These are my recommendations for best 6×8 speakers in 2023.
There is something special about toying with your car.
Yeah, it’s used to get you from point A to B, but that doesn’t mean the journey shouldn’t be as fun as possible.
While I’m not that well versed in popping a brand new crank into the thing and making my fuel pump louder than my engine, I do know a thing or two about audio.
Factory speakers are a bit dull, faint, and aren’t nearly as cool as aftermarket ones. Getting a banging stereo for your car is the first step to any aftermarket build, but with so many products on the market, one could simply get lost in the selection.
Top 5 Best 6×8 Speakers -Reviews
After doing some testing, I’ve found five fantastic 6×8 speakers that fit perfectly with my car and stereo preferences, and I’ll list my top picks below.
So without further ado, let’s get into it, shall we?
1. Pyle PL683BL: Best 6×8 Speakers for Bass
Pyle is one of the top manufacturers of speakers in the world today. Not only are they known for their trademark quality, but also for their quirky and user-orientated design features.
This particular model shows quite a lot of promise from the moment you take it out of the box. When it arrived, the first thing I had noticed was the slick, sexy, and sleek body, which made me want to display them instead of hiding them behind the speaker box.
Secondly, I was taken aback by the weight of these speakers. They are in no sense of the word light, which is a good thing. That means that they’re composed of heavy-duty materials, something you expect from a manufacturer like Pyle.
After reading up on these speakers, I’ve found out that they have a 40 oz magnet structure, which explains their weight.
I like that they have a butyl rubber surround combined with a polymer cone – as it shows the perfect ratio of durable materials without being too snarky, or expensive for that matter.
Technicality-wise, these speakers do deliver an impressive sound. With 360 watts peak power and surround sound capabilities, you can turn your meek sound system into a booming and bumping machine in no time at all.
These speakers have a 70Hz–20Khz frequency response range, which is quite impressive considering their affordability.
Just like most Pyle speakers, these also have the 1″ A.S.V. voice coil, which ensures a fantastic, clear, and crisp sound. Pyle, while well known for their outstanding car speakers, is not known for their D.I.Y. friendly design.
While this product does come as a kit with all the mounting, screws, and grilles, installing it could be a little tricky if you haven’t done it before, and that’s mostly due to the relatively shallow design of these speakers.
These were one of the most affordable options on this list, but don’t let their price tag fool you. Not only are these a fantastic option for their price, but they also exceeded my already high expectations.
Pros:
- Very affordable speakers
- Outstanding performance
- Quality materials
Cons:
- Tough to install
- Lack of unique features
2. Pioneer TS-A6880F – Best 6×8 Speakers 2023 Under 100
Pioneer is the Pioneer of music, sound, and deafening car stereos.
If you’ve ever heard of any audio tech company, you’ve likely already heard of Pioneer. Without a doubt, this brand is one of the most popular manufacturers in this industry, and I do understand why.
Consistency is the key to why Pioneer has remained on top of their game for over eight decades, and their car speaker are just an ode to their build quality and brand value.
Sentiments aside, these particular speakers were just what I had expected from a brand like Pioneer and the price I paid for them.
They were stern, sturdy, looked fantastic, and sounded even better. I don’t think that you can much better look than a sleek Pioneer 6×8. Not only does the material composition of this speaker scream quality, but it looks very good as well.
It has a power output of a staggering peak power of 350 watts, which is more than any reasonable music connoisseur could ever hope to have.
Once you look into the technical terms, you’ll find that these speakers have Twin 11mm polyethylene terephthalate tweakers, which sounds like something straight out of a sci-fi flick.
Sound-wise, I was taken back by these speakers. Nothing I haven’t expected of Pioneers in this price range, but the sound was so clean and crisp that you could virtually eat off of it. These speakers have some pretty impressive bass, which is not too common with car speakers.
One thing I have to note about these speakers is that installing them into my Miata for testing was an absolute pleasure.
I’ve been testing car speakers for a while now and have a little set up for it, and I’ve gotten quite handy with the wiring and mounting – but these Pioneers are fool-proof. Installing them was almost as pleasurable as listening to the highs and mids accompanied by the fat bass.
