How many Watts do I need?

[mellowtoad]

Hi folks,

I've got a red ForTwo that I've installed a AVIC-700BT in. It pushes a max of 50 watts by 4 speakers. I've got that connected to two speakers, Alpine Type S 6.5 speakers with 240 Peak Watts (80 Watts RMS).

I listen to a wide variety of music, from high frequency stuff like bluegrass, to low frequency R&B and rap sometimes. Most of what I listen to mostly to is is mix of both, really bass-heavy songs with high guitar notes.

It seems like with this system, my music is neither very loud AND muddy at what seems like should be higher volume. I can take it all the way and it's still not very loud. What I'm wondering is, might I need an amp? Since my system can only put out 50 watts, and my speakers are capable of using up to 80RMS, would it benefit me to do so?

If I did, would it clear up some of the sound and give me a higher volume?

[pmolink]

It doesn't really matter how many watts you have as long as your volume knob goes to 11.



That makes it one louder.

[mellowtoad]

Haha. It actually goes to 62.

[jwight]

Enough to make your neighbors run over with torches and pitchforks when you pull into your driveway.

[NCC1701]

By providing at least the wattage which your speakers are designed to handle, you will get a fuller, unstrained sound. And, it would seem you're not satisfied with the volume ... so, you're probably driving your head unit to clipping ... which can DAMAGE your speakers! Yes, boys and girls, underpowering your speakers will damage them when you keep pushing your amp to distortion. Get the amp, you won't regret it.

Your amp's wattage should be at least equal to your speaker's rated power handling capability. I would say more, actually. Better to have some head room, so your amp isn't even breathing hard. Then, exercise some rerstraint to not overpower the speakers.

And, yeah, it's a good idea to cut the volume back when you arrive home, to avoid irritating the neighbors.

[mellowtoad]

I should have made this clear earlier, I'm not really looking for super-loud volume. I like my music just loud enough to where I can't hear the hum of the engine. I'm looking more for a clean un-distorted sound. It seems that my speakers aren't getting enough power to differentiate the lows from the highs. Thanks so much for your help!

[speedracer]

Get the boss600, then you can run the 6.5 as they should be good mids. and let the boss600 control the bass. It has a wide range of adjustments to taylor to your sound you like.
There are many posts on the boss600, I have a post mounting the boss600 under the passenger side seat with pics.
You wont regret buying one.

[NCC1701]

Originally Posted by mellowtoad

I should have made this clear earlier, I'm not really looking for super-loud volume. I like my music just loud enough to where I can't hear the hum of the engine. I'm looking more for a clean un-distorted sound. It seems that my speakers aren't getting enough power to differentiate the lows from the highs. Thanks so much for your help!

And, I feel my advice applies. Sufficient power to the speakers is necessary for the clean sound you want.

[geosynch]

NCC1701 has the right tack. Asking how much power you need is like asking how much RAM you need...

The only correct answer is all you can reasonably afford.

Having sufficient power to sustain the volume you want without clipping the sound wave is key for clear sound. And, despite supposed rating conventions, not all watts are created equal.

I have the same head unit you do with an Alpine 4.150 amp. The Alpine's rear channels are strapped, providing 300 watts to a sub. The front channels are therefore providing 150 to the two front speakers.

Bliss.

I've probably never come close to using all that power, and that is the way it should be.

Best,

geosynch

[1800WattsRMS]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Your amp's wattage should be at least equal to your speaker's rated power handling capability. I would say more, actually. Better to have some head room, so your amp isn't even breathing hard. Then, exercise some rerstraint to not overpower the speakers.

Bingo!