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Best 6x9 Speakers for Cars
Quick Overview
6x9 speakers are one of the most popular speakers sizes for all vehicles and they are especially popular for the rear decks of classic cars. 6x9 speakers are popular because they have more cone surface area than most speakers and as a result are able to provide better mid-bass response. There are so many different models, styles, and price points that it can be difficult deciding which ones are the best. There are many different words options and it can be daunting to try to compare and understand what it all means. Our 6x9 speaker buyer's guide will help you find the best 6x9 speakers for your vehicle.
- Absolute Best 6x9 Speakers - Hertz Mille Pro
- Best Premium 6x9 Speakers - Hertz Cento
- Best "Good" 6x9 Speakers - Kicker CS
- Best Low Cost 6x9 Speakers - Rockford Fosgate Prime 3-Way
- Best Value 6x9s with Silk Dome Tweeters - Kicker KS
- Best Mid-Level 6x9s with Silk Dome Tweeters - JL Audio C2
- Best Premium 6x9s with Silk Dome Tweeters - Morel Tempo Ultra
- Best Aluminum Dome Tweeters - Rockford Fosgate Power T1693
Absolute Best 6x9 Speakers
Highlights
- 130W RMS
- 94dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Tetolon Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $599.99 Pair
The Hertz Mille Pro MPX690 6x9s are the best 6x9 speakers you can buy. These speakers have Tetolon tweeters to give you enough brightness while also sounding natural. From a power handling standpoint, the Hertz MPX690 speakers
can handle 130 watts RMS which is about as much power as you can get for coaxial 6x9 speakers. There is no substitute for raw power and when you combine that with the pressed papper cone and tetolon tweeter
you get phenomonal sounding speakers that not only play accurate, but also loud. If you give these speakers some decent power, you will be rewarded. You will need an amplifier to power these. Running the Hertz Mille Pro 6x9s off of your
head unit will not deliver the sound quality that you are paying for. The MPX690s are not cheap, but they are the best.
Recommended For
- The best of the best. If you want the best sounding 6x9 speakers possible and you have the amp to give them the proper power.
- Those that like bright, accurate, beautiful output. These speakers sound beautiful. They are also super crisp and clean, and thanks to the power handling, they can play extremely loud if you want them to.
Not Recommended For
- Vehicles without an amplifier. If you aren't giving these speakers 100W RMS per channel, they are not going to perform relative to the price tag.
- Those on a budget. These speakers are not cheap. If you are concerned about budget, there are less expensive speakers that will still sound great.
- Those that like smooth, natural output. Hertz speakers are bright and efficient. If you like soft-dome tweeters and the natural sound they produce, check out the Morel Tempo Ultra if these are in your price point.
Best Premium 6x9 Speakers
Highlights
- 100W RMS
- 93.5dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Tetolon Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $319.99 Pair
Hertz is an Italian speaker company that is known for their sound quality. The Hertz Cento 6x9 speakers are the best premium 6x9 speaker for your classic car. These speakers use similar materials as the Hertz Mille Pro speakers, but they don't handle the power and they don't sound as nice. However, they also don't cost as much. The Hertz Cento speakers are very musical speakers thanks to the pressed paper-mica cone. The Centos have a Tetolon tweeter that is both smooth and bright to give you the smooth, warm, rich, and natural output you expect from a soft dome tweeter but without sounding muffled. You get the ideal combination of both smooth yet crisp highs. The CX 690.3 handle 100 watts of constant power and will work well with 50-100 watts of RMS power from your amplifier. We do not recommend using the Cento speakers if you are not using an amplifier. These speakers need the extra power to deliver the beautiful sound that you are paying for.
If I am putting 6x9s in my car, I am using an amplfier, but I don't want to pay $500 for a pair of 6x9 speakers, I would go with the Hertz Cento.
Recommended For
- Customers who want really, really nice speakers but don't want to spend $500 on a pair of 6x9 speakers
- Vehicles with amplifiers (75W per channel or more)
- Those that like bright, accurate, beautiful output
Not Recommended For
- Vehicles without an amplifier
- Budget minded audio shoppers.
