For over twenty years Hertz has produced some of the finest speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and accessories for car audio.
They also make systems for boats and for extreme sports vehicles.
While more expensive than some, Hertz speakers are famous for their engineering, their quality of construction, and – most of all – for their sound.
And when compared to even more expensive systems they offer amazing value, sounding as good as some of the best on the market!
And they offer a whole range of products, with inexpensive speaker systems as well.
If you are planning to upgrade your car’s factory-installed sound system, it might be worth it to consider spending a little bit more to get truly audiophile quality sound.
Hertz speakers certainly have great sound, and with several different product lines and many speaker configurations, they offer a speaker system for every customer and every vehicle.
Hertz Speaker Reviews – Comparison Chart
Table could not be displayed.So, we don’t ask the obvious question:
Are Hertz speakers worth the price?
-or-
Are Hertz speakers right for me?
In both cases we know that they are, and so we have moved on to a much more interesting and helpful question:
With so many different speakers and systems in their product line-up, all of them quite good, which Hertz speaker system is best for me?
We hope that this Hertz Speaker Buyers Guide, which looks at 6 of their very best models, can help you answer that question.
Hertz Audio DSK 165.3 6-1/2″ 2- Hertz audio
The DSK 165.3 component speaker system, from their Dieci line of Car Audio Spakers, is less expensive than other speakers we’re considering in this Hertz Audio speaker comparison, but they offer the same great sound, advanced engineering and quality as any Hertz speakers.
This is a two-way component system, meaning that you will get a separate tweeter, woofer and crossover for each side (left and right channels).
Having a separate tweeter means you can mount it at the front of your car, truck or van, providing the very best high frequency sound with plenty of detail.
When tweeters are mounted in the back of an automobile they sometimes have trouble projecting all of that nice detail to the front seats, but with the Hertz DSK 165.3 component system, this is never a problem.
The 165.3 woofers use Hertz’s patented V-Cone profile which allows them to easily fill the entire space with bass, and lets you hear more midrange information as well, like vocals, piano and guitars, from anywhere in the car.
This is a 6.5 inch (165 mm) woofer which can go all the way down to 50 hz, for very good low frequency reproduction with plenty of impact, but some people will want to add a Hertz subwoofer for the ultimate in deep bass.
The DSK 165.3 system can handle 160 watts continuous power, and peaks of up to 320 watts, and with a sensitivity of 93 decibels this means they can play quite loudly and offer really exciting musical energy.
Hertz Audio makes both more expensive and less expensive separate components systems, but the 165.3 offers an ideal balance of great high-end sound and low price and is one of our favorite products from the entire Hertz line.
Features of Hertz Audio DSK 165.3 6-1/2″ 2- Hertz audio
- 6-1/2-Inch, Two-Way Dieci Series constituent Speaker System
- Power Handling: Peak – 320W per set / 160W each side :: Continuous – 160W per set /80 W each side
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 23kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Hi-pass, 3,5 kHz @ 12 dB Oct
- Includes complete Component System: Two woofers, two tweeters, and two crossover networks
Pros & Cons of Hertz Audio DSK 165.3 6-1/2″ 2- Hertz audio
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great Value | Slightly harder to install than single speaker systems |
| Extremely high build quality | May want subwoofer |
| Excellent engineering | |
| Separate components for best sound | |
| Lots of volume and energy |
Hertz HCX 165 6.5″ 2-Way Hi-Energy Coaxial Speakers HCX165
The Hertz HCX 165 6.5″ 2-Way Hi-Energy Coaxial Speaker system is the one of the more expensive systems we’re considering in this comparison of the best Hertz car audio speakers.
And this is certainly one of the best car audio speakers we’ve ever heard!
The clarity, speed, and low distortion that come from using the most hi-tech drivers and the best quality materials really come through, and here Hertz has offered a pair of stereo speakers which will sound good with absolutely any kind of music.
But please don’t let the price put you off.
In fact, the HCX 165 speakers are only a little more expensive than others we are looking at, and offer pretty substantial advantages.
What’s more, compared to speakers costing many times more, the HCX 165 offers an amazing value.
The HCX 165 are a part of the Hi-Energy line, and they do indeed offer lots of energy – high power handling and high sensitivity means they will play loud with clarity and control.
The Hertz HCX 165s are a coaxial system, with only one single speaker per side.
They have a 6.5 inch (165 mm) woofer which goes surprisingly deep and offers a pure copper voice coil and ultralight fiber cone for extremely tight, powerful bass with the lowest possible distortion.
