Get a Full Range of Sound from the Best Coaxial Speakers
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Focal IC 165 6.5" Coaxial Speakers -
Polk Audio DB402 DB+ Series 4" Coaxial Speakers -
Infinity Reference 6532IX 6-1/2" 2-Way Car Speakers Coaxial Speaker -
Alpine S-S65 S-Series 6.5-inch Coaxial 2-Way Speakers -
Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5-Inch Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speaker -
Focal K2 Power 165KRC 6-3/4" Coaxial Speaker Kit -
CDT Audio Braxial ES-62i 6.5" 180W RMS 2-Way Component Speakers System -
Morel Integra Ovation XO 6 Coaxial Speakers -
Focal Performance 6.5" 2-Way Coaxial Speaker PC-165 -
ECX-570.5 - Hertz 5" x 7" 105W RMS 2-Way Energy Series Coaxial Speaker -
Kenwood KFC-G6930 6"x9" 3-Way Speakers -
Rockford Fosgate Punch P1692 6 x 9-Inches Full Range Coaxial Speakers -
Infinity Reference 9632CF 6x9-Inch, 300-Watt High Performance Two-Way Loudspeaker -
Polk Audio db691 6"x9" 3-way Speakers -
Sound Ordnance P-69 6"x9" 2-way car speakers -
JL Audio C5-650x Coaxial Speakers -
Alpine SPR-60 6" Coaxial Speakers -
Infinity Kappa 62.11i 6.75" 2 way CAR Audio Speakers -
Focal Performance 6.5" 2-Way Coaxial Speaker PC-165 -
Rockford Fosgate T165 Power 6.5-Inch 2-way Coaxial Full-Range Speaker -
Polk Audio db691 6"x9" 3-way Speakers -
Focal Polyglass 690 CVX 6 x 9-Inch Coaxial Speaker -
Alpine SPR-69 6" x 9" Coaxial Speakers -
Kenwood Excelon KFC-X693 6" x 9" 3-Way Flush Mount Speakers -
Rockford Fosgate Punch P1692 6 x 9-Inches Full Range Coaxial Speakers -
Buyer's Guide
Coaxial speakers are so named after their configuration – the woofer and the tweeter are mounted on the same axis. This carries the benefit of projecting a full range of sound from a single location. Coaxial speakers also tend to be easier to install than their component system counterparts, as all of the wiring is grouped in a single location. This also means that there is no need to drill into panels to install tweeters in non-factory locations. Check out our list of the best coaxial speakers in 2022.
Detailing the Best Coaxial Speakers of 2022
Focal IC 165 6.5" Coaxial Speakers - Best Coaxial Speaker Overall
Focal's latest Integration line uses much of the same technology that is present in the company's higher-end products, resulting in natural and accurate sound reproduction. As a result, the Integration IC 165 offers the sort of performance that is often lacking in many budget-friendly speakers. Despite their relatively affordable price, these speakers boast quality materials and extremely clear sound, as well as the ability to handle high volumes without distorting. With power output rated at 60 watts RMS and 140 watts max, a stout amplifier is a good idea in order to get the most out of these speakers while also avoiding any potential damage.
Polk Audio DB402 DB+ Series 4" Coaxial Speakers - Runner Up
If you’re looking for the best way to upgrade your factory sound system without spending too much money, this is it. The Polk Audio db651 coaxial speakers feature durable, high-quality construction and materials that allow it to be certified for marine use as well. The db651 is rated at 60 watts RMS, with a peak power handling capacity of 180 watts. The woofer cone is made of a polymer/mica composite, and the tweeter is a silk/polymer composite dome design. Together, they bring excellent life-like clarity in both midrange and highs, though the bass response trails in comparison. Even so, these speakers deliver fantastic sound quality for a very reasonable amount of money.
