How a Speaker Works

Choosing the right speakers for your sound system can sometimes be an overwhelming experience, and with so many styles and choices out there, making a decision will be a lot easier with a little bit of knowledge about speakers in general and with some information about speakers that are suited to your particular needs. 

In the early days of sound systems and speakers, a consumer really didn't have much of a choice when it came to what speakers they could use. While the first speakers were patented in the late 1800s, they didn't start to make their way into the homes of most people until the 1920s and 30s, when the electrodynamic loudspeaker became popular. These early speakers that were primarily found in radios of the time do resemble the speakers of today in many ways. 

For decades, speakers haven't changed all that much when it comes to their look and basic design, and while many people might not be able to tell you exactly how a speaker works, they can point out a speaker amongst other equipment based on its shape and electronic components. A basic speaker features a cone, which is usually circular shaped, that is placed in a protective frame or housing, often called a basket, and is also attached to this frame by a piece of flexible material called a spider which allows the cone to always return to its original position after movement.

Attached to the end of a speakers cone is a device made up of tightly wound wires known as a coil. This coil sits suspended from the cone in the middle of a circular magnet that is placed at the back of a speaker's housing. Power, in the form of alternating current, is supplied to the speaker, which causes the coil floating in the middle of the magnet to vibrate. This, in turn, creates a magnetic field that causes the cone to move back and forth at different frequencies that makes sound waves that our ears can hear. 

 Advancements in Speaker Technology 

While the basic overall design of a speaker hasn't changed all that much over the years, many other things about speakers have. Speaker technology has continued to progress over the years, and in today's world, there are many types of speakers designed for many purposes. 

Traditionally, speakers have been produced in different sizes to be able to operate at different frequency ranges. Small speakers, known as tweeters, are designed to handle the highest frequencies, midsized speakers are usually responsible for mid-range frequencies, and the largest speakers, known as subwoofers or subs, focus on the lower frequencies and provide the bass that many listeners like to hear. These different-sized speakers all working together to produce a high-quality sound, but having multiple speakers for multiple ranges can take up a lot of space. 

When it comes to car audio systems, a car stereo, and car speakers, this space might be available, but on a motorcycle, ATV, or boat, space is at a premium, and a listener will want the highest quality sound that takes up the least amount of space. This can be accomplished by using a coaxial speaker which has a high-frequency reproducer mounted on the same axis as a low-frequency reproducer all in the same housing, which produces a high quality of sound that previously would have required two separate units, and helps save space.

The materials that speakers are made from have continued to advance over the years as well. Early speakers were almost always housed in a wooden box in the form of a radio, and featured a paper cone and other delicate materials because they were always kept inside, but as radios became portable and sound systems began to appear in automobiles, speakers started to become more robust. 

Listening to music has always been a popular way to relax, so it's no surprise that sound systems have started to appear on motorcycles, boats, and ATVs, which are used by many as a way to kick back and have fun. Speakers found in these types of vehicles face a different set of challenges than speakers found in cars and households. Motorcycle speakers are exposed to the outdoor elements on a regular basis. They will come into contact with rain, splashing water, dust, road debris, and due to the open nature of a bike, motorcycle speakers will have prolonged exposure to sunlight and harmful UV rays.  

The good news is that due to advancements in technology, the best manufacturers of high-quality speakers now produce speakers made out of materials that are water resistant, waterproof, and can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight, making them perfect for use on a bike or a boat. Modern motorcycle speakers are better than they have ever been, but there are still differences that need to be taken into account when looking for the perfect motorcycle speakers.

What is the Difference Between 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm Speakers? 

When shopping for motorcycle speakers, you will notice that there are several manufacturers currently producing a quality product, and these different manufacturers will often have multiple different specifications of speakers available. One of the biggest differences you will come across will be some speakers labeled as 4-ohm, and others labeled as 2-ohm, but what exactly is an ohm, and what difference does it make when it comes to how a motorcycle speaker will sound?

An ohm is a term used in the world of science and electronics to describe the resistance between two points of a conductor. When it comes to speakers, ohm ratings are used to measure a speaker's impedance, which is the resistance of an electrical circuit to the alternating current which is used to power the speaker and create the sound waves we hear. The lower the impedance and ohm rating, the easier it is for current to pass through a speaker, which means it is easier for a speaker with a lower ohm rating to produce sound.  

 Characteristics of 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm Speakers

While shopping for motorcycle speakers, the two options you are most likely to come across are 2-ohm and 4-ohm speakers, but what are the differences between these two options? Most people will describe a 2 ohms speaker as a more powerful speaker than other options. They have a low amount of electrical resistance, which allows them to use more of the power that is available, and more power often equals more volume, which makes 2 ohms speakers some of the loudest and most powerful speakers out there.

When compared to 2-ohm speakers, a 4-ohm speaker has a higher electrical resistance rating which means they will use less power. This means that there will be more available power, and a 4-ohm speaker will have a better sound quality than a 2-ohm version with lower electrical resistance. A 4-ohm speaker can usually work with a 2 or 4-ohm amp and stereo system, but a 2-ohm speaker will need to be paired with matching 2-ohm equipment.

Which Type of Speaker has a Better Sound Quality?

So when it comes to 2-ohm and 4-ohm speakers, which option has the best sound quality? Well, the obvious answer is that a 4-ohm speaker will have a higher sound quality than a 2-ohm unit. The sound produced by a 4-ohm speaker is clearer and crisper, they use less power, and usually last longer than 2-ohm speakers because there is lower power running through them. 2-ohm speakers can produce a lot more sound than a 4-ohm version, but the quality of the sound produced by these speakers will suffer in quality at loud volumes, and as the volume increases, the more distortion a listener will be subject to.  

Which Should You Choose for Your Motorcycle?

These two styles of speakers both have their pros and cons, so which should you choose for your motorcycle? The simple answer is that there is no clear winner, and what you choose will come down to your own personal preferences. Both 2 and 4-ohm speakers produced by reputable manufacturers are made with quality materials making them suitable for use outdoors. The real decision comes down to sound volume vs. sound quality. A 2-ohm speaker will produce a louder sound, which comes in handy while listening to music outside on the road where wind noise and the sounds of the great outdoors are a major factor. 

A 4-ohm speaker might not have the volume and power of a 2-ohm version, but it will have a higher sound quality which makes them a popular choice for riders who want to listen to their music in the highest quality possible. Both are good choices, but the ultimate decision of volume vs. quality is yours to make.

Shop Garage Bagger for Your Next Motorcycle Audio Purchase 

Now that you know the difference between 2-ohm and 4-ohm motorcycle speakers, and you have decided to upgrade your bike's sound system, where is the best place to find top-quality equipment? Look no further than Garage Bagger Stereo; they carry the best sound system equipment on the market for motorcycles and boats. The folks at Garage Bagger have decades of experience when it comes to motorcycle stereo equipment and can help build the sound systems of your dreams, whether you are looking for high volume, sound quality, or a mix of both. 

So head on over to https://garagebaggerstereo.com , order the best motorcycle speakers on the market, install them, and hit the road while enjoying your favorite tunes for many miles to come!