The average person spends a significant proportion of their lives driving. Some estimates even state the average person to spend 4.5 years behind the wheel in their lifetime. This applies to those who commute daily. Truck drivers, people on road trips, or delivery vehicle drivers may even spend longer hours on the road. A good entertainment unit, such as a 6×9 car speaker system, certainly makes these driving hours more enjoyable.
A good 6×9 car speaker should have high-quality bass and frequency response to provide high quality music during your commute. We go through the best 6×9 car speakers available on the marketplace today.
| 6×9 Car Speakers | RMS Watts | Speaker Type | Sensitivity (dB) | Impedance (Ohms) | Frequency response (Hz) |
| Kicker 43DSC69304 | 70 | 3-way | 92 | 4 | 30-20k |
| Infinity REF9630CX | 125 | component | 93 | 3 | 46-21k |
| Hertz CPX 690 PRO | 120 | 3-way | 94 | 4 | 35-24k |
| Rockford Fosgate R169X2 | 65 | 2-way | 90 | 4 | 48-20k |
| Alpine SPE-6090 | 75 | 2-way | 91 | 4 | 65-18k |
| Polk Audio DB692 | 150 | 3-way | 93 | 4 | 30-22k |
| JBL CLUB 9630 | 80 | 3-way | 93 | 3 | 50-20k |
| Pioneer TS-A6990F | 120 | 5-way | 90 | 4 | 22-25k |
| Kenwood KFC-6966S | 45 | 3-way | 92 | 4 | 30-22k |
| Focal 690AC | 75 | 2-way | 91 | 4 | 50-20k |
- New Kicker 43DSC69304
- Infinity REF9630CX
- Hertz CPX 690 PRO
- Rockford Fosgate R169X2
- Alpine SPE-6090
- Polk Audio DB692
- JBL CLUB 9630
- Pioneer TS-A6990F
- Kenwood KFC-6966S
- Focal 690AC
- What is a 6×9 Car Speaker
- 6×9 Speakers’ Installation Guide
- 6×9 Car Speakers Buying Guide
- Key Car Speaker Features
- Conclusion
New Kicker 43DSC69304
Kicker is one company which strive to produce high-quality speakers. The 43DSC69304 is their latest in the D-Series, and it’s the perfect combination of durability, excellent bass, and high-quality sound.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 3-way |
| Max Power | 360 Watts |
| RMS | 90 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Drivers | 0.5-Inch PEI domed Tweeters Polypropylene cones |
Design
This is a coaxial type speaker, which means that everything is built-in. It’s also a 3-way speaker, which means that it contains three different speakers built into one. These speakers also feature a 0.5-inch PEI dome tweeter, polypropylene cones, and foam surrounds.
Ease of Installation
These speakers are easy to install. You don’t have to drill any holes. As long as your car has a 6×9 inches compartment, these speakers slide right in.
Sound Quality
These speakers optimized design offer the best sound quality. Being a 3-way speaker, they provide a wide range of frequency responses based on the type of music you’re listening to. The PEI dome tweeters are perfect for high-pitched notes, while the polypropylene cones ensure a balanced bass. With a 360 Watts Max power and 92dB sensitivity, this speaker is powerful and dedicated to providing the best listening experience. They work just fine on their own, but you can attach an amplifier. The only downside is the foam surrounds which aren’t very durable.
Pros
- High-quality sound with minimal distortion
- One year warranty
- Deep bass for a 6×9 speaker
Cons
- The foam surrounds wear out faster
- Some bass-head users complained that they don’t have enough bass
Infinity REF9630CX
Infinix REF9630CX are quality 6×9 speakers from Infinix. The unique circuitry and sturdy basket make these speakers compete well in quality and durability.
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| Type | Component |
| Setup | Plus one woofer |
| Max Power | 375 Watts |
| RMS | 125 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 46 Hz-21 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 93dB |
| Drivers | One Plus Woofer cone and edge-textile tweeter |
Design
Infinity REF9630CX are 2-way component speakers featuring an oversized Plus one woofer and an adjustable edge-textile tweeter. The tweeters have separate output controls to enable you to tweak the high-frequency optimization.
