If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, you may have thought about upgrading your vehicle’s speakers.
Car speakers do not always produce the best quality sound, and installing a good quality speaker can make such a difference. As there are hundreds of different 6x9 speakers on the market, you may be wondering which one is the best for you?
In this article, we will be reviewing, comparing, and discussing five speakers in particular that we think are the best on the market.
We will be discussing their pros, cons, and which would be the most suitable for you. We have even included a handy FAQ section and a buyer’s guide, to assist you in finding the perfect speakers.
In a hurry?
Worry not, here is our top choice of speakers!
We have chosen the Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series as the best 6x9 speakers.
Not only do they provide great quality sound, but they are also affordable and easy to install. The sound does not distort even when played at a high level and the bass is good too.
The slimline tweeter provides no protrusion and the speakers themselves are not bulky or cumbersome. The Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series comes with a year’s warranty and has a high RMS power of 90.
If you are looking for a fantastic quality speaker that will not cost a fortune, we would highly recommend the Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series.
OUR TOP PICK
The Kicker 43DSC69304 speakers are our top choice.
They create a great quality sound that does not distort. They are easy to install and are made from durable materials. These speakers come with a one year warranty and the grilles are included.
In terms of price, for the quality of the speakers you get, they are very reasonable.
The tweeter itself is cleverly designed and leaves no protrusion. It has a thin profile that stops the speakers from being cumbersome and bulky.
You have the option to connect this model to an amp if preferred. These speakers are not overly large and given their streamlined shape, should fit in most cars.
Overall, these speakers produce a clean and clear sound. As with all 6x9 speakers, the bass is limited, but overall they still produce good quality bass.
The RMS power of these speakers is high and will help to create a great sound overall. If you want deeper sounding bass, you will need to purchase an amplifier in addition to these speakers.
Specifications:
- Coaxial three-way speakers
- RMS power - 90 watts
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Little to no protrusion
- Clean and clear sound
- Good bass produced overall
Cons:
- Does not produce a heavy bass
- Need an amp for the sound to be the best it can be
EDITORS CHOICE
These speakers come with multi-fit installation adapters that allow for simple installation.
The adapters are flexible so you should not have trouble installing them. The speakers are slightly bigger than other 6x9 speakers and may not fit your brand and model of car.
The Pioneer TS-A6970F’s are good value for the money and people use these speakers on their motorbikes as the sound can be heard clearly.
The RMS of the Pioneer TS-A6970F is 100 watts. This allows you to listen to music on a high volume without the sound becoming distorted.
It also has a five-way coaxial speaker, the highest in our article.
The bass is good and provides a powerful and high-quality sound overall. Some people have explained that their amp is too powerful for the speaker, so this is worth taking into consideration.
Overall, these speakers provide a powerful sound. It is worth noting that these speakers may not fit your specific model of car, so it is best to double-check before purchasing.
Specifications:
- Coaxial five-way speaker
- RMS Power - 100 watts
Pros:
- Multi-fit installation adapters
- Great for motorbikes as well as cars
- Great value for money
- High RMS of 100 watts
Cons:
- May not fit in your model of car
- Some amps may be too powerful for the speaker
BEST VALUE
]The JBL Stage 9603 420W speakers have a PEI balanced dome tweeter and create a great quality sound without the need for an added amplifier or subwoofer.
The speakers are fairly easy to install, but they do not come with a speaker wire for installation, this will need to be purchased separately at an additional cost.
The grilles are detachable to help with installation. The speakers are lightweight and will not get damaged by humidity.
The 9603 420W has piezoelectric supertweeters and the speakers have particularly good bass when compared to similar speakers.
It produces a clean sound that does not seem to distort at a high volume. The speakers have an RMS power of 70, which is not the highest on the market.
Overall, these speakers are a great option. They provide a clear sound and are good value for money.
It is worth mentioning that a few people have experienced issues with their speakers blowing after a short period.
Specifications:
- Coaxial three-way speaker
- RMS Power - 70 Watts
Pros:
- Great value for money
- No amplifier or subwoofer needed
- Provides good bass
- No damage caused by humidity
Cons:
- Need to purchase speaker wire separately
- Potential issues with the speakers blowing
RUNNER UP
These speakers are on the higher end of the price range.
The Infinity REF-9623ix has a particularly big subwoofer which will help to enhance the sound.
With an RMS power of 125 watts, this is one of the more powerful 6x9 speakers on the market and it produces a clean sound.
Although the REF-9623ix is more expensive than its competitors, the quality is reflected in the price. Some people have noted that the sound can become distorted when at a higher volume, however.
The speakers are smaller than some of their competitors which means that they will fit in the majority of cars.
Some people have stated that the installation of these speakers can be a little difficult because the instruction manual is not easy to follow.
