Ham radios have been a popular communication method among enthusiasts and emergency responders for many years. These devices allow users to communicate efficiently over short and long distances, discuss various topics, and share valuable information. An essential component to improve the listening experience and audio clarity of a ham radio is an external speaker. It can significantly enhance the sound quality and make communication smoother.
As there is a wide variety of external speakers available on the market, choosing the best one for your ham radio can be overwhelming. In general, an ideal external speaker should provide clear audio, be easy to install, and compatible with your ham radio model. The most critical factors to consider when purchasing an external speaker include the speaker’s power handling capability, impedance, size, and the presence of a built-in audio filter.
Power handling capability is crucial for optimal audio output without distortion, ensuring your ham radio’s full potential. Impedance, typically measured in ohms, should match the ham radio’s output impedance for maximum efficiency and compatibility. Size is a matter of personal preference, depending on the space you have available and your desired portability. A built-in audio filter can help reduce unwanted background noise, making it easier to hear and understand incoming signals.
With these essential features in mind, we’ve put in the research and tested various external speakers to help you identify the best options for your ham radio setup. Our recommendations will ensure clearer audio and enhance your overall communication experience with your ham radio.
Best External Speakers for Ham Radio
We’ve put together a list of the top external speakers for ham radio enthusiasts, offering impressive audio clarity and performance.
ZAXIDALER Rectangular External Speaker
This speaker is an excellent choice for those seeking an affordable and compact external speaker for ham radios, CB radios, and scanners.
Pros
- Compact and easily mountable
- Universal compatibility with 3.5mm plug
- Good sound quality for its size
Cons
- Lack of bass response
- Possible occasional distortion at low volumes
- Build quality may not be very durable
We recently had the opportunity to try out the ZAXIDALER Rectangular External Communications Speaker for ham radio, CB radios, and scanners. The compact size makes it convenient to fit in various setups, and it comes with mounting brackets and hardware to easily secure it in place. The speaker also includes a cord with a standard 3.5mm plug, making it compatible with a wide range of devices.
The sound quality of the ZAXIDALER speaker is quite good for its size. It enhances the audio output of devices like ham radios and scanners, making them easier to hear without having to crank the volume up to high levels. However, it’s worth mentioning that the speaker does lack bass response, which may be a downside if you’re expecting a full audio spectrum.
Although the speaker performs well overall, there were instances of distortion at low volumes. This appeared to be a somewhat isolated issue, but it is something to be aware of when making a decision. Lastly, the build quality of the speaker may not be the most durable in the long run, given its affordable price. However, considering its performance and ease of use, we still believe the ZAXIDALER speaker is a great choice for those seeking a budget-friendly external speaker for their radio needs.
Terisass CB External Speaker NSP-100
A good purchase for those looking for a compact and easy-to-install external speaker for their ham radio, with some room for improvement in sound quality.
Pros
- Easy to install and use
- Durable, made of high-quality ABS
- Compatible with various Yaesu ham radios
Cons
- Sound quality could be better
- Volume range may be limited
- Smaller than expected for some users
We recently used the Terisass CB External Speaker NSP-100 and found that its compact size and easy installation make it a convenient option for those seeking an external speaker for their ham radio. This speaker is especially suitable for Yaesu FT-847 FT-920 FT-950 FT-2000, FT-840 FT-DX5000 FT-DX9000 radios. Being made of high-quality ABS material, the speaker is quite durable, ensuring a long service life.
However, upon testing, we did notice that the sound quality of this speaker could be better. The volume range appears limited compared to built-in radio speakers, and some users might find the speaker to be smaller than expected. This might affect the overall user experience for some, but it doesn’t overshadow the positive points.
In conclusion, the Terisass CB External Speaker NSP-100 is a decent choice for ham radio users searching for a compact and easy-to-install solution. While its sound quality and volume range could be improved, its compatibility and durability make it worth considering.
VECTORCOM Rectangular External Speaker TRD550
If you need an affordable external speaker for your ham radio, this VECTORCOM TRD550 is worth considering due to its clear audio output and easy installation.
Pros
- Good sound quality for the price
- 1.8 meters cable with 3.5mm plug for easy installation
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Lacks bass, more focused on treble
- May not suit high-performance radios
- Not suitable for very noisy environments
We recently tried out the VECTORCOM TRD550, a rectangular 3.5mm plug 5W external speaker, for our ham radio, and we were generally pleased with its performance. The speaker was easy to set up, coming with a 1.8-meter cable and a 3.5mm plug that made installation hassle-free. The 3-inch speaker is also compact and lightweight, ensuring it doesn’t take up too much space while mounted.
While the sound quality is good for the price, the VECTORCOM TRD550 tends to lean more towards treble frequencies. Bass is not as pronounced, which might not be suitable for some users. However, this treble bias does make the audio clear and easy to understand in most situations.
