Kameron Scott
Tested by Kameron Scott — former pro mobile installer & founder of CarAudioNow
Hands-on installs & listening tests No AI-generated picks We buy or return review units
FROM EXPERIENCE

Why I built this guide

The 5×7 is a Ford-and-Mazda oddball, but it has a hidden advantage: it usually shares a bolt pattern with the 6×8, so many of these drop straight into either opening. That makes a clean, no-fabrication upgrade very doable once you pick the right set.

These are my 5×7 picks for a true plug-and-play swap, ranked by use-case below.

Compare my 8 5×7 picks

Best for My pick Power (RMS) Sensitivity Rating Buy
Best Overall 5×7
JL Audio C3-570 JL Audio C3-570
75 watts ~90–93 dB (manufacturer/retailer rated) ★★★★½ 4.7 Buy Now $529.99 on Crutchfield
Runner-Up, Best Overall
Focal ICU 570 Focal ICU 570
60 watts 94 dB ★★★★½ 4.6 Buy Now $207.99 on Amazon
Best Factory Upgrade
Hertz Cento CX-570 Hertz Cento CX-570
70 watts 93.5 dB ★★★★½ 4.6 Buy Now $249.99 on Amazon
Best All-Weather
Polk Audio MM572 Polk Audio MM572
100 watts 93 dB ★★★★½ 4.5 Buy Now $179.00 on Amazon
Best for Volume
Alpine S-S57 Alpine S-S57
75 watts 88 dB ★★★★ 4.4 Buy Now $149.95 on Amazon
Best Value
Rockford Fosgate P1572 Rockford Fosgate P1572
60 watts 91 dB ★★★★ 4.2 Buy Now $109.99 on Amazon
Runner-Up, Best Value
JBL Club 8622F JBL Club 8622F
60 watts 93 dB ★★★★ 4.0 View pick →
Best for Older Vehicles
RetroSound R-57N RetroSound R-57N
60 watts 89 dB ★★★★ 4.2 Buy Now $80.99 on Crutchfield

We test gear and may earn a commission from “Check price” links. This never affects our picks.

METHODOLOGY

How we test & choose 5×7 speakers

We install and listen to the same 5×7 sets in real Ford and Mazda doors — on factory power and with a modest amp. Rather than publish lab graphs, we focus on what matters day-to-day: drop-in fitment, off-axis sound from low door locations, and long-term reliability.

Fit & install

Mounting depth, the 5×7/6×8 bolt pattern, tweeter protrusion under grilles, and whether adapters or spacers are needed for a clean, rattle-free fit.

System matching

Listen on a stock head unit and with a sensible amp upgrade to confirm which picks work great with no amp — and which truly benefit from added power.

Listening tests

Consistent reference tracks across genres to judge off-axis clarity from low door mounts, tweeter smoothness, and oval-cone mid-bass.

Build & materials

Cone and surround materials, weatherization where relevant, crossover design, and the included hardware that simplifies installation.

BUYER’S INTRO

Why 5×7 Car Speakers — and Who This List Is For

  1. You run factory 5×7 (or 6×8) locations Common in Ford and Mazda — F-150, Ranger, Mustang, Fusion, Escape, Edge, Mazda 3/6 and CX models. Not sure? Check my speaker size chart.
  2. You want a true drop-in upgrade The oval 5×7 cone gives more usable mid-bass than a round 5.25″/6.5″ while staying shallow — no cutting metal or building adapters.
  3. 5×7 and 6×8 share a bolt pattern Most 5×7 and 6×8 speakers interchange in the same opening; 6×8 adds a little cone area, 5×7 can sit shallower.
  4. You might add an amp later These respond well to small power bumps — start on head-unit power today and add an amp later for more volume and clarity.
  5. You want better off-axis sound 5×7s usually mount low in the door, so an aimable or wide-dispersion tweeter matters — and a bit of door deadening tightens mid-bass.
THE PICKS