Infinity Reference 6532IX 6-1/2" 2-Way Car Speakers Coaxial Speaker - Honorable Mention
Simply put, the Infinity Reference 6032si speakers are essentially the shallow mount versions of the Reference 6032cf speakers - with essentially no drawbacks. These speakers are made to be easier to fit in smaller spaces while still providing excellent performance. Their low-impedance design allows for your factory head unit to easily power them, and their power output is rated at 50 watts RMS (peak 150 watts). Infinity has essentially designed these speakers to be a drop-in replacement unit for just about any factory sound system. Despite the shallow design and slightly lower power rating than the standard-sized Reference 6032cf, the Reference 6032si speakers offer a great way to upgrade your factory sound system.
Alpine S-S65 S-Series 6.5-inch Coaxial 2-Way Speakers - Consider
At under $100, the Alpine SPS-610 is an absolute steal. While the Type-S lineup may not impress individuals with trained ears, these coaxial speakers are a definite improvement over most cheap factory speakers. The SPS-610 is extremely versatile, with a power handling range of anywhere from 2-80 watts RMS and 240 watts maximum. Although the SPS-610 doesn't require an amplifier, using one is recommended for best performance. The silk dome tweeter is an entirely new design, and can reproduce details without becoming shrill. While the SPS-610 is wholly competent at low-to-moderate volume levels, really cranking the volume reveals its 'budget' nature through heavy amounts of distortion.
Rockford Fosgate R165X3 Prime 6.5-Inch Full-Range 3-Way Coaxial Speaker - Best Budget Coaxial Speakers
Rockford Fosgate makes their renowned sound quality accessible to everyone with their Prime series, which combines great performance with affordable prices. Their Prime R165X3 coaxial speakers offer a solid upgrade over factory speakers, even with the stock head unit left intact. Power handling is rated at 45 watts RMS and a max of 90 watts, and sound quality is excellent for this class. Overall, mids and highs are clear, though as with any lower-priced speakers, bass can sometimes be somewhat lacking. There is also the risk of distortion at higher volumes, which is to be expected. However, if you're looking for an upgrade over your factory speakers without needing to spend a fortune, the Rockford Fosgate Prime R165X3 is a good choice.
Focal K2 Power 165KRC 6-3/4" Coaxial Speaker Kit - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
Focal is known throughout the industry for using extremely high-quality proprietary materials in their speaker systems which lend them their characteristic performance. The K2 Power is no different, with the woofer cone made of a unique layering of glass, foam, and Aramid. This allows the cone to provide natural sound, combined with the durability of a harder material. The tweeter is equally special, featuring an inverted dome layout made of Aramid fibers (much like a miniature woofer) as well as being adjustable on its base. The result is a full, even sound profile, with no flat spots or spikes to mar the performance. The K2 Power 165KRC calls for 80 watts RMS for maximum performance, with an upper limit of 160 watts. While expensive, this high-tech coaxial speaker delivers the true audiophile-grade performance sought by many and achieved by few.
CDT Audio Braxial ES-62i 6.5" 180W RMS 2-Way Component Speakers System - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
CDT's ES-62i speakers are technically not true coaxial speakers, but we've given this a pass due to their similarities and excellent overall performance. These speakers are technically CDT's own 'braxial' design, with the tweeter mounted off-axis from the woofer. The company claims that this design improves on the coaxial design, offering better performance while fixing some of the common drawbacks such as inaccurate staging. It seems to work, as these speakers are some of the best audiophile-grade 'coaxial' speakers on the market today. Though they are relatively pricey, the added expense should come as no surprise to those seeking a truly high-end listening experience.
Morel Integra Ovation XO 6 Coaxial Speakers - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
The Integra Ovation XO is Morel’s flagship coaxial speaker offering. This superlative usually means performance levels that audiophiles dream of, and the Integra Ovation XO 6 does not disappoint. Unlike other systems which rely on each individual part to perform to a high level, the Integra Ovation XO 6 performs well as a whole. The XO 6 is rated to handle 100 watts RMS and a maximum of 400 watts, leaving no doubts about the quality of the Integra Ovation line. According to Morel, the Integra Ovation XO series of speakers are engineered specifically for cases where a component speaker system is not an option. Whether that’s important to you or not, one thing remains unchanged: this is one of the highest-performing coaxial speaker systems on the market today.