Ease of installation
The optimized frame size easily fits in your car’s available speaker slots easily, with slight holes alignment.
Sound quality
At 125 Watts RMS, these Infinix speakers offer unique sounds along the spectrum, but they may need an amplifier on extremes. The design delivers higher bass through the Oversized Plus One woofer cone, while the textile tweeters handle high frequencies. The enhanced midrange performance delivers value for money. The MAX output power of 375 Watts and the frequency range of 46 Hz-21 kHz may seem low for the price compared to other excellent 6x9s.
Pros
- Great sound clarity
- Adjustable tweeter output levels
- With a little precise positioning and tweeter tweaking, you get one of the best soundscapes.
- The frame is sturdy, and the design is nicely done
Cons
- Expensive
- Require an amplifier for a fantastic performance
- It can’t fit in door panels
Hertz CPX 690 PRO
Though very pricey, these Hertz speakers will win a sound quality competition easily. But competition aside, the Hertz CPX 690 PRO exceeds your performance expectations without needing an amplifier.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 3-way |
| Max Power | 360 Watts |
| RMS | 120 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 35 Hz to 24 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 94dB |
| Drivers | Ferrite Woofer Magnet, Neodymium Tweeter Magnet, Water repellent pressed paper woofer cone and Tetolon tweeter dome. |
Design
These are coaxial 3-way speakers, featuring a Ferrite Woofer, Neodymium tweeter, and super tweeter. The stylish faceplate maximizes off-axis emissions to keep the horizontal installations optimized. The tweeter and super tweeter have Radial Venting System tech to maintain high performance and cooling effect. The versatile basket with radial ventilation keeps the operating temperatures low. The accompanying ABS plastic-made grille gives these speakers great aesthetics while offering high-level protection.
Ease of installation
The optimized basket is easy to install horizontally and fits best on the rear deck mounts.
Sound quality
These speakers feature a Ferrite Woofer magnet with pressed paper cone and Neodymium tweeter magnet with Tetolon tweeter domes, the best combination to deliver a 360-Watt MAX power at 120 Watt RMS. Expect outstanding performance with no sound distortion, even at high volumes. The wide rubber suspension creates outstanding sound dumping while the metal finished basket keeps vibrations low.
Pros
- Great power and performance
- Clear, loud sounds
- Deep bass
Cons
- Expensive
- Require a powerful amplifier for incredible performance
Rockford Fosgate R169X2
Rockford is a big name in automotive sound systems and competes well with major players like Alpine with its sensitive R169X2 6×9 speakers. The design looks very clean, and the sound quality is impressive at such a price.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 2-way |
| Max Power | 130 Watts |
| RMS | 65 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Drivers | Vacuum polypropylene cones and a silk dome tweeter |
Design
Rockford R169X2 is a coaxial 2-way speaker featuring a polypropylene cone and a silk dome tweeter. This full-range sound speaker has an RMS of 65 watts, making it a suitable replacement for factory speakers.
The package includes a hardy grille that completes the beauty of the stamped steel basket. The rubber suspensions and integrated tweeter crossovers offer a compact design while maintaining low operating temperatures.
Ease of installation
These speakers’ depth is 5” and comes with high crossovers and mounting hardware for easy installation. The installed speakers look clean and well built.
Sound quality
The 130 watts MAX power at 65 watts RMS is a good bargain for the price tag. The speakers are very sensitive at 90dB, with a 48 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range.
Pros
- Fairly priced
- High-quality manufacturing
- Cleaner sounds than factory speakers
- Good bass
Cons
- The mounting requires adapters as holes don’t line up
- Distorts sound at high volumes
Alpine SPE-6090
Alpine is a big name in auto sound manufacturing, and they never disappoint. These heavily built speakers are durable and offer high performance for the price.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 2-way |
| Max Power | 300 Watts |
| RMS | 75 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 65 Hz to 18 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Drivers | Woofer and a soft dome silk tweeter |
Design
These speakers have a nominal impedance thanks to the high-grade components. They are 2-way coaxial speakers with attached grilles for protection.
