How many articles have you read about factory-installed speakers? None, right? And do you know why?
It’s because these kinds of speakers don’t give you that high-sound quality.
But do you know what does? The best 5.25 speakers and the best 5×7 speakers.
When it comes to replacing car speakers, what you’re doing is upgrading your car’s audio system. Factory-installed speakers are not only cheap but also easily replaceable. So there’s your silver lining!
All the options discussed in this section consist of high-quality features and design. There’s nothing that can go wrong with any of them. But the ultimate decision is in your hands.
Table of Contents
- Best 5.25 Speakers 2024
- Best 5×7 Speakers 2024
- 1. Rockford Fosgate Punch P1572 – Best All-round 5×7 Speakers
- 2. Infinity REF8622CFX – Most Power-efficient Speakers
- 3. Polk Audio DB571 – Great Sounding Speaker
- 4. Alpine SPS-517 – The Most Reliable Upgrade
- 6. New Kenwood KFC-C5795PS – Most Primary and Efficient Speakers
- 7. BOSS Audio Systems BE5768 – Best for Unparalleled Audio Performance
- 8. KICKER PSC574 – The Best High-quality Speakers
- Best 5.25 Speakers Buyer’s Guide
Best 5.25 Speakers 2024
Now let’s get to the point right away. Below I’ve listed the six best and most reliable 5.25 speakers and the eight best 5×7 speakers of all time.
So take your pick depending on your personal taste, budget, and specific interests.
1. Polk Audio DB522 – Best for All Types of Conditions
Outdoor environments consist of high temperature, heat, moisture, water, sun exposure, etc. And these are factors that you don’t need to worry about with the Polk Audio DB522 5.25-Inch 300-Watt 2-Way Speakers. That’s because the unique speakers are created to withstand all such challenges. (Component vs. coaxial car sound systems)
The woofers have a woven glass composite design. Such a durable quality absorbs maximum cone resonance to provide less distortion. It also contributes to delivering a more natural sound reproduction when it comes to mid-range.
The most appealing part of the speakers is the powerful nature of the neodymium magnets. They deliver accurate reproduction of high frequencies. The rotating tweeters offer better aiming to give you more enhanced audio imaging.
The last noteworthy feature worth discussing is the two-way inbuilt crossovers. They keep the low and high frequency ranges paired with their proper drivers. And this gives you a well-balanced audio output.
So it comes as a disappointment when you find out the Polk Audio DB522 5.25-Inch 300-Watt 2-Way Speakers rattle. But this only happens at higher bass notes.
The audio quality is sharp and clear with additional range.
They are marine grade speakers.
The Polk Audio speakers are prone to rattling during high bass sounds.
2. Kicker 47KSC504 – Best for Accurate Sound
Elevate your car audio with the Kicker 47KSC504 KS Series 5.25″ Coaxial Speakers, designed for those who demand crystal-clear sound and powerful performance in a compact size. Ideal for replacing factory speakers, these coaxial speakers deliver impressive sound quality, enhancing your listening experience on every drive.
Featuring polypropylene woofer cones with rubber surrounds, the KSC504 speakers produce deep, punchy bass and smooth midrange tones. The silk dome tweeters provide refined, distortion-free high frequencies, ensuring a balanced and immersive audio profile. These speakers are engineered to handle 75 watts RMS (150 watts peak), delivering consistent, reliable performance even at high volumes.
The thin-profile design allows for easy installation in tight spaces, and the versatile mounting hardware ensures compatibility with a wide range of vehicles. Built with durable materials, these speakers are made to withstand the demands of daily use while maintaining exceptional sound quality.
With the Kicker 47KSC504 KS Series, you can upgrade your car’s audio system with rich, full-range sound and enjoy your favorite music like never before.
3. Alpine S2-S50 – The Best 5.25 Component Car Speakers
Upgrade your car audio with the Alpine S2-S50 5.25″ Coaxial Speakers, part of Alpine’s next-generation S-Series lineup. Designed to deliver superior sound quality in a compact size, these speakers are perfect for enthusiasts seeking crisp, clear audio and a seamless upgrade to their factory system.
