Best 6x9 Speakers Reviewed

6x9 Speakers Compared

Benefits of Upgrading Your Speakers

Almost all car enthusiasts want perfect sound quality while driving their car – but car manufacturers often don’t pay as much attention to the speakers, resulting in low-quality sound. Additionally, most of these are of low quality, and they wear out in the initial stages of the car's life only.

So, the first step towards better sound quality is replacing your factory speakers with aftermarket options.

Without investing a lot of money or burning a hole in your pocket, you can get better and more competent speakers that provide better sound quality and are designed for a great listening experience. In short, good speakers produce sound wavelengths accurately, resulting in a crisper and clearer sound.

Choosing a Quality Pair Of 6 x 9 Speakers

Before selecting the best 6x9 speakers for yourself, here are a few features you could consider:

Sound Quality/ Audio Performance

A good measure of a speaker would be how accurately sound is produced in them. Remember, sound quality is directly proportional to its sensitivity/or efficiency; this is the measurement unit of sound (dB) in ratio to the power supplied to it.

If you feel that your factory speakers have lower sensitivity and poor quality sound, then you should install high sensitivity speakers for improved sound quality.

Also, decent audio performance relies on the frequency range of the speakers and how much can they produce; usually, the range spans from 20Hz to 20 kHz. The best 6x9 speakers can operate on both high and low-frequency ranges without deviating at all.

Compatibility & Amplification Requirements

Since speakers can only function on a specified range of amplified power, it is vital to ensure that your speakers are compatible with your car’s stereo system; this helps ensure high-quality sound.

Ease of Installation

Typically, 6x9 speakers can be connected in more than one way; they can either be directly connected to your head unit or your amplifier. The first option is much simpler and saves you a lot of money and time, but its only limitation is that at higher volume, the sound starts becoming distorted.

Before buying new speakers, you will have to learn more about the factory fitted ones that you wish to replace. This will help you in selecting the right option for your car and stereo system as well as with the installation. An easy way to do this is by measuring your old speakers and replacing them with the same sized ones.

Nowadays, many stores provide configuration tests for your vehicle - you can also easily find the size of your speakers based on the make and model of your car.

Build Quality & Design Aesthetics

The best 6x9 speakers are capable of covering the full range of sound; they can go from high to low frequency with ease. This is made possible due to the larger cone area than the 6.5-inch ones. These speakers also offer more bass compared to others, and for this very reason, you won’t feel the need to buy a subwoofer.

When you compare different 6x9 audio speakers, you will notice the diversity of materials used in the construction of each of them. While the function of the speakers and the elements in them remain the same, the materials used can vary widely, such as the cones in each driver can be made of aluminum, polypropylene, polymer, etc. 

And if you’re wondering why this is so, the answer is simple; the materials used can have a significant impact on the quality of sound. Everything within the speakers, from the glue to wires, can have an impact on the sound, which is why manufacturers pick the materials with utmost care.

Power Rating/Handling

Two things you must consider before buying new speakers are the peak power rating and RMS (Root Mean Square) wattage. The former lets us know how much the speaker can handle at maximum capacity in short bursts while the latter tells us the amount of power it can handle regularly. 

One of the key factors when it comes to protecting your speakers is that you should be mindful of their RMS rating. If you have an external power amp, then you should consider picking a speaker with higher RMS to match the power output coming from your amp.

Even then, you should use high powered speakers to ensure that they are durable and last you a very long time.

Price & Warranty

One of the most important points before buying new speakers is the price; you should gather as much information as you can about your preferred speakers, and only then should you compare the prices of each model. This will help you narrow down the perfect option for your needs while keeping a check on your pocket as well.

Additionally, you must check whether the new speakers are covered with a warranty – if they are, then you must read all the terms and conditions carefully.

1. Infinity REF-9623ix

With a big woofer and good power supply, the Infinity REF-9623ix seems to be the best 6x9 speakers available in the market today.

With an edge-driven, textile and super tweeter, these speakers offer exceptional clarity; they bring out all the nuances in your music without being harsh on your ears.

Included in the Infinity REF-9623ix is a robust polypropylene woofer with a durable hi-roll rubber surround. This technology brings out a strong performance from a relatively small-sized speaker. The Plus One+ woofer comes with a bigger cone compared to others of similar size; this adds an incredible punch to the sound.

Additionally, it also can be powered up to 125 watts of RMS and is compatible with an external amplifier, as well. As such, it is an excellent fit for factory radios or aftermarket stereos. Additionally, the 3 Ohm speakers work well with the wires already installed in your car, which results in an actual 4 Ohm impedance – providing you with more volume out of your audio system.

Although the Infinity REF-9623ix  are not component speakers, they can be easily installed in place of your factory ones – but what makes them truly stand out is the affordable price.

Thus, when looking for the best performance to cost ratio, the Infinity Reference X series is a really good option to consider.

2. Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series

The Kicker DS series has been one of the bestselling car speakers for quite a while. They are designed to function exceptionally well with loud bass and are relatively cheap, making them a great choice for your car.