Ease of installation
The speakers come with mounting hardware to make the installation an absolute breeze.
Sound quality
At 300 Watts Peak power and 75 watts RMS, these speakers offer power equivalent to their price. The bass is not so great, and the frequency range is truncated at 65 HZ to 18 kHz.
Pros
- Improved sound quality over factory speakers
- Price reasonable for the sound quality
Cons
- Poor bass
Polk Audio DB692
The Polk Audio DB692 water and dirt resistance make them the best for motorcycles and boats. The 3-way coaxial speaker is a worthy competitor in the high-end automotive speaker systems.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 3-way |
| Max Power | 450 Watts |
| RMS | 150 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 93dB |
| Drivers | Polypropylene UV tolerant cones |
Design
These speakers feature a polypropylene cone woofer, a tweeter, and a super tweeter built-in one. The speakers are marine certified with an IPS5 rating, thanks to UV, water, and dirt-resistant cones. The dynamically built frames easily fit in speaker holes.
Ease of installation
The installation for these speakers is a no-brainer. Their design and hole-alignment make mounting a drop and screw affair.
Sound quality
These certified marine speakers offer a MAX power of 450 watts at 150 watts RMS, making them a player in the ‘big boys’ league of best 6×9 speakers. They are highly sensitive at 93dB, making them usable with factory head units.
Pros
- Great frequency range
- Handles high power well
- They are all-weather speakers
- Good sensitivity for non-amp extraordinary performance
Cons
- Slight sound distortion under high volumes
JBL CLUB 9630
The CLUB 9630 belongs to the CLUB Series of JBL speakers. The calibration for enormous power output and the soundscape excellence under an amplifier are very satisfying. The sensitivity is good and works well with factory head units.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 3-way |
| Max Power | 240 Watts |
| RMS | 80 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 89.5 dB |
| Drivers | Polypropylene Plus one Woofer cone and PEI dome tweeter and super-tweeter |
Design
It is a 3-way coaxial speaker, featuring a Polypropylene Plus one Woofer cone and PEI dome tweeter and super-tweeter. The combination offers well-balanced sounds over a wide frequency response range.
Ease of installation
These speakers’ design makes it need several accessories for installation, and they are included in the package. For more protection, there is a provision for an optional grille.
Sound quality
With an impedance of 3 ohms and an 80-watt RMS, this speaker system offers excellent sound quality even at high volumes. These Mexican-made speakers balance sound well to give you an excellent play for your favorite tunes. But though they are made for high-volume playing, they tend to blow out quickly under continuous high-volume blasting.
Pros
- The sound quality is better than factory speakers
- It gives excellent sound output even with no amp
- Crispy clean, good highs
Cons
- Flimsy terminals
- Bass response needs an amp boost
Pioneer TS-A6990F
This speaker is the only 5-way speaker on this list, and for a reason. TS-A6990F boosts a powerful punch, a common thing in the TS-A Series of Pioneer speakers. The high-grade quality of components guarantees durability and crispy-clean sound.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 5-way |
| Max Power | 700 Watts |
| RMS | 120 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 90dB |
| Drivers | Triple polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hard dome tweeter, Polyetherimide (PEI) film cone midrange |
Design
These 5-way coaxial speakers feature a triple polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hard dome tweeter and Polyetherimide (PEI) film cone midrange. The frame is sturdy with a deep basket to support the big carbon, and mica reinforced IMPP cone. The OPEN &SMOOTH pioneer sound concept balances the power transition among the drivers.
Ease of installation
Considering the woofer basket’s depth, these speakers may require some modifications to fit well in usual car speaker holes.
Sound quality
The 700-watt peak power and an RMS of 120 watts for the pair easily outperform any product within its price range. The sensitivity is high enough to work with factory head units comfortably, and the oversized woofer cone ensures a maximum bass. Simply put, Pioneer TS-A6990F gives you a great feel of music with dynamic sound and impactful bass. For its price, you are sure to give premium-priced systems serious competition.