Best Step Up 6x9 Speakers
Highlights
- 150W RMS
- 92dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- PEI Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $129.99 Pair
The Kicker CS Series 6x9s are the most popular 6x9s that we sell. Part of the reason for this is that the other size speakers fit in so many applications that it is easy to match your rear 6x9s with you front dash speaker or kick panel speakers. The other reason these speakers are popular is due to their versatility and sound quality. The Kicker CS speakers sound great when powered directly off of the radio and they can handle the power from virtually any amplifier with their 150W RMS rating. The 46CSC6934 speakers are realy efficient and for the money, you can't beat them. The PEI dome tweeters and lightweight cone ensure that these speakers are crisp, bright, and loud. Yo
Recommended For
- Value seekers. People that don't want the cheap stuff, but also don't want to spend $200+ on a pair of speakers
- Versatility.If you are running your speakers off of your radio, but you may add an amp later on
- Same series speakers throughout the vehicle. The Kicker CS speaker line has a size and speaker that will fit in virtually any location. If you want to ensure your 6x9 speakers and your front speakers match, look, and sound the same
Not Recommended For
- Higher Power Amplifiers (75W or higher). The KS series from Kicker are a better option if so.
- Audiophiles that demand the best. If you demand the best, check out the Hertz Cento or Mille Pro 6x9s.
Highlights
- 90W RMS
- 93dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Pressed-Paper Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $199.99 Pair
We didn't write this article to sound like a Hertz love fest, but they simply make fantastic sounding speakers. They just sound better. The Hertz Dieci speakers are some of the best sounding, factory-replacement speakers in the world. These speakers are bright, efficient, and affordable. The Dieci speakers are slightly more expensive than the Rockford and Kicker options, but they play louder, brighter, and with more clarity. The Dieci speakers, like all speakers, sound even better when you put an amplifier to them, but if you aren't running an amp, these speakers simply sound better than the others.
Recommended For
- Value+ seekers. These speakers are slightly more expensive than others, but they are more efficient and they sound better.
- Sound Quality on a Budget. If you are all about sound quality but looking to spend less than $200 on 6x9 speakers, these are your best bet.
- Deck power & smaller amplifiers. The Dieci speakers don't handle the power that the Kicker CS and Rockford Punch speakers do, but if you are running speakers directly off of your radio or if you have an amplifier with 50-75 watts of RMS power, the Dieci speakers are ideal.
Not Recommended For
- Higher Power Amplifiers (75W or higher). The Kicker CS or Rockford Punch P1694 are better choices if you have 75W - 100W RMS.
- Audiophiles that demand the best. If you demand the best, check out the Hertz Cento or Mille Pro 6x9s. They sound better, but they are more expensive.
Highlights
- 75W RMS
- 91dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- PEI Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $109.99 Pair
The Rockford Fosgate Punch P1694 speakers use a 4 way design to deliver volume, clarity, and sound quality. The Punch line from Rockford is their middle tier product and these speakers can handle decent power. With 75 watts of RMS power handling, these speakers are perfect for most amplifiers yet efficient enough to also work when powered directly off of your head unit. If you have a "Premium" factory system and you need to upgrade or replace your speakers, the Rockford Punch P1694 are a perfect choice.
Recommended For
- You like bright highs. If you like your tweeters bright, loud, and in your face, these speakers are great.
- Value seekers. These speakers sound great when powered directly by the radio and even better with an amplifier
- Rockford Fosgate fanatics. If you love Rockford Fosgate, these speakers are the epitome of Rockford Fosgate. They are nice and bright and they get loud without breaking the bank.
Not Recommended For
- People who listen to jazz. If you listen to jazz, there are probably better options. These are going to be bright and loud. If you like jazz, check out the Hertz Dieci, the Kicker KS, or the JL Audio C2.
- High end audiophiles. If you consider yourself an audiophile, the Hertz Dieci or Cento are going to be more musical while still providing that crisp, clear output.