The speakers come with a perfectly accurate bass response due to the support offered with the stiff polypropylene cones surrounded with heavy-duty polyester foam. What sets these speakers apart from the two way options available in the market is the fitting; it comes with two polypropylene dome midrange drivers that control the mid frequencies and helps produce accurate sound.

If you have a tight budget but want a decent bass note and crisp sound, then the Kicker DS693 speakers are definitely the best option for you.

Although you shouldn’t expect them to produce excellent bass – especially compared to subs – they are still a great option considering the price point. Overall, these speakers truly live up to Kicker’s slogan of ‘Living Loud.”

3. Pioneer TS6900PRO

The Pioneer PRO series is one of the latest offerings by the leading speaker manufacturer in the market. With a blade-like grille and a tweeter, they produce great sound at a higher volume. However, due to the build, these are not suitable for most vehicles and do not have a universal size that fits all.

In a high-frequency range, these speakers produce exceptional accuracy. Usually, when music is being played at a high-frequency range, the sound isn't as accurate as it is on a typical frequency range, thus causing ear fatigue. Simply put, if the sound isn’t as accurate or prominent, it is most likely that you are damaging your ears and also to your speakers. But these speakers have an amazing high-end tone that doesn’t overwhelm the music – or cause you harm.

On the other hand, its midrange accuracy isn’t up to the mark. In fact, if we were to score its midrange accuracy, it would get an easy C. On the contrary, its low-end accuracy is as good as its high-end range.

But it’s important to consider that this model has been specifically made for people who enjoy their music with some serious sound pressure levels. And so, with the bullet tweeters, mid-bass drivers, and a subwoofer, these speakers produce great sound at high levels with exceptional bass, and they don't require a huge amount of investment. 

These are the best 6x9 speakers for bass and volume, but only on high levels.  The Pro series still has a decent overall balanced sounding mix, but we still wouldn’t rate them as top tier car speakers. 

4. Pioneer TS-A6970F

The Pioneer TS- A69705 are one of a kind; the open, smooth, and 5-way sound make listening to music in your car an absolute pleasure. These speakers are built in a way that ensures a seamless transition between your car’s woofer and tweeter playback, thereby overcoming the limitations of off-axis listening.

And the best part about these speakers is that they are pocket-friendly; you will not have to burn a hole in your pocket and savings in pursuit of quality sound.

To get the best out of these best-rated 6x9 speakers, you can pair them with a new car stereo for a sonic upgrade, or you even go all the way and power them with up to 100 watts of RMS with an external amp.

These 5-way speakers have some serious punch and clarity when producing sound. The woofer cone is made of carbon and a mica reinforced polypropylene that results in some serious rigidness and great low-frequency response.

The addition of a midrange cone helps you get all the details out of the chunky guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and even those distinct bass lines that would all be hidden with sub-par, low-quality speakers. These also have two dome tweeters and another 3/8 super tweeter that provides exceptional sound clarity when listening at a higher frequency.

Pioneer has a history of manufacturing quality speakers that you can enjoy for almost a lifetime. Similarly, the design and features of the TS- A69705 means that they are not only durable but also a smart choice for music lovers.

5. Polk Audio DB691

Having first started production in 1972 in Baltimore, Maryland, Polk Audio continues to spread joy amongst its customers with great value-packed speakers. Their focal point is providing excellent sound, an attractive design, and best quality craftsmanship that has always reflected in their car audio and home speakers.

Known for its design and use of modern technology, the Polk Audio DB691 has been manufactured with the best materials possible that enables them to produce the perfect sound quality as the best 6x9 component speakers. These modern three-way speakers are an exceptional choice for those who enjoy listening to loud music.

Even though two-way speakers can produce loud sounds, they will never be able to replicate the quality of three-way speakers at higher frequencies like the Polk Audio DB691.

This model also has a built-in two-way speaker that helps balance out the low and high frequency, resulting in quality audio. The components used in these speakers, such as the Mica cone woofer and silk polymer dome tweeters, further helps in a smooth response at any volume level.

In short, with these speakers, you don’t have to worry about the sound accuracy at any volume.

6. Kicker 40PS692

Kicker’s new PS692 model is big and powerful; specially made for sports vehicles, these speakers are available in both 2-Ohm and 4-Ohm. Alongside the ability to produce a lot of power, they are durable and ideal for motorcycles, outdoor systems, and hardcore off-road vehicles.

They are weather-proof and a perfect match for motorcycles that frequently travel on the road under severe weather. These speakers utilize heavy-duty ceramic magnets that help in high power handling and extra volume for more clarity.  

The suspended 1” titanium dome tweeter right above the woofer allows the polypropylene cone to move freely, thus providing more bass. With low-impedance, they can produce more output resulting in an improved performance from your stereo or amplifier.

For people, who like to enjoy their weekends with their motorcycles, these speakers are a perfect option; the rugged components and the weather-resistant materials ensure that they last for a very long time.

Another value addition in these speakers is the ability to draw minimum current while producing sound at maximum volume – thanks to its high-efficiency design.

For its durability and ability to withstand extreme conditions, we feel that these speakers are the best 6x9 motorcycle speakers.