My top 5×7 picks

Best Overall 5×7 Convertible: coax fit, component staging ★★★★½4.7
JL Audio C3-570 JL Audio C3-570 front rear JL Audio C3-570 Tweeter Installed JL Audio C3-570 Phase Plug

JL Audio C3-570

5×7" Convertible Component / Coaxial

MakeJL Audio
ModelC3-570
Size5×7" Convertible Component / Coaxial
Power (RMS)75 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

JL’s C3 line is clever: run them as a convertible component (separate tweeter + phase plug) or mount the tweeter on the woofer for a coaxial install. The silk dome tweeter is smooth and easy to live with, and the crossover gives you multiple mid/tweeter level options so you can tame dash reflections or brighten a low door position without a DSP. The glass-filled polymer frame with integrated cooling is overbuilt in a good way—these stay composed when you lean on them.
MakeJL Audio
ModelC3-570
Size5×7" Convertible Component / Coaxial
Power (RMS)75 watts
Power (Peak)225 watts
Frequency Response48 – 25,000 Hz
Sensitivity~90–93 dB (manufacturer/retailer rated)
Reasons to buy
  • Convertible design simplifies installs and staging
  • Multiple mid/tweeter level settings for easy tuning
  • Silk dome highs stay smooth at volume
Reasons not to buy
  • Deeper basket than some factory 5×7"—check depth before ordering
  • Pricier than many 5×7" options
  • Benefits from an amp to hit full potential
Runner-Up, Best Overall Warm, hi-fi OEM+ upgrade ★★★★½4.6
Focal ICU 570 front angle and side view Focal ICU 570 side view of speaker Focal ICU 570 rear view

Focal ICU 570

5×7 coaxial · polyglass cone · inverted-dome tweeter

MakeFocal
ModelICU 570
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

If your goal is an OEM+ upgrade with a warm, hi-fi signature, the ICU 570 nails it. The inverted-dome tweeter adds detail without edge and the shallow frame makes fitment painless in tight Ford door skins. The high-level switch tames reflections from low door placements, and the polyglass mid-woofer keeps distortion low. I like these with a mild DSP bump and a sub handling the bottom octaves; add a compact amp later to open them up.
MakeFocal
ModelICU 570
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts
Power (Peak)120 watts
Frequency Response60 – 21,000 Hz
Sensitivity94 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Clean OEM-friendly fit with refined, non-harsh highs
  • Excellent upgrade path: add a compact amp or DSP later
Reasons not to buy
  • Not the pick if you want big mid-bass slam without a sub
Best Factory Upgrade Aimable tweeter for low door mounts ★★★★½4.6
Hertz Cento CX-570 Hertz Cento CX-570 rear

Hertz Cento CX-570

5×7 coaxial · aimable Tetolon tweeter

MakeHertz
ModelCento CX-570
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)70 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

Hertz did the homework on off-axis door installs. The Tetolon tweeter’s aimable design recovers detail when the speaker sits low in a Ford door, and paired with a small 45–75W RMS amp they come alive. Planning an amp later? Start here. Add deadener to the outer door skin (see my install guide) and you’ll pick up audible mid-bass and less door buzz.
MakeHertz
ModelCento CX-570
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)70 watts
Power (Peak)210 watts
Frequency Response55 – 22,000 Hz
Sensitivity93.5 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Aimable tweeter makes factory off-axis locations sound right
  • Easy to drive now, scales with an amp later
Reasons not to buy
  • Paper/mica cone isn’t as abuse-proof as marine-rated sets
  • Needs a touch of EQ for the brightest cabins
Best All-Weather IP56 — Jeeps, UTVs & boats ★★★★½4.5
Polk Audio MM572 Polk Audio MM572 Polk Audio MM572 Polk Audio MM572 Polk Audio MM572

Polk Audio MM572

5×7 coaxial · IP56 · marine/POV-ready

MakePolk Audio
ModelMM572
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial (IP56)
Power (RMS)100 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

