6.5-Inch Component Speaker Sets Compared: 2-Way, 3-Way, Slim and Active from JL Audio, Alpine, Focal, Kicker, Hertz and Infinity
A component set splits the tweeter from the woofer so the highs can sit higher in the dash or pillar, which is why it usually sounds clearer than a coaxial. Our listings cover the whole range: entry sets like the Alpine EL-E65C-G and DM-65C-G that the listings say work on head unit power; 2-way sets for an amplified front stage from JL Audio, Kicker, Focal, Hertz, Infinity, Alpine and AudioControl; 3-way sets with a separate midrange; slim sets for shallow doors; and single woofers for active, DSP-run builds. The table gives the specs each listing states, and the sections below explain the differences.
Side by side
From our own listings. "Not listed" means the listing does not give that spec. Power is as each listing states it (rec. = the maker's recommended amp power). Prices are the listed prices.
6.5 and 6.75-inch component speaker sets on our listings.
| Set | Type | Power | Sensitivity | Woofer depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine EL-E65C-G | 2-way | 40 W RMS | 90 dB | Not listed | $89.95 |
| Alpine DM-65C-G | 2-way | 50 W RMS | 92 dB | Not listed | $109.95 |
| JL Audio C1-650 | 2-way | 50 W RMS | 91 dB | 2.07" | $159.99 |
| Kicker CS 46CSS654 | 2-way | 100 W RMS rec. | Not listed | 1-11/16" | $179.99 |
| Alpine S2-S65C | 2-way | 80 W RMS | 88 dB | Not listed | $179.95 |
| Hertz Dieci DSK 165.3 | 2-way | 80 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $199.99 |
| JL Audio C1-650se | 2-way | 50 W RMS | 91 dB | 2.07" | $249.99 |
| Kicker KS 51KSS6504 | 2-way | 15-125 W RMS rec. | 90 dB | 1-13/16" | $249.99 |
| Kicker KS 51KSS6704 (6.75") | 2-way convertible | 15-125 W RMS rec. | 91 dB | 1-13/16" | $249.99 |
| Focal Integration ISU 165 | 2-way | 70 W RMS | 93 dB | 1.9" | $311.99 |
| AudioControl PNW-65CS2 | 2-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | 2.36" | $319 |
| JL Audio C2-650 | 2-way | 60 W RMS | 91 dB | Not listed | $329.99 |
| Alpine BRV-S65C | 2-way, no passive crossovers (for OPTIM8) | 50 W RMS | 84 dB | 2-3/8" | $349.95 |
| Alpine R2-S65C | 2-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $399.95 |
| Hertz Cento CK 165 | 2-way | 95 W continuous | 93 dB | Not listed | $399.99 |
| Infinity Kappa 603CF | 2-way | 110 W RMS | 93 dB | Not listed | $449.95 |
| Alpine R2-S652 | 2-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $499.95 |
| JL Audio C3-650 | 2-way convertible | 75 W RMS | 90 dB | 2.55" | $529.99 |
| Hertz Mille PRO MPK 165.3 | 2-way | 110 W RMS | 92 dB | 2.8" | $599.99 |
| Alpine Status HDZ-65CS | 2-way slim | 100 W RMS | 88 dB | Not listed | $674.95 |
| Alpine Status HDZ-65C | 2-way | 100 W RMS | 88 dB | Not listed | $674.95 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 K2 | 2-way | 125 W RMS | Not listed | About 2-1/2" | $749.99 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 KX2 | 2-way | 120 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $974.99 |
| JL Audio C6-650 | 2-way | 100 W RMS | 87.4 dB | 2.6" | $1,049.99 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 K2E | 2-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | About 2-7/8" | $1,049.99 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 K2S | 2-way slim | 70 W RMS | Not listed | About 2-1/4" | $1,259.99 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 KX2E | 2-way | 120 W RMS | 92.5 dB | Not listed | Call for price |
| Focal K2 Power 165KR | 2-way, earlier generation | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Call for price |
| Focal K2 Power 165KRX2 | 2-way, earlier generation | 100 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | Call for price |
