“looking for the best 6x9 car speakers? Don’t make your decision before reading this guide”
6x9 car speakers draw users by the wide range of designs and features. This type of speakers is highly versatile and some can fit into almost all of the cars. However, with the sheer number of choices out there, one may need a lot of time researching to find the most suitable set for his or her cars.
I have been where you are now, overwhelmed by the number of brands and choices. After hours and hours spent on the Internet and a few trials and errors, I have finally come up with this list of how to choose the best 6x9 car speakers and some of the best ones for you.
I include both full range and component speakers and the full range ones usually have an edge over the coaxial in terms of quality, but they also come with a higher price. It’s not that coaxial speakers are of low quality, they just serve a different purpose to the component range. So depending on your needs and budget, but yourself a set of car speaker that is the most suitable for you.
List of best 6x9 car speakers
Component speakers
1. Sony XSFB6930 6 x 9-Inches 450 Watt 3-Way Car Audio Speakers
Features:
- 4-ohm impedance level
- 3-way speaker system
- 6 x 9" Foamed-Mica Cellular Reinforced Woofers
- 2-5/8" Polyester Main Tweeter
- 4 ohm Speaker Impedance
This Sony XSFB6930 is a three way range, which means it has a woofer, a tweeter, and an extra component called the mid-range. As I tested it with various music genres, it responded well with mid-range audio frequency such as human voice, trumpets, and saxophones. It is able to do that by the capacity to outputting the frequencies that are most natural to the human ear. In this sense, this three-way speaker is better than the single or two-way ones.
The bass response is decent. The foamed mica-reinforced woofers boasts a more accurate and powerful bass.
The Sony XSFB6930 has 4-ohm impedance level, which means it’s easier for electricity (the signal/music) to flow through. The 4-ohm speaker has less resistance when it comes to the flow of current from an amplifier than the 8-ohm ones. More current flows, more power pulled out from the amp.
However, the 4-ohm impedance is also the weakness of the Sony XSFB6930. At higher volume, the speaker will have larger total harmonic distortion. This happens due to the unstable output voltage during high power application.
An overall affordable with decent mid-ranges and highs. The bass is nothing to write home about, but it makes a quick fix for car speaker.
Pros:
- Good mid-range and high audio frequency
- More power pulled out from the amp
- Good value for money
Cons:
- The bass is not as expected
- Distortions might happen at higher volumes
2. Dual Electronics DLS694 4-Way 6 x 9 inch Car Speakers with 200 Watt Power & 58mm Mylar Balanced Dome Midrange
Features:
- 4-way speaker system
- 4-ohm impedance
- 200 Watts of Peak Power
- 50 Watts RMS
- Frequency Response between 50Hz-20kHz
If you are looking for a great bang for buck, you’ve come to the right place. This Dual Electronics DLS694 boasts great highs and lows. The high frequencies reproduced by this speaker are clear and crisp, a nice feature with its reasonable price.
The 4-way design makes sure that the mid and high frequencies are produced uniformly and in a wide dispersion pattern, leading to a higher quality sound performance. This Dual Electronics DLS694 shares the same advantage with the above speaker as a great one for vocal clarity. The Balanced Mylar Dome Midrange has done a good job responding with mid-ranges in general and the vocal in particular.
Dissipating heat is not a problem for this speaker because the vented basket is designed to take this task and prolong the life of the speaker.
Another advantage I would like to point out is how easy it is to install this set. When you purchase the Dual Electronics DLS694, you are provided enough hardware to place the speaker into your car in no time, so no extra installation fee needed. The in-detail manual is of great help if you want to do the work yourself.
The only problem with this set is the mounting hardware. Sometimes it rattles because it’s made out of metal and doesn’t tighten all the way. So if this happens to you and you have a spare set of factory hardware, feel free to use it instead, it works like a charm.
Another one with good highs and mid-ranges but mediocre at bass. If you fancy easy and quick installation, this is the one.