When I’m building systems for Jeeps, side-by-sides or boats, I reach for the MM series. The MM572 survives dust, spray and UV (IP56) while still sounding like a real car speaker. Aim the tweeter toward ear level and cross to a sub around 80–100 Hz for a tough, musical setup. Building a full outdoor rig? See my marine speaker picks for the bigger zones.
MakePolk Audio
ModelMM572
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial (IP56)
Power (RMS)100 watts
Power (Peak)300 watts
Frequency Response35 – 40,000 Hz
Sensitivity93 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Legit marine/POV-friendly build that still sounds hi-fi
  • Takes real power and gets loud cleanly
Reasons not to buy
  • Best with an external amp; factory radios won’t show full potential
  • Not the lightest cone — pick a pure SQ set if you never go outdoors
Best for Volume Composed at high volume ★★★★4.4
Alpine S-S57 Alpine S-S57 closeup of cone and tweeter Alpine S-S57 rear view of speaker Alpine S-S57 side view

Alpine S-S57

5×7 coaxial · CFRP cone · silk dome

MakeAlpine
ModelS-S57
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)75 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

When the factory radio has decent power (or you’ve added a compact amp) and you want volume without grit, the S-Series is a safe bet. The CFRP cone is rigid yet light and the multi-roll surround controls excursion, so it stays composed when you turn it up — less cone cry, more music. Cross to a sub around 80–100 Hz for the best dynamics.
MakeAlpine
ModelS-S57
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)75 watts
Power (Peak)230 watts
Frequency Response70 – 22,000 Hz
Sensitivity88 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Holds composure at high volume; great with compact amps
  • Durable cone/surround for daily-driver abuse
Reasons not to buy
  • Stock head units alone may leave them sounding restrained
Best Value Best bang-for-buck on stock power ★★★★4.2
Rockford Fosgate P1572 Rockford Fosgate P1572 single Rockford Fosgate P1572 angle Rockford Fosgate P1572 rear

Rockford Fosgate P1572

5×7 coaxial · VAST surround · hidden crossover

MakeRockford Fosgate
ModelP1572
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

My go-to budget upgrade when the factory speakers are tired. The P1572s add clarity and output on stock power and don’t need complicated crossovers or spacer rings, thanks to the integrated (hidden) crossover and FlexFit basket. New to upgrading? Pair them with my install guide for a noticeable improvement in an afternoon; add a clean amp later for more.
MakeRockford Fosgate
ModelP1572
Size/Type5×7 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts
Power (Peak)120 watts
Frequency Response75 – 22,000 Hz
Sensitivity91 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Great bang-for-buck clarity and output on factory power
  • Install-friendly basket and concealed crossover
Reasons not to buy
  • Limited low-bass — pair with a sub for full-range impact
  • Won’t outclass modern premium factory systems by itself
Runner-Up, Best Value Cheap, 3Ω-efficient drop-in ★★★★4.0
JBL Club 8622F front view JBL Club 8622F pair of speakers JBL Club 8622F angle view of front JBL Club 8622F side view JBL Club 8622F rear view

JBL Club 8622F

5×7 / 6×8 coaxial · Plus One cone · 3Ω efficient

MakeJBL
ModelClub 8622F
Size/Type5×7 / 6×8 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

Perfect for budget builds and factory radios. The 3-ohm voice coil lets the Club series pull a little more real-world power from stock head units, and the Plus One™ cone helps bass presence from a modest package. I’ve used these in commuter cars where “clear and reliable” beats “show car.” Adding an amp later? They respond well — just keep gains conservative.
MakeJBL
ModelClub 8622F
Size/Type5×7 / 6×8 Coaxial
Power (RMS)60 watts
Power (Peak)180 watts
Frequency Response65 – 20,000 Hz
Sensitivity93 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Noticeable clarity bump on stock power thanks to 3-ohm design
  • Affordable, easy drop-in with wide fitment
Reasons not to buy
  • Not built for high-power SQ builds; limited low-bass reach
Best for Older Vehicles Single-speaker classic dashes ★★★★4.2
RetroSound R-57N RetroSound R-57N side view

RetroSound R-57N

5×7 dash speaker · dual voice coil · twin tweeters

MakeRetroSound
ModelR-57N
Size/Type5×7 Dash (dual voice coil, 8Ω)
Power (RMS)60 watts

Buy-now clicks support our testing. This doesn't affect our picks.