Focal Performance 6.5" 2-Way Coaxial Speaker PC-165 - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
Focal's Performance series speakers bring high-end sound quality to your car, no matter what the circumstances. While the Performance PC 165 speakers are definitely not cheap, they offer some of the top performance that can be coaxed from a coaxial speaker. These speakers offer surprisingly punchy bass, with clear and powerful mids and highs. To really get the most out of these speakers, using ahigher-powered amplifier is recommended. While some factory head units might be able to power the 60 watts RMS-rated speakers (120 watts max), the performance will take a hit. If you're willing to pay a bit more to get Focal sound quality without any cut corners to fit budget restraints, the Performance PC 165 are a good choice.
ECX-570.5 - Hertz 5" x 7" 105W RMS 2-Way Energy Series Coaxial Speaker - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
With the Performance 426, DLS maintains its reputation for high-quality speaker systems. These 2-way speakers are the highest-performing 6.5-inch coaxial speakers currently offered by DLS, combining excellent performance with relative affordability. The Performance 426 produces warm, detailed sound, and as with any higher-end speaker, performs best when connected to an external amplifier. These speakers have power output rated at 60 watts RMS, with peak power handling of 90 watts. As the most affordable pick on this list, you can certainly do worse when it comes to quality coaxial speakers.
Kenwood KFC-G6930 6"x9" 3-Way Speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Kenwood's ability to offer quality and performance for relatively low prices is on full display with the KFC-G6930. These speakers are extremely affordable, with most major retailers carrying this model for under $50. While bass response and high volume performance does suffer somewhat, it's difficult to get better overall performance for such a low price. Power output is rated at 50 watts RMS, with a max of 300 watts, making it likely that your factory stereo can power these speakers without a problem. If you want to upgrade or replace your stock speakers with the intent of just doing casual listening, the KFC-G6930 are some of the best 6x9 speakers you can get for the price.
Rockford Fosgate Punch P1692 6 x 9-Inches Full Range Coaxial Speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Though one might not usually expect to see products from Rockford Fosgate on a budget-oriented list, their 'Prime' series of speakers are actually quite affordable. The Prime R169X2 6x9 coaxial speakers allow you to upgrade your car's stock system without spending too much, delivering crisp and powerful sound for less than $100. Power handling is rated at 65 watts RMS, with a max of 130 watts. Though any speaker will sound better with an upgraded amplifier, the Prime R169X2 will provide a performance bump over factory speakers - even when hooked up to the factory head unit.
Infinity Reference 9632CF 6x9-Inch, 300-Watt High Performance Two-Way Loudspeaker - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Though these speakers are far from audiophile-grade, they represent a significant upgrade a factory sound system for not much money. Although a new amplifier will always be the best companion for getting top performance out of your speakers, the Infinity Reference 9632cf can provide a noticeable improvement with the stock head unit left in place, thanks to the low-impedance design. Power handling is not an issue, with the Reference 9632cf rated at 100 watts RMS, and 300 watts peak. Sound quality is excellent for the price, making these speakers a stand out budget-friendly choice.
Polk Audio db691 6"x9" 3-way Speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Polk Audio has a real winner with the db series speakers. As with the related db6501 component speaker system and db651 coaxial speaker, the db691 is the best budget option in its category. These speakers are certified for marine use, meaning they can handle the occasional splash of water or extended exposure to direct sunlight. Polk recommends powering the db691 with at least 10 watts RMS up to 100 watts RMS. Bass output is outstanding, and the 3-way design allows the db691 to accurately reproduce higher frequencies as well. These speakers perform so well that it's difficult to justify spending more money on any other 6x9 speaker.
