Car speakers really help to make your driving experience less frustrating and more enjoyable. However, factory made car speakers are rarely of top quality and chances are you’ll eventually have to replace them.
And that’s where the problem comes. “What kind of car speakers to buy?” Luckily for you, we may just have the answer.
Today, we’ve reviewed the best 2 way and 3 way car speakers to help you choose the best ones.
But, before going into detail, let’s quickly go through a summary of the main features of both products.
JBL GTO609C Premium 2 way Component Speaker System
JL Audio C5-653 Evolution C5 Series 6.5" 3-Way Component System
Speaker Cone: Large cones move more air and produce more bass.
Speaker Cone: Mineral filled cones make the speakers durable.
Built-in Drivers: Three drivers for low, mid and high frequencies.
Tweeters: Silk dome tweeters provide consistent sound quality.
2-Way vs 3-Way Car Speakers - Main Review
In this section, we’ve reviewed what we found to be the best 2 way and 3 way speakers. This includes each product’s main features, pros & cons, benefits, customer review and final verdict.
1. Best Car Speakers in Audio Control - JBL GTO609C Premium 2-Way Component Speaker Review
JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers are popular for their smooth and consistent sound quality. Their crossover feature gives you greater audio control at higher frequencies, thus allowing you to enjoy music on full blast without the sound booming out or crackling.
Features of JBL GTO609C Premium 2-Way Component Speaker
Large Carbon Infused Cones
JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers have larger cones than most 2 way speakers which move more air through them, giving you a strong and unmatched bass that you’ll truly appreciate.
Crossover
This feature gives JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers an edge over their competition. Basically, if you want to play music on full volume without any sound distortion then you’ll love this feature.
Soft Dome Tweeters with Large Voice Coils
The tweeters have two benefits. One, they prevent the speakers from overheating. Two, you get to enjoy smooth highs without any trouble.
Volume Adjustment
To compensate for imperfect placement, the volume adjustment function allows you to adjust the tweeters to your liking.
I-Mount system
With this unique characteristic, you get brilliant flexibility from the speakers, regardless of whether you put them in a surface-mount or flush position.
- Consistent sound delivery
- Brilliant audio control
- Strong bass
- Flexible
- No mid-range driver
- Inconsistent mid frequency range
Benefits of JBL GTO609C
Strong bass
If 2 way or 3 way car speakers don’t have a strong bass, their entertainment value suffers. Luckily, we found that JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers have brilliant bass, making them a very popular choice among customers.
Reliable Product
JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers have been designed by a popular and well reputed company. So, when it comes to reliability, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
Superior Sound Quality
JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers have greater durability, sound production and vocal clarity than most speakers. Moreover, you can easily control their audio and adjust them according to your preference.
Stylish Design
When buying car speakers, you usually think that they should look and sound good. Fortunately, JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers have both these things covered, as their stylish design adds an aesthetic value to the speakers.
Unparalleled flexibility
The speakers are incredibly flexible. You can adjust them in whatever position you like and they’ll still deliver brilliant music regardless.
Customer Reviews for JBL GTO609C Speakers (2-Way)
One customer shared how the speakers work brilliantly with his head unit. Normally when you install new car speakers, you have to change your deck as well since it might not be compatible with them.
However, JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers not only sounded great but also worked fantastically with his deck.
Another customer shared his experience while testing the sound quality of JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers.
At first, he installed them without an external amplifier. The result? The speakers still delivered powerful highs at full blast. But after adding the amplifier to the mix, the result was truly remarkable.
A lot of people found that JBL GTO609C 2 way speakers go perfectly with a jeep wrangler. While the speakers didn’t have a powerful amplifier, it hardly mattered as they had terrific stereo quality and were even strong enough to block out road noises.
After carefully reviewing JBL GTO609C speakers, we found them to be the best 2 way car speakers due to their superior stereo quality and would recommend them for cars and slightly heavier vehicles like jeeps & range rovers.
2. Best Car Speakers in Amplified Power - JL Audio C5-653 Evolution C5 Series 6.5" 3-Way Component System Review
JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system is arguably the best 3 way speaker system and easily one of the best car speakers.
Although it’s very expensive, it has fantastic durability, a mid-range driver and highly flexible crossover networks, which deliver an intense sound experience. The polypropylene cone body further adds to the durability of the speaker system.
Features of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way Component System (3-Way)
Mineral-Filled Polypropylene Cone
The strong and Durable cones gives strength and durability to the speakers during high-range performance. So you don’t have to worry about damaging them on full blast.
Rubber Surround
While traditional speakers usually have a foam surround, we found that JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system has rubber surrounds, adding flexibility to the speakers.
6-1/2″ Woofer with Cast Alloy Frame
If you want your car speakers to not only have powerful highs but also brilliant and well-controlled lows, then this is one feature is guaranteed to make your experience worthwhile.
Mid-Range Driver
Easily the defining aspect of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system, we found their driver to have an exceptional sound delivery for mid-range frequencies.
- Durable
- Flexible
- Wide range
- Terrific sound
- Amazing high range sound delivery
- Expensive
Benefits of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way Component System
Durable
One major benefit that you get from JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system is durability. The system is both incredibly strong and highly flexible.
So even though they’re expensive, they’re top quality sound combined with their long shelf life more than makes up for it.
Powerful Highs
Due to their flexible crossover networks, JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system delivers loud and intense sound at higher frequencies. Simply put, they are the best car speakers when it comes to powerful highs.
Crisp And Clear Sound
Of course loudness isn’t all that matters. A good speaker must always have clear audio quality.
