2-Way V/s. 3-Way Car Speaker! Which Is Preferable? Update 2017

Music can be your best friend when you are driving your car alone or with your family and friends. I love to drive with all types of music at different levels of volume.

A 2-way speaker has a tweeter and a woofer combined in one speaker basket, sometimes using a crossover to block certain frequencies from each speaker. A 3-way speaker is similar but has a tweeter, a midrange, and a woofer combined.

A crossover is an electrical circuit usually included in full-range coaxial speakers, used to block unwanted frequencies so that the speakers can sound well together. Whether a 2-way speaker is preferable or a 3-way speaker depends on several factors, such as:

Overall power, including looks, style, and design
Crossover – passive or electronic
Rating of power, including RMS and Peak
Quality of materials used and the tag of brand
Online Reviews, including those on Amazon, Crutchfield, Sonic, and Electronix
Sound quality experienced by listening to them if possible
Ability to install all components

Which type of speaker you choose may depend on lots of factors. Outside sounds are sure to intrude into your car cabin and disrupt your listening enjoyment. Getting the right kind of car speakers can have a profound influence on your overall experience. Read on to learn more about 2-way V/s. 3-way car speakers.

2-Way Coaxial Speaker vs. 3-Way Coaxial Speaker

Let’s learn a little more about the types of 2-way and 3-way speakers available. We have coaxial 2-way and 3-way speakers and component 2-way and 3-way speakers. Look at the charts below for more information.

2-Way Coaxial Speaker	3-Way Coaxial Speaker

Provides the woofer and tweeter in one basket.	Provides woofer, midrange, and tweeter or a woofer and 2 tweeters in one basket
Divide the range between 2 speakers for better clarity.	Divide the range between 3 speakers for better clarity
Uses an integrated crossover circuit.	Uses an integrated crossover circuit
Has passive crossover – cheaper to make but easier to install – Shown above	Has passive crossover – cheaper to make but easier to install – Shown above
Simpler crossover	More expensive to make (depends on materials used)
Less expensive to make (depends on materials used)
No midrange – may or may not impact sound quality.	More of the woofer is obstructed by the midrange and tweeter – which may or may not impact sound quality.
	More complicated crossover – may or may not impact sound quality.

2-way Component Speaker vs. 3-way Component Speaker

2-way Component Speaker	3-way Component Speaker

Provides woofer and tweeter separately.	Provides woofer, midrange, and tweeter separately
Divide the range between 2 speakers for better clarity	Divide the range between 3 speakers for better clarity
Uses an external crossover circuit. Has either passive or electronic crossover – Shown above	Uses an external crossover circuit. Has either passive or electronic crossover – Shown above.
Simpler crossover
Less expensive – fewer speakers (depends on materials used)	More expensive – more speakers – (depends on materials used)
May get very good sound – Each speaker is separate, and the frequency range for speakers can be controlled by crossover.	May get very good sound – Each speaker is separate, and the frequency range for speakers can be controlled by crossover.
No midrange – may or may not impact sound quality.	More frequencies to filter – which may or may not impact sound.
Electronic crossovers are more expensive and more difficult to install – which could result in must better sound.	More complicated crossover – may or may not impact sound quality.
	Electronic crossovers are more expensive and more difficult to install – which could result in must better sound.

Sounds Benefits of Different-Sized Speakers

Technically, speakers’ different types of sound waves are better produced depending on their size. The 2-way and 3-way speaker systems adopt the idea that each speaker can better produce different frequencies. So if you want a low-pitched sound, the woofer will produce that sound better than a tweeter.

2 and 3-way Car Speakers & Frequency Output

Components of Speakers & Frequency Output

The 2-way car speaker comes either as one coaxial speaker or a set of 2 component speakers. It has a woofer or a large speaker and a tweeter or a very small speaker. Woofers produce lower sound frequencies from about 20 Hz to 2 kHz. Tweeters reproduce higher audio frequencies that vary from about 2 kHz to 20 kHz.

The 3-way speaker comes either as one triaxial speaker or a set of 3 component speakers. It produces about the same range as the 2-way speakers, with the midrange going between 500 Hz to 4 kHz. These speakers are designed to balance the frequency slope by generating sounds that seem natural to human ears.

In certain cases, instead of the mid-range, the 3-way speaker uses a super tweeter to extend a high-frequency and more detailed sound.

2-Way and 3-Way Speakers Compared

2-Way

3-Way

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Each speaker is best suited for certain frequencies, and its size contributes to what sounds it’s best suited for. For instance, a large speaker or a woofer enables larger movements of air, producing a bass frequency. However, the larger speaker can’t move air effectively for higher frequencies.

The tweeter, which is smaller than a woofer, handles the high-end frequencies. The mid-range speaker is larger than a tweeter but smaller than a woofer. Thus, the 2-way and the 3-way speakers reproduce sounds in their best range.

The Contrast between the Two

A 2-Way speaker has two drivers. The woofer handles the low and mid ranges of frequency, while the tweeter controls the higher frequencies. These two speaker frequencies may crossover each other at times and may cause a bit of distortion, but not much.