Pros
- Affordable
- Clean and clear sound
- Superb upper and lower range performance
- Decent speakers for the price
Cons
- Full bass requires an amp
Kenwood KFC-6966S
Kenwood is a big brand, and this KFC-6966S speaker proves it by ranking highest in 6×9 speakers under $50. They are the least powerful speakers in this list at 45 watts RMS, though an excellent bargain for the price. But with the low power consumption coupled with the low RMS power, you should lower your expectations for loudness.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 3-way |
| Max Power | 400 Watts |
| RMS | 45 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 30 Hz to 22 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 92dB |
| Drivers | Polypropylene cone |
Design
The 3-way design of these 6×9 speakers packs a Polypropelene cone woofer, a 1” balanced dome tweeter, and a ceramic super-tweeter. They have sharply designed grilles for remarkable aesthetics. These speakers feature a sound field enhancer and an enlarged magnet circuit at a 7/16″ basket depth to better the sound quality.
Ease of installation
These speakers are easy to install, thanks to their compact designs. Installing is a simple fit and screw affair. The 7/16″ mounting height allows for a clean fit for a wide car selection.
Sound quality
At a sensitivity of 92 dB, you won’t be needing an amplifier over your head unit to get the best out of these speakers. The output sound is rich, with a solid midbass and midrange performance. The tweeter and supertweeter give high-frequency sounds the justice they deserve.
Pros
- Decent quality sound for less than $50
- Very economical
- It gives way better sound quality than factory speakers
Cons
- The bass is a little wanting
Focal 690AC
If you like your music clear and un-altered, and have the budget for it, go for the Focal 690AC.
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| Type | Coaxial |
| Setup | 2-way |
| Max Power | 150 Watts |
| RMS | 75 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 91dB |
| Drivers | Aluminum inverted dome tweeter and woofer cone |
Design
The ABS chassis is 20% Fiberglass for reduced weight and durability, and the speakers feature high-quality materials throughout the construction. The 2-way driver speakers feature an aluminum inverted dome tweeter and woofer cone. The tweeters are adjustable for further customization.
Ease of installation
The speakers are compact and easy to install. The necessary installation accessories come together with the speakers.
Sound quality
The clarity of sound from these speakers is so good that you get to hear little cymbal crashes in your music. The bass is also apparent but not that powerful. The high sensitivity gives a clean, crispy sound using your stock head unit. To better the bass, add a subwoofer.
Pros
- Best clarity of sound in coaxial speakers
- Build with high-quality materials for durability
- Adjustable tweeters for customization
- Great and clear bass for a 6×9
Cons
- Price
What is a 6×9 Car Speaker
Generally, car speakers’ classification depends on the diagonal measurements of their frames or the alignment of the holes. The diameter of the cone is slightly smaller than the frame measurements. For instance, 6*9 speakers have a frame size of roughly 6.5” x 9.25” and a cone diameter of 8.75”.
When it comes to speakers, size matters a lot. Apart from determining the quality of bass and volume (the cone area), the size determines the speakers’ installation point in your car. For example, a place designed for a 6*8 speaker barely fit a 6*9 speaker without modification, and the bass quality of a 6*9 speaker beats a 6*8 hands down. The best place to install your 6*9 speakers is on the back dash.
While modifying installation points of your 6*9 speakers, verify the actual frame measurements. The manufacturer’s measurements may be misleading; the actual size depends on the speakers’ design. For example, Rockford Fosgate P1694 and Pioneer TS-A6996R are 6*9 speakers, but their actual sizes differ.
6×9 Speakers’ Installation Guide
Installing your new 6×9 speakers is an easy and fun process. Steps:
- Have the tools (screwdrivers and possibly a Dremel cutter) and your speakers ready
- The ideal installation place for 6x9s is the rear deck. Unscrew the factory speakers, and disconnect them from power source wires
- Secure the factory speakers and their screws; you never know if you may need them in future
- Take one of the 6x9s, place the magnet side facing up and trace the inner basket face using a marker
- Use your Dremel cutter to modify the hole appropriately, and drill screw holes
- You can connect your new speakers using the factory power wires or acquire aftermarket ones
- Before you fasten them with screws, check if they are working.
- If satisfied, screw everything to satisfaction.
