Another amp question

[jarrett at rpa.net (Jim Jarrett)]

On Aug 17, 2006, at 6:47 PM, Karl Krupke wrote:

>
> 1) Doesn't really matter the output wattage of the head unit, once  
> your plug in that signal as input to an amplifier then the amp's  
> wattage is the main consisderation for speaker wattage. In other  
> words, the head unit sends only a 'signal' which is then boosted by  
> the amp to provide power to the speakers

Yeah, I understood that.  I asked because I don't want to spend a  
bundle, and if a 50W head unit is "close" to an 80W amp, then the amp  
is not necessary.   Sounds like a 100W amp would be good, and I have  
seen some good prices there.

> 2) More important is compatibility of amp and speakers. The amp is  
> going to be rated at 80 watts peak power output [ie; cranked] but  
> at that level you'll probably be getting some distortion. I like an  
> amp that I can normally put at about 50-75% of 'maximum' output; I  
> think the sound quality is better if the amp is operating below its  
> maximum limit.
>    Match to 80w (or more) rated speakers and you might have a  
> decent system.
>
> 3) My suggestion would be to price a new complete system... let the  
> car audio techs figure out which parts and pieces will work best  
> together. That might give you a better end result than swapping out  
> one component at a time... (and a 4 channel amp, thus four  
> independant speakers).
>
> Good luck. Wait a bit before you do anything; I'm sure a few people  
> will stomp all over this post to correct my mistakes.
>

Thanks,  I had help from Brett when I did the sound system in my  
convertible, and the advantage of having a clean slate to work  
with,but it's been a while; I forgot some of the reasoning we did  
from back then.  I don't want to completely disassemble my Scirocco.