Speaker Upgrade Dilemma

[Marine4Lyf]

I'm looking to upgrade the sound quality in my 2021 Ram 1500 with the standard (non-amplified) audio system. I know adding an amplifier is the "right" way to do things, but I'm holding off on that for now and just want the best possible improvement running directly off the factory head unit power.
I've narrowed down my choices for the main speakers (likely the front doors, which are 6x9" in my truck) to two options:
*Kenwood Excelon KFC-XP6903C (Component System)
*Infinity Reference REF697F (Coaxial Speaker)
My main question is: Which of these two options would perform better, or be a better match, for the low-power output of the stock head unit?
I'm focusing on getting more clarity and a bit more punch without introducing distortion or actually losing volume compared to the stock speakers. I'm aware that aftermarket speakers are often less sensitive than factory ones and can be underpowered, so I'm trying to avoid that common pitfall.
*The Infinity Reference line is often mentioned for its high sensitivity (usually around 93dB), which makes them great for head unit power.
*The Kenwood Excelon are a higher-end component system, but I'm worried their lower sensitivity might mean I lose volume and overall performance without an amp.
Has anyone had direct experience installing either of these specific speakers in a 5th Gen Ram 1500 with the standard, non-amplified system? Any advice or anecdotal evidence on which one handles low power better would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I'm looking to upgrade the sound quality in my 2021 Ram 1500 with the standard (non-amplified) audio system. I know adding an amplifier is the "right" way to do things, but I'm holding off on that for now and just want the best possible improvement running directly off the factory head unit power.
I've narrowed down my choices for the main speakers (likely the front doors, which are 6x9" in my truck) to two options:
*Kenwood Excelon KFC-XP6903C (Component System)
*Infinity Reference REF697F (Coaxial Speaker)
My main question is: Which of these two options would perform better, or be a better match, for the low-power output of the stock head unit?
I'm focusing on getting more clarity and a bit more punch without introducing distortion or actually losing volume compared to the stock speakers. I'm aware that aftermarket speakers are often less sensitive than factory ones and can be underpowered, so I'm trying to avoid that common pitfall.
*The Infinity Reference line is often mentioned for its high sensitivity (usually around 93dB), which makes them great for head unit power.
*The Kenwood Excelon are a higher-end component system, but I'm worried their lower sensitivity might mean I lose volume and overall performance without an amp.
Has anyone had direct experience installing either of these specific speakers in a 5th Gen Ram 1500 with the standard, non-amplified system? Any advice or anecdotal evidence on which one handles low power better would be hugely appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help

Firstly, welcome from Ontario, Canada.

I was in exactly your same situation at one time in my standard 6-speaker stock system.

I built my system over time but the first thing I did was to replace all 6 factory speakers (dash and front & rear doors) with a Focal component speaker package, and kept my stock head unit.

I had a 2-way component set up put in the front doors and dash, and a 3-way set up in the rear doors. The 2-way in the doors is kind of like having a mini-sub if you will, and it produced good thump, too.

I did get a bit higher volume output, but more than anything I achieved much more detailed and richer sound, with some bass as well.

Were it me, I'd go with the Kenwood components for the front dash & doors and rear doors and enjoy the great sound. Then down the road, no doubt you'll add an amp and likely a sub (I went with a pair of Audiomobile EVO 2410 subs).

 

[zrock]

Stay away from the Kenwood as they are not what they used to be.. I did the same on a previous veh as above and used Focal speakers and the diffrence was night and day.

I have found over the years that Kenwood and Pioneer are nowhere close to what they used to be. Last time i purchased any of their product it only lasted long enough in my veh until i could get replacements.

 

[Marine4Lyf]

Thanks fellas for your advice & recommendations. As I previously mentioned, didn't wanna get 4 ohm speakers that needed an amp later on to really feel the difference, that's why I was leaning towards the Infinity Reference's as they run with 3 ohm & work with factory radio not needing an amp. Just finished putting down a couple of bucks on my exterior & didn't wanna spend much more on an amp with speakers. Just wantedva little more volume & clarity than I have now, besides that my wifey will kill me...lol

 

[jason.yergler]

I have a 2022 Tradesman. I looked up the Infinitys on Crutchfield. It says they'll fit the rear doors. Will they fit the fronts as well?

Nevermind, I figured it out.

 

[LES A HOPKINS]

Firstly, welcome from Ontario, Canada.

I was in exactly your same situation at one time in my standard 6-speaker stock system.

I built my system over time but the first thing I did was to replace all 6 factory speakers (dash and front & rear doors) with a Focal component speaker package, and kept my stock head unit.

I had a 2-way component set up put in the front doors and dash, and a 3-way set up in the rear doors. The 2-way in the doors is kind of like having a mini-sub if you will, and it produced good thump, too.

I did get a bit higher volume output, but more than anything I achieved much more detailed and richer sound, with some bass as well.

Were it me, I'd go with the Kenwood components for the front dash & doors and rear doors and enjoy the great sound. Then down the road, no doubt you'll add an amp and likely a sub (I went with a pair of Audiomobile EVO 2410 subs).

I realize you posted this response last year but I am hoping you can provide a little more specific information on the speaker upgrades you completed. You mention Focal component package. Do you have any specific part numbers to reference. I would like to duplicate exactly what you did to your Ram. I have tried other speakers with poor success and actually reinstalled my factory speakers for the best sound for now. I really don't want to waste any more money on experimenting with speakers that are "recommended" for my Ram. Yours obviously works well and your happy with the upgrade.

 

[CanuckRam1313]

I realize you posted this response last year but I am hoping you can provide a little more specific information on the speaker upgrades you completed. You mention Focal component package. Do you have any specific part numbers to reference. I would like to duplicate exactly what you did to your Ram. I have tried other speakers with poor success and actually reinstalled my factory speakers for the best sound for now. I really don't want to waste any more money on experimenting with speakers that are "recommended" for my Ram. Yours obviously works well and your happy with the upgrade.

Happy to help out a fellow enthusiast!

Firstly, are you looking to retain the stock head unit and just upgrade the stock speakers, or, are you looking to enhance the entire audio system with complete audio upgrades?