10 Best 6x9 Speakers (2024 Review) - Music Critic (2024)

6x9 Speakers Buyers Guide

What to look for in 6x9 speakers?

If you know that you're getting 6x9 speakers, then you've already chosen the size of the product, and you can then focus on the specifics of what they offer.

Speakers are categorized into classes according to the number of drivers that are integrated into them. The minimum class you will want to look at for a pair of decent car speakers is 2-way. That means that it will perform effectively across the whole sound spectrum, as there is a driver for the mid and high frequencies, as well as one for the low end.

Let's have a look at the main components you'll find inside a speaker of this type.

A rigid cone attached to a voice coil is centered in a magnetic field. The circuitry receives audio as an electrical signal and the signal disrupts the field, which causes attraction and repulsion between the components and a second fixed magnet. As the field constantly changes from negative to positive, the cones are pushed in and out in a piston-like fashion. This disperses a lot of air and generates heat at high frequencies.

As each end of the frequency spectrum affects the cone differently, the optimal solution for distortion-free audio is a speaker system that has at least 2 types of cones. Each of these cones then has a different purpose.

A three-way class is much more desirable than a two-way class. Why? Well, in a three-way system, then mid-range is not overlooked. Some three-way systems will incorporate a woofer to provide much better bass.

Tweeters and ultra high-frequency tweeters - which are sometimes referred to as super tweeters - provide clearer, more powerful highs. Without a tweeter, the sound can be a little muddy or muffled. Tweeters are designed to handle the high-frequency electric signals that high notes in music creates. Tweeter designs are important. They have to be designed for better cooling and be built from heat-resistant components. They are the smallest drivers that you'll find in a speaker.

Once you've settled on the class of the speaker, then you can move onto other elements, such as the build quality and components inside the speaker. Remember, the class has nothing to do with how good the product is. It just relates to the number of drivers that are integrated into it.

Let's have a look at the materials used.

Typically, speakers' cones are made of paper composites. Some models feature more cutting-edge compositions that produce better results than paper but can push up the price. In the price range that we've looked at today, surrounds will typically be rubber or plastic. We recommend rubber over plastic. Also, the tweeters will typically be made from silk or another woven material.

You'll notice a lot of similarities in the products that we've reviewed in our article. But don't let that fool you into thinking they're all the same. There are some key differences between each of them. Looking at the specifications is important, but you also need to ensure that the speaker has been build to a high level. You should also look at the power offered by the speakers. The more important number is the RMS output, as this is the average output rather than the peak, which is only used in short bursts. All the products on our list deliver ample power for most ordinary drivers' needs.

We should also mention that price has to be considered too. If you define your budget before you start searching, then this can cut down on the amount of time needed to make your choice.

Best overall 6x9 speakers?

We rate the Kenwood speakers on our list as the best overall. Despite having lower peak power handling than lots of other products, they still deliver much better performance. The key to their quality is the five-way system that's integrated into them. It means that you get exceptional sound quality that allows you to hear all the subtle details in your music. If you're an audiophile and you want flawless sound quality, then these are certainly the best choice. The price is remarkably reasonable for such a good product too, so you can be sure that buying them will offer you great value for money.

Best budget 6x9 speakers?

A lot of the speakers on our list are in the budget price range. The JBL Stage Set is the cheapest we've reviewed, while the Pioneers are a little more expensive but not much. Still, the Kenwood speakers we've chosen as our best overall are only $20 more than the JBL and Pioneer speakers, so it is worth paying a little extra if you're able to.

Best 6x9 speakers for Bass?

If you're a big bass fan, then we think that the Rockford Fosgate speakers are the best choice. Why? Well, they have DSP built into them, and they're also made from premium components. This all translates into a lot of powerful low end, even more so than the quality Kenwood speakers. They're up there with the most expensive products on our list, but they're worth the money if you want big bass.

If your budget simply won't stretch to the asking price of the Rockford Fosgate speakers, then we can recommend the JVC CS as a cheaper alternative. Their optimal class category includes a dedicated Mica woofer, which delivers a good amount of low-end performance. They're incredibly low-priced and deliver a peak power output of around 400w.

If you are looking for something less meaty that still offers decent low-end performance, then you could go for the JBL set instead. They also include a dedicated woofer that provides distortion-free bass. They are also very affordably priced.

Best quality 6x9 speakers?

All the speakers on our list deliver a lot of quality. That's why they made it on the list! They're made by some of the most well-respected manufacturers around, including JBL, Rockford Fosgate, and Kenwood. That means that it's difficult for us to pick out one set as offering the very best quality ... but, if we were forced to, then we would have to go for the Kenwood speakers. The five-way system makes it stand out from the crowd. The sound quality is simply flawless.

For those on a budget who don't require a five-way system, then either the Alpine or the Pioneer speakers are also worthy choices.

In short, we think that purchasing any of the products on our list will be a safe investment. Simply find one that ticks your boxes, is inside your budget, and is made by a reputable brand that will allow for reliable, long-lasting performance.

Conclusion

In the modern world, you have countless options when it comes to affordable, high-quality audio equipment for cars. Technology is at a point now that manufacturers can include high-grade components into speakers that can be afforded by the masses. As a consumer, now is a great time to be buying.

We've shown you ten excellent products on our list. Each of them delivers good sound quality, a durable build, and an affordable price tag. To choose one that suits your needs, then you simply need to identify your budget, as well as decide what power you require and how important sound quality is. Choosing between a two-way, a three-way, and a five-way system will then allow you to narrow down what further specifications you require.

We hope that this article has been valuable. We've tried to answer all the important questions you might have, and we've also shown you our top-rated 6x9s. Now you're ready to transform your car listening experience so that you can have more enjoyable journeys with your favorite tunes booming out of some quality speakers.

Expert Tip

There's no need to over-spend in the current market. Some consumers think that the more you pay, then the better the quality is. That's not entirely true. Of course, if you compare a budget-priced and a premium-priced product then the gulf in quality will be evident. But if you're shopping in a specific price range, then don't just go for the slightly more expensive option because it's pricier. Instead, read the reviews of each product carefully, and pick the one that's best for you, regardless of how much it costs.

Did You Know?

We have a whole load of speaker articles you might want to take a look at. So, whether you are looking for 6.5 inch speaker set for your car or fancy mounting a subwoofer in your trunk, or are shopping for a set of speakers for your PC, then we've got you covered!

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