Last Updated on: October 7, 2022
The right setup for a car audio system will help deliver an unrivaled listening experience. From a subwoofer to an amplifier, you need several components.
Among others, the best 8 inch midrange speakers are some of the most important.
But…
With too many brands and models available, deciding what to buy can be a struggle. If you need help, we got you!
The winner of this review is the DS18 PRO-X8.4BM 8-inch Midrange Speaker. This mid-range driver has exceptional structural integrity and delivers great value for money!
Our Top Picks For The Best 8-inch Mid-Range Speakers
1. DS18 PRO-X8.4BM 8-inch Midrange Speaker – Best Overall
From cars to trucks, the DS18 PRO-X8.4BM 8-inch Mid-range Speaker will deliver an exceptional sound quality.
Among others, one of its most notable features is its bullet dust cover. It protects the voice coil against damages, contributing to its longevity.
It comes with a 1.5-inch high-temperature voice coil. The latter handles extreme temperatures, so the speaker can operate without a problem even in the most demanding conditions. It can retain its structural integrity despite its surrounding conditions.
Speaking of its construction, the ferrite magnet is also worth highlighting. It resists corrosion and deterioration. Ferrite can retain its magnetization even when it is extremely hot.
Looking at the technical specifications, it is unsurprising that the car speaker sounds incredible. It has a max power handling of 550 watts and RMS power handling of 275 watts. Meanwhile, the frequency ranges from 125 Hz to 16 kHz and the impedance is 4 ohms.
A lot of speakers distort when you are playing music at high volumes. This model, however, has great sound clarity even when it is loud.
While this midrange loudspeaker is great overall, you will need an amplifier to reach its full potential. Without an amp, the output can be underwhelming.
Pros
- Comes with a bullet dust cap to protect the voice coil
- Has a high-quality ferrite magnet
- Handles even demanding conditions
Cons
- Requires an amp to reach full potential
Takeaway
From its voice coil to the magnet, the DS18 PRO-X8.4BM Speaker is made using state-of-the-art materials offering the best performance while also ensuring durability.
2. Rockford Fosgate PPS4-8 Punch Pro Midrange Speaker – Best Construction
With the Rockford Fosgate PPS4-8 Punch Pro Speaker, you can expect many years of excellent performance. It has a tough construction, allowing it to withstand the test of time.
The speaker uses the same technology that is utilized for arenas and stadiums. Hence, you can expect filling sound with incredible detail regardless of the volume.
Its 4-ohm voice coil effortlessly handles even high temperatures. Even when playing music continuously in hot weather, the speaker is not easily prone to damage.
It has a fiber-reinforced paper cone, which also contributes to its durability. Paper cones are known for being incredible, but their longevity is questionable. Good thing, the paper cone in this speaker has a fiber reinforcement, which offers exceptional protection.
The W-style corrugated treated cloth surround is another commendable feature. This is better than rubber and foam since it is a longer-lasting material.
When you purchase this speaker, it is already inclusive of a metal grille. Plus, it has the necessary mounting hardware.
Before buying this product, however, manage your expectations. There is very little bass response, even when you add a subwoofer or amplifier.
Pros
- Not easily damaged even in harsh conditions
- The paper cone is reinforced with fiber to ensure durability
- Long-lasting cloth surround
Cons
- Minimal bass response
Takeaway
The Rockford Fosgate PPS4-8 Punch Pro Speaker has many features that ensure durability and performance, including the paper cone and cloth surround.
3. Skar Audio FSX8-4 Midrange Speaker – Best For People On A Budget
Even if you are on a budget, you do not need to compromise quality. That is exactly what the Skar Audio FSX8-4 can deliver.
This 8-inch midrange car speaker has a max power of 350 watts and RMS power of 175 watts. The frequency response is 100 Hz to 8Khz while the sensitivity is 92.5 dB.
More so, this midrange loudspeaker has an impedance of 4 ohms. The latter eliminated the need for impedance protection in the speaker selector switch.
The 1.5-inch copper voice coil is a noteworthy feature of this speaker. It does not only endure high temperatures, but it also adds vibration to the speaker, so you can feel your music pumping.
Like many of the top-notch speakers on this list, it has a ferrite magnet. At 25 ounces, the magnet is the driving force behind the audio clarity that you can expect in this product.
However, take note that it has a high mounting depth. This can be a problem for smaller cars.
Pros
- Affordable while delivering decent performance
- Tough voice coil
- Has a ferrite magnet that maintains magnetization in different conditions
Cons
- Requires a deep mount
Takeaway
The Skar Audio FSX8-4 is an affordable product that delivers top-notch sound quality. It also has an impressive construction that will make the speaker long-lasting.
4. Audiopipe APMB-8 8-inch Midrange Car Speaker – Best For Clean And Crisp Sound
If you need car speakers that will deliver crisp audio, the Audiopipe APMB-8 should be on your list. These speakers sound incredible!
A notable feature is a 35-ounce magnet. It creates opposing magnetic fields, which are responsible for the vibrations that you can hear and feel when playing music in your car.
Another top-notch component of these 8-inch midrange speakers is the die-cast aluminum basket. It is magnetically, structurally, and cosmetically superior compared to its steel counterparts.
The paper cone is also worth emphasizing. It transforms the vibrations from the voice coil into audible sounds, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.