Why I picked it

For classic dashes that used a single 5×7 center speaker, this is the clean solution. The dual-voice-coil / twin-tweeter layout gives a pseudo-stereo image from one location without hacking the dash — wire left/right from the head unit to each coil and mind the 8-ohm load. Low-profile tweeters clear factory grilles and the basket won’t rust: a smart, period-correct upgrade. Confirm fitment with my speaker size chart.
MakeRetroSound
ModelR-57N
Size/Type5×7 Dash (dual voice coil, 8Ω)
Power (RMS)60 watts
Power (Peak)100 watts
Frequency Response70 – 18,000 Hz
Sensitivity89 dB
Reasons to buy
  • Pseudo-stereo image from a single dash location
  • Low-profile tweeters clear factory grilles; rust-free basket
  • Sensitivity friendly to vintage radios
Reasons not to buy
  • Single-speaker dash solution — not a full component upgrade
  • 8-ohm load and modest power handling
Not sure what fits?

Get your exact fit & an upgrade path

Confirm your vehicle’s speaker size and depth with my interactive speaker size chart — 5×7 and 6×8 share a bolt pattern, so double-check before you buy.

Open the Vehicle Fit Guide →
FAQs

5×7 speaker FAQs

Will 5×7 and 6×8 speakers interchange?+

Usually yes — they share the same bolt pattern, so most 5×7 and 6×8 speakers drop into the same opening. 6×8 has slightly more cone area; 5×7 can sit a touch shallower. Confirm depth with my size chart.

Do I need an amplifier for 5×7 speakers?+

No — every pick here works on factory power — but they all scale with a clean amp. Even 45–75W RMS per channel noticeably tightens mid-bass and adds headroom.

Which vehicles use 5×7 speakers?+

Mostly Ford and Mazda — F-150, Ranger, Mustang, Fusion, Escape, Edge, older Explorer/Taurus, plus Mazda 3/6 and many CX models (and some Lincoln/Mercury). Not sure? Check my speaker size chart.

Component or coaxial in 5×7?+

Most 5×7s are coaxial for a clean drop-in. Want a real front stage? The convertible JL C3-570 lets you mount the tweeter up high — here’s my components vs coaxials breakdown.

WHO TESTED THIS

Why trust CarAudioNow?

Kameron Scott

Kameron Scott

Founder & Editor, CarAudioNow · former pro mobile installer

Kameron is a former professional mobile installer and founder of SC Autosound (est. 2008), a mobile installation company serving the South Orange County area. He has installed full custom systems in cars, trucks, boats, and RVs, testing and tuning everything from simple amp upgrades to multi-sub setups. Two years after founding SC Autosound, he launched CarAudioNow.com, turning his passion for car and marine audio into one of the web’s trusted independent review sites.

Over the years, Kameron has worked directly with manufacturers like JL Audio, Kicker, Alpine, Sony, JBL, Infinity, Wet Sounds, AudioControl, Metra, and Stinger, personally reviewing and installing hundreds—if not thousands—of products. His work has also included collaborations with Crutchfield and feature projects across the MotorTrend digital network, where he served as a Digital Product Manager from 2015–2018 alongside editorial leaders like Mike Floyd and Ed Loh.

Today, he continues to lead the CarAudioNow editorial team, maintaining its founding mission: to simplify the process of finding and installing the best audio gear for cars, trucks, and boats — based on real-world testing, not marketing hype.

More from Kameron Scott →
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