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DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit vs Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers

These are not really rivals: the DS18 kit is a full bass system (two 6.5in speakers, a 12in sub and a mono amp), while the Pioneer TS-A6901C is a pair of 6x9 component speakers with no amp or sub. Buy the DS18 if you want deep bass and a matched amplifier in one purchase; buy the Pioneer if your car already has 6x9 mounts and you want clean, efficient sound from the stock radio or a small amp. The DS18 wins on output and completeness; the Pioneer wins on efficiency, fitment simplicity and refinement.

  • Choose the DS18 All-in-One kit if you want a subwoofer and amplifier included and your doors take 6.5in speakers.
  • Choose the Pioneer TS-A6901C if your car has 6x9 openings and you want an efficient speaker upgrade without adding a sub or amp.

Prices

  • DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit: $805.65 at Next Level Performance (last seen Nov 8)
  • Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers: $113.99 at Walmart (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers is $691.66 cheaper than the DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 13)
DS18
DS18 All-in-One Car Audio System 6.5in Speakers 12in Sub + Amp

DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit

DS18 All-in-One Car Audio System 6.5in Speakers 12in Sub + Amp

$805.65at Next Level PerformanceChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit Next Level Performance
Pros
  • Subwoofer, speakers and amplifier matched in one kit
  • 12in sub gives bass a 6x9 pair cannot match
  • 2500W RMS mono amp has headroom for the sub
  • OEM brackets cover many domestic and Japanese cars
Cons
  • Needs amp wiring and a sub enclosure, so install is a bigger job
  • Single-channel amp with no preamp output limits expansion
  • Speaker sensitivity and tweeter details are not published
  • Bass-heavy balance may overpower the 6.5in speakers
Pioneer
Pioneer TS-A6901C 6”x9” 100W/450W (RMS/Peak) 2-Way A-Series Car Component Speaker System

Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers

Pioneer TS-A6901C 6”x9” 100W/450W (RMS/Peak) 2-Way A-Series Car Component Speaker System

$113.99at WalmartChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • 92 dB sensitivity plays loud from modest power
  • Carbon and mica IMPP cones stay stiff at volume
  • 20mm PEI tweeter with uniform off-axis response
  • Multi-fit adapters and a shallow 72mm depth ease installation
Cons
  • No amplifier or subwoofer included
  • 6x9 bass is modest next to a 12in sub
  • Needs an amp to use its 100W RMS rating fully
  • Only fits cars with 6x9 openings or adapters

What separates them

DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp KitPioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers
What is in the boxTwo 6.5in speakers, one 12in DVC subwoofer, a mono amplifier and mounting bracketsOne pair of 6x9 two-way component speakers with multi-fit adapters
Bass outputDedicated 12in subwoofer on a 2500W RMS amp at 1 ohm6x9 woofers only, rated to 29 Hz but with limited excursion
AmplificationIncluded Class D mono amp, 2500W RMS at 1 ohm, 83dB SNRNone included; 100W RMS handling means you can add one later
SensitivityNot published for the speakers; the amp does the work92 dB at 1W/1m, so it plays loud off head unit power
Frequency rangeAmp rated 10Hz-20kHz; sub handles the low end29 Hz to 58 kHz, with a 20mm PEI dome tweeter
Fitment6.5in speakers with OEM brackets for Chevy, Toyota, Ford, GMC, Lexus, Cadillac and Lincoln6x9 cutout of 153 x 222mm and 72mm mounting depth
Installation scopeNeeds power wiring, a sub enclosure and amp mountingDrops into factory 6x9 locations
System buildingComplete but fixed: one amp channel, no preamp outputsScales with an added amp and sub later

Price history

  • DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit: lowest $399.95 on Oct 28.
  • Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers: lowest $113.99 on Nov 13 at Walmart.

Prices at every store

DS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp Kit

  • Next Level PerformanceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $805.65Checked Nov 8
    Visit Next Level Performance
Prices and history →

Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers

  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $113.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Walmart
  • Online Car StereoNew

    In stock

    $127.49Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Online Car Stereo
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    In stock

    $113.99+ $18.90 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances
  • eBayNew

    In stockSold by crutchfield_electronics

    $149.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • My StoreCheck price at My Store
  • Sweetheart DealsCheck price at Sweetheart Deals
  • DB's Car AudioCheck price at DB's Car Audio

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All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecDS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp KitPioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers
Number Of Channels1—
Amplifier ClassClass D—
BridgeableNo—
Connection TypeRCA—
THX CertifiedNo—
Depth5.5 in / 140 mm—
Height2.36" / 60mm—
Width5.5" / 140mm—
Weight3.3 kg—
RMS Power Rating2500W @ 1 ohm—
Total Power Output5600W RMS @ 1-Ohm (BURST)—
Output Channels1—
Show all 34 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDS18 6.5in Speakers + 12in Sub + Amp KitPioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers
Signal-To-Noise Ratio83dB—
Total Harmonic Distortion0.5%—
With Rechargeable BatteryNo—
Output Channel Quantity1—
Line OutNo—
Preamp OutputNo—
TypeClass D—
Rack MountableNo—
Design HighlightsCompact size, Metal Knobs with Click Steps, Tif…—
Equalizer

What reviewers say

Pioneer TS-A6901C 6x9 Component Speakers

Owners and reviewers treat the A-Series as a dependable step up from factory speakers, noting the loud, clean output and the separate tweeter. Most criticism centers on the bare kit and the installation effort.

What people mention
  • Sound qualityPraisedOwners say the sound is clearer and more detailed than factory speakers, with smooth mid-to-tweeter transition.
  • Power handlingPraisedReviewers note they play loudly from a head unit and take more power from an amp.
  • BassMixedBass is described as decent for a 6x9 but dependent on how and where they are mounted.
  • InstallationMixedThe multi-fit adapters help, but mounting the separate tweeters and crossovers adds work.

Questions and answers

Which gives more bass?
The DS18 kit, clearly. Its 12in subwoofer on a 2500W RMS mono amp moves far more air than the Pioneer 6x9 woofers, which are built for mid-bass, not sub-bass.
Which is easier to install?
The Pioneer. It drops into factory 6x9 locations with the included adapters. The DS18 kit needs power cable runs, an amp location and a sub enclosure.
Do the Pioneer speakers need an amplifier?
No. At 92 dB sensitivity they run well off a head unit. An amp lets you use their 100W RMS rating and adds control at high volume.
Can I add a sub to the Pioneer set later?
Yes. The Pioneers are speakers only, so you can add a sub and amp whenever you want. The DS18 kit already includes both, but its single-channel amp has no preamp output for expansion.
Which suits a sound-quality build?
The Pioneer, for mid and high detail with its PEI tweeter and stiff IMPP cones. The DS18 is the pick when output and bass depth matter more than refinement.
Will the DS18 speakers fit my car?
They are 6.5in with OEM brackets listed for Chevy, Toyota, Ford, GMC, Lexus, Cadillac and Lincoln. Check your door depth and speaker size before buying.

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Yes (Bass Boost)
—
Frequency Response10Hz-20KHz—
Speaker size—6" x 9"
Max power—450 Watts Maximum Power
Nominal power—100 Watts Nominal Power
Frequency range—29 Hz to 58 kHz
Impedance—4 ohms
Sensitivity—92 dB (1W/1M)
Tweeter size—20mm
Tweeter composition—PEI
Woofer composition—Carbon and mica reinforced IMPP
Mounting depth—72mm
Cut-out dimensions—153 x 222mm