Between tuning your engine, modifying your suspension, or upgrading your interior upholstery, there is no shortage of ways to personalize your vehicle.
Specifically, upgrading from your original sound system can help you make your car your own. But, the best 6×8 car speakers are a cost-effective way to give your vehicle concert-quality sound.
6×8 car speakers are the most common speakers found in vehicles. If you’re looking to replace your dash, door, or rear speakers, you’ll want to look at the best 6×8 car speakers (Source). While some are easier to install than others, it’s a relatively simple modification to your car, especially if it’s just the speakers you’re replacing.
6×8 speakers are a great way to improve your vehicle’s sound without having to do an overhaul on your entire sound system. They often offer richer sound quality than factory speakers with bigger bass sounds and more volume.
If you’re an audiophile that doesn’t have a big car budget, 6×8 speakers can help you transform a weak car sound system (Source). They’re particularly perfect for enhancing sound systems that were damaged by age or by a collision.
Prior to purchasing 6×8 car speakers, you’ll have to ensure that their sound profile matches your audio preferences. You’ll also need to consider the wattage, and if they’ll require an external amplifier. Ease of installation should also be something you look for if you plan on installing yourself.
Don’t be afraid to crank up your sound system with these top-rated 6×8 car speakers.
What Are The Best 6×8 Speakers?
Table of Contents
- 1 What Are The Best 6×8 Speakers?
- 2 How Much Do 6×8 Speakers Cost?
- 3 Comparing The Best 6×8 Speakers
- 4 1. Rockford Fosgate P1683 – Best Overall
- 5 2. Pioneer TS-A6886R – Best Four Way 6×8 Speakers
- 6 3. Cerwin Vega V468 – Most Powerful 6×8 Speakers
- 7 4. Kenwood KFC-C6895PS – High RMS 6×8 Speakers
- 8 5. Rockford R168X2 Prime – Affrodable 6×8 Speakers
- 9 What Cars Have 6×8 Speakers?
- 10 Best 6X8 Speaker Brands
- 11 Things You Should Know Before Buying 6×8 Speakers
- 12 Ready To Buy The Best 6×8 Car Speakers?
The Rockford Fosgate Punch P1683 6×8 Car Speakers deliver superior sound quality that can significantly enhance your vehicle’s sound system. These 6×8 car speakers are simple to install thanks to Rockford Fosgate’s proprietary FlexFit basket design and come with an OEM adapter plate included.
How Much Do 6×8 Speakers Cost?
The average price for a pair of 6×8 speakers would be around $150. This is actually a great deal considering the excellent build quality and performance that these speakers are known for.
Perhaps the most important part of any car stereo system. 6×8 speakers are a great investment. Certain upgrades and features that may affect the overall price of these products include maximum power output, housing style, and brand.
It is important to consider that you will likely need a pair of these speakers, so make sure that there are two included in any package you intend on buying.
Comparing The Best 6×8 Speakers
Rockford Fosgate P1683 | |||
Pioneer TS-A6886R | |||
Cerwin Vega V468 | |||
Kenwood KFC-C6895PS | |||
Rockford R168X2 Prime |
1. Rockford Fosgate P1683 – Best Overall
A full range, three-way 6×8 speaker, the newest version of the Rockford Fosgate P1683 speaker delivers incredible performance for the price. It features an innovative Vertical Attach Surround Technique, or VAST, technology. With this tech, the speakers effective radiating cone surface is increased, which produces better efficiency and output capabilities.The speaker is made with a polypropylene injection model cone, with a rubber surround and an Integrated Concealed Crossover network. Thanks to such impressive construction, the speakers sound incredible without any mounting boxes.
The P1683 can handle peak power of up to 260 watts per pair, which means they will work excellently with an amplifier. Those who are not planning on adding an amp to their system will be pleased with the RMS power, which is at 60 watts per speaker.
Another impressive feature in the speaker is how it comes with an OEM adapter plate system. It means that each speaker has “break away” tabs that can be removed, if the speaker needs to fit into smaller openings.
- More power means louder music, especially when combined with an amp.
- Sound quality is very clean and crisp.
- The Integrated Concealed Crossover network results in very easy installation.
- Impressive bass.
- None
2. Pioneer TS-A6886R – Best Four Way 6×8 Speakers
One of the most recognizable brands in the industry, Pioneer is responsible for some of the best car audio equipment in the world. The TS-A6886R speakers are no different. These four-way speakers offer excellent power, punchy bass and a very wide range.These 6×8 speakers have a frequency response range of 28Hz to 39kHz, with a sensitivity of 91dB. The crossover frequency is measured at 9700Hz. The result? Music that sounds incredible, no matter what the genre.
