Description
The ARC Audio RS 6.0 is a matched pair of 6.5-inch raw speakers for active midbass and midrange applications. The 50 Hz to 9.5 kHz published response allows the drivers to be used as dedicated door midbass speakers, as the lower section of a three-way front stage, or in a carefully crossed active two-way system.
See the ARC Audio RS 6.0 Complete the Jeep Front Stage
This is the actual RS 6.0 installation completing an ARC Audio RS three-way front stage in an SMS Jeep Gladiator, powered by an ARC Audio Falcon. Watch on Instagram ↗
The pair is rated for 80 watts RMS, 200 watts maximum, and 91.5 dB sensitivity. Its 2.75-inch mounting depth should be confirmed against the vehicle door, adapter, window track, and available grille clearance before installation.
The RS 6.0 is supplied without a passive crossover or grille. An external DSP or properly designed crossover is required to establish the operating band, protect the driver, and integrate it with the selected tweeter or midrange.
Specifications
| Series | RS Series |
|---|---|
| Sold as | Matched pair |
| Speaker type | Raw midbass/midrange speaker |
| Size | 6.5 inches |
| Nominal impedance | 4 ohms |
| RMS power handling | 80 watts |
| Maximum power | 200 watts |
| Sensitivity | 91.5 dB |
| Frequency response | 50 Hz–9.5 kHz |
| Mounting depth | 2.75 inches |
| Passive crossover included | No |
| Grilles included | No |
Features
- Matched 6.5-inch reference speaker pair.
- Designed for active midbass and midrange assignments.
- Suitable for two-way or three-way DSP-controlled systems.
- 50 Hz lower published response.
- Extends to 9.5 kHz for flexible crossover placement.
- 80-watt RMS power handling.
- High 91.5 dB sensitivity.
- 4-ohm nominal impedance.
- Raw-driver format for external processing.
- No passive crossover or grille included.
How SMS Uses the RS 6.0
The RS 6.0 is the foundation of an ARC RS reference front stage. At SMS, it can be paired directly with the RS 1.0 as a high-performance active two-way system. A dedicated RS midrange is not required simply to call the system an RS build.
When the vehicle provides a useful dash, pillar, or upper-door location—or when the client wants the fabrication required for one—the RS 3.0 or RS 4.0 can be added to create a three-way front stage. SMS chooses the layout around placement and acoustic benefit rather than adding drivers for the sake of channel count.
Common ARC Audio Pairings
- Active 2-way: RS 6.0 + RS 1.0 with independent DSP channels.
- Active 3-way: RS 6.0 + RS 3.0 or RS 4.0 + RS 1.0 when placement supports it.
- Processing and amplification: X2 800.8 DSP, Blackbird, Falcon, or a stand-alone ARC processor with separate amplifiers, selected by channel count and required power.
- Bass system: ARC subwoofer and dedicated subwoofer amplifier sized around the enclosure, final impedance, and output goal.
Installation and Tuning Matter
The RS 6.0 benefits from a rigid vehicle-specific adapter, proper door sealing, controlled panel resonance, correct polarity, and measured DSP tuning. The speaker series does not dictate the amplifier family; SMS matches amplification and processing to the complete system.
Read the ARC Audio Speaker Guide | Compare ARC DSP Options | Plan an ARC RS System