6×9 Car Speakers Buying Guide
When it comes to customizing a car stereo system, 6×9 speakers are the real deal. These all-in-one speakers offer deep, punchy bass and handle high-frequency sounds excellently. The inbuilt tweeters in modern models further increase their preciseness of sounds.
You can never go wrong with 6×9 speakers. They are great space and cost savers with sound quality slightly lower than that of woofers and subwoofers. Are you already convinced you need these speakers in your car? Then, which brand or model fits your needs best? Here are your 6*9 speakers buying guide.
- Compatibility with the stock head unit: 6×9 speakers vary in their input and output power, affecting their compatibility with head units. Before getting that pricey 6x9s, consider their compatibility to the head unit in your car, especially if your budget won’t allow for a new one.
- Ease of installation: While all 6×9 speakers offer great sounds, their physical designs differ. The design determines if the speakers fit in the stock holes and the modification needed. Go for speakers that won’t cost much to install.
- Speaker design: Speaker designs determine more than ease of installation. The designs determine the conceal-ability and aesthetics features of the speakers. If you like your speakers concealed, go for a design with no protruding tweeters. A design with protruding tweeters fits well with car-music-competition enthusiasts, the competitive types.
- Construction materials: The quality of construction materials determines the durability of your speakers. Good speakers have a sturdy-built basket, and the coil can hold well under prolonged heavy use. High-quality materials also guarantee superb speaker performance. Most 6*9 speakers feature woven metal-coated fabrics or crystalline-coated synthetic films. The latter produces more accurate bass, but the former is more durable.
- Component vs. coaxial: Component speakers have a single driver system and handle a specific frequency range. For example, a component woofer handles low frequencies while a component tweeter handles highs only. To get full frequency range with component speakers, you have to buy a separate woofer, midrange, and tweeter. While it’s more work and pricey, component speakers offer more room for customizing a sound system.
Comparably, coaxial speakers offer multiple speaker drivers built into one unit, ranging from a 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way driver systems. A powerful example is the Kicker DSC69304 speakers. Coaxial speakers deliver full-range sound and are easy to install.
- Your budget: Whereas quality should come before price, you don’t need to break a bank. Various quality affordable 6×9 speakers fit your sound needs perfectly, but better spend slightly more for a speaker that serves you for years.
- Need for an amplifier: While most 6×9 speakers are sensitive enough to work well with the factory radio unit, their peak power performance may need an amp boost. The whole amp issue depends on your budget for buying and installation, but an amp gets out the best sound quality your speakers can afford. Moreover, an amp channels power to the speaker better while preventing energy interference to sound quality.
Key Car Speaker Features
Let’s define several standard speaker terms and ratings:
- Sensitivity: Sensitivity is the measure of a speaker’s loudness given specific power input and rated in decibels (dB). The higher the decibels, the more sensitive the speakers to power input. A low-power output head unit calls for highly sensitive speakers (90 dB) and vice versa. But, for excellent sound quality, power your speakers well.
- Impedance: Impedance measures the speaker’s coil electricity resistance. Lower impedance equals less the resistance, and the louder the speaker. But a high impedance speaker maintains sound quality at a loud volume.
- Power handling: This the amount of power a speaker needs and can handle. Power handling comes in two ratings, Peak (MAX) and RMS. A peak rating shows how much power a speaker can take in short bursts, while an RMS rating shows power handled continuously. RMS rating is more relevant than the Peak rating.
- Frequency range: Frequency range shows the frequencies of the sounds the speakers can emit and the ratings are in hertz (Hz). Typically, the ratings indicate low to the highest range, for example, 10 Hz-2200 Hz.
Conclusion
A set of good 6×9 car speakers will undoubtedly give you the sound quality you have always wanted on your commute. There are many brands and models out there, and they are not one-size-fits-all. Use our selection guide to land the best model for your car.
And from our selection list, we recommend Hertz CPX 690 PRO for tremendous power and sound quality; the Infinity REF9630CX carries the day as the best component speaker, while clarity top spot goes to Focal 690AC.
Remember, even though your budget may be tight, spending a little more for added quality and durability is economical in the long run.
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