Those who listen to music at a modest volume while in the car will be happy with these speakers, even if they are the only upgrade to the default car stereo system. Those who desire extremely high volume levels without distortion will need to get an accompanying amplifier.
These speakers are made with a lightweight, elastic polymer surround. The result is excellent cone movements and sound. It has two done tweeters with a midrange driver, which means that high frequency details in your music will shine through.
- Very high power capacity with good bass.
- Excellent dynamic range, which means all genres of music sound great.
- Very lightweight yet sturdy, which means they should last for years.
- Some users complain of the speakers requiring “break in” before they sound their best.
3. Cerwin Vega V468 – Most Powerful 6×8 Speakers
With a power handling capability of 400 watts, the Cerwin Vega V468 will deliver so much sound that you will not be able to hear any road noise when you are driving on a highway – even if your windows are DOWN!
Remember that an amplifier will be needed to boost up that volume without distortion, as default car stereo systems cannot handle it.
Another bonus with this speaker is the high sensitivity. It measures in at 94dB, which means that you will get an excellent sound experience on low powered systems too. The sound is clear, crisp, bright and very impressive in the midrange.
- Very powerful audio.
- Sound is clean and loud at all volumes and ranges.
- Excellent mid-bass.
- Sleek and modern style.
- Only show their best form with an accompanying amp – or a whole new car stereo system.
- Round shape means they are hard to install in many cars.
4. Kenwood KFC-C6895PS – High RMS 6×8 Speakers
The Kenwood KFC-C6895PS three-way is a very solid car speaker option, especially for those who desire high RMS power.These speakers deliver a stellar listening experience, providing articulate lows, impressive highs and punchy vocals. Whether you listen to pop, rap, hip hop or rock, you will find the experience excellent.
Enjoy blasting the music when you are on the highway or going on a long road trip? The high RMS on these speakers (85 watts) means that distortion will not be an issue. And thanks to the rubber surround, durability is not even in question. These speakers will be shining for years to come.
If we had a wish, it was for more maximum power. It is rated at 360 watts of max power, which is slightly low considering the RMS power of 85. It is the only major knock on an otherwise great speaker.
- Very pleasant and clean sound, especially on the mids and highs.
- Bass is very good for a car speaker setup.
- Higher RMS power means distortion at higher volumes should not be an issue.
- The installation is not very easy, mostly due to the way the wiring terminals bend when they are being connected.
- When in the high frequency range, the tweeters get overwhelmed and that negatively influences the sound.
5. Rockford R168X2 Prime – Affrodable 6×8 Speakers
The second Rockwood Fosgate speakers to make it onto our list, the R168X2 prime is an impressive option for those who are seeking budget car stereo speakers.This coaxial speaker is a sensational option for anyone who enjoys listening to drum and bass, because those are the areas where the speaker shines. The polypropylene cone, half-inch silk balanced tweeter and steel basket deliver excellent performance.
Not only is the bass powerful and clean, but the general sound of the speakers is very crisp and precise. There is no muddiness, which can be a telltale sign of cheap car speakers.
If you want two speakers that will last for close to a decade, provide impressive sound and bass, and deliver clean vocals, the R168X2 is a good choice.
- Made of high quality material that is designed to last.
- Excellent in the mid to high range frequencies.
- Great for listening to drum and bass.
- No distortion issues.
- Those who love rock or hip-hop may find the bass a little lacking for those genres.
- When the volume is turned close to all the way up, the sound can be a little too sharp for some ears.
What Cars Have 6×8 Speakers?
6×8 speakers are incredibly popular among most modern cars that you see on the street today. Many Ford vehicles, especially the recent Mustangs, come fully equipped with 6×8 speakers.
As a car that has been incredibly successful in the past, it is good to see that they are making the right decisions when it comes to audio equipment.
Even if your car does not come equipped with 6×8 speakers, it is not difficult to switch over. They often require no housing unit and are actually quite simple to install.
If 6×8 speakers are an important feature for you keep your eye out and you will surely find a car that is perfect for you. Thanks to their excellent sound output and bass response, these speakers are very easy to find.
Best 6X8 Speaker Brands
When it comes to the different brands of 6×8 speakers, there are many to choose from. Each will have their own unique features, but they will all perform in the same way, more or less. If you are trying to decide which product is right for you, you can’t go wrong with any of the brands that are on this list.
Rockford
As we have mentioned previously, Rockford produces some of the best 6×8 speakers out there. With their innovative VAST technology and solid build quality, Rockford is a brand that you can trust when it comes to audio equipment.
