Getting an appreciation of sound requires a 3D understanding. To replace a broken speaker, you should know how to measure speaker size and each dimension.
Songs simply do not sound right when you have a broken speaker. To fully enjoy your audio, you will want to replace that speaker as quickly as possible.
To do that successfully means knowing its every dimension. You will need to know how to measure speaker size which requires a 3D understanding.
A tape measure or a ruler won’t be much good if you simply take exterior measurements. You’ll need to find out how high the speaker is and how deep the mounting frame is.
Your new speaker has to be the exact same size to ensure it fits snugly into the very same hole. The same width, height, and depth. Speakers come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you want a new one that’ll exactly match each measurement.
The Dimensions Of A Speaker
Before you start removing the broken speaker, make sure the power is off.
Remove The Covers
To get the exact measurements of a speaker you will need to remove it from its housing. First, the covers can be removed by either simply unscrewing them or popping them out.
Pull Out The Speaker
The mounting screws will be located on the front of the speaker and they can be loosened with a standard screwdriver. Once the screws are suitably loose, you can simply turn them a few times to pull them out.
Carefully remove the speaker from its housing, then disconnect any attaching wires. Your speaker is now free and intact to be examined.
The Diameter
With the speaker removed, the first measurement you can take is its full diameter. This should be at its widest point and you should take the measurement in inches.
Write down the measurement so you have it to hand next to all the others. Effectively you want a note of all its dimensions for when you shop around for a new speaker.
The diameter might not be the correct measurement if your speaker isn’t round. If this is the case, simply measure the widest points so you know how wide the speaker will need to be.
The Cutout Diameter
Place the speaker face down and measure the widest part of the cone that’s attached to the rear of the mounting frame. This is known as the cutout diameter and you’ll need to write that down too.
Again, if the speaker is not a round shape, make a note of all the measurements from the widest point of each side. This measurement should be smaller than the diameter of the hole itself or it obviously will not fit.
The Speaker Depth
Flip the speaker again until the widest part is facing you. Measure from the bottom up to the flat piece around the cone which is known as the mounting frame. This measurement is essentially the speaker’s internal depth. Write it down.
The Speaker Extension
You will also need to measure the part of the speaker that sticks out from the mounting frame. With the speaker remaining up and facing you, look at it from the side to see how far the mounting frame sticks out.
This measurement shouldn’t be less than a couple of inches.
With all those measurements, you should be able to find a new speaker of the same size. However, you also need to measure the gaping hole where your speaker used to be.
Measure The Mounting Hole
Just like the dimensions of your speaker, you will need to measure the mounting hole, starting with the diameter.
Measure The Mounting Hole Outer Diameter
Measure from one end of the hole all the way across. Now you know how big your new speaker can be at its widest.
Check For A Recessed Lip
There may be a tiny recessed lip inside that hole which allows the mounting frame to sit flush and comfortably. If so, measure that diameter and it should be slightly smaller or equal to the full diameter of the mounting hole itself.
Measure The Mounting Hole Depth
Forcibly insert your ruler or tape measure into the hole and check the measurement. Make sure you go as far back as you can to get the full measurement of the maximum depth. The mounting height of your new speaker should be shorter than this measurement or it won’t fit properly.
Note Down The Screw Pattern
So your new speaker should fit into the hole and you’ve taken the recessed lip into account. That new speaker is going to fit and it’s going to fit flush. However, it also needs to be secure.
Note down the distance between each screw, you might want to take a picture of the hole so you don’t have to draw out the pattern. If the new speaker you really want has a different pattern, you may have to drill new holes to fit it.
Further Thoughts
You may want to keep a hold of your broken speaker for comparison. One factor you may want to consider is the weight of your new speaker. You should be looking for a similar weight or lighter so it will fit inside door panels and not weigh them down.
Once you have all the measurements for the speaker size itself and the mounting hole you should be confident that you can find a new speaker.
You may want to find an exact copy of the one you currently have so you do not lose any perceptible difference to the sound. However, you may find this as the perfect opportunity to splash out on that music system you always wanted.
Remember that the manufacturer’s measurements may slightly differ from the actual measurements. That’s why you should always rely on the measurements you have taken to get a new speaker that’ll fit well.
You really don’t want to buy a new speaker only to find out it doesn’t fit in the mounting hole.