Car Audio

Enjoy Music With These 10 Best Component Speakers

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Sead Fadilpasic Avatar
Sead Fadilpasic
24 February, 2024 • Updated 17 days ago
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The 10 Best Component Speakers
Car speakers generally don’t have a good sound quality and anyone who wants something more out of their speakers will have to replace them, and what better way to do that than buying the best component speakers.

One of the best ways to do that is to get component speakers as they can produce a very good sound and don’t take too much space.

The basis of every component speaker is a mid-bass driver, pair of tweeters, and crossovers. This combination makes it a perfect choice for car speakers and all you need to do is to get one that suits your needs, as power, sensitivity, and other metrics vary from speaker to speaker.

IN A HURRY? CHECK OUT OUR EDITOR’S CHOICE
Infinity KAPPA-90CSX

There are plenty of speakers in the market, and getting the right one can be daunting, but we’re here to help you choose the best as we scoured through the market and picked the very best. Naturally, everyone’s taste differs so in the end it all comes down to you and your preferences.

Also, you can check out our Audiophile’s Guide to Buying Car Speakers if you want more details about car speakers.

Things To Consider

Before we get to the reviews, it’s important to know what to look out for in a component speaker. Power, sensitivity, size and several other specifications all come into play.

We will only highlight the most important ones as those can make a huge difference in the quality of the speaker. More experienced users will already know what they want but beginners should give special attention to these four things.

1. Power

Power is measured in Watts (W) and it gives you an estimate on how much oomph you can get out of a speaker. It’s also important to check out your car system so you don’t buy a speaker with plenty of power, as more doesn’t necessarily mean better, and can be harmful if your system can’t handle it for any reason.

When checking the speaker’s power, you’ll be usually checking the RMS (Root Mean Square) of a speaker as this indicates how much continuous power a speaker can handle. If you are not too knowledgeable, you can think of this as an average power rating.

2. Sensitivity

Measured in decibels (dB), sensitivity plays an important part in speakers sound quality. To put it in layman’s terms, the higher the sensitivity the louder the speaker and as with the power, you shouldn’t overdo it.

How much sensitivity you should get largely depends on you and your car system. A high-powered system would go great with a lower sensitivity speaker and this goes both ways.

3. Compatibility

Depending on your car and your stereo car system, not every speaker will be compatible, so it’s important to check the model and the manufacturing year of the car to make sure everything will work correctly.

You can usually ask the seller this as they will generally have someone knowledgeable about the topic. Also, mcheck the size of the speaker to make sure it will fit in your car.

4. Price

Everything we mentioned might go to the drain if you can’t afford it, so speaker’s price might be the most important to some. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable speakers you can get and you might sacrifice a bit of quality for a cheaper price but those speakers are still way better than your original car speakers.

We included some budget variants in our review, so if you don’t want to spend too much, you can still find a perfectly good speaker for your needs.

QUICK OVERVIEW

The Best Component Speakers


Products Features
EDITOR’S PICK
4.5
35+
35+
Infinity KAPPA-90CSX
Infinity KAPPA-90CSXInfinity KAPPA-90CSX
  • Power: 405W – 135W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 94dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250
  • Power: 405W – 135W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 94dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250
Check price
at Amazon
MOST REVIEWED
4.2
10+
10+
Kicker 46CSS654
Kicker 46CSS654Kicker 46CSS654
  • Power: 300W – 100W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 90dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
  • Power: 300W – 100W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 90dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150
Check price
at Amazon
TOP PICK
4.4
75+
75+
Focal PS 165 V1
Focal PS 165 V1Focal PS 165 V1
  • Power: 160W – 80W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92.5dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $350
  • Power: 160W – 80W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92.5dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $350
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4.1
25+
25+
Massive Audio M6R
Massive Audio M6RMassive Audio M6R
  • Power: 150W – 75W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 93dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
  • Power: 150W – 75W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 93dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
Check price
at Amazon
BUDGET PICK
4
1,275+
1275+
Pyle PLG6C
Pyle PLG6CPyle PLG6C
  • Power: 400W – 200W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 89dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
  • Power: 400W – 200W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 89dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50
Check price
at Amazon
EDITOR’S PICK
Infinity KAPPA-90CSX
Reliable and Powerful

A great speaker with high sensitivity and low impedance, capable of producing a really great sound.

4.5
35+
35+
  • Power: 405W – 135W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 94dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

Under $50

Massive Audio M6R

Massive Audio M6R

Features

  • Power: 150W – 75W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 93dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50

The first component speaker on the list is the affordable M6R from Massive Audio. The main advantage of this speaker is the price which makes it a great budget choice. As expected, the quality can’t compare to the other more expensive speakers but this one does its job pretty well.

It has a max power of 150W and a 75W RMS, with sensitivity being 93dB. The sound quality is actually pretty solid and the speaker’s build is quite sturdy with a heavy gauge steel shallow mount basket.

The speaker is equipped with a custom rubber surround with paper cone, and a high grade ferrite magnet. It’s also small so it should fit pretty much anywhere.

