Hertz DCX 570.3 vs Alpine S2-S68: 5x7 or 6x8 Coaxials?
By Car Audio and Tint | Car Toys | Washington, Texas, Colorado ... | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: Comparisons
Compare Hertz DCX 570.3 and Alpine S2-S68 coaxial speakers on fit, sound, and value to decide between 5x7 and 6x8 for your factory upgrade.
Quick answer
Choose the Hertz DCX 570.3 if your car accepts a 5x7 and you want a light, efficient coaxial with a built-in crossover. Choose the Alpine S2-S68 if you have a 6x8 opening and want Hi-Res Audio certification with a low-distortion design. Fit comes first.
Fit dictates the choice more than sound
The Hertz DCX 570.3 is a 5x7-inch coaxial, while the Alpine S2-S68 is a 6x8-inch coaxial. These are not interchangeable without checking your factory cutout and mounting depth. Many vehicles that take a 5x7 can also accept a 6x8 with an adapter, but the reverse is rarely true. Before comparing sound, confirm what your doors or rear deck will physically accept.
Where the Hertz DCX 570.3 shines
Hertz builds the DCX 570.3 with a neodymium magnet, a PEI dome tweeter, and a built-in crossover. The light, stiff structure is designed for linear frequency response and high sensitivity. In practice, that means it can play loud off modest power and integrates easily with a factory head unit. The built-in crossover simplifies installation because you do not need external crossovers for the tweeter.
Where the Alpine S2-S68 pulls ahead
The Alpine S2-S68 is Hi-Res Audio Certified up to 40kHz, uses a polypropylene, glass fiber, and mica cone, and is described as lightweight with high output and low distortion. If you plan to add a DSP or high-res source, the extended high-frequency response can be a real advantage. The cone material mix is also chosen for stiffness and damping, which helps keep distortion low at higher volumes.
The trade-off: simplicity vs. headroom
The Hertz is the simpler drop-in for a 5x7 factory location, especially if you are keeping the stock amplifier or adding a small aftermarket amp. The Alpine gives you more top-end extension and a more modern cone design, but it only fits a 6x8 opening. Neither speaker is inherently better; the right pick depends on your car's speaker size and whether you plan to upgrade the rest of the system.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Size and fit: Hertz is 5x7; Alpine is 6x8. Measure your factory opening and mounting depth before ordering. A 5x7 opening may accept a 6x8 with an adapter, but a 6x8 opening will not fit a 5x7 without custom work. If you are unsure, pull the factory speaker and measure the cutout.
- Power and sensitivity: Hertz emphasizes high sensitivity and linear response, so it plays loud on low power. Alpine does not list sensitivity in the supplied facts, but its lightweight design targets high output with low distortion. With a stock head unit, the Hertz may have an edge in effortless volume.
- High-frequency extension: Alpine is Hi-Res Audio Certified up to 40kHz, while Hertz uses a PEI dome tweeter without a stated high-frequency limit. If you plan to use high-res sources, the Alpine's certification is a concrete advantage. For standard streaming and radio, both are more than adequate.
- Crossover and installation: Hertz includes a built-in crossover, simplifying wiring. Alpine does not specify a built-in crossover in the supplied facts, so check the installation manual if you plan to use external processing. The Hertz is the more straightforward drop-in for a basic upgrade.
Key product facts
- Hertz DCX 570.3 Dieci Series 5x7" Coaxial Speakers: 5x7-inch coaxial with neodymium magnet, PEI dome tweeter, and built-in crossover. The built-in crossover and high sensitivity make it easy to drive from a factory radio or small amp.
Hertz DCX 570.3 Dieci Series 5x7" Coaxial Speakers - Alpine S2-S68 S Series 6x8" Coaxial Speakers: 6x8-inch coaxial, Hi-Res Audio Certified up to 40kHz, with a polypropylene, glass fiber, and mica cone. If you use high-resolution audio sources or a DSP, the extended response and stiff cone can reveal more detail.
Alpine S2-S68 S Series 6x8" Coaxial Speakers
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Drivers with 5x7 factory locations who want an efficient, easy-to-drive coaxial
- Budget-conscious upgrades keeping the stock head unit
- Listeners who value simple installation with a built-in crossover
Not for
- Cars with 6x8 openings that cannot fit a 5x7 without adapters
- Listeners planning a high-res audio system who want certified extended response