The 20mm Neodymium Tetolon® dome tweeter features RHFC® (Rotary High Frequency Contour) technology.
In simpler terms, the tweeter can be rotated in its frame, allowing for maximum flexibility in installation and the best possible sound anywhere in your vehicle.
Everything about the Hertz HCX 165 speakers says quality and durability.
They are designed to offer the best possible sound quality in any vehicle and to do so for many years to come.
Features of HERTZ HCX 165 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers
- 6-1/2-Inch, Two-Way Coaxial Hi-Energy Series Speaker System
- Power Handling: Peak – 400W per set / 200W each side :: Continuous – 200W per set /100 W each side
- Sensitivity: 92 DB/SPL
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 22kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Integrated, 4 kHz @ 6 dB Oct.
Pros & Cons of HERTZ HCX 165 6.5″ Coaxial Speakers
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredible sound that will last a lifetime | None |
| High volume and musical energy | |
| Super low distortion | |
| Installation flexibility | |
| Perfect for any vehicle | |
| Perfect for any kind of music | |
| Highest levels of design and technology |
Hertz Audio ECX 165.2 Energy Series 2-Way Coaxial Speakers
If you would like a lower priced coaxial loudspeaker which still benefits from the best Hertz engineering, design and build quality, the next models in our Hertz Speakers Review – the ECX 165.2 speakers – may be for you.
A 2 way coaxial speaker with a 6.5 inch woofer and a 24 mm tweeter, the Hertz ECX 165.2 speakers are made from the best materials.
The woofer cone is water-repellent and is designed to be light and durable and offer clear, undistorted bass.
They don’t have quite as good of bass response as some Hertz speakers but go surprisingly deep for a speaker at this lower price point.
The tweeter is made from PEI (Polyetherimide), a hi-tech material which lets the tweeter offer the same high levels of durability and sound quality as the woofer.
It also features RHFC® (Rotary High-Frequency Contour) technology, which makes these speakers easier to install and ensures the entire vehicle will be filled with their crystal-clear sound.
The ECX 165.2 speakers can handle enormous peaks of up to 210 watts per speaker, and bring plenty of that famous Hertz dynamic musical energy.
Compared to similarly priced speakers from other companies, the Hertz ECX 165.2 coaxial speaker system offers truly superior sound, musical energy, material quality, and durability.
Features of Hertz Audio ECX Energy Coaxial Speakers
- 6-1/2-Inch, Two-Way Coaxial Hi-Energy Series Speaker System
- Power Handling: Peak – 420W per set / 210W each side :: Continuous – 70W per set /140 W each side
- Sensitivity: 94 DB/SPL
- Frequency Response: 60Hz – 23kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Integrated; frequency not specified
Pros & Cons of Hertz Audio ECX Energy Coaxial Speakers
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great sound – especially for the money | Bass response not as deep as other Hertz speakers |
| Lots of musical energy and volume | |
| Durable materials – long lasting | |
| Flexible installation |
Hertz HSK 165 2-way Hi-Energy Component Speaker System HSK165
Now we get into the big guns!
If you have the need for the very best, and very loudest, sound, you need look no further than the Hertz HSK 165 component speaker system.
In our comparison of the best Hertz car stereo speakers, the HSK165 are the highest priced of all the contenders.
They are also the finest sounding, and offer astonishing levels of technology, design and quality – even by Hertz’s extremely high standards!
The HSK 165 speakers are a component system, meaning that they come as six separate pieces (three per side): two tweeters, two woofers and two specially matched crossovers.
This makes these speakers a little more difficult to install, but the results are absolutely incredible, with amazing detail and projection all throughout the interior of your car, truck or SUV.
The very special HT 25 Tetolon® tweeter with neodymium magnet offers unparalleled musical detail, speed and low distortion with a sweet, natural sound.
High frequencies are reproduced with a startling fidelity, and all music – acoustic, electric or electronic – comes through perfectly.
With a huge magnet, pure copper voice coil, ultra-rigid aluminum basket, damped mesh fiber cone and loss-less polymer rubber surround, the 6.5 inch woofers are a marvel of engineering and design.
They go really deep with very low distortion, and offer visceral bass energy and power that few speakers at any price can match.
The HSK 165 component system also offers a superb hi/low pass crossover unit for each side, especially designed for these exact speakers and allowing the tweeters and woofers to offer their very best performance.
But what do the Hertz HSK 165 speakers actually sound like? The best word I can think of is “thrilling!”