The 5.25-inch carbon fiber-reinforced woofer cones ensure precise midrange tones and punchy bass, while the 1-inch silk dome tweeters provide smooth, detailed high frequencies without distortion. Together, they deliver a balanced and dynamic sound profile ideal for all music genres.
With a power handling capability of 45 watts RMS (140 watts peak), the S2-S50 speakers maintain consistent performance, even at higher volumes. The shallow-mount design and included hardware allow for an easy and flexible installation in most vehicles.
Built with Alpine’s signature engineering and durable materials, the S2-S50 offers long-lasting reliability, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your car’s audio system. Whether you’re commuting or on a road trip, these speakers bring rich, immersive sound to every journey.
4. Infinity Reference 5032CFX – The Best 5.25 Coaxial Speakers
Enhance your in-car listening experience with the Infinity Reference 5032CFX 5.25″ 2-Way Coaxial Speakers, crafted for outstanding audio clarity and powerful performance. Perfect for replacing factory speakers, this set brings crisp, clear sound and dynamic range to your vehicle’s sound system.
These speakers feature edge-driven textile tweeters, delivering smooth and detailed high frequencies with minimal distortion. The polypropylene woofer cones with durable rubber surrounds provide tight, punchy bass and accurate midrange tones, ensuring a balanced sound profile across all frequencies.
With a power handling capacity of 45 watts RMS (135 watts peak) and 3-ohm impedance, the 5032CFX is designed to extract maximum power from your car’s audio system, ensuring consistent and reliable performance. The Plus One™ woofer cone technology increases cone surface area, producing deeper bass and more impactful sound compared to other speakers of similar size.
Designed for easy installation, the compact design and included mounting hardware make the Infinity Reference 5032CFX compatible with a wide range of vehicles. Backed by Infinity’s legacy of quality and innovation, these speakers deliver exceptional sound quality and durability, making every drive an enjoyable audio experience.
5. Rockford Fosgate R1525X2 Prime – The Best Affordable Speakers
Just because these speakers are budget-friendly doesn’t mean they have a cheap quality. Especially not with a brand as reliable as Rockford Fosgate.
The Rockford Fosgate R1525X2 Prime 5.25-Inch Full Range Coaxial Speaker can handle 40 watts power with an 88 dB sensitivity rating. On top of that, it comes with stiff polypropylene cones, and solid rubber surrounds. These features take care of stability and deep bass. The silk dome tweeters do an excellent job at delivering crystal clear, smooth response for high frequencies.
Another one of its exceptional features includes high-pass integrated crossovers. These push the low frequencies towards the woofer while the tweeters receive the highs. Talk about hearing well-balanced sounds!
Every product has its flaws, right? So the drawback with the Rockford Fosgate R1525X2 Prime 5.25-Inch Full Range Coaxial Speaker is the installation. This process can be slightly complicated. And that’s because the molded, extended flanges don’t offer a good fit.
The Rockford Fosgate speakers are loud enough and deliver a full range.
The mid bass quality is through the roof.
Installing the speakers is not as easy task.
6. JBL CLUB5020 – The Bonus Pick
JBL products boast top technology. And the JBL CLUB5020 5.25″ 240W Club Series 2-Way Coaxial Car Speaker is no different. The titanium and mylar material combination for the tweeters provide maximum power handling. It also goes a long way in reducing distortion and increasing efficiency.
You will also be glad to know that the UniPivot Pod of the tweeter is responsible for producing smooth highs. This pod enables a 350-degree tweeter rotation to offer optimal imaging.
The woofer cones of the speaker do an excellent job at producing high output. And the great part about the unit is that it is easy and quick to install. The only part that seems slightly odd is the sound distortion when the music is loud.
Rotating tweeters for better sound direction.
They produce crisp highs and clear bass.
Loud music is not distortion-free.
Bass sound is not good.
Best 5×7 Speakers 2024
Get the best 5×7 speakers for your car right off the bat with the help of this expert review. For most of you, finding the perfect 5×7 speakers is the ultimate test.
You are on a chase, hunting down the best of the competition so you can come out looking professional and a “know it all.”
But experts will tell you it’s not the correct way to look for products you’ll use for years. So why do you need 5×7 speakers? That’s an easy one. It’s because your car needs outstanding and unparalleled music.
