Helix Compose Basic CB W165-S3 Midbass Speaker Kit 6.5 Inch 16.5cm 80w RMS Pair
Couldn't Load Pickup availability
The Helix CB W165-S3 is a pair of 6.5 inch (165 mm / 16.5 cm) midbass speakers from the Helix Compose Basic series, rated at 80W RMS with 3 ohm impedance. Designed as a standalone midbass driver, they are intended to be paired with a separate tweeter for a full door speaker upgrade.
This listing is the midbass driver only. The same CB W165-S3 driver is also used in the Helix CB K165.2-S3 6.5 inch component kit, which includes tweeters and crossovers.
Key specifications
- Size: 6.5" / 165 mm (16.5 cm)
- Power handling: 80W RMS
- Impedance: 3 ohm
- Cone: lightweight polypropylene with shaped rubber surround
- Basket: sturdy steel with ventilation holes for voice coil cooling
- Dustcap: polyurethane
- Supplied as: pair (2 x CB W165-S3) with mounting material
Overview
The CB W165-S3 is supplied as a pair and handles 80W RMS. It is designed to replace or upgrade factory door woofers and works best alongside a separate tweeter.
Developed inside the vehicle
The Compose range was developed inside the vehicle, for the vehicle. It combines universal fitment with the benefits typically found in vehicle-specific systems.
3 ohm efficiency
The 3 ohm impedance raises efficiency and maximum sound pressure. Impedances are matched to Helix and MATCH amplifiers to ensure full performance from the pairing.
The essentials, done right
The Basic line delivers everything needed for a solid speaker upgrade. It covers all the essentials for improved sound and pairs ideally with Helix and MATCH amplifiers.
Explore the full range in Helix Compose Basic.
Specification
| Size | 6.5 Inch |
|---|---|
| Shape | Round |
| Type | Component |
| Series | Compose Basic |
| Article Number | CB21600 |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
More specs
| |
What's Included
- 2 x CB W165-S3
- 1 x Mounting material
Helix
About the Helix CB21600
From our tech experts at CEN
The Helix CB W165-S3 is a pair of 6.5 inch (165 mm) midbass drivers from the Compose Basic series, rated at 80 W RMS at 3 ohms. They have lightweight polypropylene cones, shaped rubber surrounds and steel baskets with cooling vents. There are no tweeters or crossovers in the box.
Who it suits
Drivers replacing factory door woofers who already have tweeters, or who are building an active front stage with a DSP. If you want tweeters and crossovers included, the same woofer comes in the CB K165.2-S3 component kit.
Our tech experts advise
The 3 ohm load lets an amplifier deliver a little more power than into 4 ohms, so check your amplifier is happy with it. Run them with a high-pass or low-pass set to suit the tweeter you pair them with. Door fitting and adaptor rings vary by car, so get in touch.
Explore the full Helix range at CEN, with fast UK dispatch and expert advice from our Nottingham team. Shop all Helix
Recommended For You
Discover more top-rated gear, handpicked to go with what you're viewing
Have it Fitted By Our Team
Our team fits car audio, stereos, dash cams and vehicle security at our workshop in Beeston, Nottingham. Tell us your vehicle and we'll confirm the parts and a fitted price.
- 1
Tell us your vehicle
Make, model and year, and what you'd like fitted.
- 2
We confirm the parts
Fascia, wiring and interfaces checked for your car, with a fitted price.
- 3
Fitted at our workshop
Bring it to our Beeston workshop and we do the rest.
Unit 25 Technology Drive, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 1LA
More from Helix Compose Basic
More options from the same range, in stock and ready to go
Helix Compose Basic CB C690.2-S3 Coaxial Speaker Kit 6x9 Inch 100w RMS Pair
£149.99
View product
Helix Compose Basic CB C100.2-S3 Coaxial Speaker Kit 4 Inch 10cm 60w RMS Pair
£104.99
Helix Compose Basic CB K130.2-S3 FlexMount Speaker Kit 5 Inch 13cm 70w RMS Pair
£179.99
Helix Compose Basic CB C130.2-S3 Coaxial Speaker Kit 5 Inch 13cm 70w RMS Pair
£104.99
Helix Compose Basic CB C460.2-S3 Coaxial Speaker Kit 4x6 Inch 50w RMS Pair
£104.99
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these speakers fit my car?
A: Most car speakers are standard sizes, but mounting depth and fitting rings vary by vehicle. Check the size in the Specification tab against your vehicle, or contact CEN with your registration and we will confirm fitment and any adapters or fitting kits you need.
Q: Do I need an amplifier to run these speakers?
A: Not always. Most speakers will run from a standard head unit, but a dedicated amplifier lets them perform at their best, particularly for component sets and higher power handling models. The RMS figure in the Specification tab is the guide to how much clean power they can use.
Q: What is the difference between coaxial and component speakers?
A: Coaxial speakers combine the tweeter and woofer in one unit for a simple like-for-like upgrade. Component sets separate the tweeter and woofer with a crossover for better imaging and detail, and suit installs where sound quality is the priority.
Q: Do these come as a pair?
A: Unless stated otherwise, car speakers are sold in pairs. Check the product title and What's Included tab, which lists exactly what is in the box.
Q: Can CEN fit these speakers for me?
A: Yes. CEN offers professional installation from our Nottingham premises. Contact us to book an installation slot or ask for a fitting quote.
Q: Does the HELIX CB W165-S3 include a tweeter or crossover?
A: No. The CB W165-S3 is a midbass-only pair: the box contains 2 x CB W165-S3 drivers and mounting material. Partner it with a separate tweeter, or choose the CB K165.2-S3 kit, which includes tweeters and crossovers.
Q: What impedance is the CB W165-S3?
A: It is a 3 ohm speaker. HELIX uses 3 ohm technology to raise efficiency and maximum sound pressure, matched to HELIX and MATCH amplifiers.
Q: How much power does the CB W165-S3 handle?
A: It is rated at 80W RMS.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Straightforward advice and the latest news from our Nottingham team.
All Guides and News →
Car Audio
Helix Compose i5 Expands: FlexMount Speakers for Cars That Fight Back
Read more →
Car Audio
Pioneer Perfect Fit 9-Inch Stereos: Fitting Kits and Every Car They Fit (2026)
Read the guide →
Car Audio
BMW Speaker Upgrades Explained: Where to Start and What Fits
Read the guide →
Car Audio
Christmas Gift Guide 2026: Car Audio, Dash Cams and Outdoor Tech
Read the guide →
Car Audio
Upgrading Car Audio Without Replacing the Factory Stereo
Read the guide →
Car Audio
Amplifier Wiring Kits Explained: Gauge, Fuses and Earths
Read the guide →