CAR AUDIO GUIDE IN MALAYSIA FOR DUMMIES - SPEAKERS

Today we are going to discuss the importance of replacing speakers as the first step in upgrading your car audio system. As we go on you will be able to see what is needed additionally in this upgrade and what other things to consider to do a speaker upgrade. 

1. Stock speakers performs badly even for the average person

It’s tempting for people to argue, “But the factory speakers in my car actually sound okay.” And yes, we don’t deny that in many cases they sound decent out of the box. But that’s only to a much more superior aftermarket system. The reality is: over time and under demanding listening conditions, stock speakers reveal their limitations. They can’t handle much power, they start to distort, and their tonal balance (bass, mids, highs) becomes unbalanced.
So when someone boasts about a “premium audio package” in their car, remember: often it’s just branding on white-labeled parts. No matter the name on the box, aftermarket systems built for performance will always outperform generic OEM components anytime.

PIC 2 - YOUR TYPICAL AFTERMARKET SPEAKER 

2. Why replacing speakers first gives the biggest bang for your buck

Starting your audio upgrade journey with new speakers brings multiple advantages:

• Immediate audible improvement: Swapping in quality speakers often yields the most noticeable change in clarity, separation, and dynamics.
  
  

• Removes bottlenecks: Even the best amplifiers or processors are wasted if the front end (i.e. speakers) is weak.
  
  

• Cost-effective: Compared to full system overhauls (amps, DSP, subwoofers), a solid speaker upgrade is relatively affordable and high impact.
  
  

• Room for future upgrades: Once you have strong speakers, you can incrementally add amplifiers, crossovers, DSP, and subs without being held back by your base components.
  
  

3. What makes a good aftermarket speaker (and what to watch out for)

When choosing your new speakers, keep these criteria in mind 

• Power handling & headroom: Ensure the speakers can handle more power than your source can provide (to avoid distortion when pushed).
  
  

• Sensitivity / efficiency: Higher sensitivity means they produce more sound for a given input. Stock speakers often fail in this.
  
  

• Build quality & materials: Better cones (poly, Kevlar, mica), stronger surrounds (rubber, treated foam), more robust voice coils and magnets.
  
  

• Fitment / mechanical constraints: Depth, mounting diameter, cutouts — your new speakers must physically fit your doors or locations. (note) Most cars fit 6.5inch speakers easily with a speaker bracket. Tweeter size is generally less of an issue because it doesn’t endure heavy vibration
  
  

• Brand reputation & support: Warranty, customer reviews, known reliability — these matter more when you invest. International brands tend to have a website that you can visit and they advertise true specs which are certified globally.
  
  

4. The audible difference: how your music comes alive

When you upgrade, here’s what you’ll likely hear (compared to stock):

• Crisper treble, more defined vocals: Instruments and voices become more present, less muffled.
  
  

• Cleaner mids & separation: You’ll distinguish layers — guitar vs keyboard vs backing vocals — more easily.
  
  

• Tighter, deeper bass (without distortion): Even without a sub, better speakers will handle low frequencies more cleanly. Note:- A midbass speaker will not replace a subwoofer hence its better to just let lower end bass to be handled by a proper subwoofer.
  
  

• Wider soundstage / imaging: The stereo effect feels more “real” — you’ll perceive width, depth, and instrument placement.
  
  

• Greater dynamic range: Quiet parts whisper, loud parts punch, without compression or harshness.
  
  

5. Common mistakes & how to avoid them

Don't let avoidable errors ruin your upgrade:

• Underpowering your speakers: If your speakers are not given enough power, you'll hear distortion or risk damage. Select your speakers based on whether you will further upgrade the system.
  
  

• Misunderstanding the need of additional power: just because a speaker doesn’t require an external amplifier doesn’t mean it will outperform one that does. It’s always about compatibility—not about one being inherently better.
  
  

• Neglecting sound deadening: Even great speakers suffer if the door panels vibrate or let in road noise. Add damping to panels and doors.
  
  

• Ignoring future scalability: Plan so you don’t have to re-replace later — leave room for amps, DSP, and subs. This will be important in case you are doing the upgrade in stages. Eg-: look for speakers that is not very high in power handling in case you won't be adding amplifiers in the future.
  
  

6. Questions to ask before buying

• What is the original setup?: you will need to figure out what size is most suitable for the replacement.
  
  

• Am I doing it in stages?: make sure the speaker you choose will be sufficient for your future needs and also compatible with the current situation.
  
  

• How much will I spend?: This will help to narrow down the list of options you are looking at for a more straight forward purchase.
  
  

• What do I usually listen to?:- This is to make sure you are not getting the wrong speaker with the wrong sound profile that does not match your taste.

*MUST KNOW*
1) Plug and Play is possible for almost every car
2) Cutting plastic trims near the speakers will be required sometimes
3) Usually cars that come with factory subwoofers often have more speakers and have an integrated amplifier system which can be harder to work with
4) DO NOT BLINDLY RELY ON AI TO GET INFO (MOST IMPORTANT!!!!)
5) Warranty will not be void as long as the original wiring is not cut/spliced. Adding wires is always safe from this and directly getting power from battery is also non-destructive.


Conclusion
Don’t let your weak OEM speakers hold back the rest of the system. Start with that upgrade, get the sound you want, and layer in the rest. Your music and your driving experience will thank you. Also, don’t be shy to ask for professional advice in the case of a dilemma. We will be glad to help. Thank you for reading and see you next time.

-Shan