As for the installation, it would definitely be better if the speaker had more mounting holes for easier mounting and wiring, so newbies who might not know what they are doing should ask for help.

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Solid sound
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • Can be tricky to install

Pyle PLG6C

Pyle PLG6C

Features

  • Power: 400W – 200W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 89dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $50

Another affordable choice, the Pyle’s PLG6C component speaker system is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t want to spend too much.

Considering the price, this speaker has a very good sound, partially due to the high temperature ASV voice coil which provides a rich sound and ensures low distortion, although some might find the bass lacking. This 2-way custom component system that includes a pair of woofers, tweeters, and crossovers, has a max power of 400W, and a 200W RMS.

The speaker is equipped with a 40 oz magnet structure, a special electroplated steel basket, and a 0.5-inch silk dome tweeter.

Some of the additional features include one pair passive crossover, two-way passive crossover, 12 dB Octave Slope and a wiring kit is also included with the purchase. You can mount this speaker in any of the three ways: flush, surface or angle.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Good sound
  • Nice features
Cons
  • Lacking bass

Under $100

JBL CLUB6500C 2-Way Component Car Speaker

JBL CLUB6500C 2-Way Component Car Speaker

Features

  • Power: 180W – 60W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100

The JBL CLUB6500C is a 2-way component speaker from JBL, and is a quality made speaker. It includes one pair of woofers, one pair of tweeters, one pair of crossovers, one pair of tweeter surface mount accessories, and one pair of tweeter flush mount accessories.

The polypropylene woofer gives a pretty good performance and it’s UV resistant. The tweeter also does its job well with the high-frequency range, and the combination of all components produce a satisfying sound.

The max power is 180W with the 60W RMS, and the sensitivity is 92dB. Unfortunately, bass enthusiasts might want to look at the other products as this one isn’t the best with low-frequencies. It still does okay in that regard but more demanding users will have a problem with it.

Pros
  • Good performance
  • Great mid-frequencies
  • Well made woofer
Cons
  • Bass isn’t the best

Kenwood KFC-P710PS

Kenwood KFC-P710PS

Features

  • Power: 560W – 180W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 86dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100

The Kenwood KFC-P710PS is a powerful speaker with a max power of 560W and 160W RMS. It has a 1-inch swivel dome tweeter and an injected polypropylene cone with diamond array pattern. The diamond array pattern helps with reducing the distortion as well as improving the bass sound.

The already mentioned tweeter does its job well providing you with a good high-frequency response. The speakers are also equipped with an advanced crossover network.

Its sensitivity is 86dB, which is a bit lower than usual but it shouldn’t pose an issue. The overall sound is quite good, with the bass sounding especially nice.

However, the tweeters can be too harsh in producing high-frequencies, and they can produce high piercing tones. Still, for the money involved this is an excellent sounding speaker and they give you a great value.

Pros
  • Good bass
  • Nicely built
  • Nice overall sound
Cons
  • Harsh sounding tweeters

Polk Audio DB6501

Polk Audio DB6501

Features

  • Power: 300W – 100W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $100

The DB6501 is another great speaker below the $100 mark, this one is from Polk Audio and it’s a 2-way component speaker with stylish looks. The woofers feature polymer/mica composite cone with butyl rubber surround which ensures longer durability.

For clear and precise highs, the speaker is equipped with the liquid cooled silk/polymer composite dome tweeters with neodymium magnet. There is also a two-way Butterworth outboard crossover with vented housing.

The max power is 300W, with 100W RMS, and a sensitivity of 92dB. What’s interesting about this speaker is that it is “marine certified”, which means they are designed to withstand toughest environments, and as such can be used in boats.

This speaker is also equipped with a two-layer 25mm Kapton voice coil former that ensures high power handling and great reliability, and there is also a pole plate heat sink that ensures better heat dissipation.

Pros
  • Great sound
  • Quality components
  • Can withstand harsh environments
Cons
  • Lackluster bass

Under $150

JBL GTO609C

JBL GTO609C

Features

  • Power: 270W – 5W-200W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

Another JBL speaker in our list, the GTO609C offers great sound while still not being too expensive. It has a max power of 270W, with 5W-200W RMS, and a sensitivity of 92dB. The speaker is equipped with carbon-injected plus one cones that are larger than usual, which means they produce more bass.

The soft-dome tweeters feature oversized voice coils which ensures a better heat dissipation and higher power handling, and this all results in smooth high-frequencies.

The speaker also has a dual-level tweeter volume adjustment so you can tweak the sound to your preference. The sound itself is great, especially high and mid-range frequencies, but to get the most out of them you’ll probably need a subwoofer of some kind.

That being said, it isn’t needed but some users might find it lackluster in some areas so a subwoofer is a good idea.

Pros
  • Great high and mid-range frequencies
  • Good power handling
  • Reliable
Cons
  • Needs a subwoofer to get the best out it

Kicker 46CSS654

Kicker 46CSS654

Features

  • Power: 300W – 100W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 90dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $150

Kicker makes some awesome car speakers and the 46CSS654 isn’t any different. It has some cool components as well as a great sound.