Pros:
- Great high and mid-range frequencies
- Easy installation
- Durable
Cons:
- Sometimes the mounting hardware rattles
- Bass is not as good as others on this list
3. Infinity Reference X REF-9603ix 6"x9" 3-way car speakers
Features:
- Power Handling: 100W/300W
- 3 ohm impedance
- Frequency Response 46Hz-21kHz
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m)94dB
The 3-ohm impedance means even more electricity can flow through this speaker than its 4-ohm or the 8-ohm counterpart. This also translated to more power can be pulled out of your amp. However, this one has a volume limit which if you cross the line, distortion will happen. Nothing is perfect so if you want its 3-ohm impedance benefit badly enough, the volume limit is not such a big problem.
The 300W peak power handling will make this one compatible to a wide range of other products such as head units or power amps. If road noise bothers you, you would be thrill to find out that the Plus One cone technology boasts a larger diaphragm area to help it increase volume.
When it comes to high frequencies, the Infinity REF-9603ix has something you would be much appreciated. It boasts an adjustable output, which you can easily adjust from 0 to +3 decibels when you want to compensate for off-axis mounting positions, for example. This one also explains why it can overcome traffic noise. The adjustment can be controlled by a small button on the center-mounted tweeter or through the Infinity supplied grille.
This one can work well with a wide range of products and provides great highs. However, beware of distortion at high volume.
Pros:
- More electricity can flow through this speaker than many other speakers
- Can be used with a wide range of other products
- The volume can reach a high level
Cons:
- Distortion might happen at high volume
4. JBL CLUB9600C 6X9" 540W Club Series 2-Way Component Car Speaker
Features:
- Power Range: 90W RMS / 270W Peak
- Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 90dB
- Impedance: 3 Ohms
This one comes with a higher price than other speakers on this list, but is does for a good reason. The overall sounds are clean and crisp. The woofers and tweeters are the highlights of this set as they provide excellent highs and lows.
While with others types of speakers, you have to take into consideration if they can work on your car’s system or not, this set comes as a comfort since it can be compatible with most models of cars.
If you are a fan of DIY and love to install the set yourself, the good news is the JBL CLUB9600C is super easy to get in place.
However, the biggest downside is that you have to reroute all the wiring. The problem can be solved if there are two crossovers are included.
If you have money to splurge and time to spare, this one is the assurance of good overall quality and an easy installation.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Compatible with most cars
- Good overall performance
Cons:
- Comparatively more expensive than other component speakers of the same category
- Wiring had to be rerouted
5. Kicker 43CSS694 CSS69 6x9-Inch Component System
Features:
- Peak Power: 450 watts
- Continuous Power: 150 watts
- Effective Frequency Range: 30-21k
- High Pass: 12, 4000
- Low Pass: 12, 4000
The most impressive thing about this Kicker 43CSS694 is its bass. The power handling is good too so this is the one you can turn up. However, it cannot handle the highs well so the sounds come close to grating. The mid-range is decent and is not as impressive as the lows.
If you are a fan of low-frequency accuracy, this is the one for you. The Kicker 43CSS694 has one of the best performances in this category, in comparison with other models that I tested. The speaker can sound a bit punchy when it comes close to the 200Hz mark. I don’t know whether you like it or not to put it as a drawback or a benefit. It depends on personal preference.
I said that this is the one that you can really turn up, however, with an effort. This speaker reached just 83.9 dB, while others like the Pioneer Pro or Infinity Reference X series can produce up to 93.8 and 90.8 dB, which means this one needs more power to reach the same level of volume than the two speakers I mention above.
Excellent at low frequencies but don’t have much of mid-ranges and highs. An ideal choice for those with a taste for punchy lows.
Pros:
- Excellent low frequency performance
- Can reach a higher volume
Cons:
- Mediocre mids and highs
- Need more power than some others to reach a higher volume.
