What Are The Best 6×9 Car Speakers? (2022 Edition)
When choosing a pair of high quality, upgraded car speakers that won’t break the bank, finding the perfect fit can be a difficult task. One has to factor in sound quality, installation speed, costs, durability and maintenance.
In this review guide, we will cover ten of the best possible options in 2022 to help you in purchasing the best 6×9 car speaker system for your needs.
Page Contents
- 6×9 Car Speaker Reviews
- #1 – Kicker 6 x 9 Speakers (DS 693)
- #2 – JBL 6 x 9” Coaxial Speakers (GTO939)
- #3 – Polk Audio 6 x 9” Speakers (DB691)
- #4 – Pioneer A-Series TS-A6996S
- #5 – Rockford Fosgate Punch
- #6 – Infinity REF – 9623IX
- #7 – Hertz CPX 690 Pro
- #8 – Kenwood KFC-6965S
- #9 – Pyle PL6984BL
- #10 – Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy
- How to Understand Speaker Specifications
- 6×9 Car Speakers Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should you change the factory speakers that came with your car when you bought it?
- What are the advantages of 6×9 speakers?
- What is a Super Tweeter? What are its Benefits?
- What are Two-Way Car Speakers? What are Three-Way Car Speakers?
6×9 Car Speaker Reviews
#1 – Kicker 6 x 9 Speakers (DS 693)
Whether you’re using a factory head unit or an external amp, you’ll get ample power handling from these nifty 6 x 9-inchers and you’re buying into a brand you can rely on. Making good on the company slogan Living Loud, you can really dial the volume up and still enjoy a crispness even at the upper ranges. The standout selling point of these speakers is the way they handle bass.
Pros
- Top-tier bass response
- Real power handling at a pocket-friendly price
- Built for plenty of action
Cons
- Some complaints about blown speakers under normal use
Kicker has a hard-won reputation for producing highly capable speakers at a reasonable price point and these 6 x 9-inchers are no exception.
Despite all the technology crammed inside, the speakers are relatively shallow mount so will work well in compact vehicles.
The bass is where these drivers really come into their own. That said, you won’t be disappointed either with the accuracy and clarity of mid and high frequencies.
With peak power handling of 60 RMS, you can enjoy your favorite tracks pumping without noticing a drop in sound quality.
#2 – JBL 6 x 9” Coaxial Speakers (GTO939)
The striking design of these JBL make them the ideal choice for any audiophile who wants his system to look great as well as sounding the business. With adjustable tweeters and a rock-solid low-end, these 6 x 9” speakers might come in a small package but they pack an incredible sound. If you’re looking to buy into a brand you can trust, JBL is a safe bet.
Pros
- Outstanding sensitivity at 94 decibels
- Nice mixture of volume and balance
- Large surface area of cone enhances bass
Cons
- Not cheap
The JBLs have an RMS power rating of 100 watts with peak power 300 watts so even if you ratchet up the volume, these dinky speakers take everything neatly in their stride.
Soft dome tweeters with a substantial voice coil make sure the heat stays away as the high-range frequencies sing out.
Bulky cones are carbon-injected and result in a throbbing bass you wouldn’t expect from such a compact unit.
Crossover functionality directs high and low frequencies optimally guaranteeing you the very best sound all day long. Low impedance allows you to extract the very most from the wattage available.
#3 – Polk Audio 6 x 9” Speakers (DB691)
These futuristic 6 x 9 speakers from the industry titan Polk Audio are a fantastic way to improve the aesthetics of your car audio as well as ramping up the power on tap. Suitable for use in a boat or car, these rugged little speakers will keep going all day even under heavy load.
Pros
- Marine-certified so slot some into your boat fuss-free
- 100 watts RMS power for plenty of grunt
- All components are built to take some serious punishment on the water or road
Cons
- Underwhelming bass, especially with a factory head unit
Have you got a boat you like to take out at the weekend? If so, these marine-rated speakers from Polk Audio work just as well in the rigors of marine environments as they do tucked into your car.
RMS power handling is 125 watts so you can turn up the volume and you’ll be rewarded with a sound that’s not only loud but rich and deep into the bargain.
The composite dome tweeters and Mica woofer cone come together to ensure a clear sound across all frequencies.
Rubber surrounds serve to prolong lifespan even if you use these speakers under heavy and hostile conditions out on the water.
The only real niggles are the slightly limp bass and the fact that a stock amp doesn’t really do justice to the drivers.
#4 – Pioneer A-Series TS-A6996S
Pioneers A-series is well-known for its balance of sound quality and sensitivity. This particular model lives up to that reputation. It has a tweeter and woofer to handle a full range of sounds despite its small package.
Pros
- The bass is better than the average 6×9 speakers.
- The Pioneer has a durable design.