Sound Ordnance P-69 6"x9" 2-way car speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
A relatively new name to the speaker scene, Sound Ordnance is Crutchfield's in-house brand. While not everyone will want to steer away from the more well-known brands, Sound Ordnance promises to uphold Crutchfield's strong reputation for excellence and customer service. The P-69 speakers deliver solid all-around performance at a very reasonable price, making them a great budget-friendly choice. Power handling is rated at 55 watts RMS, with a peak of 100 watts, and the resulting sound is clear and strong. At less than $50 for the pair, these are a great choice if you don't mind not having one of the big mainstream brands.
JL Audio C5-650x Coaxial Speakers - Best Coaxial Speakers Overall
The C5-650x is JL Audio’s highest-performing coaxial speaker offering. This system is built with high-quality materials, from the mineral-filled polypropylene woofer cone and butyl rubber surround, ferrite woofer magnet, neodymium tweeter magnet, and a soft silk dome tweeter. As a result, sound quality is outstanding and as natural as it gets. Midrange and highs are both extremely smooth, with both components filling out the soundstage with no gaps or spikes. The C5-650x is rated at 75 watts RMS and 225 watts max, though JL audio recommends anywhere from 25 to 150 watts per channel.
Alpine SPR-60 6" Coaxial Speakers - Best Coaxial Speakers Overall
Not all quality coaxial speakers are expensive. Alpine's Type-R line has been popular amongst enthusiasts for a long time due to their solid construction, high levels of sound output, and the relatively affordable price. The latest Type-R carries on this tradition, with subtle improvements designed to yield better overall performance. The SPR-60 is capable of satisfying bass output as well as detailed sound reproduction, and maintains its performance at loud volumes. The redesigned silk dome tweeter resists the 'harshness' that plagues lesser speakers, and provides smooth response at higher volume levels. The best part is the price - at well under $200, there's enough of a budget left to focus on other aspects of your sound system.
Infinity Kappa 62.11i 6.75" 2 way CAR Audio Speakers - Best Coaxial Speakers Overall
Infinity's Kappa 62.11i speakers offer high quality at a relatively low price, allowing you to get an excellent upgrade to your car's factory speakers. The Kappa 62.11i delivers an excellent sound stage and natural, clear sound. Bass output is also good for a coaxial speaker, thanks in part to a lighter material that requires less power to drive the woofer. Power output is rated at 75 watts RMS, with a peak of 225 watts. As with any high-performing system, it is advisable that you set these up with a suitable amplifier to make sure you extract the most performance.
Focal Performance 6.5" 2-Way Coaxial Speaker PC-165 - Best High End Coaxial Speakers
Focal's Performance series speakers bring high-end sound quality to your car, no matter what the circumstances. While the Performance PC 165 speakers are definitely not cheap, they offer some of the top performance that can be coaxed from a coaxial speaker. These speakers offer surprisingly punchy bass, with clear and powerful mids and highs. To really get the most out of these speakers, using ahigher-powered amplifier is recommended. While some factory head units might be able to power the 60 watts RMS-rated speakers (120 watts max), the performance will take a hit. If you're willing to pay a bit more to get Focal sound quality without any cut corners to fit budget restraints, the Performance PC 165 are a good choice.
Rockford Fosgate T165 Power 6.5-Inch 2-way Coaxial Full-Range Speaker - Best Coaxial Speakers Overall
If you're looking for top-notch sound quality from a coaxial speaker, Rockford Fosgate's T165 Power speakers are certain to fit the bill. Rockford Fosgate's Power name plate brings heightened expectations of performance, and the T165 does not disappoint. These speakers offer strong bass and crisp overall sound at a reasonable price, and the included adapter brackets mean that they can fit in several different-sized openings. With a power rating of 70 watts RMS and a max of 140 watts, it is recommended to connect a suitable amplifier to get the most performance. The T165 Power speakers are an excellent way to upgrade your car's factory setup without blowing your budget.