Best Low Cost 6x9 Speakers
Highlights
- 65W RMS
- 90dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Silk Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $99.99 Pair
The Rockford Fosgate R169X3 are the best 6x9 speakers if you are looking for a low cost solution. These speakers have simple, black mesh grilles and work best when powered directly off your radio. Like all other speakers, you can add a low power amplifier and they will sound even better, but if you are looking for the cheapest solution possible, this is our favorite option. If you are willing to spend a little bit more, the Kicker CS, Hertz Dieci, and Punch speakers sound better than these do and are worth the upgrade in our opinion. But, if you just need something cheap to give you some sound, the Rockford Fosgate R169X3 is going to give you decent sound without breaking the bank.
Recommended For
- You don't have an amplifier. If you don't have great power, don't waste your money on high end speakers. You are paying for sound quality you won't hear.
- You want low cost, but not cheap. There is a difference between low-cost and cheap. There are cheaper speakers than these and they are well...cheaper. They just don't sound as nice.
- Your original speakers are blown. If your speakers are blown and you want a replacement that will be an upgrade, these speakers are perfect. These sound better than what comes in your car from the factory.
- Silk domes w/ no amplifier. If you really like silk dome tweeters but you don't have the budget for an amplifier or you simply don't want to mess with an amplifier, these are the best speakers for you.
Not Recommended For
- Systems with an amplifier. If you have an amplifier, spend a little bit extra and get way more out of your speakers. the Hertz Dieci, the Kicker KS, or the JL Audio C2.
- Those that like loud highs. If you like loud music, you can get more from the Kicker CS or Rockford Punch, espeically if you listen to electronic, hip-hop, or metal.
Best Silk Dome Tweeter 6x9s - Mid-Level
Highlights
- 150W RMS
- 92dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Silk Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $99.99 Pair
The Kicker KS series speakers are personally my favorite, affordable 6x9 speakers with silk dome tweeters. These speakers cost less than the JL and I personally like them a little bit more. But with that said, if you are a JL Audio person and you love JL speakers, you should probably get the JL C2s. From a power handling standpoint, they can handle the power from virtually any amplifier. The silk dome tweeters play with a rich, warm, smooth, and balanced sound profile to give you crystal clear sound without sounding harsh. These speakers can be run without an amplifier, but we don't recommend it. If you are going to run your speakers directly off of your radio, the Kicker CS 6x9s are a better option.
Recommended For
- Vehicles with an amplifier. These speakers sound better than the less expensive, CS series. If you have an amplifier to power your speakers, the Kicker's KS line is the way to go. These sound really nice for the price point.
- You want a silk domes without breaking the bank. For the money, these speakers are unbelievable. The silk dome tweeters are super smooth and these cost less than many other comparable speakers with the same materials.
- You like smooth, natural output. If you aren't a big fan of treble, the silk dome tweeters are very natural sounding and have a rich, warm, sound profile.
Not Recommended For
- Systems without an amplifier. If you don't have an amplifier, the Kicker CS speakers are a better option. If you really like silk dome tweeters and you don't have an amp, check out the Rockford R169X3 (above) or the JL Audio C2 (below).
- Those that like loud highs. If you like loud music, and you like aggressive highs with lots of treble, a hard-dome tweeter is a better option. (Kicker CS, Hertz Dieci, Rockford Fosgate Punch)
Highlights
- 70W RMS
- 93dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Slik Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $279.99 Pair
The JL Audio C2-690tx 6x9 speakers deliver the sound quality expect from a JL Audio product. The JL Audio C2-690tx speakers feature a 3 way design with a 2-inch mylar midrange driver and a .75" silk dome tweeter. The JL C2s are efficient enough to work when powered directly off of your head unit and of course, sound even better with an amplifier. We typically recommend an amplifier with these speakers, but if you like soft dome tweeters and you have a factory amplifier, these speakers will work and sound great. JL Audio is known for their sound quality. When they develop new products, they don't send them to production until the owner and founder listens to them, and give them the go-ahead and the C2-690tx do not disappoint.
Recommended For
- Vehicles with an amplifier. These speakers sound better than the less expensive, CS series. If you have an amplifier to power your speakers, the Kicker's KS line is the way to go. These sound really nice for the price point.