If that’s not enough, let’s get a bit technical. 5×7 speakers last longer than factory speakers. They close the gap between style and power ratings, plus they’re a cheap replacement.
Are your car speakers the last thing you’d consider upgrading? If so, then you should read what I got in store for you. And if not, then we’ll get along fine! So without further ado, let’s look at some cutthroat options out there for you.
1. Rockford Fosgate Punch P1572 – Best All-round 5×7 Speakers
The most powerful one on the market, the Rockford Fosgate Punch P1572 is a catch. It offers dedicated performance-driven features that don’t miss a beat. If you know audio quality like I do, you would know that Rockford Fosgate is a favorite audio brand.
It boasts long-lasting durability and efficiency. And that’s what these 5×7 speakers have to offer to you. It features a custom fit basket design.
The PEI dome tweeter and OEM adapter plates are very durable. Having said that, this would make an excellent high-end replacement for traditional speakers.
I also loved the responsive cone design with butyl rubber surround sound. These features, when combined, offer great sound and bass quality.
Tuning into high volumes with this speaker around is simple. But the problem with it lies in assembly. It lacks proper grilles required for installation. But if you’re lucky enough, you might find factory-grade grilles suitable.
It offers fuller sound quality and excellent bass.
The dome tweeters and polypropylene cone can withstand consistent use.
They lack mounting grilles.
2. Infinity REF8622CFX – Most Power-efficient Speakers
Are you tired of listening to old tunes in your brand new car? Is it because of the factory-grade speakers you’ve got installed? I recommend the Infinity REF8622CFX to anyone looking for an effective upgrade. It’s because you want to listen to tunes at a louder and crisper volume
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t pick these 5×7 speakers. So let’s go with the reasons why you should.
Let’s start from the smart woofer design. It offers greater sound space, such as deep lows, smooth highs, and clear vocals. If you’re worried about its power handling ratings, it features adjustable, textile dome tweeters to work. These dome tweeters offer clean mids and a punchy bass.
These speakers have the same kind of specifications as other higher-grade ones. But the only difference is that these are less expensive to own.
The only minor inconvenience is in the low-frequency sound range. The low frequencies are often difficult to hear compared to other models I’ve tested.
They pull minimum power from the car stereo to play higher tunes.
Installation doesn’t require special mounting hardware.
The very low frequencies have no sound at all.
3. Polk Audio DB571 – Great Sounding Speaker
The Polk Audio DB571 does what it’s supposed to. And that is to provide excellent sound quality and durability. It’s one of the best 5×7 speakers I’ve tested, providing dynamic balance cone design. It even offers rubber surround sound and composite-mineral-filled cone quality for long-lasting performance.
When old factory speakers seem to be sucking all the enthused energy from your music, it’s time to upgrade. The Polk Audio boasts of excellent sound reproduction and response. Thanks to the polymer mica composite and great tweeters.
Speaking of tweeters, it makes complete use of strong neodymium magnets. These magnets generate more potent sounds without the vibration.
Yes, it does offer glass-rattling sounds, but that’s a good thing! Other important features include two-way crossovers and Multi-hole mounting patterns. (Speaker specifications)
Be that as it may, these speakers demand a few days break-in period. They sound much better after a few days of consistent use.
Easy assembly and maintenance.
The speakers are marine certified for safety and durability.
They require a break-in period.
4. Alpine SPS-517 – The Most Reliable Upgrade
The Alpine SPS-517 offers great value when you need it the most. If you’re looking for the best affordable speakers to use for a long time, you’re in the right place. It offers a decent volume level.
With excellent sound reproduction and audio range, there’s nothing more you’d want. It enhances performance, providing you plenty of space to adjust tunes to your liking.
That said, the durable cones are made of lightweight polypropylene material. If you don’t already know, polypropylene material is super resilient and efficient.
The way these 5×7 speakers work is impressive. They combine silk dome tweeters and rubber surround for excellent frequencies. Without any vibration or distortion, you get superior cone movement. Not to mention, clear vocals and smooth highs, mids, and lows.
One minor error is the lack of grilles for installation. This may be an inconvenience for those without old factory grilles.
