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I'm looking to replace the stock front speakers with a set of components and possibly put a sub in the back. I have a Pioneer DEH-P80MP head unit, which on its own puts out 60w to each speaker. I'm wondering if this is enough to power the components, or do I need a separate amplifier? The 4-channel amps I've seen seem to offer 40w and up (most under 100) per channel, so this doesn't really seem worth it to me. But I don't want to lock into a mono or two channel amp for my sub only to find out my speakers need more. Or could I perhaps use all four channels from the head unit to power my front components and not have the rear speakers hooked up at all?

 
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Ok, first of all, you've got some options here. But before we get into that, there is something I should tell you. Your Pioneer doesn't put out nearly 60w. In fact, it's probably more like 12 or 16. Plus, the sound won't be as clean as it would with an amp. You say it doesn't seem worth it to spring for an amp? Well the thing is, most good a/m amps that say 50watt mean 50watt. And there are many that are clean and clear and very controllable. The difference is astronomical. So, that said, its totally up to you but if you've got the dough and you care about sound quality, go for an amp for the fronts. As far as using fronts only or rears for fill, thats personal. I love rear fill, many people couldn't care less, some dont' like it all. Its all preference. If you want to save some cash, you could definitely get away w/ a good set of components up front and a decent amp - the sound would be better than your pioneer deck in logrithmic fashion.

 
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thanks for the reply. Yeah, when I said it didn't seem worth it I was comparing the numbers (60w from the head unit to 40-80w from an amp) which didn't seem like any difference. I have been leaning toward the four channel amp, but I wanted some opinions before I signed the check.

 
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I was going to say the same thing as he did ^^. That deck is only pushing like 14-16 watts continuosly while the amp would do like 50-70 or even more if u found one. But the difference between amped and non amped is very noticeable at all sound levels especially the louder u get the less it will distort. More power isnt all about being loud but providing the necessary power needed for the speakers to sound their best. An underpowerd speaker will sound like crap and one powered correctly will sound substanitally better.


RE: Get an amp and some new speakers

 
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my alpine is rated at 16wx4 and i have the speakers running off an amp pushing 30wx4 so thats a double increase in power which is noticable.

 
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I've got a pair of MTX Thunder 282 amps for sale if you wanted them. I'm asking $80 shipped for each. They are 2 channel amps, but you could use one for the front stage, and the second amp for the rear. I'm still a n00b so I can't post any links or pics, but you can email me at NisAznMonk@aol.com or just PM me if you are interested.