Are Memphis Car Audio Speakers Good? The Expert Verdict
Are memphis car audio speakers good? Yes, Memphis Audio speakers are highly regarded by industry professionals for their exceptional durability, “warm” sound signature, and excellent value-to-performance ratio. Having spent over a decade in custom car audio shops, I have found that Memphis products consistently outperform factory systems and rival premium brands like Rockford Fosgate or Alpine in mid-range clarity.
If you are tired of the muddy, distorted sound coming from your stock vehicle speakers, you are likely looking for an upgrade that balances cost with high-fidelity performance. Memphis Audio offers everything from entry-level replacements to competition-grade hardware. In this guide, I will break down why these speakers remain a staple in the car audio community and help you decide which series fits your specific musical tastes.
Key Takeaways: Memphis Audio Performance
- Best For: Listeners who prefer a natural, “warm” sound with smooth highs (thanks to their Silk Dome Tweeters).
- Durability: Known for the “Memphis Tough” build quality; their Power Reference line is legendary for longevity.
- Series Options: Choose Street Reference (SR) for budget builds, Power Reference (PR) for the best all-around value, and M-Series for high-end fidelity.
- Installation: Most models feature a multi-mount design, making them a direct fit for almost any OEM speaker location.
Why Professionals Rank Memphis Audio So Highly
When customers ask me, “Are memphis car speakers any good?” I always point to their heritage. Founded in Memphis, Tennessee—the home of the blues and rock ‘n’ roll—this brand focuses on musicality rather than just raw volume.
Superior Material Quality
Memphis doesn’t cut corners on the “soft parts” of the speaker. While many budget brands use cheap paper cones that rot over time, Memphis utilizes Polypropylene cones and Butyl rubber surrounds. In my testing, these materials resist the extreme temperature fluctuations found inside car doors, preventing the cracking or stiffening that kills sound quality.
The Power Reference (PR) Legacy
The Power Reference series is perhaps the most famous line in their catalog. We have installed thousands of PRX speakers because they hit the “sweet spot” of price and performance. They provide a significant jump in RMS power handling compared to stock units, allowing you to crank the volume without the dreaded “clipping” or distortion.
Versatile Fitment
One of the biggest headaches in car audio is finding a speaker that fits behind a factory door panel. Memphis designs their baskets with a low-profile footprint. Whether you have a tight European door cavity or a deep truck door, they likely have a bracket or a slim-mount version to fit.
Comparing the Memphis Audio Product Lines
To help you decide if are memphis car audio speakers good for your specific vehicle, let’s look at the data. I’ve categorized these based on my real-world shop experience.
| Series | User Level | Best Feature | Price Bracket | Key Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Street Reference (SRX) | Beginner | Best “Bang for Buck” | $ | PEI Dome Tweeters |
| Power Reference (PRX) | Intermediate | Reliability & Clarity | $$ | Pivotable Silk Tweeters |
| M-Series (M7/MJ) | Audiophile | Studio-Grade Sound | $$$ | Carbon Fiber Cones |
| MOJO Series | Competition | Extreme Volume | $$$$ | High-Efficiency Drivers |
Detailed Review: Are Memphis Door Speakers Good for Your Daily Drive?
When upgrading your “mids and highs,” the door speakers are the most critical component. Most factory speakers use a tiny magnet and a thin paper cone.
Street Reference (SRX): The Budget Hero
If you just want to replace a blown factory speaker without breaking the bank, are memphis door speakers good in the SRX line? Absolutely. They are designed to run off a factory head unit. You don’t need a massive external amplifier to make these sound decent. The SRX series provides a crispness that stock speakers simply cannot match.
Power Reference (PRX): The Gold Standard
If you plan on adding an aftermarket amplifier, the PRX series is where you should look. I’ve noticed that the PRX models feature a multi-mount tweeter system. This allows you to aim the tweeter toward your ears, which significantly improves the “soundstage” (making the music feel like it’s coming from the dashboard rather than your feet).