Overall, the Infinity REF-9623ix speakers are of great quality, the sound produced is great and their RMS power is high.
However, if you want to purchase good quality speakers at a lower price, these may not be the best option for you.
Specifications:
- Coaxial three-way speaker
- RMS Power - 125 watts
Pros:
- Powerful speakers
- Fit in the majority of cars
- Larger subwoofer than its competitors
- Smaller speakers
Cons:
- The instruction manual could be improved
- More expensive than its competitors
RUNNER UP
The Rockford R169X2 speakers are good value for the money.
They have a rubber surround, making them more durable. The mounting hardware and grilles are included, making the speakers easy and quick to install.
The speakers contain a flush mounted tweeter which will create an overall streamlined look. They also come with an integrated concealed crossover, which gives the speakers a cleaner look and helps with the installation.
The Rockford R169X2 speakers create a clearer and crisper sound compared to your standard car speakers. The bass provided is quite good but may need a subwoofer if you prefer a louder and deeper bass.
Its RMS range is lower than some of its competitors at 65 watts. Given this, the sound is not quite as clear and the speaker itself is not as powerful as its competitors.
Overall this speaker is of great value for the money, but the overall sound does reflect the price. If you are listening to the sound at a high volume, the speakers may distort.
Specifications:
- Coaxial two-way speaker
- RMS Power - 65 Watts
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Easy to install
- Flush mounted tweeter
- Integrated concealed crossover
Cons:
- Sound not as good quality as competitors
- Lower RMS frequency range
Best 6x9 Speakers Buying Guide
It is important to know what you want out of you 6x9 speakers before you purchase them and what aspects are important to you.
Price
If you want to purchase a cheap speaker that is easy to install, we recommend the Rockford R169X2.
It is great value for money and provides a good sound. If you do not have a price limit, the Infinity REF-9623ix would be a great option for you as although it is more expensive, it is a great quality speaker.
RMS Power and Sound Quality
The RMS power and sound quality is something to consider when looking at 6x9 speakers.
The higher the RMS power, the better quality the music will be when played at a higher volume. If you are looking for a simple upgrade and are not concerned about playing your music at a high level, the JBL Stage 9603 420W or the Rockford R169X2 would be great options for you. They are both affordable and produce a great quality sound.
If you are looking for a speaker that does not distort at all, the Rockford R169X2 may not be the best for you as some users have said it distorts at a high volume. The Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series however produces a great sound that does not distort.
Size Of And Look Of The Speakers
The size of the speakers is quite important. If you have a reasonably small car or if the speakers in your car are small then some of the larger speakers, such as the Pioneer TS-A6970F may not be the most suitable for you.
They are quite bulky in their size and many people that have purchased them have explained that they have struggled to fit these speakers in their car.
In comparison to the Infinity REF-9623ix, the Pioneer speakers are more cumbersome. The Infinity speakers would be the perfect option for you if your budget allows it. They are small and are suited to the majority of cars.
In terms of looks, if you want streamlined speakers that do not protrude, we highly recommend the Kicker 43DSC69304 D-Series.
Installation
If you are planning on fitting the speakers yourself, it is worth looking into how easy they are to install and if they come with the equipment needed for installation; such as screws, a removable grille, a speaker wire, and an installation manual.
All of the speakers we have chosen are fairly easy to install. However, it is worth noting that some users have had difficulty installing the Infinity REF-9623ix due to its instruction manual. It may not be the easiest to understand or follow.
If you are not planning to fit the speakers yourself, you will need to factor in the costs of paying someone to do this. This may then impact your speaker budget, so it is worth researching the costs before you purchase the speakers.
Bass
Most 6x9 speakers are not brilliant at creating bass sounds. While the bass they create is acceptable, if you are looking for a speaker that will provide you with deep bass, a different type of speaker may be the better option for you.
6x9 speakers will still produce some level bass, but if you want the bass to be particularly loud, you will likely need to purchase an amplifier to accompany your speakers.Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Upgrade to 6x9 Speakers?
If you love listening to music, your current speakers may not be the best quality.
By upgrading to 6x9 speakers, you will increase the quality of the sound your speakers produce. You will likely be able to listen to music at a higher volume too.
Will The Sound Be A Better Quality?
Yes, you will notice a change in the quality of your speakers if you upgrade them. 6x9 speakers will give a much clearer and less distorted sound compared to your regular speakers that will typically be of lower quality.
The 6x9 speakers once installed should last a lot longer than your regular car speakers too.
Do I Need An Amplifier For My 6x9 Speakers?
You do not necessarily need an amplifier for your 6x9 speakers as many are of great quality and do not require them. If the speaker you purchase is particularly powerful, an amplifier may be useful to transfer the energy to the speakers.
If your speakers are not particularly powerful an amplifier is not a necessity. An amplifier will help with the overall sound but is not always necessary.