Full range speakers
1. Hertz Audio HCX 690
Features:
- Power handling (peak): 260
- Power handling (continuous: 130
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
- Frequency response: 32
- Sensibility: 94
The quality standard of Hertz is visible in the construction of this speaker. A large neodymium magnet is responsible for good control and copper voice provides first-class mechanical ability.
The company has taken heat dissipation seriously by designing all elements of this speaker with this advantage, which is supported by a die-cast aluminum basket. The result cannot be more desirable. The sound quality doesn’t go down a bit after lengthy plays and the overall durability of the speaker is better than most of its rivals.
The Hertz Audio HCX 690 has the capacity to support a frequency range that can come down as low as 32 Hz. The impedance is also a plus, which stands at a satisfactory 4 ohms.
This speaker has an edge in the power capability. Being capable of handling 130 RMS, this one is almost incomparable. This means you can put more power into the speaker without worrying about causing any permanent damage to its internal components. The sensibility of 94dB, a highly desirable level, can guarantee an output that even a seasoned audiophile will not disappoint.
I played a wide range of sweeps and music to see for myself how it works in real life and I was totally convinced that for leisure listening, this one is the best choice. This set lacks the ultra-low spectrum but guitar and vocals are beautiful. And nor, al music won’t require that much capacity anyway.
The price isn’t the most competitive but as I said before, you get what you pay for. This HCX 690 will give you rich and full output that can please even audiophiles.
Pros
- Make out of premium materials
- Reproduce high-quality output
- Compatible with a wide range of music genres
- Can get very loud
Cons
- Have a higher price
2. JL Audio C2-690TX – The best speaker for bass
Features:
- 15-125 watts RMS power range (225 watts peak power)
- frequency response: 53-22,000 Hz
- depth: 3-1/4"
- sensitivity: 93.0 dB
- 4-ohm impedance
Now move on to the JL Audio C2-690TX. This one can cover a wide range of spectrum without any difficulty.
These well-built 3-way coaxial speakers boast a polypropylene woofer that can deal with high power with less distortion. This can translate into clearer and thumping lows without any unwanted vibration. The bass is so excellent that it can almost work on its own without a subwoofer. If you are a fan of good bass, this is the one for you.
The mid-range is worth mentioning too. This one is excellent at both the lows and the sounds that come in the middle. The tweeter is good at its job to reproduce clear and crisp highs that won’t upset your ears.
Despite the high sensibility of 93dB, this set can actually allow higher volume with less power than other models on the same range.
I don’t know if I should put this as a downside but audiophiles might want to connect it with an amp for better quality output. For most of the others, this set works fine on its own.
Pros
- Excellent bass
- Great mid-range sounds
- Decent highs
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Have the lowest power range in comparison with other speakers
3. Alpine SPR-69
Features:
- Peak Power: 300 Watts
- RMS Power: 100 Watts
- Frequency Response: 60 Hz - 29 kHz
- 2-way speaker
This Alpine SPR-69 lives up to their high price by producing loud, crisp, and clean sounds. This is why it’s the flagship of Alpine’s premium Type-R product line.
This set is able to handle high volumes without any distortion. The multi-layer hybrid fiber woofers can give very good bass, which makes this set a nice addition to any bassheads’ wish list.
Another thoughtful feature is how easy it is to swivel the tweeters to suit your position. This means the highs are aimed at the direction of your ears.
Overall, the Alpine SPR-69 is truly one of the best 6x9 car speaker you can ever expect to have. It works fine on its own, but if an amp comes into play, it will reach its full potential.
Pros
- Good mid-range and highs
- Tweeters can be easily swiveled.
- Good overall quality
Cons
- Some may find bass unsatisfied
- Low sensibility
4. JBL GTO939
Features:
- Power Handling (RMS)5W-200W
- Sensitivity(2.83V/1m) 94dB
- Frequency Response46Hz-21kHz
- Power Handling (Peak)300W
- Nominal Impedance3 ohms
There is a good reason why JBL is often associated with quality and this set is not an exception.