| Kicker KS 51KSS365 | 3-way | 15-80 W RMS rec. | 91 dB | 1-13/16" | $349.99 |
| Alpine R2-S653 | 3-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $699.95 |
| Alpine Status HDZ-653 | 3-way | 100 W RMS | 88 dB | Not listed | $899.95 |
| Alpine Status HDZ-653S | 3-way slim | 100 W RMS | 88 dB | Not listed | $899.95 |
| Focal Elite K2 Power ES 165 KX3E | 3-way | 120 W RMS | 93 dB | Not listed | Call for price |
| JL Audio C6-653 | 3-way | 100 W RMS | Not listed | Not listed | $1,699.99 |
| JL Audio C2-650cw | Woofer only (single) | 60 W RMS | 91 dB | 2.44" | $159.99 |
| JL Audio C3-650cw | Woofer only (single) | 75 W RMS | 90 dB | 2.55" | $189.99 |
| JL Audio C6-650cw | Woofer only (single) | 100 W RMS | 87.4 dB | 2.60" | $329.99 |
| JL Audio C7-650cw | Woofer only (single) | 125 W RMS | 87 dB | 2.77" | $749.99 |
2-way, 3-way and convertible
Most sets here are 2-way: a woofer and a tweeter per side with a crossover. The 3-way sets add a midrange between them: the Kicker KS 51KSS365 and JL Audio C6-653 use 2.75-inch midranges, the Alpine R2-S653 and Focal ES 165 KX3E use 3-inch midranges, and the Alpine Status HDZ-653 and HDZ-653S use 3.5-inch midranges, per their listings.
The JL Audio C3-650 and Kicker KS 51KSS6704 can install as a coaxial or as a component set, per their listings, which helps when a car has no good tweeter spot.
Slim sets for shallow doors
The Focal ES 165 K2S has a woofer only about 2-1/4 inches deep, made for doors without room for a regular woofer, and the Alpine Status HDZ-65CS and HDZ-653S use slim-fit tweeters for tight factory tweeter spots, per their listings. Among the sets that list a woofer depth, the Kicker CS 46CSS654 (1-11/16 inches), Kicker KS 51KSS6504, 51KSS6704 and 51KSS365 (1-13/16 inches) and Focal ISU 165 (1.9 inches) are the shallowest.
Active builds and single woofers
The Alpine BRV-S65C has no passive crossovers and is meant to run with the Alpine OPTIM8 processor. The JL Audio C2-650cw, C3-650cw, C6-650cw and C7-650cw are single woofers for custom or active builds, so order two for a pair; JL says the C7-650cw is built for systems run by a DSP. See our 6- and 8-channel amp comparison for amps with a built-in DSP.
The Focal K2 Power 165KR and 165KRX2 are earlier-generation sets, and their listings say the shop confirms the exact kit, condition and before you buy.
How to pick
Text (213) 674-9042 with your year, make and model, whether you have an amp, and where you'd like the tweeters, and Tony will tell you which sets fit your doors and dash.
Shop by vehicle shows which door sizes we have verified for your car. Everything is bought and installed at the shop at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, and you can ask about our Payment Plan. Call (323) 944-7844 to confirm stock before you drive over.
In the shop
Gear from this post
JL Audio C1-650 6.5-inch Component Speakers
- 6.5 in component set
- 50 W RMS, 4 ohm
- 91 dB sensitivity
$159.99
Kicker KS 51KSS6504 6.5-inch Component Speakers
- 15-125 W RMS
- 1 in silk tweeter
- Tweeter level switch
$249.99
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
Buy Now, Pay Later
Hertz Cento CK 165 6.5-inch Component Speakers
- 95 W continuous
- Soft dome tweeters
- Adjustable tweeter level
$399.99
Buy Now, Pay Later
Alpine R2-S653 R-Series Pro 6.5-inch 3-Way Component Speakers
- 6.5 + 3 + 1-inch drivers
- 100W RMS / 300W peak
- 65Hz-40kHz
$699.95
Buy Now, Pay Later
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Pick your year, make and model to see the stereos, speakers and boxes that fit it, with prices. Pickup and install in South Gate.