- You love JL Audio. JL Audio fans are passionate about JL. If you love JL Audio products, the C2s are great 6x9s if you like silk dome tweeters and you want to step up from their entry level C1 line.
- You like smooth, natural output. If you aren't a big fan of treble, the silk dome tweeters are very natural sounding and have a rich, warm, sound profile.
Not Recommended For
- Those that like loud highs. If you like loud music, and you like aggressive highs with lots of treble, a hard-dome tweeter is a better option. (Kicker CS, Hertz Dieci, Rockford Fosgate Punch)
- Value seekers These speakers are not super expensive, but they aren't cheap either. You can find similar performance specs for less money, but JL Audio is JL Audio and you pay for what you get.
Best Silk Dome Tweeter 6x9s - Premium
Highlights
- 140W RMS
- 92dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Silk Dome Tweeters
- Grilles NOT Included
- $279.99 Pair
Morel is known for Hi-Fi speakers. The Morel Tempo Ultra Integra 6x9 speakers use a point-source, silk-dome tweeter and paper cones to deliver the most natural sound possible while ensuring that the output remains in phase and with proper time alignment. These speakers offer a superior sound stage, great dynamics, and the perfect, flat-sound profile. With 140 watt RMS power rating, these speakers can handle the power from virtually any full-range amplifier and they are efficient. Given the price point and the sound profile, you do need an amplifier to power these speakers. We do not reocmmend wiring them directly to your radio. Another thing to keep in mind is that the grilles are sold separatey for these speakers. If you will need grilles to install these speakers in the rear deck of your vehicle, you must purchase them separately.
Recommended For
- Audiophiles. If you consider yourself an audiophile and you love natural, flat output, these Morel 6x9s are as good as it gets.
- Amplified Systems. You need an amplifier to power these speakers. Without an amplifier, you will not hear what you are paying for. These speakers can handle good power. Give them what they want!
- Higher end vehicles. These speakers are among the more expensive 6x9 car speakers available. Morel is known for their high-fidelity speakers and while they deliver the sound profile you expect, they come at a price.
Not Recommended For
- Those that like bright, aggressive highs. If you like turning your speakers up to 11 and cranking AC/DC, hip-hop, or electronic music as loud as your ears can handle, these are not the speakers for you.
- Value seekers These speakers are not the cheapest. Can you find a better value for less money? Probably. Do they sound as beautiful? No. You get what you pay for, but quality has it's price.
Best 6x9 Speakers with Aluminum Dome Tweeters
Highlights
- 100W RMS
- 92dB @ 1W/1m Sensitivity
- Aluminum Dome Tweeters
- Grilles Included
- $159.99 Pair
Aluminum dome tweeters are designed to be super bright and super loud. If you love your music as loud as possible, or if you are a bass head on a budget, aluminum dome tweeters are the perfect choice. These metal tweeters give you the highs you need to cut through any wind or road noise and they will also cut through bass better than most other speakers. Aluminum dome tweeters are very popular for marine speakers because of the loud, in your face, sound profile. These speakers handle 100 watts RMS and should be used with an amplifier. The T1693 is Rockford's top of the line 6x9 offering but, I like the P1694 better for most applications. If you love it loud and believe, "If your mirrors aren't shakin', you've been taken," the Rockford T1693 are a perfect fit. These speakers come with simple, black-mesh grilles and will look great mounted in the rear deck of your vehicle or behind a door panel.
Recommended For
- Amplified systems. These speakers have aluminum tweeters and decently heavy cones. We recommend an amplifier to power these speakers.
- Those that like bright, aggressive tweeters. If you like turning AC/DC, hip-hop, or electronic music up as loud as your ears can handle, these are a great choice.
Not Recommended For
- Vehicles without an amplifier. If you aren't giving these speakers 100W RMS per channel, can you can step down to the P1694 and save some money.
- Those on a budget. Aluminum tweeters are unique. If you are on a budget, you can get a PEI dome tweeter for less money
- Those that like smooth, natural output. Aluminum tweeters are bright. Some find them harsh. If you are sensitive to loud, highs and find them piercing or harsh, an aluminum dome tweeter is not for you.
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