These speakers offer incredible bass quality.
They reduce distortion and vibration due to the lightweight cone construction.
They lack grilles.
These speakers produce minor distortion at higher volume levels.
5. JBL GTO609C – Great for Detailed Sound Quality
Elevate your car audio with the JBL GTO609C 6.5″ Component Speaker System, engineered for audiophiles who demand powerful performance and precision sound. This high-quality system delivers exceptional clarity, punchy bass, and dynamic range, making it a must-have upgrade for any car audio enthusiast.
The 6.5-inch Plus One™ glass fiber woofer cones offer increased cone surface area, delivering deeper bass and improved efficiency. Paired with edge-driven soft dome tweeters, the GTO609C produces smooth, detailed high frequencies with minimal distortion, ensuring a balanced and immersive audio experience.
With a power handling of 90 watts RMS (270 watts peak) and 3-ohm impedance, these speakers are designed to maximize power output from your amplifier or head unit for louder, cleaner sound. The system includes external crossovers, ensuring optimal frequency separation for crisp highs and impactful lows.
Built for versatility, the I-Mount™ tweeter system allows for flexible placement to achieve the perfect soundstage in your vehicle. The carbon-injected woofer material and durable construction ensure long-lasting performance, even under demanding conditions.
Whether you’re upgrading your factory speakers or building a custom system, the JBL GTO609C delivers premium sound quality, power, and reliability for an unparalleled listening experience on the road.
6. New Kenwood KFC-C5795PS – Most Primary and Efficient Speakers
Another excellent performer is the Kenwood KFC-C5795PS. It offers distortion-free, crisp, and loud sound quality. If you’re looking for a simple, but durable fit for your sound system, this is a real contender. For the price you pay, it’s of great value to buy and last for a long time.
It features a multi-driver profile that offers excellent sensitivity and frequency ranges. This means crystal clear highs and smooth lows.
If clear vocals are what you’re after, nothing beats down the features of these 5×7 speakers. Having said that, they also handle the cone tweeter quality well. In addition to this, the rubber surround and super tweeter keep everything in balance.
The Kenwood offers plenty of basses, as and when needed. It has a nice pick-up with articulate sound ranges. Something most audio enthusiasts need in cars.
Be that as it may, one thing this speaker lacks is strong tweeter quality. It may sound a bit too harsh during high-pitched tunes. But it’s not a deal-breaker.
It offers a terrific sound range with clear vocals.
Straightforward and efficient to assemble.
Tweeter quality is poor.
7. BOSS Audio Systems BE5768 – Best for Unparalleled Audio Performance
The BOSS Audio Systems BE5768 3-Way Full-Range Car Speakers offer a powerful and affordable upgrade for your vehicle’s audio system. Designed for those who value clear and impactful sound, these speakers deliver a dynamic listening experience with style and durability.
Featuring a polyurethane woofer cone, the BE5768 produces punchy bass and rich midrange tones, while the piezoelectric tweeter and midrange driver provide crisp and detailed high frequencies. Together, they create a balanced audio profile suitable for all types of music.
With a maximum power handling of 300 watts per pair and 4-ohm impedance, these speakers are built to deliver robust sound performance without straining your system. The rubber surrounds add durability, ensuring the speakers withstand daily use and varying environmental conditions.
Designed to fit most 5×7 or 6×8-inch speaker openings, the BE5768 is easy to install and provides a seamless replacement for factory speakers. The elegant design with a sleek grille adds a stylish touch to your car’s interior while enhancing the sound quality.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your daily commute or road trip playlist, the BOSS Audio Systems BE5768 delivers reliable performance and impressive sound at an unbeatable value.
8. KICKER PSC574 – The Best High-quality Speakers
The KICKER PSC574 PowerSports Coaxial Speakers are built for durability and high-quality sound, making them perfect for powersports vehicles like ATVs, motorcycles, and off-roaders, as well as traditional cars. These speakers are designed to deliver powerful audio performance even in challenging environments.
Featuring a weatherproof design, the PSC574 speakers are built to resist water, dirt, and UV exposure, ensuring long-lasting performance in outdoor conditions. The polypropylene woofer cones with a robust rubber surround deliver deep, punchy bass, while the silk dome tweeters provide smooth, detailed high frequencies for a balanced audio experience.
