New amp or new headunit?

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 11:17 am

Hi,

currently I have a SONY CDX-MP30 with 4x20W RMS. My problem is tha when the car is convertible, I can barely hear the music. To solve the problem I am thinking of either buyiung an amp or getting a new stronger hu (most of the good ones have 4x27W RMS). Will 7W MOFSET make a big difference vs my humble MP30?

Sorry for my English, its not my native language.

thanks in advance
Yannis

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 2:10 pm

Hi Yannis,

Nearly all Kenwoods have 4x47W or 4x50W RMS. I have a Kenwood powering my internal speakers and it is perfectly loud enough (I have replaced the front speakers with Phoenix Gold components). I also have a 250W RMS sub in the boot which is powered by an separate amplifier.

However, I'm more into quality of music than loudness and I can appreciate the fact that it could be louder.

If you really like your headunit, then I suggest keeping it but getting a decent 4 channel amplifier. You will also need to change the speakers in the car because they're terrible.

You won't get any decent bass from the in-car speakers though because the enclosures aren't very good, so I suggest you look at putting a powered su in the boot.

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 5:18 pm

hi yianni,

to be honest you do need an amp to power the speakers, but first change the speakers to some decent components. Sony Xplods have done the job for me. I am powering them with a Sony XM444 Amp and the quality at lower volumes is superb, and there is enuff in them to turn it up LOUD when you put the roof down.

In the process of gettin a sub in my car now, when thats done i'll be finished.... all sony stuff

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Wed Jun 04, 2003 6:29 pm

I suggest going to a decent car audio shop and listen to some speakers there.

I have heard bad reviews of the Sony XPlod stuff - however I haven't heard any components myself so am in no position to judge. I do however have a Sony 8" Xplod sub and it's really not very good (how can you get a decent sound wave from a speaker with a big piece of plastic glued to it?). They are attractive because they're cheap and look cool.

I suppose you get what you pay for though. If you can afford something like Rockford Fosgate/JL audio then go for it, but it'll break your bank.

But as always with these things, different people like different sounds so go and test drive some speakers and see what you want for yourself.

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 10:24 am

nah for wot i payed for all the speakers/amps/sub the sony xplod stuff is good enuff.

Of all the "High Street" brands like sony, kenwood, pioneer etc etc they are all cheap n cheerful. All i was concerned with was providing a decent sound overall and i have got that, and it looks pretty cool too

much more attractive to look at then the kenwood stuff IMO.

my head unit does help as well, has a sub out with low pass filter so only passes on the low frequency to the amp allowing the amp to work the sub even better

so back to the question..... as long as you have decent speakers its about powering them correctly and the only way to do that is with an amp so u really do need to buy one

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 10:40 am

True, Kenwood kit does tend to look quite dull!

My setup (although I havea new amp now and I'm not actually using the Sony XPlod):

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 10:49 am

i just ordered a new amp for my sub and i love the way they look.......

cant remote link :x but have a look for yaself........

http://www.vector-audio.com/detail.asp?mdl=XM2165GTX

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 10:50 am

that an 8" and a 10" sub u got there?

MattB · Post by **MattB** » Thu Jun 05, 2003 11:33 am

The Sony is 8" and the Kenwood is 10".

I've actually got a Vibe VP2 amp in there now http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/shop/ac ... s_393.html

Yannis · Post by **Yannis** » Sat Jun 07, 2003 7:47 pm

hi yianni,

to be honest you do need an amp to power the speakers, but first change the speakers to some decent components. Sony Xplods have done the job for me. I am powering them with a Sony XM444 Amp and the quality at lower volumes is superb, and there is enuff in them to turn it up LOUD when you put the roof down.

In the process of gettin a sub in my car now, when thats done i'll be finished.... all sony stuff

I ve changed the speakers with Audax front and Cadence on the back. On low volume quality is good, but when on higher volume the sound starts to get distorted. Should I change my hu to a better one or just add an amp?

thanks

Erm · Post by **Erm** » Sat Jun 07, 2003 8:54 pm

add an amp for definate.......

you need to power the speakers right even a top spec HU wont do that