I just picked up a MY02 (Sebring Silver) yesterday, and I am already making plans to replace the stereo. I have already ordered the 9815 and a Planet Audio Vortex 2 ch. amp to power my CDT component front speakers. (was advised NOT to put crossovers in the doors---so maybe in the rear panels or where??)

I had planned to put Infinity Kappas 52.5i (5.25") into the rear panels for "fill" sound or for more "ambience", (Spods will have to wait), but I am now concerned that the Alpine may not be sufficient to power the Kappas? Is there a mathematical "rule" for determining what is the minimum amount of power needed for rear speakers, even for a "fill-in" role (NOT primary speakers)? I have already read here MANY times that a manufacturer's "LISTED" power output is usually VERY optimistic (meaning--they LIE??) compared to the ACTUAL output? IS Alpine guilty of this?

If the Kappas are too power-hungry, I would appreciate any suggestions for an alternative--remember, they have to be run off the Head Unit only.

Thanks for any advice.

HMB

 

Short Answer:
NO, the Kappas aren't going to work.

Long Answer:
Alpine HU's have CEA rating which will determine somewhat actual wattage. The 9815 is listed as having Max wattage of 60 watts per channel, but no CEA rating. The 60 watts per channel is the same Max wattage rating of the 9833. However the 9833 is CEA rated at 26 watts per channel, which is probably pretty close to accurate. I would assume that the 9815 has about 26 watts per channel as well. SO, the Kappas are going to be underpowerd. Alpine type R's are heavily recommended for HU powered speakers, I would also look at the Infinity CS series. Neither of these speakers require much power. The Kappas or the perfects, on the other hand, require an amp to get a true sound.

 

 

I'm running a set of older QM series MB Quart components off of the 9815 in the rear panels and I think it'll work fine. It's just enough power to create some much needed fill, along with the fact that you can't push much power or any bass on the rear panels as they're plastic and not real well mounted. I recommend an amp for the rears if you had S-pods but if they're just in the rear panels you're fine.

Most of the sound comes from the fronts anyways, you don't need much rear fill.

 

You saying Type R's run on less power then Kappa's???? I dont think so. Type S's Yes... Type R need way more power.

 

You're right!
The type "S" speakers are the Alpines that require less power; the type "R" require more power.