Best 6X9 Speakers

(last updated 5-29-2020)

Sometimes good enough just doesn’t cut it.

That’s the thought that many people have when they listen to their factory-issued speakers. There’s nothing inherently wrong with them, but listen to them for more than five minutes and you will instantly notice their limitations.

Plus, they’re likely to get blown out or worn out over time if you’re someone who likes to test the limits of their own audio system.

When this happens, you generally have two choices. One, you can just not listen to music in your car ever again, choosing instead to drum the beat with your fingers or tap your legs in quick succession.

The second option is much better for your long-term happiness, and that’s upgrading your speakers.

Today, we’re going to look at the best 6X9 speakers that are out there on the market and help you find out which one is going to be the top choice for you. If your car takes 4×10 speakers, read this review instead.

JBL GTO939 GTO Series

JBL has long been making top-quality speakers and their GTO series is no different. If you’re someone looking for plenty of bass then you’ve come to the right place.

Not only do these speakers provide great bass, they’re also quite cost-effective and good for those who don’t want to drop a ton of money on an upgrade.

The speakers, which are 3-way, provide so much bass because they have so much power running through them. They have a peak power of 300 Watts with a 2-ohm impedance. This means that you’ll be able to power them with your factory issued amplifier.

In addition to the speakers, they come with a Plus One woofer cone and rubber surround. This allows the cone to radiate more air to bring in that bass people crave.

They also have great sensitivity and top-notch frequency response that comes in a great package for a bargain price.

Installation on these speakers is easy and quick, so DIYers out there will be happy to know they don’t have to take it into a shop to make sure everything is ready to go.

No matter what music you listen to, you’re going to receive fantastic quality. We will say fans of heavy metal, classical, rock, or rap will instantly notice the biggest difference.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fantastic sound quality and great bass
• Easy and quick installation
• Durable components, built for the long-haul

Cons:

• Some basic modifications may be needed to bring them to their fullest potential

Infinity REF-9623ix

Another set of bargain speakers, this 6X9 set is going to provide you with fantastic audio and bass quality for a fraction of the price.

These speakers are well-made and suffer little distortion, even when being played at extremely high levels. Infinity has been making speakers for years and this is just another example of how well they have honed their craft.

With this set, you’re going to be getting 3-way speakers that have 300 Watts peak handling power. They also come with textile tweets and a Plus One woofer cone.

Made out of highly crafted materials, we have to admit that these speakers outperformed some more expensive ones on the market. We were greeted by clear sounds, rich bass, and an overall smooth experience.

Turning the volume way up, you won’t hear any distortion and provide an instant upgrade over your factory speakers.

The one noticeable downside to these Infinity speakers are the slightly difficult installation. Even though they were designed to fit most stock brackets, chances are you’re going to have to do some modifications to make sure everything fits properly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Plenty of power for clear sounds and bass
• Made with durable, high-quality materials
• Bargain deal for those on a budget

Cons:

• Difficult installation
• A bit on the larger size, may not fit in all vehicles

https://www.amazon.com/Hertz-ECX-690-5-Energy-Coaxial-Speakers/dp/B00GJ1W71Y/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?&imprToken=1Tu46UmFUFMWX8FlDrZZpQ&keywords=Hertz+Audio+HCX+690+(HCX690)+Hi-Energy+6″x9″+3-Way+Coaxial+Speakers&&qid=1574249591&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmr0&linkCode=sl1&tag=autonewscenter-20&linkId=233a5a6c8ff6ec9a68fd4cc6fa58df9e&language=en_US”>Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy

When it comes to sound quality, no one is going to doubt these speakers. It takes less than half a second to notice the unbelievable clear sound you’ll be getting from these Hertz speakers.

You’ll get rich audio and deep bass thanks to the top-of-the-line materials and power you’ll be getting. It’s got a Damped Mesh Fiber woofer and Tetolon soft-domed tweeter to push out some of the clearest sound you will ever hear.

With a 260 Watts peak power, it’s not the strongest on our list but the impedance is 4-ohms. It also has great sensitivity and quality frequency range to help with the amazing sound quality.

It does well under pressure and heat, thanks to its pure copper voice coil and top-of-the-line Radial Venting System. You can fit them in the rear deck or narrow brackets so you won’t have any issues installing it in your vehicle.

The biggest downside to these speakers is the price. These bad boys do not come cheap. But, it’s a running theme amongst speakers in general. If you want a fantastic quality sound, you should be ready to pay.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Full, detailed sound that’s amazingly clear
• Made with top-quality materials, built for the long haul
• Cutting-edge venting system will ensure it performs well under pressure
• Can be installed in almost any vehicle

Cons:

• Very expensive

Pioneer TS-A6986R

Another economical solution for those who want an instant upgrade over their factory speakers, this Pioneer set is easy to install and setup. They are also good for any beginners who want to see what better sound truly is.

Pioneer is known for its durable, top-notch products that perform well in any situation. We’re happy to report that these speakers are no different.

These speakers are 4-way and require a lot more power to be able to run. But with that 600 Watts peak power comes a whole lot of punch that you won’t find in other speakers.