With a power handling of up to 150 watts peak and 75 watts RMS, these speakers are designed for both clarity and volume, offering distortion-free performance at higher levels. The speakers’ rugged build and compact size ensure easy installation in a variety of vehicles and settings.
Whether you’re tearing through the trails or cruising down the highway, the KICKER PSC574 speakers provide an immersive and reliable audio experience for your adventures.
Best 5.25 Speakers Buyer’s Guide
Nobody likes factory-installed car speakers, right? Everyone wants to build their own sound system. So to achieve that, you need to have basic knowledge about car speakers and their various sizes. These include 6×8, 6×9, 5×7, 6.5, and 5.25 speakers. They are considered to be the most popular models in the industry.
And I don’t need to go about explaining how one is different from the other. Because that’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? But you know what; I’ll explain it either way.
What You Should Know about the Size of Car Speakers
The size of a speaker depends on its woofer. And in this case, the bigger the woofer, the better the sound quality and experience. That’s because large-sized speakers have bigger woofers that perform exceptionally well under low-frequency reproduction. And this, in turn, delivers an amazing sound quality.
But don’t think that small-sized speakers don’t offer good sound quality and high performance.
The only way you’ll understand the point I’m trying to make here is by reading the next section. It discusses the many factors that you need to take into consideration during the buying process.
These factors are nothing but features that contribute to the better sound quality, despite the size of the speaker.
Important factors to take into account when buying 5.25 speakers
Buying the best 5.25 speakers is not an easy task. And that’s because there are many brands manufacturing the same thing but with a different set of features.
What does all this mean? It means confusion, right? And nobody likes to be confused during the selection process. You want to make sure that you buy the best pick on the market, one that is both highly functional and durable.
That’s where I come into the picture. Below I’ve listed the most important factors of the 5.25 car speakers. So read through them to understand how speakers work and what you need them to do the most.
1. Types of speakers
There are two types of speakers; 3-way and 2-way speakers. The latter includes a tweeter and woofer. And the former also comes with a mid-range speaker.
All these separate pieces provide different levels of frequencies. 2-way speakers offer high and low frequencies while the 3-way versions also deliver mid-range frequency.
What you should also know about 3-way speakers is that they have a small driver. This particular component is responsible for producing sounds of various instruments that fall under its frequency range.
2. Frequency of speakers
Should you opt for the 2-way or 3-way speakers? To be able to decide this, you need to know all about the frequency range. A larger frequency range produces better highs and lows. This gives you a fuller and more accurate sound quality.
On the other hand, smaller frequency ranges focus on higher and lower frequencies. Thus producing flat sounds. And that is the reason why many people select a larger frequency range.
3. Sensitivity of speakers
Sensitivity refers to the speakers’ capacity to translate amplifier power into sound. This means that you should buy a model that comes with a low level of sensitivity if your vehicle supports high-powered stereos. And high sensitivity is more suitable for low-powered audio systems.
4. Power handling of speakers
The 5.25 speakers are those that withstand the power that the amplifier produces. This particular capacity of the speakers is measured in watts. And there are two types of power handling ratings; RMS (root mean square value) and Peak.
5. Material of speakers
The material of the speaker cone is an important factor when buying any kind or size of speakers. It’s because this particular feature contributes to improving sound quality along with reducing distortion.
The best cone materials are polypropylene, fiber polymer, mica, clay, and synthetic, metal-coated fabrics. Other secondary options include glass, paper, foam, and textile. These may not be as high-performing as the ones listed before them, but they are considered to be average and satisfactory in all aspects.
Best 5×7 Speakers Buyer’s Guide
Since people began opting for 5×7 speakers often, brands have improved many features. This is to close the gap between what was missing in such compact speakers and what they can do. That’s why you have to understand better what goes behind the genius of 5×7 speakers.
Go through the most significant details and find your “have-it-all” kind of deal.
The absolute component speakers
The good news is that you have two types of speaker systems to choose from. And the great news is that you’ve picked the right kind to buy! 5×7 speakers are the best component speakers to buy, and I’m sure that by now you know it already.