Luckily, JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system delivers on this front as well. It produces clear audio without any distortion or interference.
Powerful Bass
To top it all off, the speakers produce a strong and remarkable bass, making your whole experience all the more enjoyable.
Customer Reviews for JL Audio C5-653 3-Way Component System
One customer attributed the excellent audio clarity of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system to its brilliant tweeters, which produced a crystal clear sound without any metallic harshness.
One customer was quick to review the crossovers of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system. The good part about them was that their sound delivery was outstanding.
However, there was one downside to the crossovers, their large size made it difficult to fit them behind the dash.
One customer appreciated the high-end and low-end sound delivery of the speakers. He said that the sound delivery at high frequencies is simply unbeatable. Whereas, the speakers a clear sound with terrific bass at low frequencies as well.
An older customer gave his review regarding the stereo quality of the speakers. He stated that he takes the speaker sound quality very seriously.
With that in mind, he purchased JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system and found its sound quality to be quite impressive.
After carefully reviewing JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system, we concluded that it’s easily the best 3 way speaker system out there. We’d recommend it for heavy vehicles for its large crossovers and intense highs.
Buyers’ Guide
Having to choose between 2-way v 3-way car speakers is tough. Afterall, each type has its own unique quality which makes them both a good choice.
Sometimes, it’s that exact uniqueness that helps you make a choice. Other times, it’s simply a matter of which speaker better suits your vehicle.
So, to help you make an informed decision between 2-way v 3-way car speakers, we’ve reviewed some important things that should know about.
Range of 2-Way vs 3-Way Speakers
2-way speakers have a woofer & tweeter, which gives them their brilliant high and low range sound. However, 3-way speakers have both these features plus a mid-range driver. This gives them a superior mid-range sound quality.
So, if you’re looking for something loud with a strong bass, then 2-way speakers are the right choice. However, if that mid-range is important for your enjoyment, then go for 3-way speakers.
Size of Speaker System
Sometimes, all that matters is whether the car speaker system suits your vehicle or not. If you have a small vehicle like a car, go for something small and compact with good sound and audio quality.
However, if you drive a heavy vehicle, you need car speakers that are bigger in size as well as loud and intense.
Sensitivity
Speaker sensitivity i.e. how much power they need to work properly is very important to consider. Normally, cars and other vehicles have low-powered stereo systems. So, you’re best choice would be to buy car speakers with high sensitivity.
However, if your stereo system is high-powered, such as stereo systems with external amplifiers, then go for car speakers with low sensitivity.
Full Range v Component Speaker System
Full range speakers have the woofer & tweeter in the same basket, so installing them is very easy. The downside is that you may not be able to adjust the sound according to you exact liking.
Component speakers have a separate woofer and tweeter, which you can position according to your preference. The downside is that these two features, along with the crossovers, make it difficult to install this system.
So, if you’re looking for convenience, choose full range speakers. But if convenience isn’t an issue, we’d recommend component speakers.
Price Range
Of course, we left the most obvious point for last. When choosing between 2-way & 3-way car speakers, the price range of the product matters a lot.
Generally, 3-way speakers are more expensive than 2-way speakers, due to that mid-range driver we mentioned earlier.
So, if you want something that both sounds brilliant and is cheap, 2-way speakers would be the right choice. But if money isn’t a problem and you want a superior musical experience, then 3-way speakers are definitely the favourites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the RMS for JBL GTO609C 2-way component speakers?
The RMS for JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers is 60W. The peak power is 200W.
Do JBL GTO609C 2-way component speakers come with grills?
Yes, JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers come with grills. It makes them easier to integrate in your vehicle.
Do JBL GTO609C 2-way component speakers have a good mid-bass?
Yes, JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers have a strong mid-bass compared to similar products.
What does the crossover do in JBL GTO609C 2-way component speakers?
The crossover in JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers separates the frequency between the woofers and tweeters. This improves the overall audio clarity of the speakers.
Would you recommend an amplifier with JBL GTO609C 2-way component speakers?
The speakers work brilliantly even without an amplifier so it isn’t necessary. However, the amplifier makes the speakers sound absolutely amazing. So, we’d recommend it for a better musical experience.
What’s the RMS requirement for JL Audio C5-653 3-way component system?
The lowest requirement is 75W for JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system. However, we’d suggest increasing the rms to 150W for best results.
Would you recommend upgrading JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system with an amplifier?
Yes, the addition of an amplifier would truly enhance the power of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system.
What’s the size of JL Audio C5-653 components?
The mid-woofer of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system is 6.5”, the mid-range driver is 4” & the tweeter requires a 1” cutout.
What’s the Ohm rating for JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system?
JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system has a 4 Ohm rating.
Would adding an amplifier improve the sound quality of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system?
No, an amplifier wouldn’t improve the sound quality of JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system. It would only increase the loudness and bass of the sound.
Wrapping Things Up
Now that we’ve reviewed our top products, let’s quickly go through a summary of the best 2-way v 3-way loudspeakers.
JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers deserve a lot of credit for their brilliant sound quality, flexibility, fantastic highs and strong bass. They’re also extremely cheap compared to 3-way speakers.
JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system however, easily outmatches its competitor due to its superior mid-range, audio clarity, durability and amplified power.
All in all, both speakers are amazing in their own right, besting the other in multiple aspects. We’d recommend JBL GTO609C 2 way component speakers for smaller vehicles & JL Audio C5-653 3-Way component system for heavy vehicles.
And that’s the end of our article. Do let us know which car speaker you liked the most as we’d highly appreciate your opinion.