It also helps that these speakers are, to no one’s surprise, made with quality components. Coming with a soft dome tweeter, multi-layer Mica cone woofer and elastic polymer surround, you’re going to get powerful and rich audio no matter where you are in the vehicle.

They’re an easy upgrade for your vehicle since they come with the whole package. You won’t have to worry about buying individual components when everything is nicely wrapped up here for you.

The one complaint we have is when the volume is turned up, there was some noticeable distortion. It didn’t happen all the time, but enough to mention it here.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick and easy installation
• 4-way speaker set that comes with everything you need
• Fantastic sound quality

Cons:

• Distortion at high volume levels

JL Audio C2-690tx

When it comes to finding speakers that are the “everyman†speakers, we have to go with this set from JL Audio.  They are not moderately priced, perfect for someone who wants a little bit higher quality but not expensive enough to make you openly weep while paying.

While some speakers excel at playing certain types of music, we can assure you that these speakers perform well with everything you play. You’ll be able to enjoy rich vocals while also being able to listen to deep, rich bass.

These 3-way speakers are made with highly durable components, including a polypropylene cone that is going to withstand all the power you throw at it without suffering any distortion. The tweeters that accompany these speakers are able to handle any high frequencies to provide you with a top-notch listening experience.

They are not as powerful as others on this list, coming in at just 225 Watts of peak power. They also have great sensitivity and frequency range.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Simple and easy installation can fit in just about any vehicle
• Moderate price, perfect for those with a middle of the road budget
• No distortion
• Very durable components that stand the test of time

Cons:

• People complained about speaker blowout, but these complaints were rare

Rockford Fosgate Punch P1692

It’s incredible we’ve gone this far without talking about a Rockford Fosgate product, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Many regard Rockford Fosgate as the world leaders when it comes to car speakers and after getting our hands on it, you can see why

These speakers have it all: rich sound, durable materials, and a solid price. Many people have noted that these speakers are nearly impossible to blow. We didn’t test that theory, but we’ll take their word on it.

You’re going to get the full-range of speakers here. They also come with all the accessories for installation, like an Integrated Concealed Crossover and a grill.

It doesn’t come loaded with power but does rate well in every other category. More than anything, these speakers were made to last and they will run longer and play louder than many on this list.

If you go with these speakers, you’ll definitely be enjoying top-quality audio for quite some time.

The one downside to these speakers is they are quite difficult to install. They’re not nearly as cut and dry as other speakers are, but if you have a few extra hours to install them then you should be more than good.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Installation can be done in just about any vehicle
• Fantastic sound all the way around, brings out the most in your music
• Great components that make these speakers extra durable

Cons:

• Tricky installation

CT Sounds Meso

Another set of great speakers, the CT Sounds Meso produces rich, clear sound that will instantly improve your listening experience. CT Sounds is another brand that has done wonders with speakers in the past.

These speakers are made from high-quality materials, meaning they are durable, loud, and offer essentially no distortion.

Each speaker is fitted with a black stamp steel basket, Nitrile Butadiene Rubber surrounds, and plastic polypropylene to achieve great sound quality and whatever you decide to turn on.

It does have 240 Watts peak power and 120 Watts RMS to make sure that you’re getting all the loud sound and deep bass that you’re looking for.

In fact, this speaker does well with just about any audio range you can think of. While it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, many people have found that they don’t need one due to the speakers’ high-quality sound and parts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fantastic overall sound quality for whatever music you’re playing
• High-quality components
• You won’t have to purchase a subwoofer

Cons:

• Some people say the bass is lacking
• Tricky installation

Pyle PI6984BL

For those that are looking for a bargain deal or have a very tight budget, these are your speakers. You’re not going to find any speakers that are cheaper than this.

These speakers have a blue tint, and we think they look better because of it. Not that color is everything, but it helps to have a little bit of style when you’re installing them.

The specifications on these speakers look good from the outset, coming with 200 Watts RMS and 400 Watts peak power. You’ll be getting a full range of sound. They also have a good frequency range to hit all the highs and lows that you want to hear.

The components aren’t top quality but they are strong enough to provide you with a great listening experience. You’ll get loud sound and clear tunes overall.

Plus, the materials themselves are quite durable meaning you’ll be using these speakers for some time.

While the speakers play solid music, it certainly isn’t the best. After a few moments of listening, you probably will realize they don’t put out the same performance as other, more expensive ones do. But then again, these speakers are dirt cheap so you really can’t complain about that.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Overall good sound quality
• Durable components
• An absolute steal for the price

Cons:

• Not top sound quality, but can you really complain?
• Tricky installation

Pioneer TS-A6996R

These Pioneer speakers, just like every other Pioneer unit that we check out, stand out because of their amazing quality and design. They come equipped with the latest tech, something you’ll notice instantly when listening to them.

With a peak performance of 650 Watts, these speakers are powerfully built and the components back it up. With a multi-layer Mica Matrix Cone woofer and elastic polymer surround, you’ll be getting plenty of deep and rich bass.