Fastest way to a price
Text us what you drive or what you are building
Car audio: send the year, make, and model, and Tony gets back to you with what fits and a price. DJ gear: tell Joe the room or the party, like "backyard party, 150 people" or "starter DJ setup," and he will put a setup together.
More from the blog
6.5-Inch Car Speakers Compared: Coaxial vs Component from JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Focal, Hertz and Pioneer
Pick a coaxial pair like the Pioneer TS-G1620F, Kicker DS 43DSC6504 or JL Audio C1-650X for a simple drop-in upgrade on a factory radio. Pick a high-sensitivity pair like the Focal ICU 165 or ISU 165 if you are keeping the factory radio and want more volume from it. Pick a component set like the JL Audio C2-650, Kicker KS 51KSS6504 or Alpine R2-S65C when you can mount the tweeters up high and plan to add an amplifier.
Read it6x9 Car Speakers Compared: Coaxial, 3-Way and Component from JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine, Focal, Pioneer and JBL
On factory radio power, pick an efficient coaxial like the Infinity Kappa 693M (94 dB), Hertz CX 690 (93.5 dB), JBL Club 964M or Stage3 9637F (93 dB) or JL Audio C2-690TX (93 dB). With an amp, step up to a component set like the JL Audio C1-690, Alpine R2-S69C or Kicker CS 46CSS694, which put the tweeter up front. For select Ram, Toyota and GM trucks, the JL Audio CF-690-RTG is a custom-fit component system. Check your year in Shop by vehicle first: in our table, 6x9 front doors are verified for trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado and Ram 1500.
Read it3.5, 4 and 5.25-Inch Car Speakers Compared: Dash and Door Upgrades from JL Audio, Alpine, Kicker, Focal, JBL and Pioneer
Small speakers fill the dash, pillars and smaller doors, and factory ones in those spots often sound thin. On our listings there are 3.5-inch speakers from Pioneer, Kicker, Alpine and JL Audio, 4-inch from Pioneer, JBL, JL Audio, Alpine and Focal, and 5.25-inch from Kicker, JBL, Alpine, JL Audio, Focal and Infinity. Mounting depth matters most in a dash, so it is in the table where the listing gives it. Several listings note they run well on receiver power, such as the JBL Club 44F and 54F and the Pioneer TS-G1020S. The JL Audio C7-350cm and Alpine BRV-S40C are meant for amplified, DSP-tuned systems.
Read itQuestions on 6.5-Inch Component Speaker Sets Compared: 2-Way, 3-Way, Slim and Active from JL Audio, Alpine, Focal, Kicker, Hertz and Infinity
Component or coaxial?
A component set puts the tweeter in its own spot, usually higher in the dash or pillar, for a clearer front stage. A coaxial mounts the tweeter on the woofer and is simpler to install. See our 6.5-inch coaxial vs component guide too.
Do component sets need an amplifier?
Not all. The Alpine EL-E65C-G and DM-65C-G listings say they work on head unit power. Higher-power sets like the JL Audio C6 and Focal Elite K2 Power are made for an amplified front stage, and the Alpine BRV-S65C and the single JL woofers are for active, DSP-run systems.
My doors are shallow. What fits?
The Focal ES 165 K2S woofer is about 2-1/4 inches deep, and the Kicker CS 46CSS654 lists 1-11/16 inches. Shop by vehicle shows the verified door size for your car, and Tony checks depth before you buy.
Do you install component sets?
Yes. Tony installs them in our bay at 8696 Atlantic Ave in South Gate, including the tweeter mounting. Call or text first to set up a time.