One drawback of this speaker is that it might not be the best choice for high-performance radios that demand exceptional audio output. Additionally, this external speaker might not be loud enough for use in very noisy environments, such as on the road. In such situations, more expensive and powerful speakers might be a better fit.
Overall, the VECTORCOM Rectangular External Speaker TRD550 provides good value for money, offering decent sound quality and easy installation. If you have a ham radio and are looking for an affordable external speaker, this option should be on your radar. Just keep in mind that it may not be suitable for those who need optimal audio performance or for use in particularly noisy settings.
Acogedor NSP-100 Mini External Speaker
If you’re in search of an affordable and compact external speaker for your ham radio, the Acogedor NSP-100 is worth considering.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- 3W speaker for louder, stereo sound
- Compatible with multiple car radio stations
Cons
- Wired speaker may be less convenient
- Limited customer reviews and ratings
- Build quality could be better
We recently tested the Acogedor NSP-100 Mini External Speaker, a small and portable wired speaker for ham radios. Designed for mobile use, this speaker is lightweight and easy to carry. The 3W speaker provides stereo sound, which ensures that audio from your radio is clear and loud.
The Acogedor NSP-100 is compatible with various car radio brands, such as Kenwood, Yaesu ICOM, Eurocom, and Teyitong. This makes the speaker versatile and a good fit for many ham radio enthusiasts. However, it’s essential to note that this is a wired speaker, which may not be as convenient as some other options on the market.
One of the downsides we noticed about the Acogedor NSP-100 is that there are limited customer reviews and ratings, which can make it challenging to verify its long-term reliability. Also, the build quality might not be as high as we would have liked, which may impact durability.
Overall, if you’re on a budget and looking for a compact external speaker with decent sound quality, the Acogedor NSP-100 could be a good choice. However, we recommend looking into additional options and customer reviews before making a final decision.
Radioddity CB Mobile Radio External Speaker
This external speaker is a solid choice for ham radio enthusiasts who want clearer sound and easy installation.
Pros
- Improved sound quality with 5W power
- 71″ power cable allows versatile installation
- Easy to set up and compatible with multiple radio models
Cons
- Sound quality might not surpass some internal speakers
- Cable length may be insufficient for some users
- Speaker size might be too small for certain preferences
When we tried out the Radioddity CB Mobile Radio External Speaker, we immediately noticed the difference in sound quality. The 5 watts of power helped provide a louder and clearer sound, with less background noise compared to our factory-installed radio speaker.
Setting up this external speaker was a breeze – simply mount the bracket with the included screws, then plug the jack into the radio. The 71″ power cable was long enough for us to route it through the dash and to various locations in our vehicle. It was also convenient that the speaker is compatible with most mini mobile radio and CB radio models, including Radioddity CB-27, TYT MD-9600, TH-9800, Yaesu Mobile radio FT-7800R, FT-8900R, Kenwood TM281, TM481, Icom IC-2720H, IC-2820H, and more.
One drawback we experienced was that, though improved, the sound quality wasn’t necessarily better than the internal speaker on some of our radios. Additionally, for some users, the included cable length might be too short, and the speaker size could be considered too small.
Overall, the Radioddity CB Mobile Radio External Speaker is a worthy addition to your ham radio setup if you’re looking to enhance sound quality and ease of installation. However, users should consider their specific sound preferences and cable length needs before purchasing.
Buying Guide
Key Features to Consider
When selecting the best external speaker for a ham radio, it’s essential to consider these features:
- Sound quality: The main purpose of an external speaker is to improve the listening experience. Look for speakers with a wide frequency range and low distortion for crisp, clear audio.
- Power handling: Make sure the speaker can handle the power output of your ham radio. A speaker with a higher wattage rating will generally produce better audio quality without distortion.
- Impedance: Match the impedance of the speaker to your radio’s output impedance. Most ham radios use an 8-ohm impedance, but double-check your specific radio model.
- Size and weight: Depending on your setup, you’ll want a speaker that fits easily into your shack or portable station without taking up too much space.
- Durability: A well-built speaker will last longer and provide better performance over time, especially if you plan on using it in harsh environments.
Additional Features
Some additional features you may want to consider include:
- Noise reduction: Some speakers have built-in noise reduction systems to help filter out unwanted background noise, making it easier to understand weak signals or communications.
- Audio filters: These can help improve audio clarity by emphasizing specific frequencies or filtering out unwanted frequencies, such as high-pitched tones or static.
- Adjustable mounting options: Some external speakers offer adjustable brackets or other mounting options for optimal placement and easier integration into your ham radio setup.
As you’re considering different external speakers for your ham radio, keep these important factors in mind to ensure you find the right one for your needs. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so take your time and find the speaker that best matches your specific requirements.