In contrast, a 3-way speaker has three drivers, so the frequencies can be divided more evenly. Three speakers mean each speaker can do their job more efficiently than 2 speakers. But 3 speakers also means there is more crossover of frequency, which may cause a bit more distortion.

Each comes with crossover filters that tell the divers which range of frequencies to produce. As the speakers produce sound, the way the crossover is designed and the design and materials used for the speakers determine what sounds you hear and if there is distortion.

What’s Crossover?

The crossover splits the audible frequency ranges of different speakers. It gives each speaker the optimal frequency range to use to produce sound. The crossover uses filters that taper at both ends of a frequency range because it is unable to split these ranges or start and stop at a specific frequency.

So when a 2-way or 3-way speaker is used, the speakers that have a well-designed crossover get a better result for precise sound output. The crossover makes it so speakers don’t get distorted since each speaker is given only what it can handle best.

The crossover circuit tries to maintain the perfect balance of sound output, so if you’re setting up your own crossover, it’s important to consider the way the different speakers will interplay.

2-Way VS 3-Way Speakers

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It may not be obvious whether a 3-way speaker will perform better than a 2-way speaker, but we can look at some factors that may indicate which you may want.

Speaker quality is probably one of the best factors to look at. Do the speakers perform well over time, and are they made of durable materials? Are the speakers coaxial or component? Component speakers tend to sound better because they are more customizable and tend to be higher-end speakers.

In addition, if you’re setting up your own crossover, its quality and setup will also determine sound quality.

How the speakers sit in your car can be a big factor in sound quality. Are you going to use an amplifier? The amplifier will give more power to speakers and give a richer sound to some speakers.

Because of these factors, you should decide on how much you want to pay, if you want to have a crossover, and what sound quality you are willing to live with.

A High-performing 2-way speaker would sound much better than mediocre 3-way speakers. Do some research to find which kind you like best. Also, consider reading several reviews on different speakers. You might also want to consider the types of music you will be listening to and how different speakers will fit in your car.

By taking time to make your choice and considering all the aspects, you’ll be more likely to have a good experience with your purchase of new speakers. You can always go to a store and try out a car speaker system before you buy. Try a car audio installer store, Best Buy, or other car-friendly speaker stores.

Find a Good Match/ 2-Way or 3-Way

As you search for speakers, you come across both 2-Way and 3-Way speakers that are very similar. Considering the two, consider how each will sound based on reviews, quality, design, and crossover. A combination of specs might contribute to you leaning toward one side more than the other.

The more you research, the more you’ll also learn that there’s almost too much information to process. Again, if you can experience the speaker sounds from a store, a friend, or possibly online, it could help you with your decision.

Category of Speakers

Let’s review the two main categories of speakers we have discussed: component and coaxial or full-range. You may want to opt for either one of these. Considering that most people are fine with the speakers they already have in their car, getting new speakers for most will be an improvement from the factory-installed ones.

If you’re willing to put in extra work and/or money, consider component speakers for the best sounds. Your acoustic experience could leave you wanting. You wish to experience to full sounds of the bands and music you love. If that’s the case, a component could help you get that extra boost in sound quality that will make your rides a more enjoyable experience.

In contrast, a full-range speaker comes in a single basket frame. They can also sound very good and are easier to install if you want to do it yourself.

If you are going to upgrade the speaker system of your car, you have the option of selecting the 2-way, 3-way, or other types of speakers, like a 12-inch subwoofer. You can then improve the bass without adding an amplifier or a subwoofer with a low sound output and smooth bass.

If you install a pair of 2-way or 3-way speakers, you can enjoy a mid-bass in your stereo, associated with clarity and efficiency. And it’s nice that it can all come from one speaker.

Criteria for Selection

Overall power, including looks, style, and design
Crossover – passive or electronic
Rating of power, including RMS and Peak
Quality of materials used and the tag of brand
Online Reviews, including those on Amazon, Crutchfield, Sonic, and Electronix
Sound quality experienced by listening to them if possible
Ability to install all components

Besides the above criteria, it must meet your needs and be compatible with your car’s body, structure, and interior space. If you love your audio experience in your car and want to experience the realism of a good pair of speakers, do your research.

You’ll find the speakers that work best for you. If you are unsure what you really want, one idea is to remove one of the main speakers from your car. This may help you recognize what would be best for you.

If your speaker is old and worn, you might feel happy with just about any purchase of an upgrade. Pick one that will best suit your needs and provide the quality of sound you expect.

As you look, you will find many options. I like to keep it simple – Buy what I can afford and have time to install it myself because I enjoy the installation process. Decide what you want and will do, and get started today if you want.

Options Available

Click on any of the pictures, and it will take you to Amazon.com for more information.

2-Way Speakers (coaxial)	2-Way Speakers (coaxial)	2-Way Speakers (coaxial)	3-Way Speakers (coaxial)	3-Way Speakers (coaxial)	3-Way Speakers (coaxial)
Kicker	JBL	Rockford	Kicker	Boss	Pioneer

2-Way Speakers (component)	2-Way Speakers (component)	2-Way Speakers (component)	3-Way Speakers (component)	3-Way Speakers (component)	3-Way Speakers (component)
Infinity	Pyle	JBL	Precision Power	Focal Access	CT Sounds

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