Polk Audio db691 6"x9" 3-way Speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Polk Audio has a real winner with the db series speakers. As with the related db6501 component speaker system and db651 coaxial speaker, the db691 is the best budget option in its category. These speakers are certified for marine use, meaning they can handle the occasional splash of water or extended exposure to direct sunlight. Polk recommends powering the db691 with at least 10 watts RMS up to 100 watts RMS. Bass output is outstanding, and the 3-way design allows the db691 to accurately reproduce higher frequencies as well. These speakers perform so well that it's difficult to justify spending more money on any other 6x9 speaker.
Focal Polyglass 690 CVX 6 x 9-Inch Coaxial Speaker - Best 6x9 Coaxial Speakers Overall
The IC 690 brings the excellent sound quality expected from Focal to your car, using the same technology found in their home audio equipment. This includes Focal's own Polyglass material, which is essentially made of glass-coated paper. This allows for the natural, warm sound of a paper cone, but with added strength thanks to the additional glass layer. The only real downside of this is that the IC 690, thanks to its incredible sound accuracy, will also reproduce any noise or distortion in compressed and lower-quality sound files - making using high quality audio files important. The IC 690 can handle up to 80 watts RMS, and should ideally be used with a higher-end amplifier to extract the best performance possible.
Alpine SPR-69 6" x 9" Coaxial Speakers - Best 6x9 Coaxial Speakers Overall
One of the most disappointing things that can happen with a set of speakers is the onset of distortion at higher volumes. This is especially true with distortion-prone 6x9 speakers, as the oval design is hardly ideal for resisting such phenomenon. It's a surprise, then, that Alpine has managed to mostly iron out this undesirable characteristic in the SPR-69. This 2-way 6x9 speaker boasts the ability to play back music at extremely loud volumes, provided it is powered with at least 50-100 watts RMS. The silk dome tweeter allows higher-volume playback without introducing piercing highs. The SPR-69 also boasts tons of bass output, which should have many listeners postponing or even forgoing the purchase of a dedicated subwoofer.
Kenwood Excelon KFC-X693 6" x 9" 3-Way Flush Mount Speakers - Best 6x9 Coaxial Speakers Overall
Kenwood certainly has a way of striking that perfect balance between solid performance and great price, making them one of the most-trusted brands on the market for those who don't want to spend a lot on their setup. The Excelon KFC-X693 delivers crisp and strong sound, with power output rated at 130 watts RMS (up to 300 watts max). Any way you look at it, the KFC-X693 promises to be an excellent upgrade over any factory system. Easy installation and good build quality round out the value proposition of these speakers, which can generally be found for under $100 from major retailers.
Rockford Fosgate Punch P1692 6 x 9-Inches Full Range Coaxial Speakers - Best Budget 6x9 Coaxial Speaker
Though one might not usually expect to see products from Rockford Fosgate on a budget-oriented list, their 'Prime' series of speakers are actually quite affordable. The Prime R169X2 6x9 coaxial speakers allow you to upgrade your car's stock system without spending too much, delivering crisp and powerful sound for less than $100. Power handling is rated at 65 watts RMS, with a max of 130 watts. Though any speaker will sound better with an upgraded amplifier, the Prime R169X2 will provide a performance bump over factory speakers - even when hooked up to the factory head unit.
Buyer's Guide
What are Coaxial Speakers?
Coaxial speakers are a speaker system in which the driver of each speaker emits sound from a common axis. They offer a wider field of listening. They are also referred to as car speaker systems, in which the tweeter and woofer are also connected on the same axis and emit sound from a centralized location. Not only are coaxial speakers known to be better than their counterparts, but they are also much easier to install.
In car audio, you can find 2 or 3-way coaxial speakers, and they have a compact design, as the tweeter and mid-range driver are installed in front of the woofer. Apart from this, coaxial speaker systems are also used in home and professional audio setups.
Why Should You Use Coaxial Speakers?
As mentioned above, coaxial speakers project sound from the same axis but through individual drivers. They offer a single solution where the woofer and tweeter are also installed, which makes them easier to install. Moreover, coaxial speakers are often used to replace older speaker systems, such as single-cone speakers.