Pros:
- Bullet-proof build
- Extraordinary highs and mids
Cons:
- Only decent lows
3. Rockford Fosgate P1683: Best 6×8 3-Way Coaxial Speakers
Everyone that has ever read any of my car speaker reviews will know that I have a soft spot for Rockford. Not only do they offer superb sounding speakers, but they’re also known for their reliability and their fantastic performance.
These particular speakers are just like all of the other Rockford speakers I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing – well built, great-sounding, and as durable as an 80s Volvo.
The additional charm comes from the fact that you can install these in virtually any car with a sound system – they’re just so adaptable.
My Miata loves them, and after reading up on the reports of others, I’ve found that they fit and work just as well in any car, regardless of year, make, and model.
They’re not nearly as powerful as other options on this list, as their output is 130 watts peak power per speaker, but they’re three-way-speakers, meaning they generate sound from the woofer, tweaker, and the mid-range.
That provides for the best possible sound on the market, and when combined with Rockford’s familiarly affordable price tag – this might be the best bump for your buck.
These speakers’ clarity is fantastic, as their resistance is capped at four ohms, which is the industry standard for such speakers.
I don’t usually talk about modulation with speakers, and that’s because most of the car speakers I’ve reviewed are two way, sound speakers.
With three-way sound speakers like these, you can play with the equalizer and modulation to get the perfect sound. It took me no more than a couple of minutes to save a couple of presets for songs and genres I liked, and I’m sure that you can master this in no time at all – it’s just so simple.
Because of their relatively normal performance and frequency range, they don’t require any additional equipment to run as smoothly as possible – they work on most stock stereos and most stock amps. All you need to do is replace your old 6×8 speakers with these and enjoy the additional sound quality, bass, and treble.
Pros:
- Three-way speakers
- Superb sound
- Easy modulation
Cons:
- Not as powerful
4. Infinity KAPPA-86CFX: Best 6×8 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
Infinity is a name that you don’t see too often in any of my reviews, and that’s not because they’re bad. Don’t get me wrong – these are near-perfect car speakers – they just suffer from one critical issue that makes them non-appealing to most people.
Most Infinity speakers are expensive, and getting a pair for your car doesn’t always work out too well.
They don’t work with all car brands and models, but when they do work – oh boy, will you know it. I got these for a surprisingly low price on a timed deal, and that’s the only reason I had considered them in the first place.
I was genuinely taken back by these speakers’ capabilities both in regards to their sheer output and the clarity of the sound.
I test the sound in more ways than one, but I usually give most of my attention to how they sound to me, and these sounded just like a high-end pair of car speakers should.
With 300 Watts peak power and a weight of over five and a half pounds, these speakers audio quality, build quality, and endurance – quite literally.
If you’re a person that likes to feel bees in their teeth, you’ll love the bass that these puppies are capable of producing. Shattered eardrums, here we come!
While these speakers are expensive, their remarkable features justify the price ten times over. I didn’t get a mere “bang” for my buck with these speakers – I got a sonic boom.
Pros:
- Superb audio quality
- Ear-wrecking bass
- Unprecedented clarity
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
5. Alpine Pair R-S68 – Another Great 6×8 Speakers for Sound Quality
Are you the type of person in love with a potent bass, a sound that’s so clear, and the modulation composition that seems like Ennio Morricone himself did it? I know I am, and if you are one of these people, you can’t go wrong with this option.
I’ve always heard tall tales that Alpine speakers were the best that the industry had to offer, but I hadn’t expected them to be this good.
The price, however, is almost as hair raising as the sound itself, but that’s okay. I believe that everyone should treat themselves to a decadent gift like this from time to time.
On to the technicalities – these speakers have 300 Watts peak power, which makes them pretty standard. They’re two-way speakers and have an impedance value of four ohms. Their frequency response is where these speakers shine, as it’s anywhere between 63Hz and 29Khz.
I genuinely, wholly adore the way that these speakers look and feel in your hands. They have just the right amount of weight and seem so sleek to the touch that they’re practically irresistible. The material composition of these speakers is outright decadent.
They’re made out of virtually unavailable materials in other speakers, such as high-end hybrid fiber cone lining and silk dome tweeter.
The lows are just as clear and potent as the highs, and the mids aren’t half bad either.