The high frequencies are so clear and sweet, and you can hear details that even other audiophile speakers may not capture.
Vocals, instruments and electronic music are vivid, solid and warm, and the bass is just slamming – deep, fast and powerful, offering a whole body experience.
And the whole range of sound is perfectly balanced, from the extended highs to the deepest bass, and with never a hint of harshness or distortion. Again, thrilling!
All of the speakers in our comparison of the 7 best Hertz speaker systems are amazing for their price level, but we can say without hesitation that the HSK 165 component system is just flat amazing, and can compare with speakers from any manufacturer at any price.
Features of Hertz HSK Hi-Energy Component Speaker System HSK165
- Two-Way Component stereo speaker system, with separate 25 mm tweeter, 165 mm woofer and crossover for each side
- Power Handling: Peak – 500W per set / 250W each side :: Continuous – 250W per set /125 W each side
- Sensitivity: 92 DB/SPL
- Frequency Response: 50Hz – 22kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Separate LO/HI pass, 3.2 kHz @ 12/12 dB OCT
Pros & Cons of Hertz HSK Hi-Energy Component Speaker System HSK165
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| The very best sound! | The HSK 165s do require the best amplifiers / head units, and are a little more difficult to install, but the results are so fantastic that we could never consider these to be cons |
| Incredible musical energy with very low distortion | |
| Crystal clear highs | |
| Powerful deep bass | |
| Extreme engineering, design and build quality |
Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy 3-Way Coaxial Speakers
The previous entry in our Hertz Car Audio speaker comparison, the HSK 165, is undoubtedly one of the very best car stereo speaker systems money can buy.
But what if you want a similar level of performance, without compromising too much, but at a lower price?
That’s where our next model, the Hertz HCX 690 speakers, come in!
These are also from the Hi-energy line, and can generate lots of volumes with tremendous impact and energy due to their combination of very high energy handling and sensitivity.
But loudness in itself isn’t always nice.
The big advantage of the HCX 690 speakers is that they can get that loud and still sound smooth, clear and musical, without harshness or distortion and with rich, accurate detail.
The HCX 690 system is a 6×9 inch three way coaxial speaker (sometimes called a triaxial speaker), meaning they have super-tweeter, midrange/tweeter and woofer drivers all mounted together on the same frame.
This makes installation easy, and ensures smooth frequency response from the HCX 690’s ultra deep bass all the way up to their super-extended high frequencies.
Indeed, the Tetolon® dome high-frequency drivers with their Neodymium magnets, along with the damped mesh fiber woofer cone, with it’s oversized magnet and pure copper voice coil, give the HCX 690 coaxial speakers sound quality that can rival speakers many times more expensive.
And with 94 db sensitivity and power handling up to 520 watts peak they can play as loud as you can handle – and still sound that good!
Features of Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy Coaxial Speakers
- 6×9 Inch Three Way Coaxial Hi-Energy Series Speaker System
- Power Handling: Peak – 520W per set / 260W each side :: Continuous – 260W per set /130 W each side
- Sensitivity: 94 DB/SPL
- Frequency Response: 32Hz – 23kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Integrated; 4 k/10k Hz @ 6 dB Oct
Pros & Cons of Hertz Audio HCX 690 Hi-Energy Coaxial Speakers
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for a higher-end audiophile speaker system | None at this price |
| Wide frequency response – very deep bass and extended high frequencies | |
| Extreme musical energy – capable of very high volume with low distortion | |
| Very durable and high quality construction | |
| Easy to install |
Hertz DCX 690 3-Way Dieci Series Car Coaxial Speakers
We are going to end our survey of the 6 best Hertz speaker systems with another lower priced model, and one which offers quite a lot for the price.
Like the previous speaker system we examined, the Hertz DCX 690.3 is also a 3-way coaxial, or triaxial, speaker system.
The DCX, however, comes from the Dieci line, offering high levels of engineering, sound and build quality for very low prices.
And the DCX 690.3 may be a great alternative to the more expensive Hi-Energy line.
It won’t offer the same extreme volume levels or quite as extended frequency response – the bass, in particular, is not as strong as some of Hertz’s more expensive models – but it does offer exciting, full-range sound and a lot of listening pleasure for the money.
With a lower power handling capability of 360 total watts peak, the DCX 690.3 speakers still manage to play quite loud – given their high 93 db sensitivity – and with the signature clarity, musicality, low distortion of all Hertz speakers.
