The first time I looked at the 6×9 speakers, what caught my eye was its unusual shape. I knew that there had to be a reason for it to be built the way it was. Therefore, for people like me, who want such answers, I did my research.
After doing so, I realized there is a reason as to why the 6×9 speakers have their unique shape. It is this reason that benefits us and proves to be a good addition to our sound system. The reason you have clicked on this article is to find out the same.
Well, there is no need to look any further because I am here to answer the puzzling question of why do 6×9 speakers look different. Not only will we look into the main reason for its unique build but also how it benefits us and our sound system.
Main Reason for the Unique Shape of 6×9 Speakers
The reason why 6×9 speakers look different is space. As they were mainly used in vehicles with limited space, they were built in such a way that would take up the least amount of space as possible.
People would install 6×9 speakers in older vehicles to save space. The speakers would be installed in these vehicles in the rear window deck and there would be very limited space near the deck hardware for these speakers.
In most vehicles in those times, there was not much space to fit speakers. In fact, there weren’t any options for front speakers at all back then. As the vehicles were built in such a way that they were not able to accommodate speakers, the 6×9 speaker models had to be built in a way that they were compact enough to fit in these cars.
The 6×9 speaker’s oval shape allows people to use them easily as it offered a better and louder sound. The vehicle owners did not have to worry about a front to back panel as these speakers had a longer width size, allowing it to fit in the limited space of the vehicle.
A larger speaker cone could thus be fitted which would not have been possible if one were to use a round speaker. Due to the shape that made it easy to fit in the speaker in the limited space the car provided and the increased quality of sound it brought about, 6×9 speakers were quite a common model installed back in the day.
Each model of the 6×9 speaker had its measurements but there are average dimensions of the 6×9 speaker that have been established. These estimates are as follows:
- The speakers are roughly 6.5 inches by 9 5/16 inches in size.
- The cutout size is 5 5/16 inches by 9 5/16 inches in size. The cutout is where the speaker basket will be fitted for top or bottom mounting.
- There are varying depth measurements for the 6×9 speakers. Most of the 6×9 speakers that come with a large magnet have a depth of a little over 3 inches. 6×9 speakers that are the lower-power and budget models have a depth closer to 2.5 inches or 2.75 inches.
I am sure that every audiophile and car enthusiast out there will agree with me when I say that speaker size does make a huge difference. You can buy any speaker of any size as long as you do not have any space-related issues and it gives you what you desire most in a good speaker.
Now that we have established the fact that size matters, it will become clearer as to why 6×9 speakers benefit us. Due to its oval shape, the 6×9 speakers offer more cone area. Larger the surface area of the speaker cone, the more amount of air it can displace while being used.
This results in a louder volume and a deeper bass effect. Thus, the shape of the 6×9 speakers provided its benefits and saved up a lot of space. These reasons are why it was preferred over other models.
Bass & Frequency Range of 6×9 Speakers
Bass
6×9 speakers have a much bigger width as compared to other round speakers. This means that they have a larger cone that moves more air resulting in the production of a lot more bass.
They cannot be substituted for subwoofers but are much better than other speakers for a heavy and deep bass effect. They have a similar cone size as 8-inch woofers and with the right, high-quality speaker enclosure, they will provide a great sound with rich bass.
To increase the amount and quality of bass, you can install the 6×9 speakers in the trunk or larger boxes. You can also buy those models that have a stiffer cone and a higher power rating. Another option is to buy those speakers that work well with a lower bass or those that are specifically designed to give a great bass.
Frequency Range
Most 6×9 speakers have a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz. The frequency range depends on the performance of the speaker. A one-way speaker has a limited range whereas a two-way or a three-way speaker will have a wider range due to additional tweeters.
Coaxial 6×9 Speakers
Coaxial 6×9 speakers use a single capacitor for the tweeter that has been mounted on top. There are no capacitors used for the woofer. They use a lower-cost design that is dependent on the external woofer’s capability to stop producing high frequencies naturally.
This can affect the sound quality and allow the treble to get through. However, it is easier to find coaxial speakers in stores and they have a wide price range. Thus, even if you are on a budget, you can easily find a coaxial 6×9 speaker within your price range.
The tweeters that are fixed within coaxial speakers are made using a cheaper material such as Mylar or PEI. They work just fine but the quality is lower than that of the ones fitted in a component speaker.
A coaxial 6×9 speaker is recommended if you are on a tight budget and are not super-picky about the quality or type of model you choose. They also work as an easy upgrade for your existing car speakers and are easy to install.
If you don’t use an advanced sound system or aren’t overly interested in getting a custom installation, then coaxial 6×9 speakers might be the right choice for you.
Component 6×9 Speakers
These speakers use separate tweeters and woofer paired with a speaker crossover to get the best sound quality. The speaker crossover filters out the midrange and bass sound frequencies before it gets sent to the tweeter.
The woofer only receives the midrange and bass sound frequencies. This functioning helps in removing any distortions and produces a clear, high-quality sound. These component 6×9 speakers work similarly to the 2-way coaxial 6×9 speakers.
Component speakers are tougher to find in comparison to coaxial 6×9 speakers and are trickier to install. Component speakers, however, produce a better quality sound. They have an external crossover which, when paired with its advanced circuitry, gives better performance and clearer, louder as well as a better quality sound.
They also have a built-in function to reduce the tweeter volume if it becomes too harsh. They also come with a fuse that prevents you from blowing the tweeters while playing music at a high volume.
If you have a sound system that has some advanced units or if sound quality is your number one goal, then component 6×9 speakers are what you should go for. They are also preferred if you want a speaker crossover with a steep cutoff or one that has a tweeter volume reduction option.
If you like customizing your stereo system, want high-quality music, and want to connect your speakers with an amplifier to gain that extra power, then component 6×9 speakers are preferred over the coaxial ones.
Conclusion
Whether or not you were looking to buy a 6×9 speaker, you have all the information you need about it. Just like most things in this world, there is a proper reason for its build. Now if anyone asks you why they are built differently, you know exactly what to say.
If you are looking to buy a 6×9 speaker, a component one is more recommended. You are also more aware of its benefits and features. What they say is true, the more you know, the better!