M-Series: For the Critical Listener
The M-Series is where Memphis competes with the likes of JL Audio and Morel. These speakers use carbon fiber cones, which are incredibly light and stiff. This means the speaker can move faster and stop more precisely, resulting in “tight” mid-bass and zero “ringing” or unwanted vibration.
How to Choose the Right Memphis Speakers: Step-by-Step
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger, follow this process to ensure you get the best result. I have used this exact workflow for hundreds of custom builds.
Step 1: Identify Your Power Source
- Factory Radio: Stick with the Street Reference (SRX) series. They have a high Sensitivity Rating, meaning they don’t need much power to get loud.
- Aftermarket Radio (Pioneer/Sony/Kenwood): The Power Reference (PRX) line is your best bet.
- External Amplifier: Go with M-Series or MOJO to handle the high Wattage (RMS).
Step 2: Determine Your Speaker Size
Check a reliable fitment guide. The most common sizes are:
- 6.5-inch: Standard for most modern sedans and SUVs.
- 6×9-inch: Common in truck doors and rear decks; provides better bass response.
- 5.25-inch: Common in older vehicles or Jeep dash locations.
Step 3: Component vs. Coaxial
- Coaxial (2-way/3-way): The tweeter is built into the center. These are easier to install.
- Component Sets: The woofer and tweeter are separate. I highly recommend these for front doors to improve sound imaging.
Step 4: Installation Accessories
Don’t just screw the speaker into the metal door. Use foam baffles or sound deadening mats (like Dynamat). In my experience, spending $30 on sound treatment makes a $100 pair of Memphis speakers sound like a $300 pair.
Expert Tips for Maximum Performance
To truly answer are memphis car audio speakers any good, you have to look at how they are tuned. After installation, follow these professional tips:
- Break-in Period: Don’t max out the volume immediately. Give the rubber surrounds about 20 hours of play time at moderate levels to loosen up. You will notice the bass becomes much deeper after this period.
- High-Pass Filter (HPF): If you have a subwoofer, set the HPF for your Memphis door speakers to around 80Hz or 100Hz. This prevents them from trying to play deep bass notes they aren’t designed for, which keeps the vocals crystal clear.
- Phase Checking: Ensure the positive and negative wires are correct. If one speaker is “out of phase,” your bass will completely disappear.
Comparison: Memphis vs. The Competition
How does Memphis stack up against other “big box” brands?
- Memphis vs. Pioneer: Memphis generally has a sturdier build. While Pioneer entry-level speakers can sound “tinny,” Memphis maintains a smoother high-end.
- Memphis vs. Kicker: Kicker is often “brighter” and louder. However, if you prefer accuracy and warmth, Memphis is the superior choice.
- Memphis vs. JL Audio: JL Audio’s C2 and C3 series are comparable to Memphis Power Reference. JL is often more expensive due to brand prestige, but Memphis offers nearly identical performance for a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are Memphis car audio speakers good for bass?
While door speakers are not subwoofers, Memphis 6×9 speakers are known for having some of the punchiest mid-bass in the industry. For deep, chest-thumping bass, you should pair your Memphis speakers with a Memphis MOJO subwoofer.
Can I run Memphis Power Reference speakers on a factory head unit?
Yes, you can, but you won’t be using their full potential. They have a higher RMS rating, so they really “wake up” when you provide them with 50-75 watts of clean power from an amplifier.
What is the warranty on Memphis speakers?
When purchased and installed by an authorized Memphis dealer, they often offer a 2-year or 3-year warranty. This is one of the best in the business, reflecting their confidence in “Memphis Tough” durability.
Are memphis car speakers any good for high-volume listening?
If you want extreme volume without clarity loss, look at the Memphis MOJO Pro Audio line. These are designed specifically for high-SPL (Sound Pressure Level) environments and can handle massive amounts of power.
Why do my Memphis speakers sound quiet?
This is usually due to an impedance mismatch or low sensitivity. Ensure your wiring is correct and that your head unit is capable of driving 4-ohm loads. Adding a small 4-channel amplifier usually solves this immediately.
