Upgrading your classic car’s sound system often starts with better speakers—and 6×9″ coaxial units are a popular go-to thanks to their size, power handling, and wide frequency range. But not all 6×9s are created equal. In this comparison, we’ll highlight three standout picks from brands Vintage Car Radio trusts:

Pioneer, Kenwood, and Custom Autosound.

Pioneer 6×9 Speakers: Affordable, Reliable, High-Value

• Pioneer’s 6×9 models (like the TS-A6990F or the A-series) often lead buyer reviews for their sound quality, affordability, and ease of installation.
• Users note these speakers offer clear highs, solid midrange definition, and surprisingly decent bass for the price.
• If you want a plug-and-play upgrade that dramatically outperforms tired factory speakers without needing hefty amplifiers or costly fabrication, Pioneers are a smart starting point.

Kenwood 6×9 Speakers: Power and Flexibility

• Kenwood’s Performance and Excelon lines deliver strong power handling, solid build quality, and flexible mounting options. The KFC-6995PS, for example, holds 650W peak power with a polypropylene woofer and mid-range driver built into one coherent system. Kenwood
• The KFC-6986PS includes advanced features: a “diamond array” woofer cone, sound field enhancer tweeters, and broad frequency response.
• If you're looking for a speaker that can handle higher wattage amplifiers and deliver louder, more dynamic sound without distortion, Kenwoods are a strong contender—especially in larger interiors or where you’ve got room for a deeper mounting depth.

Custom Autosound 6×9 Speakers: Designed for the Classics

• If you want a speaker that looks right in your vintage ride, Custom Autosound’s 6×9s are a top choice. Their 3-way 6×9 speaker pairs are rated at up to 200 watts peak, and they come with a flat metal grille designed to blend into classic rear-deck or kick-panel installations.
• Vintage Car Radio stocks the CAM-693C rear-speaker set, which includes chrome speaker baskets and flat grilles—easy to paint or match to your interior.
• What’s especially nice is that these speakers are tailored to sit in classic speaker openings without requiring modern deep baskets or changing trim. They offer a clean look and solid audio upgrade with minimal hassle.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide:

If your goal is a quick, affordable upgrade that immediately outshines factory speakers, Pioneer is a no-brainer.

If you’re driving a larger classic or plan to pair under-seat amps or subwoofers, Kenwood gives you room to grow.

But if you want to preserve that classic look and feel—especially in tight rear deck or kick panel installs—Custom Autosound’s 6×9s offer the best balance of appearance and function in a vintage ride context.

At Vintage Car Radio, we often start with Custom Autosound when appearance is a concern, then recommend Pioneer or Kenwood when customers want louder punch without sacrificing reliability. Whatever your setup, choosing a top-tier 6×9 speaker will instantly breathe life into your classic car’s sound system.