The Alpine Type R and Type S are two popular car speaker series produced by the audio brand Alpine. The main difference between the two series lies in their target audience, performance, and price.
“To answer in short – The Alpine Type R is for those who prioritize sound quality and power handling, while the Type S is for those who want good sound quality at a more affordable price point.”
Alpine offers a wide range of loudspeakers to cater to different budgets and audio requirements. Each speaker series is created with specific standards in mind, such as sound quality and acoustics. The main speaker series from Alpine include the Type X, Type R, Type S, and Type E.
- The Type X speakers are designed for competition-level audio quality and performance.
- The Type R speakers are made for high-performance audio and are ideal for vehicles with limited installation space.
- The Type S speakers provide good sound quality at an affordable price.
- Finally, the Type E speakers are budget-friendly and designed for basic audio upgrades.
In this article, we are going to talk about the Alpine Type R vs Type S.
The Type S and Type R are the best options for adding Alpine-quality sound to any car stereo system. So, which one is better?
If we are strictly talking about performance, then Type R is the winner, but if the value for money is the priority, then Type S comes out on top. If you are still unsure, let’s break down the differences between the two.
Alpine Type R vs Type S Specification
| Alpine R-S65C | Alpine S-S65C | |
| Woofer Composition | Hybrid Fiber | Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastic |
| Woofer Surround | Multi-Roll Rubber | Rubber |
| Frequency Response | 65 – 29k Hz | 70 – 22k Hz |
| Maximum RMS Wattage | 100 | 80 |
| Peak Power Handling (Watts) | 300 | 240 |
| Top-mount Depth (Inches) | 2 3/8 | 2 5/16 |
| Mounting Height (Inches) | 0.456 | 0.458 |
Alpine Type R
The Type R speakers are designed for high-performance and are targeted towards audiophiles who prioritize sound quality and power handling. They feature a shallow mounting design, making them suitable for vehicles with limited installation space. The Type R speakers also have a high sensitivity rating and can handle a lot of power, which means they can deliver clear and dynamic sound even with limited amplification.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using the Alpine Type R-
Pros of Alpine Type R
- High-Performance Sound: The Type R speakers are designed to deliver high-performance sound quality, with clear and dynamic audio across all frequencies.
- Shallow Mounting Design: The shallow mounting design of the Type R speakers makes them suitable for vehicles with limited installation space.
- High Sensitivity: The Type R speakers have high sensitivity ratings, which means they can produce clear sound even with limited amplification.
- Durable Construction: The Type R speakers are built with high-quality materials, including oversized voice coils and heavy-duty baskets, to ensure durability and long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Compatibility: The Type R speakers are compatible with a wide range of audio systems, making them an ideal choice for a variety of vehicle types and sound setups.
- Easy Installation: The Type R speakers are designed for easy installation and can be set up quickly without much hassle or stress.
Cons of Alpine Type R
- Price: The Type R speakers are among the more expensive speakers in Alpine’s lineup, which may not be suitable for those with a limited budget.
- Power Requirements: The Type R speakers have hefty power requirements to deliver on their full performance potential, so they may not be suitable for vehicles with weak or underpowered audio systems.
- Installation Challenges: Due to their shallow mounting design, the Type R speakers may require additional installation hardware to fit in certain vehicles.
- Limited Frequency Range: The Type R speakers may not be able to produce the lowest bass frequencies, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a full-range audio experience.
- Sensitivity to Distortion: The Type R speakers are highly sensitive and can easily produce distortion at high volumes, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a distortion-free audio experience.
- Limited Soundstage: The Type R speakers may not provide a large or immersive soundstage, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a full, room-filling audio experience.
Alpine Type S
The Type S speakers are designed to be a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great sound quality. They are more versatile in terms of compatibility with a wider range of vehicles and are also easier to install. While they don’t have the same power-handling capabilities as the Type R, they are still capable of producing clear and balanced sound for most music genres.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the Alpine Type S-
Pros of Alpine Type S
- Affordable Price: The Type S speakers are priced competitively and offer good value for money.