The GTO938 speakers have won the hearts and minds of many audiophiles so JBL launches this updated version to further perfect the product. It is equipped with pivotable tweeters and a handy attenuation switch that can move from 0 to +3 dB for a brighter sound.
With the JBL GTO939, vocals are supported well. But that’s not the only advantage. The overall sounds are clear and crisp and the mid-range is strong.
The bass of this set is good as the sheer size of the cone can guarantee this. a good piece of news for those who prefer heavier bass.
Final thought, the installation is super easy, you can do the work yourself without much expertise.
Pros
- Crisp and clear sound
- Pivotable tweeters
- Adjustable volume
- Good bass
Cons
- Don’t fit flush into some places
5. Polk Audio DB691 6-by-9-Inch 3-Way Speakers
Features:
- Frequency Response: 35-22,000 Hz
- Peak: 600 watts per pair / 300 watts each
- RMS: 200 watts per pair / 100 watts each
- Maximum input power: 125 Watts RMS
- Impedance: 4 Ohms
The Polk Audio DB691 is able to produce high quality sounds. The silk dome tweeters manage to remain clear even when you increase the volume. The sounds are rich, warm, and pleasant to the ears. The bass and mid-range are good too.
The dynamic mica/polymer composite is stiff yet lightweight so that you can enjoy much bigger sounds with less distortion. The rubber surrounding ensures a great bass response as well as a long life as it can endure harsh environments.
Polk Audio DB691 has rustproof baskets and stainless steel mounting. That stainless steel support durability and allows the speakers to operate both indoor and outdoor without getting rusty. The waterproof feature is another plus. This one can be used under water but if you don’t intend to submerge it, this feature can help it survive being splashed by water and comes out intact, which might come in handy when you want to bring it with you in long journeys.
The overall performance of this speaker is good and this is matched equally by the aesthetic beauty. ABS grilles are known for unmatched beauty and this is what makes the beauty of this speaker.
Bass is this speaker’s weakness. Even though they can reproduce most of the bass you need, they show its limitation at approximately around the 100hz range. If you don’t really need that, it can hardly be a downside, but for a person who adorns sharp and punchy bass, this is a disappointment. Again, personal preference.
If you want a speaker with good overall performance, this one is the ideal choice. But if you are a big fan of bass, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros:
- Waterproof
- Crisp and clear music music production
- ABS grille enhances the beauty of the car’s interior
- Durable design with butyl rubber surround and stainless steel mounting
- Multiple hole speaker mounting for easy installation
Cons:
- The bass department is not as expected
How to choose the best 6x9 car speakers
1. Top tips to purchase the best 6x9 car speakers
Before you purchase any 6x9 speaker, here are something you need to keep in mind to land the best set possible:
- Style: This might not rank high on your list of priority but if you don’t take time look into it, the result might be weird and unmatching. There are different speakers with district shapes, sizes, colors, and suitable for your budget, so finding the best match shouldn’t be a problem.
- Power ratings: This one indicates the speaker’s ability to peak and RMS that can produce. Reading the description carefully to make sure you have the one with the highest and clearest peak possible. The RMS should be high, which tells you that it won’t crack in between.
- Price: A good set of speakers that cut deep into your pocket may not be the best choice since they can provide you with features that you don’t even need, which means you have to pay for what you don’t use. So it’s best to know exactly what you want and what will not be necessary and purchase only the set that can satisfy your needs and nothing more.
- Quality: This one is straightforward. Good speakers are assembled from high-quality components. However, don’t forget to check the surrounding material also. They are responsible for emitting the sounds. A low-quality surround may result in distorted and unclear sounds. The reputation of the manufacturer is one of the things you can take into consideration.
- Online reviews: No matter how good the manufacturers claim their speakers to be. Reviews from actual users are one of the most credible sources to gather information. Compare users’ reviews of different brands before making the buying decision.
