Aldente

HI all!

I'm going to buy a new system for my car (Yaris 2007 sedan). My goal is to have the greatest sound quality as possible. I was wondering, considering the same budget (1300$) for the front and rear speakers, should I :

A)simply use the amplifier of the receiver ( 4X 50W) and invest more money for better quality speaker
or
B)use an amplifier and cheaper quality speakers?

-The receiver is a Panasonic CQ-C8413U. The subwoofer and its amplifier arent chosen yet: it will depend on the answer I will receive for this message.
-Speaker's brand and model is not chosen yet, I'm not sure yet, it will depend on your answer to this message

fatty matty

iTrader: (4)

In my experience, an amp and less expensive speakers will sound a lot better than better speakers running off deck power. I tried running speakers off the deck while running a dub off of an amp and I blew the speakers after a few months because of the deck underpowering them, especially at high volume levels.

On that budget, I strongly recommend you consider a 4 channel amp that can run a pair of front speakers and a sub. IMO, it is better to spend more on the amp and less on the speakers AND subs for now, especially on that budget.

Tom.F.1

iTrader: (1)

I agree, go with the amp.
Doesn't matter how great your speakers are, you won't get enough power from the deck to make them sound good.
Most people who run off the deck power run into distortion from trying to get 'loud' and slowly destroy thier speakers.

MR2NR

iTrader: (66)

I too would use an amp (or amps). As it is a fairly small car, big monster amps are not really necessary at all. Same goes for the alternator and battery, they are not super large so keep it simple but proper as far as amplification goes. A 4 channel for the front / rears and a mono or 2 channel bridged for a single sub is a great way to go in this little car. Even with your budget it is possible to get a respectable set of speakers, amplifiers and a sub for the amount you would like to invest in the system.

veeman

iTrader: (3)

Lots of great used amps in the for sale section. One guy has an older Alpine f300 4ch.x50watts amp for 100.00, and a mono 200watt Alpine for 130.00. From your 1300.00 budget, that would leave you with 1070.00 to play with. All you need is fronts, rear, and a sub. From experience, Alpine amps are very good and usually last a long time. I currently have two 3501 amps from 1990 in my system and they're perfect. That's just one idea that will allow you to spend more on your speakers.

Aldente

Thanks for your help all! it really helps me. But there is one little thing I dont understand. Why would I buy an amp,lets say the "Alpine f300 4ch.x50watts amp for 100.00" if my radio already drives 4X50W?

veeman

iTrader: (3)

any deck rated at x watts(peak) is usually about half of that rms(continuous), and at higher levels of noise and distortion. Additionally, to drive your speakers at even 20 watts rms for any reasonable length of time from a deck, will stress the deck much, much more than an outboard amp. This could lead to pre-mature failure of the deck due to excess heat. Ask yourself, why is that Alpine 50x4 amp so large, and as expensive(new) as a deck, yet they still can put a 50x4 amp in the small deck? Some thing's are not as equal as the numbers might suggest.

smpl_gy

I agree with the 4 channel amp idea. If you want amazing sound quality, I would strongly consider adding a sound processor/equalizer...

fatty matty

iTrader: (4)

You are lucky if your deck puts out even 10 watts RMS. The amplifier would put out 50 RMS over a larger frequncy range too, which means better sound all around for your sound system. Trust us - amp first, speakers second. I found a mint used amp that does 125wattsx4 (or 125 x 2 plus 500 x1 ) on this forum for $400 which means I don't need a second amp for the vehicle. Personally, I prefer not to use rear speakers for a good soundstage in a small vehicle. A new set of front (and rear if you want) speakers will not cost you much so max out on the amp and be sure to leave room for wires/enclosures and stuff and a good install if you are not a do it yourselfer. You might even consider getting a custom box made - it can (IMO) be as important as the type of sub itself.

03rejo

iTrader: (1)

Yes definitely. Look at the new CEA-2006 compliant ratings... 12x4 or 16x4 off your deck.

And as far as a box goes, if you are looking for sound quality a box is going to either make or break it. An enclosure is never something to cheap out on.