What takes me back with these speakers is the H.A.M.R. surround sound, which makes you feel like you’re in an opera house, no matter if you’re listening to Hip Hop or death metal.
I was looking forward to slick Alpine grills, but I didn’t get any with these, which is a real bummer since they were so expensive — all in all, a killer car speaker for a murdered out ride – if you can afford it.
Pros:
- Extraordinary materials
- Good modulation
- Great frequency response
Cons:
- Very expensive
Benefits of Upgrading Your 6×8 Speakers
It’s important to cover what upgrading your 6×8 means and does to your car stereo. The 6×8 speakers are commonly used in car audio systems; however, the installed factory speakers aren’t all that great.
By upgrading to aftermarket 6×8 speakers, you can improve the overall loudness, bass, and audio quality of the music in (or out) of your vehicle.
Many stock speakers aren’t made for people who like to bump their tunes loud, and by using a subwoofer, improved car speakers, and a decent amplifier, you can turn your car stereo from a pair of headphones to a concert-loud system.
If you’re running on an older vehicle such as myself, upgrading your car speakers won’t only improve their loudness, it will improve the sound quality by a considerable amount.
Through the use of O.E.M. speakers, you can even include surround sound elements into your old car, all while improving upon the bass, treble, and sheer loudness of your car stereo.
Speaker Materials
Like anything else around us, a testament to good car speakers are the materials used in their construction.
Speakers come in all shapes, sizes, and costs – and while the cheaper options might look like a million bucks, you can rest assured that they will be lacking in some departments.
While you can get a fantastic and affordable deal, there is no such thing as a perfect speaker. I believe that chasing perfection is a fool’s game, but you can get pretty damn close if you know what you’re looking for.
Below, I’ll give you some basic info on the three most important materials that make up a 6×8 speaker, as well as some things you need to look out for.
Woofer Cone Materials
The woofer cone is one of the most important parts of a speaker. The material that the woofer cone is made up of dictates the sound. The most popular materials used to manufacture woofer cones are:
- Aramid Fiber
- Paper
- Polypropylene
- Metal
All of these have their unique benefits and drawbacks, but Polypropylene is considered the best out of the bunch for its price-quality ratio. The best performance-wise is probably Aramid Fiber, but woofer cones made out of it tend to be wildly expensive compared to other materials.
Woofer Surround Materials
The subwoofer surround materials also have a very important impact on the high quality sound of the car speaker itself.
Almost every speaker’s component influences its sound to some extent, but the materials used in woofer surround can either make or break a speaker. The three most popular materials used for this purpose are:
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Rolled Paper
All three of these are popular, and all of them have their distinct features.
Plastic surround materials are the most common due to their reliability and affordability. Rubber surround materials are generally better than plastic in almost every way but tend to be expensive.
Paper, on the other hand, is a completely different story. Paper surrounds can either be the best that the industry has to offer or the worst – it all depends on who is using it and how they’re using the material.
In general, the paper is the best for sound if used and manufactured properly – the price is usually a good indicator.
Tweeter Materials
The tweeter is the part of the speaker that’s responsible for the treble.
Tweeters have the widest selection of materials, the most extravagant of which is probably synthetic diamonds. The most popular tweeter material is either Aluminium or Titanium because they have fantastic properties when it comes to sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below I’ll answer some of the questions related to 6×8 speakers.
Can you fit 6×9 speakers in a 6×8?
Yes, no, and maybe – it depends on your car. In most cases, you can install 6×9 speakers in place of 6×8 speakers, but you’ll have to do some D.I.Y. beforehand.
They’re not going to fit outright, so you’ll have to take measurements and install adapter plates. Unless your car is over-engineered to the point where there isn’t enough room for one more inch of speakers, you should be fine.
Are 5×7 and 6×8 speakers the same?
Again, yes and no. While the two are the same speakers, they have different mounting hole locations. You can theoretically swap the two, but you’ll need to do some light modification to your car speaker bracket to make sure they fit. For more info, go to our 5×7 speakers guide.
What is the frequency range of a 6×8 speaker?
A 6×8 speaker typically has an audio frequency range of 65 Hz to 24 kHz. This range allows listeners to hear deep, full bass tones with crystal-clear mid and high frequencies.