Kenwood
If you know anything about car stereos, you should definitely be quite familiar with the brand name Kenwood. This American based manufacturer of speakers are known as being one of the highest rated sources of audio equipment. Their 6×8 speakers are no exception, and you can not go wrong by choosing Kenwood.
Kicker
Kicker is typically known for their powerful subwoofers, but they also have some very impressive 6×8 speakers. Their D Series speakers have a maximum power output of 200 Watts, which equates to a whopping 400 watts for the pair. Featuring a stylish low profile housing, Kicker speakers will look and sound great in any car.
JBL
Another company that has some very impressive innovative technology packed into their 6×8 speakers is JBL. PlusOne Technology is exclusive to their products, and allows for a great balance between power and value. Overall, you can’t go wrong with any products that are made by JBL.
Things You Should Know Before Buying 6×8 Speakers
Cars have become more luxurious, comfortable and energy-efficient than at any point in human history. But the audio systems in most cars are still sub-par. You get a passable experience if you listen to the odd pop song on the radio.
But if you are someone who loves music and spends a lot of time driving every week, a quality car speaker system is a must. Your music will sound incredible, whether you are listening to rock, punk, hip hop, r&b or jazz tunes!
Speaker Sensitivity
Speaker sensitivity refers to how effectively a speaker is converting power into volume – or watts to decibels. With a higher sensitivity rating, car speakers are able to reach a louder volume without distortion or loss of sound quality.
Since the average car stereo system is low-powered, speakers with a sensitivity rating of 85dB or higher are a must to achieve loud and high-quality sound.
Power-Handling
The two figures that inform us about how much power a speaker can handle are the RMS and peak power. RMS power or root mean squared power, refers to the amount of power a speaker can handle over time, without producing any distortion.
Peak power is the maximum power that a speaker can handle without blowing. Since most car stereo systems are low powered, the peak power of a 6×8 speaker is not too important. Most people are never going to get anywhere near the peak power of their speaker.
The only time you should care about peak power is if you installed external amplifiers to your car stereo system. Amps can help you get more power out of the system, which may push your 6×8 speakers to the max.
But the figure that matters the most is RMS power, as it is going to tell you how much power the system can handle without distorting.
Build Quality
Ever been inside a friend’s car and noticed their speaker system is distorting a lot at higher volumes or base levels? It may not necessarily be due to a set of cheap speakers. The issue is that many car speakers degrade fairly quickly, as they are made with poor quality materials.
When choosing 6×8 speakers, it is important to go for a model that has a durable woofer, tweet, and surround material. Woofers are often made with synthetic films such as polypropylene or woven fabrics, along with a metal like aluminum or titanium.
For the tweeter, soft materials are required. Poly, silk or other textile blends are preferred, as the quality of material greatly impacts the sound quality. There are speakers made with ceramics or metal tweeters. Those produce a much brighter and snappier sound on the highs, but may not be preferred by all listeners.
And finally, the area surrounding the woofer should move freely and produce a very intense and bold bass. The speaker surround is usually made with cloth, foam, or rubber, with rubber being the best option as it is able to withstand extreme temperature and humidity.
Will They Fit?
Assuming that all 6×8 speakers will fit into every vehicle is a misconception. Every car has its own configuration. The space where speakers fit is distinct, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
What is the best way to know if a set of 6×8 speakers will fit in your vehicle? The easiest method is to take out the speakers that are in your car right now. Remove those speakers and take their measurements. They should have model information on them, which you can look up online for confirmation of the measurements.
Now that you have the measurements, you will be sure to buy 6×8 speakers that will fit into your car, SUV, or truck!
If you want an additional sound system, consider buying a 15-inch subwoofer as it produces a sound that appears to come at once from all directions. It changes fluctuating electric audio signals to airwaves, which is perceived as sound by the ear.
Ready To Buy The Best 6×8 Car Speakers?
Now you have a full breakdown of the top five 6×8 speakers on the market. Instead of needing to sift through 50 or 100 products, you only need to compare five!
Those who are most concerned about the quality of sound that comes through their car speaker system, the newest version of the Rockford Fosgate P1683 speaker is the best option. It offers incredible value, durability and sound performance. The speakers will blow you away, especially when listening to music with heavy bass.
If a more budget-friendly option is needed, the Kenwood KFC-C6895PS or Rockford R168X2 Prime both offer an excellent alternative. They may not have the pristine and flawless performance of the P1683, but they are very respectable choices that will elevate your car music system.
Are you looking for a full, quality sound for your vehicle audio system? Consider adding the best under seat subwoofers. If you are using 6×8 speakers, consider also buying the best 4×6 speakers as they are certainly compact and able to produce crisp and solid audio.
Thanks For this… I am looking to buy 6×8 speakers next week.