Are the Kenwood KFC-1698RS speakers worth it?

At $109.00 at Crutchfield as of November 4, 2026, they are a sensible step up from worn factory speakers. They are efficient enough to run on head unit power and can take an amp later.

Will they fit my car's factory speaker locations?

They are 6-1/2-inch speakers with a 1-7/8-inch mounting depth, which fits many factory locations. Check your vehicle's depth and cutout before buying, since they are not a shallow-mount design.

Do I need an amplifier for these speakers?

No. At 88 dB sensitivity they play loudly on a factory head unit. An amp is only needed if you want to use their full 100W RMS rating.

Two speakers, two grilles with frames, two 20-inch lengths of speaker wire, eight 1-inch screws and eight speed clips.

How do they compare with the KFC-1665S?

The KFC-1698RS adds a larger 1-3/16-inch balanced dome tweeter and higher 350W peak handling. The older model is cheaper but less capable on power and treble detail.

When is the best time to buy them?

Car audio tends to dip during holiday sales and spring promotions. The current $109.00 at Crutchfield is the lowest new price across 6 stores as of November 4, 2026.

Where is the Kenwood KFC-1698RS cheapest?

At Crutchfield, for $109.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Kenwood KFC-1698RS?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 33 ratings. Buyers like: 5 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews.

Where can I buy the Kenwood KFC-1698RS?

6 stores we checked sell it, including Crutchfield, eBay, PC Richard & Son, BP Autosound, Amazon.

Kenwood KFC-1698RS

5

Best price now

$109.00at CrutchfieldObserved at 6:19 AM

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Crutchfield

Ask our shopping agent

Kenwood KFC-1698RS

5

Best price now

$109.00at CrutchfieldObserved at 6:19 AM

Compared across 5 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Crutchfield

Ask our shopping agent

Our take on the Kenwood KFC-1698RS

The Kenwood KFC-1698RS is a pair of 6-1/2-inch two-way car speakers rated at 100W RMS and 350W peak, with 4-ohm impedance and 88 dB sensitivity. They use a polypropylene woofer cone with a rubber surround and a 1-3/16-inch balanced dome tweeter, and they fit many factory speaker locations with a shallow 1-7/8-inch mounting depth. The best new price is $109.00 at Crutchfield as of November 4, 2026, with 6 stores listing them new.

Best forDrivers replacing worn factory speakersBudget upgrades running off a factory head unitOwners who want a drop-in 6-1/2-inch fit

Pros

High 88 dB sensitivity, so they play loud on modest head unit power
Handles 100W RMS, leaving room for an amp later
Shallow 1-7/8-inch mounting depth fits tight doors
Polypropylene cone with rubber surround holds up to heat and moisture
Includes grilles, wire, screws and speed clips

Cons

Top end stops at 18 kHz, so cymbals and detail are slightly rolled off
Bass response starts at 76 Hz, so a subwoofer is needed for low end
Not a shallow-mount design despite the modest depth
Tweeter is fixed, with no separate aiming or level control

Kenwood KFC-1698RS prices at every store

CrutchfieldNew
In stock
$109.00Free shippingObserved at 6:19 AM
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eBayNew
In stockSold by crutchfield_electronics
$109.00Free shippingObserved at 6:19 AM
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PC Richard & SonNew
In stock
$109.99Free shippingObserved at 6:19 AM
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BP AutosoundNew
In stock
$110.00+ $4.90 shippingObserved at 6:19 AM
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AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$109.00Free shippingObserved at 6:19 AM
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Also available at

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WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Kenwood KFC-1698RS price history

Lowest price we've seen: $109.00 on Nov 4 at Crutchfield. Tracked across 5 stores since Nov 4.

What reviewers say

Buyers rate the KFC-1698RS 5 out of 5 across 33 ratings. Owners describe a clear, efficient upgrade over stock speakers that runs well on factory power.

Pros

Clear sound from a factory head unit
Straightforward install in factory locations
Good value for the price
Solid build quality

Cons

Modest low-end output
Bright treble for some tastes

From Crutchfield

6-1/2 in. 2-way car speakers (pair)
Polypropylene woofer cone with rubber surround
1-3/16 in. balanced dome tweeter with Sound Field Enhancer tech
Handles up to 100 watts RMS (350 watts peak power)
Frequency range: 76-18,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 88 dB

Fit: Top-mount depth 1-15/16 in.; mounting height 0.415 in.; frame width 6.206 in.; cutout diameter 4.842 in.; fits standard three-hole and four-hole 6-1/2 in. appli
Guarantee: 1-year warranty
Returns: Returns accepted; extended holiday returns through January 15 for complete or like-new items
Shipping: Free shipping on all orders; standard delivery in 2 business days or less to the 48 contiguous U.S. states (4-6 business days to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico
In the box: Two 2-way speakers, 2 grilles, 2 grille frames, Two 20" lengths of speaker wire, Eight 1" screws, 8 speed clips

About the Kenwood KFC-1698RS

Upgrade your vehicle's audio experience with the KENWOOD KFC-1698RS 6-1/2-In. 2-Way Car Speakers. Designed to handle up to 350 watts peak power and 100 watts RMS, these passive speakers deliver clear, dynamic sound with high efficiency, making them suitable for both factory-installed and aftermarket head units. They feature diamond-array-pattern woofer cones, acoustic sound harmonizers, and tweeter sound field enhancers. Enhance your journey with KENWOOD premium car audio solutions.

What buyers say

Buyers like

5 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews

Specifications

Impedance: 4 ohm
Sensitivity: 88 dB
RMS Output: 100W
Maximum Output: 350W
Channels: 2-Way
Bluetooth: No
Connectivity Type: Wired
Ports &Amp; Interfaces

Questions and answers

Are the Kenwood KFC-1698RS speakers worth it?: At $109.00 at Crutchfield as of November 4, 2026, they are a sensible step up from worn factory speakers. They are efficient enough to run on head unit power and can take an amp later.
Will they fit my car's factory speaker locations?: They are 6-1/2-inch speakers with a 1-7/8-inch mounting depth, which fits many factory locations. Check your vehicle's depth and cutout before buying, since they are not a shallow-mount design.
Do I need an amplifier for these speakers?: No. At 88 dB sensitivity they play loudly on a factory head unit. An amp is only needed if you want to use their full 100W RMS rating.
What is in the box?: Two speakers, two grilles with frames, two 20-inch lengths of speaker wire, eight 1-inch screws and eight speed clips.
How do they compare with the KFC-1665S?: The KFC-1698RS adds a larger 1-3/16-inch balanced dome tweeter and higher 350W peak handling. The older model is cheaper but less capable on power and treble detail.
When is the best time to buy them?: Car audio tends to dip during holiday sales and spring promotions. The current $109.00 at Crutchfield is the lowest new price across 6 stores as of November 4, 2026.
Where is the Kenwood KFC-1698RS cheapest?: At Crutchfield, for $109.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Kenwood KFC-1698RS?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 33 ratings. Buyers like: 5 out of 5 stars from 33 reviews.
Where can I buy the Kenwood KFC-1698RS?: 6 stores we checked sell it, including Crutchfield, eBay, PC Richard & Son, BP Autosound, Amazon.