- Versatile Compatibility: Type S is versatile in the sense it can be used in a variety of car audio systems because of its compact design, shallow mounting depth and high power handling capability.
- Good Sound Quality: The Type S speakers deliver good sound quality with clear and dynamic audio across most frequencies.
- Easy Installation: They are designed for easy installation and come with the necessary hardware and accessories for a quick and hassle-free setup.
- Durable Construction: The Type S speakers are built with high-quality materials, including a reinforced steel frame and heavy-duty baskets, to ensure durability and long-lasting performance.
- Wide Frequency Range: The Type S speakers are capable of producing a wide frequency range, including both low and high frequencies, making them suitable for a full-range audio experience.
- High Sensitivity: They can generate good sound even with minimal amplification because they have a high sensitivity rating.
Cons of Alpine Type S
- Limited Soundstage: The Type S speakers might not be the greatest option for individuals seeking a complete, room-filling audio experience because they may not offer a wide or immersive soundstage.
- Power Requirements: The Type S speakers may require more power than other speakers in the Alpine lineup. As a result, they might not be appropriate for vehicles with insufficient or poor audio systems.
- Limited Low-Frequency Performance: Just like the Type R, Type S also may not produce the lowest bass frequencies with the same intensity and impact as other speaker systems do.
- Sensitivity to Distortion: The Type S speakers might not be the greatest option for people seeking a distortion-free audio experience because they are sensitive and readily produce distortion at high volumes.
- Reduced Clarity at High Volumes: The Type S speakers may lose some clarity and definition at high volumes, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a crystal-clear audio experience.
- Poor Off-Axis Performance: The Type S speakers may not produce clear and consistent sound quality when listening from off-center positions, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for an evenly dispersed audio experience.
Alpine Type R vs Type S: Which One Has Better Performance And Design?
The Alpine Type R is a compact speaker designed for high-quality sound. It features a sleek and minimalistic design with a silver cone and a black coating. The cone is made of polypropylene and is treated with a special coating to enhance its strength and rigidity. The speaker’s motor structure features a high-temperature voice coil and a powerful neodymium magnet. The design is optimized for balanced frequency response and high SPL, providing clear and accurate sound even at high volumes. The Type R is a versatile speaker that can be used for a variety of applications, from car audio to home theater systems.
The Alpine Type S is a compact and powerful subwoofer designed for excellent low-frequency performance. It features a Kevlar-reinforced pulp cone and a strong motor structure for high reliability. The Type S also has a dual voice coil design for wiring flexibility and a shallow mounting design for easy installation in tight spaces. With a power handling capacity of up to 600 watts RMS and a frequency response of 28Hz-125Hz, the Type S delivers deep, tight bass for an immersive listening experience. The combination of performance, design, and affordability make the Alpine Type S an excellent choice for those looking to upgrade their car audio system.
Which One Is Better Between Alpine Type R and Type S?
Choosing between Type R and Type S Alpine speakers depends on personal preferences and budget. The Type R provides high-performance sound but is more expensive. Type S is affordable and versatile but lacks in power.
Type R speakers are designed for those looking for high-performance and powerful sound. They are capable of delivering clear and dynamic audio with a wide frequency range and are built with high-quality materials for durability. However, the Type R speakers require significant power and may not be suitable for vehicles with weak audio systems. They are also more expensive than the Type S speakers.
On the other hand, Type S speakers are an affordable and versatile option that delivers good sound quality and compatibility with a wide range of audio systems. They are easy to install and have a wide frequency range, making them suitable for a full-range audio experience. However, the Type S speakers may require more power than other speakers in the Alpine lineup, and they may not provide the same level of clarity and impact as the Type R speakers.
Wrapping Up
Both Alpine Type R and Type S speakers have their pros and cons, and the best choice will depend on your individual needs and budget.
- If you’re looking for powerful and high-performance sound, Type R speakers may be the better option.
- If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile solution, Type S speakers may be the way to go.