2. What are the Benefits of using 6 x 9 Car Speakers?
Some benefits of purchasing best 6x9 car speakers can be found down below:
- Simplicity
These speakers are often simple and can be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, making them a safe choice for many cars’ owner.
- Variety
6x9 speakers come with a lot of types and styles, which will give you more choices over what to buy. The single, 2-way, and 3-way that can give you the frequencies you want. If the original set hasn’t met your requirements, amps are there to compensate,
Note: High variation model is not the best choice if you are a basshead because even though they produce clearer sounds, the bass is quite weak. This results in the limited ability to produce a wide range of music. Go for a 3-way speaker to have good overall features and you don’t have to compromise any part.
- Compact Size
Bigger isn’t necessary means better. Storage problem is a thing and I think you don’t want a too bulky set in your cars. There are smaller sets than the 6x9 but the latest technology has made sure that you have all the benefit of this range without sacrificing the compact size.
- All-in-One Purpose
Some 6x9 speakers come with a multipurpose so you don’t have to look for each component for each purpose. They come in a set with easy installation so you can fit them in by yourself without expert’s knowing of speakers. Since everything has been included and work well with each other, extra parts are usually unnecessary. These speakers provide a strong base with lots of high bass notes and high frequencies.
3. Coaxial speakers and component speakers
Coaxial Speakers
These are the most commonly used ones and usually the easiest to install. They are good at mid-range sounds and also the highs. They are the most basic type of speakers and come with decent quality. And you have a wide range of choices for you too, 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way. Due to the simplicity and convenience, they are not the best if you look for top-notch speakers but they can satisfy common needs fine.
The two-way speakers come with a woofer and a tweeter. The 3-way one has another tweeter and so on. The main point of adding tweeters is to provide clearer and more defined sounds. Them more tweeters you have, the more details you can expect. However, don’t just head for the speaker with more tweeters. They might drain your car’s power quickly, so keep that in mind before purchasing.
A set with no tweeter will emit low-frequency sounds, distortion, and degraded sound. If you don’t put much expectation on a car speaker set, these are the best choice to upgrade your factory installed speakers. They will assure you of subtle and good background music.
Component Speaker System
The main components of this type are midrange woofers, crossover filter networks, and separate tweeters. These filters are there to assure of good sound quality by transmitting high frequency sounds to the right tweeters and lower ones to mid-woofers. In this way, each component is responsible for a range of the spectrum, resulting in better sounds. The defining feature of a component set is the separate tweeters and the crossover filters.
These sets provide better quality so they are more expensive than the coaxial ones. They offer no more than 3-way ones since all features are covered in one set. More tweeters are not necessary since the crossover filter’s presence.
There are three basic types of car speakers, which are:
6 x 9 "single": these sets come with good mid-range woofers and a bass system. Since they are “single”, high-level frequencies are their limitation. If your intention is to have fuller music, they are a good choice. If the highs rank high on your list, opt for the 2-way and above.
6 x 9 "2-way": You can see it as two speakers in one. An additional tweeter is fixed into the front of the speaker front, which is responsible for the high frequencies. One feature that sets this one apart from the single-way ones. This tweeter also gives a clearer sound. It has a compact size so I can be fitted into your car and make great sounds by itself.
6 x 9 "3-way": This one has another tweeter with a different size so that it can cover both high and ultra- high sounds. This one might be the best choice as the sounds are clear and the ultra-high is covered too.
The information above is from my experience and knowledge that I have gathered when choosing a set of car speakers for myself. I haven’t had the chance to use each and every product above but I made the list according to some recommendations from friends, relatives and thousands of reviews online. So I’m confident that what I said here is credible and will make a good reference when you think about purchasing a set of car speakers.
One final thought I would like to share is component speakers are the best in terms of quality but they may not be the most suitable for you. If you have a champagne taste and a deep enough pocket, they will make a good pick. Otherwise, the coaxial ones are great enough to satisfy your leisure listening needs.