2-way speakers vs. 3-way speakers

[charlief1975]

So this week I am replacing the sound system in my car. I have 2004 Mini. Going to an Alpine HU(CDA-9853) also got the KCA-420i to hook my ipod.

I want to replace the speakers. Been looking into some alpines that they have at the shop by my house. Today I was roaming through best buy, looking for some unrelated stuff and they had some 3-way Pioneer speakers on sale.

Can someone explain me the difference and advantages. I think 3 way has hi/lo/bass built in, then what about 2-ways?

[thedevine0ne]

2 ways and 3 ways are pretty similar. 2 ways have 1 midrange woofer and 1 tweeter. 3 ways will have the same midrange woofer but 2 tweeters. So, the low end of the sound frequencies will be the same for both, but the high end will be a little louder on the 3 ways. They're both fine, but i doubt you'll even notice much of a difference....so go with what you feel comfortable buying. personally, i'm an /////Alpine kind of guy and would go with those over pioneer......but that's your preference. either way you go, it'll be better than the factory.........so enjoy.

[SteveM3]

For low sounds you need a big speaker for high sounds you need a small speaker. So the
smaller the frequency range each speaker covers the better. However swapping from one
speaker to another causes problems in matching the dying response of one speaker with
the rising response of the other. Thats why a lot of effort goes into crosssover design. So
it is generally agreed less crossover points the better. So I don't think one is better than
the other but as the type of speakers you are discussing don't do the very deep notes it's
difficult to justify three way speakers except as a marketing exercise (as it looks more
impressive).

[Mini_Blake]

Dont forget to get some 16.5cm adaptors - mikeythemini www.newministuff.com It really opens up the speaker market for the front speakers !

[MINIMAT]

A good 2-way speaker will still outperform a poor 3-way speaker. If you think about the top quality hi-fi's you get for the home most of the top end speakers have just two speakers in the enclosure. Best thing will be to try and audition the speakers if possible. In cars you may not really appreciate the difference though. They are not ideal places for hi-fi.