- The sound coverage is broad, with low, mid, and high-frequency ranges covered.
Cons
- You need some technical skill to install this speaker.
- Some users complain that the connectors bend easily.
The Pioneers use a soft dome tweeter with a waveguide to provide a clear sound, even at high volume. A plastic diaphragm brings a deep bass sound to this speaker system as well. Also, Pioneer is one of the most respected names in the industry.
#5 – Rockford Fosgate Punch
Rockford is known for being on the cutting edge in the car audio industry. These speakers, in particular, are extremely durable, and they come with high-quality sounds.
Pros
- The Forsgate Punch has a 2-4 ohm power output for all five channels.
- The speaker system uses equalization technology to ensure excellent sound for all types of audio.
- The Rockford has a “Flex-Fit” design to make installation simple in any location in the car.
Cons
- The installation process can be complicated if you are unfamiliar with speakers.
One of the best aspects of these speakers is the Flex-Fit design, which enables them to fit in just about any part of the car. The handling power is 75 watts RMS, with a frequency range of 60 Hz – 22 kHz and a 91dB sensitivity.
#6 – Infinity REF – 9623IX
Infinity is one of the most famous car speaker brands. This particular car speaker delivers superior quality at a reasonable price.
Pros
- The tweeter has an adjustable output level so that you can have greater control over the sound.
- The design works with most vehicles.
- The woofer provides a complete range of sounds in a relatively small package.
Cons
- You need an amplifier to match the peak power of this speaker. Some weaker amps may not be able to handle this speaker.
The Infinity REF – 9623IX has 100-Watt RMS and 300-Watt peak power handling capacity, so it is ideal for heavy-duty use. The 94dB sensitivity also ensures a clear sound regardless of the musical style.
#7 – Hertz CPX 690 Pro
This Hertz speaker offers superior performance compared to most other 6×9 speakers. You get a muscular speaker with the CPX 690 Pro, but do have to pay a high price to get it.
Pros
- 120-Watt RMS is among the most powerful on the market.
- This Hertz speaker produces a crisp and loud sound.
- The bass is excellent for a smaller speaker.
Cons
- You need a powerful amplifier to get the most out of this speaker.
- This speaker is quite expensive compared to other options on the market.
This speaker has a 120-Watt RMS, which is very powerful for a 6×9. It should be able to give you some incredible performance, but you need an amplifier that can handle its muscle. This speaker is best as part of a premium aftermarket sound system. With the right pairing, you get a crisp, clean sound. The speaker also comes with both a tweeter and super tweeter, so you get a complete sound spectrum in one package.
#8 – Kenwood KFC-6965S
Kenwood is a popular option for those seeking a three-way speaker. It provides excellent sound accuracy and a premium feel. It is also quite easy to install.
Pros
- The mid and high-range sounds are quite clear and crisp.
- The speakers have protective grills that are both practical and attractive.
- You can easily install it yourself with a small amount of technical skill.
Cons
- The tweeters can be a bit harsh at times.
This speaker comes with a polypropylene woofer that is durable and able to perform in a variety of conditions. The bass can go as low as 30 Hz while the tweeters reach as high as 22 kHz. Compared to the competition, this is an impressive range that gives you a wide spectrum of sound. With the Kenwood KFC-6965S, you also get a sleek silver and black color that gives your audio system an attractive look.
#9 – Pyle PL6984BL
These three-way speakers have polymer and mica cones surrounded by rubber, which give them a high-quality build at a reasonable price.
Pros
- The bass quality is exceptional for a budget-priced speaker.
- At regular volume, there is no distortion.
- The speaker has an attractive appearance.
Cons
- The installation process requires some technical skill.
- The speakers are quite heavy for 6x9s.
This speaker hands high sounds well two high-quality tweeters. The tweeters have a frequency response between 50 Hz and 20 kHz. The sound quality is pretty good for a budget-priced speaker, and it never gets distorted at a regular volume. You also get an attractive design and protective grills to keep your speakers clean and protected.
#10 – Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy
The Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy is a set of 6×9 speakers for true audiophiles. It can produce superior sound, even at high volume, and if you choose to invest in this high-priced speaker, you are going to want to play your music loud to get the most out of its superior performance.
Pros
- The tweeters enhance mid-range frequency response performance.
- The bass on the Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy is quite potent.
- The design and components are all of the highest quality.
Cons
- The biggest drawback of this speaker is its price tag.
The magnet on this speaker is not only oversized and made of neodymium, but also features a pure copper voice coil that magnifies sound. The woofer provides superior accuracy, and the tweeter and super tweeter provide very crisp mid-range sounds.
How to Understand Speaker Specifications
You need to know the specifications of speakers before you buy them. This is especially true if you purchase speakers online without trying them out first.