The low end of the frequency range can produce punchy bass lines that add depth to any music or film soundtrack, while the high end provides crisp, detailed sounds that add clarity and realism. A 6×8 speaker is often used in automotive audio systems to give a powerful, immersive sound experience.
How does Hz affect sound quality?
Hertz (Hz) is a measure of sound quality. It tells us how accurately the sound is converted into different frequencies. The higher the Hz, the more detail and clarity you can hear in the audio. For example, if you are using a speaker with a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz (the range most speakers have), then it means that any sound lower than 20Hz will not be heard, and anything higher than 20kHz will also not be heard.
This means that if you are listening to a piece of music with very low-frequency or high-frequency sounds, they will not be heard. Additionally, some speakers may be able to produce sounds at higher Hz than others. Therefore, it’s important to pick the right speaker for your needs to get the most out of your audio experience. In general, higher Hz will result in excellent sound quality.
The term “frequency response” is also used when discussing Hz and sound quality. This is the range of frequencies that a speaker can accurately reproduce. The wider the frequency response, the more accurate and detailed the music or audio will be heard. Therefore, if you want the best sound experience, try to get a speaker with a wide frequency response.
Is it better to have a higher Hz or lower?
Higher hertz (Hz) means a higher frequency, smoother, and more detailed images. This is especially important for video games and movies that require a higher level of graphical detail to be enjoyed. For example, having a higher Hz when playing an action-packed or fast-paced game can make the play experience much smoother and less choppy. On the other hand, lower Hz are more suited for slower-paced games, such as puzzles or strategy games, since they don’t require as much graphical detail.
Does putting a speaker in a box increase bass?
A sealed enclosure, also known as a bass-reflex cabinet, is the most efficient way to amplify lower frequencies from a speaker. By trapping air inside the box, it creates more pressure which helps to enhance the sound and produces a much more powerful bass response.
This enclosure also eliminates air leaks and provides better protection for the speaker, helping to maintain its performance. With the right sealed enclosure, you can expect a more punchy and full-bodied bass sound from your speaker.
However, it’s important to note that size matters when choosing the best enclosure for your speaker, as different sizes provide different levels of bass response. When in doubt, always consult with an expert before making your purchase. With the right enclosure, you can ensure your speaker will sound its best and give you clear, punchy bass.
Are 6×8 speakers better than 5×7?
The 6×8 and 5×7 speakers are essentially the same speaker, with the main difference being that the 6×8 has different mounting hole locations than the 5×7. This means a 6×8 speaker can replace a 5×7 speaker in certain applications, such as automotive audio systems, without drilling new holes in the mounting surface.
In terms of good quality sound, there is no definitive answer as to whether a 6×8 or 5×7 speaker will provide better sound quality. The sound quality of the speakers depends on their power rating, frequency response, and sensitivity. Deciding which sounds better ultimately comes down to personal preference and your listening habits.
What sounds better coaxial or component car speakers?
Component speakers offer higher audio quality than coaxial speakers, producing a clearer and more detailed sound. This is because component speakers’ individual drivers (or “components”) are designed to reproduce different frequencies, giving a more accurate and complete soundscape.
Unlike coaxial speakers, which have all the drivers placed together in one unit, each component speaker comprises individual drivers specifically designed to reproduce a certain frequency range. This allows for more clarity and good quality sound.
Additionally, because the crossover networks in component speakers separate the frequencies between all the drivers, it prevents distortion and further enhances audio quality. Furthermore, component speakers have a wider frequency response than coaxial speakers, allowing for a more diverse listening experience.
Is it worth replacing factory speakers?
Installing direct replacement aftermarket speakers is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your audio experience. These speakers provide greater clarity and bass response than factory speakers, and their installation process is much less complex. Aftermarket speakers are designed to fit in the same space as factory models, so all you need is a few common tools and basic knowledge of car audio systems to get the job done.
The biggest benefit of replacing your factory speakers with aftermarket models is that they can provide much better audio quality. This includes improved clarity, dynamic range, and deeper bass response. You’ll also find that premium brands like JBL offer special features such as adjustable tweeters, external crossovers, and other advanced technology that can help give you the ultimate listening experience.