7. Polk Audio DB692

If you’re on a budget and wish to build yourself a new system, then the Polk Audio DB692 is the perfect match for you. During their design phase, the manufacturer used laser-image technology to make sure that these speakers produce minimal distortion for a smooth response and incredible sonic detail.

One of the best features of these speakers is their ability to withstand harsh conditions while producing rich, clean, and full-range sounds. But these speakers are not just great for marine vehicles – they can be installed in any vehicle from a motorcycle, boat, ATV to any car.

With a high-performance audio upgrade that produces quality sound, these certainly go beyond the OEM factory systems. With an IP55 rating, they are marine certified, and water and dirt resistant. They can also withstand salt-fog, UV as well as humid conditions while the UV tolerant and polypropylene cones have a waterproof inner and outer surround.

For all these reasons, we believe that these are the best 6x9 marine speakers available in the market today.

8. JBL GTO939 GTO

JBL has stamped its authority as a serious contender of quality sound systems and speakers all over the world. And so, for anyone looking for top-quality sound in their vehicle, the JBL GTO939 6x9 speakers are one of the best options.

With a unique Plus One design, the woofers can expand the diaphragm area of the cone, giving you a much better, low-frequency response. The manufacturer has used edge-driven technology with its soft dome tweeters to make sure that they give you a rich experience while playing music at loud volumes.

They have also implemented a UniPivot design that produces music at an angle directly towards your ears with the help of adjustable tweeters.

Although these speakers have a lower impedance compared to other car speakers, it’s safe to say that they will draw more power from your stereo on average and provide more volume even when paired with low-powered factory radios. But if you feel like playing loud music, these speakers are more than capable of handling up to 100 watts of RMS.

9. Pyle PL6984BL

Pyle Blue Label PL6984BL don’t just sound great; they also look amazing with their azure curves. And when we mention its price, you’ll realize that these speakers are the ultimate fit for your car, especially if you’re on a budget.

In short, they’re not just great replacements for your factory speakers but are affordable as well. These 400-watt speakers carry high, mid, and low frequencies to great levels while the non-fatiguing butyl rubber surround lends them extra durability.

The 1.25” high-temperature ASV voice coil installed in them produces one of the most vibrant sounds you'll ever hear. As an added benefit, they have low distortion and provide you with an open stage sound.

These speakers also contain a blue poly injection cone that not only looks great but also allows them to produce music that resonates with full power.

How 6x9 Speakers Work

Speakers primarily function like air pistons that move forward and backward depending on the electrical signal provided to them – this movement translates into sound.

In simple words, speakers form alternating electrical waves that turn the voice coil into a magnet, and the electromagnet is then either attracted or repelled. This forces the speaker cone to move through which sound is produced.

6x9 speakers are basically two speakers that are built into one; an additional tweeter is placed on the front of the larger speaker cone that produces high pitch frequencies. The additional tweeter also helps deliver a much clearer sound, resulting in a better quality of music. Lastly, the small and compact design of 6x9 speakers makes them a suitable fit for almost all vehicles.

Marine vs Regular Speakers

Separate Frequency Bands

Full Range (Coaxial) vs Component Speakers

Installing 6x9 Speakers

Once you have brought together all the tools necessary for this job, you must first analyze where you’d want your aftermarket 6x9 speakers to be placed.

For a more visual guide on how to install factory speakers, you can watch the following video:

Tips to Better Audio Quality

A quick fix towards better audio quality is buying the best hardware possible. But sometimes, that really isn’t necessary and burns a big hole in your pocket. Another way to go about it is by upgrading your built-in speakers and making a few adjustments to them.

Most people believe that by upgrading the system and buying an improved head unit will do the job, but again, this isn't necessary. There are other ways through which you can improve your audio quality while not even doing much.

Here are some ways for you to achieve better sound quality:

Accessories for 6x9 Speakers

People also Ask (FAQs)

What are the best rated 6x9 speaker brands?

Many brands offer great quality speakers that are reasonably priced. To name a few, you could choose from Infinity, JBL, Pioneer, Pulk Audio, Pyle, or Kicker. 

Do I need an amp for my 6x9 speakers?

Firstly, you must look at your speakers and see for yourself how much power they can take. An amp definitely improves the quality of the sound being produced and enhances their entire output.

What is a good amp for 6x9 speakers?

The Rockford Fosgate R1200-1D Prime 1,200 Watt Class-D Mono amplifier is a very good option for your 6x9 speakers; in fact, it is a top-rated item on Amazon.

How many watts is good for a speaker?

Around 70-100 watts is good enough for a speaker to perform well.

Can 6x9 speakers provide powerful bass?

These speakers come with good mid-range woofers and usually have an embedded bass system. Although the one drawback is that they produce high-level frequency; but if you want large speakers and want to enjoy music with more bass, then these are the perfect option.

Conclusion

Through this complete guide for 6x9 speakers, we hope that we have provided all the necessary information for you to make an informed decision.

And remember, we feel that the best 6x9 speakers are the Infinity REF-9623ix based on the price and the features they come with as well as the sound quality they produce. If you need more options, we have also mentioned other brands in this guide that live up to their name in terms of great sound quality.