And with three separate drivers the DCX 690.3s offer flat frequency response and accurate sound from the highest notes to the lowest.
The special design of the high-frequency drivers allows the sound to project all throughout the car, with plenty of detail and presence.
Compared to other Hertz speakers, the DCX 690.3 coaxials sound really good, but it is clear what a bit more money can get you when you move to the higher-end Hertz lines and models.
But when you compare the 690.3s to other brands, whether they cost the same or even more, you will be amazed at how incredible these Hertz speakers sound, and what a great value they offer.
Features of Hertz DCX 690 3-Way Dieci Series Car Coaxial Speakers
- DCX-690.3 3 Way Coaxial Car Speakers.
- 6×9 Inch Three Way Coaxial Dieci Series Speaker System
- Power Handling: Peak – 360W per set / 180W each side :: Continuous – 180W per set /90 W each side
- Sensitivity: 94 DB/SPL
- Frequency Response: 45Hz – 21kHz
- Impedance: 4 ohms
- Crossover: Integrated; frequency not specified
Pros & Cons of Hertz DCX 690 3-Way Dieci Series Car Coaxial Speakers
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Great value for the money | Not as much deep bass |
| Low price for a high quality 3 way speaker system | Can’t play quite as loud |
| Easy installation | |
| High quality materials and durable constuction |
Types of Hertz Speakers
We have considered several different kinds of speaker systems in our comparison guide for the 6 best Hertz speaker systems.
Let’s explain these different types again, and look at a couple more as well.
Coaxial two-way speakers
This is a speaker system with two speaker drivers on a single speaker frame – a tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for bass.
Recommended Reading: 2-Way vs. 3-Way Speakers: What’s the difference?
Coaxial three-way speakers
Sometimes called a triaxial speaker system, this is a system with three speaker drivers on a single speaker frame – in the case of the Hertz speakers in our survey, a super-tweeter for very high frequencies, a tweeter/midrange for high and middle frequencies, and a woofer for bass.
Full-range speakers (not included in our survey)
Less expensive speakers which have only a single, full-frequency driver which must reproduce all of the notes from the highs to the deep bass.
Such speakers offer limited frequency response and often higher levels of distortion.
Component speaker systems
These are complete stereo speaker systems which offer at least two drivers for each side (left and right) – a tweeter for high frequencies and a woofer for bass, and usually a separate crossover component which directs the highs to the tweeter and the lows to the woofer.
These two (or more) drivers are separate, each on their own frame, and are mounted in different places in the car, which can make high notes sound much better to the driver and front seat passenger.
These systems can be more expensive, and take more time to install, but for some vehicles, their flexibility can make a big difference.
Subwoofers
These are separate speakers for deep bass.
They typically can go much deeper in frequency response than most coaxial or component systems and can take some of the strain off of those systems and allow them to sound even better on the higher frequencies.
It should be said, though, that Hertz car audio speakers are so well designed that their standard woofers work and sound better than many other brands’ separate subwoofers – and, if you are using Hertz components or coaxials, you should probably only add a Hertz subwoofer to the system.
Conclusion – why Hertz?
To conclude this Hertz Speaker buyers guide, we should talk a little more about what makes these speakers so great!
Hertz offers levels of engineering, testing and manufacturing quality far beyond what is offered by many other brands.
Their employees seem genuinely excited about music and music reproduction, and it shows in every single product we have auditioned – and, we suspect, in every product they make.
They always offer:
- The highest levels of engineering
- The finest materials and best quality
- High power handling, making them even more durable
- Sweet, musical sound, often setting new standards in a particular price category
- Musical energy like no other speakers
- Speakers designed to work with a wide range of other components and to sound good in any vehicle
- Innovative designs in all aspects of speaker production, and designs which always yield better sound.
And, in the end, that’s what Hertz speakers are really all about – the sound.
The finest materials for speaker cones, baskets and magnets, clever configurations to spread sound all throughout the car, high power handling, flexibility in installation and in component matching, these and many other advances in design and innovation which Hertz has developed in its 22 plus years, they have all been to that one purpose – to provide the best sound in any vehicle and with any music.
And you can be sure they will sound this great for many years to come.
I have loved listening to many different Hertz Car Audio speaker systems, and while there are obvious differences and advantages when you move up and down the line, I felt that each and every one of them brought me closer to the music itself.
We hope this buyer’s guide to Hertz speakers helps you select the speaker system that is best for you, but I can’t help but feel that you can’t really go wrong with any of them.