A titanium tweeter construction and neodymium magnets help with clear and quality highs, while phase plugs in the woofer cones eliminate any distortion. A heavy-duty motor/magnet structure featuring extended voice coil ensures a great performance and bass. 

It’s also equipped with UV-treated polypropylene cones with tough ribbed surrounds, 12dB crossovers and a three-position tweeter switch for dialing in your highs. Great thing about this speaker is that it is very compact and can fit anywhere.

The installation also shouldn’t be much of an issue, although the crossover installation can be tricky depending on your car. The max power is 300W, with a 100W RMS, and a sensitivity of 90dB.

Pros
  • Good sound
  • Nice features
  • Very compact
Cons
  • Tricky crossover installation

Under $250

Rockford Fosgate T1650-S

Rockford Fosgate T1650-S

Features

  • Power: 160W – 80W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 88dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

An excellent 2-way component speaker from Rockford Fosgate, the T1650-S offers a high-quality performance. The speaker is equipped with a pair of 6.5-inch woofers with grilles, two tweeters with dedicated audiophile crossovers, and a mounting hardware.

The woofers have a carbon fiber/polypropylene cone and santoprene rubber surround which helps with the longevity. Max power is 160W, with a 80W RMS, and a sensitivity of 88dB. The speaker is also equipped with a separate audiophile grade tweeter, separate midrange and a dedicated 2-way crossover.

All of this gives a detailed and rich sound. This speaker features VAST (Vertical Attach Surround Technique ) technology that provides a larger surface area for the cone, which in turn improves both the efficiency and maximum output capabilities.

Pros
  • Great sound
  • Quality build
  • Good features
Cons
  • Installation can be problematic for some users

Infinity KAPPA-90CSX

Infinity KAPPA-90CSX

Features

  • Power: 405W – 135W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 94dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $250

Infinity has a good reputation among car speaker enthusiasts, and for a good reason too. The KAPPA-90CSX has a max power of 405W, with 135W RMS, and a sensitivity of 94dB. Due to the edge-driven dome tweeters you can expect a great sound with minimum distortion at higher volumes, and a glass fiber woofer is there for all your bass needs.

Infinity uses Plus One technology woofer technology that extends the cone allowing for more surface area, which translates to more tight and robust bass.

The 2-way component system crossovers are gap-selectable so you have the option for a midrange upgrade. Another interesting thing to note is that the speaker has very low impedance, only 2.5 Ohms.

This means that the speaker will be able to get the most out of every watt from the amplifier, which in turn means delivering great power with ease.

Pros
  • High sensitivity
  • Great sound
  • Low impedance
Cons
  • Might feel underpowered to some without an amp

Under $350

Focal PS 165 V1

Focal PS 165 V1

Features

  • Power: 160W – 80W RMS
  • Sensitivity: 92.5dB
  • PRICE RANGE: Under $350

An amazing speaker from Focal, the PS 165 V1 produces awesome natural sound with no distortion. It has a max power of 160W, with a 80W RMS, and a sensitivity of 92.5dB. The speaker comes with a polyglass cone, diamond-cut aluminium chassis, phase plug and processed aluminium inverted dome tweeters.

Also, a separable crossover, with one part for the woofer, and the other for the tweeter, makes installation a breeze. All of this combined allows this speaker to produce an amazing sound.

You can mount this speaker with three different possibilities, so you shouldn’t have problems finding the right place in your car. Also, each crossover network features 3-level tweeter control, and this will allow you to select three different crossover points.

The only gripe with this speaker is that the tweeters can sound a bit harsh, so tuning down the tweeters is a good idea or placing them not too close to your ears. Naturally, not everyone will care or have a problem with this, but it’s worth noting.

Pros
  • Amazing sound
  • Quality components
  • Easy mounting and installation
Cons
  • Tweeters can sound harsh

Conclusion

With hundreds and hundreds of component speakers out there, getting the right one is always a feat. That being said, we hope we helped in some way with this review and that you now at least know what to look out for.

There are speakers out there that go well over the $500 mark and naturally they can produce some amazing sounds, but chances are that people who are looking for those kinds of speakers, are very knowledgeable and already know what they are doing. As such, we focused more on not too expensive but still highly quality speakers.

If you’re still not sure what to choose, you can take a look at our Editor’s Pick or even Top Pick if you don’t mind spending a bit more. For the users who are on a budget, the Budget Picks are a great choice to replace your factory speakers.

In any case, always make sure to do your research before buying a component speaker and make sure it’s compatible with your car. Good luck and happy shopping!

*All prices mentioned above are at the time of publishing.

Sead Fadilpasic Avatar
Sead is a seasoned tech journalist, based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. In his 15+ years of experience, he's done hundreds of product reviews, broke and fixed more gadgets than people usually use in a lifetime. When he's not writing for MuchNeeded, he spends his time raising his daughter, playing guitar and occasionally hitting the gym.