How to Measure for a Replacement Speaker

So you just blew a speaker or are gonna be upgrading soon but you're not sure what size speaker your gonna need. There are a few things to keep in mind before you assume you know what size to buy and this video will show you what to look for.

Don't put yourself in that position, trying to stick your brand new speaker that just arrived into your enclosure only to find out, IT DOESN'T FIT?!?!

Let us help!

*There are many factors that go into choosing the right speaker for a replacement or upgrade. This video is only to meant to be a guide on measuring for speaker size

Step 1: Just Because Your Speaker Says It's a 6.5" Speaker DOES NOT Mean It Takes a 6.5" Driver!

Speakers base their written size on a general category of sizes that can range by inches.

Step 2: First Things First

Check if the hole where your speaker sits is recessed or if it will just sit on top (surface mount). If it's recessed then the speaker needs to sit flush.

Step 3: Measuring for a Recessed Mount

When measuring for a recessed mount you need to measure the Overall Outside Diameter and the Baffle Cutout Diameter. When looking for a replacement speaker the Baffle Cutout Diameter needs to be less than or equal to the one of the cabinet and the Overall Outside Diameter needs to be equal to the one of the cabinet.

Step 4: Measuring for a Surface Mount

When measuring for a surface mount you need to measure the Baffle Cutout Diameter and assure it is less than or equal to the one on the cabinet.

Step 5: Too Small?

It is also important to measure the overall outside diameter of the surface mounted speaker to assure it is larger than the baffle cutout or it will just fall through.

Keep in mind, it is also possible for a surface mounted speaker to be too large. You do not want the lip of the speaker to hang over the edge of your cabinet.

Step 6: Depth

You also want to keep an eye on the depth of the speaker. Make sure you have enough room to actually fit it all the way into the cabinet.

Step 7: Impedance

Make sure you know what impedance speaker you are buying. Sometimes this is listed on the magnet or even on the back of the speaker as Normal Impedance. Figuring out impedance can be the difficult sometimes but just make sure you have the correct amount of Ohms

Step 8: Choosing a Shape

Lastly, do not buy a round replacement speaker if your recessed speaker hole is not round. Speakers come in different shapes and the general rule is flat to flat as seen in the graphic.