But what makes them so different than full-range systems? Let’s find out.
Full-Range Sound System
This system contains everything you need for sound. But the drawback to a system such as this is that they’re not as flexible as component speakers. This means you won’t be able to change certain features such as amp, sound output, etc.
But the positives of this system are that they’re more affordable and easier to install.
Component Speaker System
This system features genuine and superlative sound quality. Since speakers consist of features such as tweeters and woofers, they are customizable. Unlike full-range sound systems which offer only a fixed range of tunes. With component speakers, you configure better sounds and sound waves.
Only drawback or minor inconvenience is that they’re higher priced than its competitor.
Basics of 5×7 speakers
Build quality
You need not revamp your entire car sound system, but you can always take the first step. Now consider the build quality of your 5×7 speakers as crucial as that first step. You don’t need poor quality speakers that’ll only reduce in performance as the days go by. Such speakers not only test your patience, but they worsen the car’s complete sound system.
That said, heavy-duty components influence sound quality. The money you pay for a high-quality build will last much longer while maintaining sound quality.
Speaker sensitivity
Do you know how much power your speakers demand to produce louder volumes?
That’s your sensitivity ratings. 5×7 speakers put out incredible amounts of bass and sound to put up with higher volume levels. Speakers with high sensitivity need less power to crank up high volumes. And speakers that demand more power for the same volume level have a little sensitivity.
Power handling
A lot of features come into play when you’re working with 5×7 speakers. The speaker’s sensitivity determines how much power it has to make the most of the system. Power handling decides how to use the power the speaker is able to churn out. To put into simple words, it spells out the features to handle that amount of power produced.
Each new speaker as a unique power handling feature you can consider. But if you’re stuck with factory-grade, then the power handling is almost always fixed. That said, the powerful the speakers measured in watts, the better the peak handling. This eliminates distortion and delivers hard-hitting and even tones.
Speaker configuration
Are you replacing car factory speakers? Or are you installing your first car audio system from scratch? Determining the correct speaker size and configuration beforehand makes all the difference.
If you do that, then all you have to do is unscrew the existing speakers and install these in an hour so. That is after you measure them. Most times, replacing factory speakers with new ones is as simple as replacing a TV on a wall.
Wrapping It Up
My Choice:
#1 The best 5.25 speakers: Polk Audio DB521
We all know that factory stereos are not reliable in terms of performance, longevity, and quality. So it’s important to find the best 5.25 speakers that rank the highest in all these aspects. And one such model is the Polk Audio DB521 5.25-Inch Coaxial Speakers.
These 5.25 speakers have a mica/polymer composite construction. The cone of the woofer is light in weight to provide you with loud sound as well as little distortion. The tweeter of the thing comes with solid neodymium magnets to offer clear, detailed highs.
As far as installation is concerned, the manufacturer has added a multi-hole pattern for mounting. The shallow depth also contributes to easy installation. You will be glad to know that these are considered to be the best 5.25 marine speakers as well.
Now it’s time to end it here by presenting the most impressive aspect about the Polk Audio DB521 5.25-Inch Coaxial Speakers. They have well-balanced, dynamic cones and strong rubber surrounds. The latter offers resistance against sunlight, extreme temperature, or any other damage.
#1 The best 5×7 speakers: Rockford Fosgate Punch P1572
No matter what you buy, these speakers offer incredible sound quality and control. Their fundamental features help upgrade factors such as sensitivity rating, peak ratings, etc.
This helps set a good mood for sound enthusiasts to get a better sound range. The more capable your 5×7 speakers are, the better it for reproducing crisp and clear tunes.
So if you want to know what to get, here’s the Rockford Fosgate Punch P1572. It’s high-powered, offers incredible sound and design quality, and is a great investment.
What you don’t need is distorting sounds and lags while driving. And 5×7 speakers can save you from all such problems, without costing too much!
Related Buyer’s guides and BroadMag’s Lists:
Best 6×8 Speakers and 6.5 Component Speakers Buyer’s Guide
Top 10 Bluetooth Transmitters List
Best ATV Winch to Buy
Our Top 10 6×9 Speakers For Bass
This post was last modified on November 26, 2024 2:19 am