Coaxial speakers have a full-range and complete sound, mainly because the drivers are synced together and sound is projected at a common axis. Plus, you can always scale up the performance by tweaking certain factors, such as the power rating, tweeter quality, materials, etc. Moreover, they eliminate the need for any crossover or additional device to connect both speakers, the woofer and the tweeter.
Last but not least, coaxial speakers are also budget-friendly, and you can easily find them within an affordable range. Of course, the high-end options cost much more, but their output quality is also enhanced.
History of the Coaxial Speakers
The coaxial speaker is said to be invented by Herman J. Fanger in 1928, and it was improved and reinvented by Fulcrum Acoustic in 1936. Then, the creation of the Altec Lansing Duplex 601 coaxial driver in 1943 and the Altec 604 in 1945 changed the way professional audio was recorded and played back, and this became the standard for recording studios.
In the early 1950s, coaxial speakers were also used in home audio products by Tannoy, a renowned loudspeaker manufacturer. Since then, there have been many improvements in this regard. Coaxial speakers became popular as car audio systems in the early 1970s by Electronic Industries Inc., and Jensen Loudspeakers also rolled out a retail model soon after.
Today, a very advanced and innovative form of coaxial speakers are being used everywhere, from studios to car audio systems.
Things to Consider Before Buying Coaxial Speakers
If you are considering buying coaxial speakers for your car audio systems, you would want to have the best sound possible, so that you can enjoy your favorite music. There are certain factors that would help you choose the best coaxial speakers, and they are listed below.
Speaker Size
If you are looking to replace the existing speakers in your car, then you will have to find out what type they are, as well as their dimensions. You can remove the speakers and measure them, or you can find out the information from shops that sell and install car speaker systems. Once you know the dimensions, you will be able to shortlist your options accordingly.
Power Handling
When it comes to car audio systems, power has a major role to play in the selection of the best coaxial speakers. Power handling refers to the amount of power the speakers can deliver without the sound coming out as distorted. Usually, this value is denoted as the root-mean-square or RMS value.
When you are choosing between different options, make sure to check out their power rating and RMS value, so that you can be sure that they will be able to handle the power that comes from the head unit.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is another major factor that comes into play when you are choosing the best coaxial speakers for your car. This factor refers to the amount of power the speakers need to deliver sound at a certain volume level. If the coaxial speakers have a higher sensitivity, then they would consume less power to output the sound, and they are suitable for stock car audio.
On the other hand, if you have a high-performance amp in your car or are planning to install it, you can opt for speakers that have a low sensitivity.
Compatibility
A major factor to consider while choosing the best coaxial speakers is compatibility, which refers to whether your new coaxial speakers would work well with the existing car audio system. You can find out about this by reading the customer reviews for the coaxial speakers you are considering buying and seeing if any person has connected them with the factory stereo of their car.
Build Quality
The build quality is one of the crucial factors when choosing the right coaxial speakers, since they directly influence the lifespan and sound output. If you choose coaxial speakers that are made from cheap materials, not only will they fail to deliver the desired sound output, but they will also die out earlier than expected.
Therefore, you should opt for high-quality materials, such as rubber surrounds, polypropylene or metal-coated synthetic fabric woofers, and metal tweeters. These will provide a much more refined sound experience and will also last longer.
FAQs
What is the difference between 2-way and 3-way coaxial speakers?
2-way coaxial speakers have a woofer and tweeter embedded into them, whereas 3-way coaxial speakers have both of them and a mid-range component installed as well.
Can I connect new coaxial speakers with my factory car audio system?
You can do that, but they might not work at their full output, which is why you can add an external amplifier to improve the sound quality greatly.
Do I need an amplifier for coaxial speakers?
You don’t necessarily need an amplifier with your coaxial speakers. However, installing one will definitely improve the sound and volume output, and it would also reduce distortion significantly.f