific instructions.
What is the recommended power range for 3.5-inch car speakers?
There is no set recommended power range for 3.5-inch car speakers, as it can differ based on the brand and model. The power handling capability of 3.5-inch car speakers ranges from 20 watts to 75 watts RMS, varying depending on the brand and model.
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