One of the first things that you need to be aware of is the Frequency Range/Frequency Response of a speaker. You will often hear ‘frequency range’ and ‘frequency response’ used interchangeably. The frequency range of a speaker is the full range from low to high frequency. In other words, it is the entire sound spectrum of a speaker, which gets measured in Hertz (Hz).
A speaker with a 50Hz to 20kHz range can play at 50Hz at the lowest and 20,000Hz at the highest. In comparison, the human ear cannot hear sounds below 20Hz or above 20,000Hz. The human ear cannot hear sounds below 20 Hz or above 20,000 Hz (20 kHz). For most speakers, a rating of 40Hz or 50Hz at the low end and 20,000Hz at the high end is optimal.
The impedance of the speaker is also known as its resistance. This figure gets measured in ohms. In basic terms, the impedance is the amount of electric current capable of flowing through your speaker. A higher resistance means the current has a hard time flowing, while a lower resistance implies a wider flow that lets more current through. You want neither a high nor a low impedance on your speaker as both will place stress on your amplifier. The sweet spot for impedance is the six-ohm to eight-ohm range.
Speaker sensitivity gets measured in decibels. Decibels are a measure of loudness, and the higher the decibel rating on a speaker, the louder it can get. An optimal number for most car speakers is 90dB, which is about as loud as a lawnmower. Your normal speaking voice is between 65dB and 70dB.
Power handling is another important specification for car speakers. It gets measured in Watts, and there are two kinds of ratings: the RMS, or continuous rating, and the peak power rating. RMS, which stands for Root Mean Square. The RMS is the constant power that the speaker can handle. This figure is more important to most speaker buyers because it deals with long-term performance.
The speaker housing, sometimes known as the speaker cabinet, is another important component. Generally, it is what determines the quality of the sound you get from the speaker. A speaker cabinet made of low quality material will reverberate more, which will lower the quality of sound. In general, for car speakers, you opt for a dense material, such as wood or high density fiber, and the quality of sound will be superior. This variable is not as important for 6×9 car speakers, but the casing of a speaker can play a role in the overall quality of sound.
6×9 Car Speakers Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you change the factory speakers that came with your car when you bought it?
Most car manufacturers do not put a lot of focus on the quality of the speakers they install in a car model. They usually reserve quality speakers for higher trim levels or luxury models. That is why factory speakers often have paper surrounds and low-quality cone materials. The quality of sound won’t be nearly as good. Replacing them with aftermarket speakers gives you the chance to go for the best quality materials, such as rubber surrounds and high-density cone materials, which will reproduce the bass better and give you a better listening experience.
Another problem with factory speakers is that they are often full-range speakers, which means that one speaker needs to produce a full range of frequencies. While this design means each speaker can function on its own without help from the others, it also means the sound isn’t as good.
What are the advantages of 6×9 speakers?
There are quite a few advantages to getting 6×9 speakers. For starters, they are affordable and relatively easy to install. If you’re planning on building out your own sound system, simple speakers like 6x9s are often a practical option.
6×9 car speakers also provide a good balance. The mid-range sounds on these speakers are usually quite good, and they also provide excellent high and low tones as well. High-end designer sound systems often have a few 6x9s in them. Usually, these speakers are meant to provide balance to the sound system and fill in the sounds between speakers that are dedicated woofers or tweeters.
You should not consider 6×9 speakers as a downmarket or cheap option. Quality 6x9s can perform excellently when handling a variety of musical styles. Though you can get some expensive performance-oriented 6x9s, they are generally affordable compared to larger speakers.
What is a Super Tweeter? What are its Benefits?
A super tweeter is an extra tweeter unit that has a broader reach that standard tweeters. Super tweeter units typically have a frequency response ranging from 6kHz to 100kHz.
There is also the upper limit of human hearing to consider, which stands at 20kHz. That said, super tweeters still have a lot of benefits, depending on whether you have the right kind of high resolution source to play from in the first place. High frequency sounds, just like extra low frequency sounds, are often felt, rather than heard, and this can have a significant effect on the general ambience and quality of the sound.
There is a limit to what you can get from a super tweeter. You do not want to get too carried away with pursuing ultra-high sounds. At the same time, a quality super tweeter can make high sounds more accessible and pleasant to the human ear.
What are Two-Way Car Speakers? What are Three-Way Car Speakers?
Two-way car speakers, also known as coaxial car speakers, are among the most common types of car speakers on the market. They are a great way for car owners to get quality audio without having to break the bank. A two-way car speaker system is capable of delivering both low and high-frequency sounds at the same time. The signal from the amplifier gets first transmitted to a crossover, which splits it into low-frequency sound and high-frequency sound.
A three-way speaker system goes a step further than a two-way. It produces mid-range frequency sounds as well, giving the listener an even more balanced sound. Three-way speakers are also usually pretty affordable and among the most common types of speakers in the market.
