The PowerBass S-6902T is a two-way 6×9 speaker set that offers good efficiency and smooth sound, thanks to the silk dome tweeters. This driver is from their step-up S-Series, and it includes a two-layer treated paper woofer cone and a silk dome tweeter.

For this article, we borrowed a PowerBass S-6902T 6×9 speaker from our friends and BB Distribution in Oakville, Ontario. As such, they need to be treated as a woofer in terms of providing them with adequate air space behind the driver. Most 6×9 speakers have no problem reproducing audio frequencies down to 50 Hz at reasonable output levels. The 690RC from BLAM’s Relax series features a coated cellulose pulp woofer cone with a ¾-inch soft dome tweeter. The ARC692 6×9 speaker set from ARC Audio feature a two-way design with a silk dome tweeter and a glass fiber and Rohacell woofer cone. Rockford Fosgate’s Power Series T1693 speakers combine a carbon-reinforced woofer cone with an aluminum-dome midrange and tweeter. The Sony Mobile ES-Series XS-690ES 6×9 speakers include Mica Reinforced Cellular woofer cones, a notched rubber surround and a soft-dome tweeter for exceptional clarity. Speaking of cone area, a 6×9 speaker offers a similar radiating area to an 8-inch round woofer at roughly 220 square centimeters. Most use two tweeters, sometimes in different sizes, to provide adequate output to keep up with the significant cone area afforded by the large woofer. Depending on the brand, these speakers are available with quality designs that feature rubber surrounds on the woofers and silk dome tweeters. While many folks balk at the idea of an oval speaker cone, the reality is, their inconsistent shape helps to prevent cone resonances. They were the perfect solution for cars with shallow rear parcel shelves. The classic 6×9 speaker offers a good balance of efficiency and bass output in a relatively narrow (in one dimension) design. Let’s take a look at what these tiny enclosures do to the performance of the ever-popular 6×9 speaker. If you recall our article about speaker installation, you know that a certain volume of air needs to be in the enclosure or in the space behind the speaker for it to function properly. The image of a pair of them in the rear window of an ’81-84 Monte Carlo is something that industry veterans joke about constantly. Few items are as immediately relatable to car audio enthusiasts as those wedge-shaped 6×9 speaker boxes.

Optimal 6x9 speaker enclosure design