They handle the power quite well and can fit in just about any car you have. The fact that they don’t cost a ton is a huge benefit too, as you’ll be able to enjoy top-dollar quality without spending top-dollar.

The tweeters delivered a fantastic range for those mid to high frequencies that allow your music to sound incredible without any noticeable distortion. You’d be hard-pressed to find speakers that are higher quality and a better price.

While complaints were few, the most common we found was that people say it lacked that throttling bass they desire. Other than that, there’s nothing to write home about.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Top-quality materials and incredibly sturdy
• Easy installation for just about any vehicle
• Rich and clear sound
• Best value we’ve seen

Cons:

• Bass can be a bit lacking

Boss Audio Ch6930

The first thing we noticed when checking out the specifications on these Boss speakers was their power handling ability. They can handle up to 400 Watts maximum power while providing excellent sound quality for all your music.

These speakers were made to be durable, and they’re ideal choices for those people who have to be listening to music the second they step in the car until the second they get out. You can tell they made these speakers with audio heads in mind.

They were made with materials to operate over long periods of time and resist fatigue. With top-quality components, like the polymer cone and rubber surround you’ll be pulling enough air in for a satisfying bass sound.

Another nice thing is that these speakers come with a three-year warranty in case the worst happens.

Installation is easy, making these a top choice for any beginners out there who want to get things done quickly.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Super easy installation
• Great power handling ability
• Quite affordable
• Long-lasting materials, meant to be played all day and night

Cons:

• Takes some time to fully break them in

Before Buying 6×9 Speakers…

There are certain considerations you should take into account before making the final decision. Below, we run over what should be at the top of your list when you’re ready to buy.

Component vs. Coaxial

You’re going to find two different types of speakers in the world: coaxial and component.

Coaxial tend to be cheaper, easier to install, and more in line for beginners. They take up less space by putting the different kinds of speakers into one unit. But, they do come at a price. You’re just not going to get the same sound quality you would with component speakers.

Component speakers come with different components and take up much more space. They’re going to cost more and be more difficult to install, but you’re going to get a better listening experience out of them.

What you choose is largely up to your budget, music you listen to, and space in your vehicle. Installing a component system in a compact car is much more difficult than installing it in an SUV.

Do they have loud bass?

Subwoofers are where you’re going to get your bass from, and those come in all shapes and sizes. Generally speaking, many people purchase a subwoofer when they buy their 6X9 speakers.

That’s because these speakers aren’t going to provide super-powerful bass, that’s just part of their limitations. Will you get good bass and an upgrade over your factory speakers? Without a doubt. You will notice the change instantly.

But if a booming, window-rattling bass is what you’re after then it’s best to spend your money elsewhere.

Terms to Know

Power Consumption-you’ll also see this written as RMS and that refers to the amount of power your speakers can handle over a certain period of time. Speakers with a low RMS will not need an amp while those with higher RMS will probably need an amp.

You probably also noticed us talking a lot about peak power, and that’s the maximum power that your speakers can handle. Peak power isn’t as important as RMS is, as you’ll likely have trouble reaching that amount of power no matter how loud you play your music. If you are planning to run an amp for your interior speakers, the Alpine PDX V9 is a great choice in most cases.

Sensitivity-this refers to the amount of sound a speaker can produce based on the amount of power it consumes. It’s aimed to be a measurement of efficiency but it can hold implications at certain ends of the volume spectrum.

The number you’ll see with sensitivity is dB or decibels. A higher sensitivity means louder sound and less power needed. Lower sensitivity requires more power.

Impedance-a hard word to say, impedance will determine whether or not you’re going to need an external amplifier. External amplifiers are hard to set up and mean you’ll be spending some extra cash as well.

High impedance goes easier on amps and require less baseline power to start working. Speakers that have lower impedance tend to be more demanding on an amp over time.

One of the most important things we can relate is that the ohms of your speaker and your amplifier must match. It’s not going to ruin your speakers or cause any damage, but you are going to notice a huge loss in sound quality over time. For the best results, make sure they are matching.

The Size

Wait a second, aren’t all 6X9 speakers going to be 6X9? If not, then why would you call them something else?

Before you grab your pitchforks and hurl rocks at us, know that this is technically true. Yes, all 6X9 speakers are in fact 6X9. Where that’s different, however, is the size of the entire speaker. The 6X9 only refers to the surface area of the speaker’s membrane.

That’s why some speakers are more difficult to install. The overall size of the speaker may be larger or smaller and could be difficult when you try to install it in your car. This is when you’ll need modifications in order to make sure everything lines up and works correctly.

Yes, it can be frustrating, especially when you pull it out of the box to find out it’s not going to be an even fit. But make sure you’re reading the instruction manual on what you can do to make sure everything lines up and you won’t have to go about doing as many modifications as you might require.

Closing Thoughts

Just like with any other speaker, there is no perfect speaker for you. Finding the right speaker is about your vehicle, music you listen to, and any budget constraints you might have while looking for a speaker.

We recommend doing plenty of research and taking the time to read reviews from other people as well, who can give you more specific ideas in terms of installation and other pieces of information.

Good luck shopping!