Plus, it comes with a bullet dust cap. It acts as a cover, which will prevent damage to the internal components.
These are some of the loudest car speakers on this list! However, when operating at full volume, expect that there can be distortions.
Pros
- Has a 35-ounce magnet for impressive vibrations
- Superior basket construction allows it to take a beating
- The bullet dust cover protects the internal components
Cons
- Can be prone to distortion at full volume
Takeaway
From the die-cast aluminum to the paper cone, the Audiopipe APMB-8 is another option you should not miss. Did we mention that it comes as a set of two car speakers?
5. PRV Audio 8MB450-4 8-inch Midrange Speaker – Best For Three-Way Custom Door Systems
Are you planning to build a three-way custom audio system for your car? The PRV Audio 8MB450-4 is another top pick for the best 8 inch midrange speakers.
The speaker comes with a long-lasting spider suspension. The latter provides the necessary support that will prevent non-linear distortion.
With a mounting depth of only 3.31 inches, this speaker is perfect even for shallow locations. It is a great choice if you have a small vehicle.
One more feature that we love is the thick but lightweight speaker. It improves max power handling and the accuracy of its response.
Be careful with the use of this speaker. Since it does not come with a grille, the face can be prone to damage from objects that which it will be in contact with.
Pros
- The shallow depth makes the design space-efficient
- Has a spider suspension to prevent distortion
- Comes with a thick but lightweight cone
Cons
- Does not come with a grille
Takeaway
Wrapping up, the PRV Audio 8MB450-4 is designed for three-way systems. It has a notable spider suspension and cone, among other components.
Midrange Speakers, Explained
As the name implies, midrange speakers generate a midrange frequency response, which is between 500 Hz to 4 kHz. This is a narrow range compared to what their full-range counterparts can reproduce.
Of all the frequencies, mid-range is the most audible sound spectrum, making its reproduction critical. From the human voice to musical instruments, these mid-frequencies are vital.
Midrange speakers cannot reproduce low and high frequencies. They have low power but can deliver good quality and volume. However, they can end up sounding dull or flat, so make sure that you pair them with a good subwoofer or amplifier. It is often a part of a three or four-part audio system.
To compensate for the shortcoming of a mid-range speaker, it is installed with other components. For the reproduction of low-end frequencies, you will need a woofer. On the other hand, to generate a higher frequency response, a tweeter is a must-have.
You will find these speakers in a wide range of sizes. Some can be as small as four inches to as large as 12 inches. In this review, however, we focused on the middle ground – eight inches. They offer the perfect combination of space efficiency and powerful performance.
Choosing the Best 8-Inch Mid-Range Car Speakers
With too many powerful speakers promising to deliver a high-quality sound, you will be overwhelmed. Go beyond the price for your listening pleasure. Below are some of the most crucial considerations that will help you decide what to buy:
Power Rating
When looking at the technical specifications, one of the first things that you must understand is the power rating, which has a direct impact on performance. It lets you know the wattage that the speaker can handle.
The peak or max power refers to the maximum wattage that it can handle at a short burst.
On the other hand, RMS or root mean square rating is the power that it can handle continuously.
The higher the number, the more powerful the speakers are. Nonetheless, many manufacturers tend to overrate their speakers, so read reviews and learn from what other people are saying.
Construction
From longevity to performance, the speaker’s construction affects many things. Look at the materials used in the different parts, such as the cone. Paper and polypropylene are two of the most common choices.
Meanwhile, for the voice coil, copper and aluminum and some of the most popular.
For the basket, stamped steel and die-cast aluminum are great.
Installation
You do not always need to pay a pro to mount 8-inch midrange car speakers. You can do it yourself, but you will need to choose a product that offers easy assembly. More so, it should come with the bracket and mounts, among others that you will need for installation.
Compatibility
Before buying a speaker, consider if it is compatible with your sound systems, such as subwoofer and amplifier, if you have any. More so, it should fit in your car. One thing to look at is the mounting depth, which will depend on the space availability.
Pro Auto Thought: Wiring speakers is easy. Choosing their impedance is not. You might get shortchanged by purchasing a set with a higher impedance but with sub-par output. We did some research on this topic — 1 Ohm Vs 2 Ohm.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mid-range speakers good for?
Mid-range speakers are good for handling the middle range of the sound spectrum. It covers the most important range in audio which will include the human voice. This means you can hear everything with utmost clarity to level up the in-car audio experience.
What is the difference between mid-range and full-range speakers?
While mid-range speakers can reproduce only frequencies in the middle of the sound spectrum, their full-range counterparts have a higher audibility range. A full-range speaker can deliver a more immersive listening experience but this will depend on the quality of the specific speaker.
Which is better: a mid-range or a mid-bass speaker?
The choice depends on your personal preference. If you want speakers that replicate mid-frequencies, then go for a mid-range. On the other hand, if you need speakers that will reproduce low frequencies, then a mid-bass is a better option.
Conclusion
The DS18 PRO-X8.4BM 8-inch Midrange Speaker wins over other speakers in this review. Whether it is for vocals or just instrumentals, it has superior sound quality. It also has a high-class construction that will handle even extreme heat, making it not easily prone to damage.
Are there other 8-inch midrange car speakers that we should add to the list? Leave a comment below and let us know what we missed.