Buying Guide for the Best 6x8 Car Speakers
Choosing the right 6x8 car speakers can greatly enhance your in-car music experience, making drives more enjoyable and immersive. The process isn't just about picking the loudest or the most expensive; instead, it's about understanding your music preferences, your vehicle's compatibility, and the typical environments in which you'll be listening. By knowing a bit about speaker characteristics, you’ll be able to make an informed choice that fits your expectations and complements your audio system.Speaker Type (Coaxial vs. Component)When shopping for 6x8 car speakers, you'll notice they come in two main types: coaxial (also called full-range) and component. Coaxial speakers have all elements—woofer, tweeter, and sometimes a midrange driver—built into a single unit, making them easy to install and suitable for general improvement of factory sound. Component systems separate the tweeter and woofer, allowing for more precise sound placement and quality. Choose coaxial if you’re seeking straightforward installation and a solid upgrade, or component if you’re focused on the best possible sound and are willing to deal with a more involved setup.
Power Handling (Watts RMS and Peak)Power handling tells you how much power a speaker can safely handle, usually listed as RMS (continuous) and Peak (maximum short bursts). RMS value is more important for daily listening as it indicates what a speaker can handle continuously without damage. Lower RMS values work fine with factory stereos, while higher values make more sense if you have or plan to add an aftermarket amplifier. Matching the power handling to your head unit or amplifier is key—overpowering or underpowering can lead to distortion or failure.
SensitivitySensitivity measures how efficiently the speaker converts power into sound, usually indicated in decibels (dB). Higher sensitivity means the speaker is louder at a given power level. If you’re running the speakers from a basic factory stereo with limited output, higher sensitivity (over 90 dB) is preferable for decent volume and clarity. If you have a powerful amplifier, even speakers with moderate sensitivity will perform well. Your choice depends on the power available in your existing setup.
Frequency ResponseFrequency response tells you the range of sounds a speaker can reproduce, measured in Hertz (Hz). The lower end (e.g., 40 Hz) shows how deep the bass can go, while the higher end (e.g., 20 kHz) shows the highest treble tones. A wider range means more complete sound coverage; however, most 6x8 speakers can't produce deep sub-bass as a subwoofer does. If you like bass-heavy music but don’t plan on adding a subwoofer, select speakers with the lowest possible lower frequency limit.
Build MaterialsThe materials used in woofers, tweeters, and surrounds affect sound quality, durability, and resistance to heat and moisture. Woofers made of stiff but lightweight material like polypropylene offer reliable performance, while textile or silk dome tweeters give smoother highs. Rubber surrounds withstand temperature changes and last longer. Think about your car’s climate; if you live in extreme heat or humidity, prioritize robust and weather-resistant materials.
Mounting Depth and FitSince 6x8 speakers have to fit into existing spaces in your car, mounting depth is crucial. Too deep, and the speaker won’t fit in the door or panel; too shallow, and it may not seal effectively. Check your vehicle's mounting depth requirements and compare them to the specifications of your chosen speakers. Always ensure compatibility to avoid installation headaches.