Alpine S2-S65 Speaker Review: Clear Sound, Conditional Buy
A verified Best Buy buyer summed it up simply: “Huge difference from stock. You will not be disappointed.” The Alpine S2-S65 6.5-inch Coaxial Speaker Set lands a solid 8.8/10 based on hundreds of cross-platform user experiences. Designed as a Hi-Res certified, entry-level upgrade, it’s winning praise for clarity and balance, though some listeners hoped for a bit more punch in the bass.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Crisp, clear audio – huge improvement over factory speakers | Bass impact not as strong as some expect |
| Easy installation with included adapters | Optional protective grille sold separately |
| Hi-Res Audio certification up to 40kHz | Requires aftermarket amp for best performance |
| Balanced highs from 1" dome tweeter | Limited low-end extension without subwoofer |
| Quality build with polypropylene/glass fiber/mica cone | Disappointment only when poorly installed |
Claims vs Reality
Alpine positions the S2-S65 as “Hi-Res Audio certified, able to reproduce up to 40kHz” with its polypropylene, glass fiber, and mica cone promising “lightweight construction, high output, and low distortion.” These are big claims for a budget-friendly upgrade.
Digging deeper into user reports, that frequency range seems accurate for those pairing them with aftermarket amps or high-quality head units. Reddit users repeatedly note improved clarity in high frequencies – even vocal and cymbal details come through that were "missing with factory speakers." A verified Best Buy buyer commented: “Sound is crisp and clear… plus the bass is not too overpowering,” aligning with Alpine’s claim of balanced output.
Another claim: “HAMR surround technology” for “powerful and accurate bass notes.” While several users reported impressive tight bass, some like Best Buy reviewer Dikk Star Bukk felt “they don’t have that little bit of ‘hit’ you would expect from Alpine,” suggesting the bass depth may underwhelm bass enthusiasts unless paired with subs.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Best Buy, and Trustpilot, clarity is the most celebrated aspect. For casual drivers upgrading factory audio, these coaxials deliver an immediate lift. A Best Buy reviewer, IsraeLV, noted the “sound is crisp and clear, way better than factory speakers… the bass is not too overpowering.” For balance-seekers, that’s a positive.
Hi-Res certification seems real-world relevant. Enthusiasts on Reddit described hearing “the high-frequency detail you’ve been missing,” which particularly benefits jazz and acoustic fans. Pairing with Alpine’s S-Series amps amplifies this effect – an Amazon buyer pointed out how “matched systems retain the sound’s natural tone from low to high frequencies.”
Installation convenience ranks high. Many mention how included adapters and OEM fitment make DIY install straightforward. Dena626 from Best Buy posted: “Good sound. Easy to install. Price was right. Can’t go wrong,” capturing the value-for-effort equation that appeals to beginner installers.
Common Complaints
The most consistent criticism is of bass impact. While marketed for “powerful bass notes,” expectations from listeners coming from heavier-duty subs or high-output systems may not be met. Reviewer Dikk Star Bukk’s “no hit” comment echoes similar feedback from those seeking chest-thumping lows.
Another real-world issue is tied to installation, not the product itself. ArthurH from Best Buy shared a horror story of an incompetent installer damaging the cone, resulting in “horrible sound” until replaced. This places emphasis on professional handling for optimal results.
Optional protective grilles not being included frustrated some who wanted complete protection out of the box. Owners noted it’s an "extra" they had to source, and given the investment, some expected it bundled.
Divisive Features
Bass balance divides users: for clarity-focused listeners, the restrained low-end means “no muddy mids” (Amazon buyer); for bassheads, it’s “missing depth.” Power handling at 80W RMS is adequate for OEM units, but several Reddit discussions point out that "you’ll really hear it shine” with aftermarket amplification. This leads to differing satisfaction based on setup – stock head unit users vs. upgraded system owners.
Trust & Reliability
Instances of manufacturing defects are notably absent; complaints are overwhelmingly about third-party installation errors or mismatched expectations. Trustpilot sources emphasize “clean, accurate audio” sustained months after purchase. Best Buy reviewers report longevity over 6–8 months without performance drop.
On Reddit, some six-month follow-ups praise the durability of the cone materials. One post detailed: “Glass fiber composite hasn’t warped or degraded, still sounds like day one,” suggesting the material mix delivers on Alpine’s promised reliability.
Alternatives
Within Alpine’s own family, the higher-end R-Series offers a warmer bass profile but at nearly double the price, as discussed on eBay listings comparing the S2-S65 to R2-S65. Infinity’s component setups came up in one Best Buy user’s note: “If you’re not tight on money, step up your game with higher-end Infinity speakers.” That points to an option for those willing to pay for more dynamic range.
Price & Value
Market prices range widely: $89 on eBay from high-feedback sellers, up to $149.99 in retail at Best Buy, with occasional drops to $99.95 on Amazon. Resale holds decently at 60–70% of original retail, based on eBay completed sales data, especially if grilles are included.
Community buying tips often stress pairing this with an Alpine S-Series amp for full potential – overdriving from a weak OEM head unit limits performance. Many recommend snagging it during seasonal sales, as “holiday discounts drop prices into the double digits” (eBay buyer).
FAQ
Q: Do these need an amp to sound good?
A: They’ll work fine with a factory head unit, but aftermarket amplification unleashes their full clarity and dynamic range, according to several Reddit discussions.
Q: Is bass strong enough for hip hop or EDM?
A: Bass is tight and accurate, but some bass-focused listeners find it lacking in depth without a dedicated subwoofer.
Q: Will they fit my car without modification?
A: Wide fitment range and included spacers/adapters make these easy to fit in most 6.5-inch mounting points.
Q: Are grilles included?
A: No, the protective grilles are an optional extra (KTE-S65G), which some users found inconvenient.
Q: Does Hi-Res certification really matter?
A: For genres rich in high-frequency detail, users report noticeable improvement. For standard compressed audio, benefits are less pronounced.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a driver using stock speakers and want a crisp, clear upgrade with respectable bass for everyday listening. Avoid if you’re chasing heavy low-end without adding a subwoofer. Pro tip from community: Pair with an Alpine S-Series amp and optionally the KTE-S65G grilles for maximum performance and protection.
