I'm buying the Alpine CDA-9813 which has 27 watts of RMS power. I have a pretty powerful external amp sitting in my closet doing nothing. Does it make sense to use one, or will the system sound just fine without it. Especially since the speakers are so close to you. I'm going to buy a component system to go with the HU. I plan on spending about 150-200 on the speakers.

Thanks in advance...

 

i noticed a difference. many aftermarket speakers prefer 80-120 watts RMS (trust me, i asked them ), my focals sounded much better with external power then they did off the alpine head (rated about the same as the 9813). if you have the space i'd do the external amp.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pjonkheer
[B]I'm buying the Alpine CDA-9813 which has 27 watts of RMS power.

 

Yes, use the amp, 27WRMS is nothing.

 

USe the amp, 27 is a joke, most new head units are 50-75w. Aftermarket speakers need the power, they sound like crap with out it.
MAtt

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pierceman
[B]USe the amp, 27 is a joke, most new head units are 50-75w.

 

27rms CAN be good for a handful of component speakers. However, if you amp you should sub too to balance out the system.

 

The order that I have installed stereo equipment in the S2K so far...

I put a set of Kenwood dual mags in my car with the factory head unit. - Very Litle Improvement

I put a Kenwood Excelon CD player with 50 Watt x 4 output - Incredible Difference

I put an Alpine amp with 75 Watt x 4 or 150 Watt x 2 - Equally Incredible Difference


My next step of course would be to sub the system as Lucid suggested. I would definitely use the amp though if you've just got it laying around!

 

Thanks for the replies everyone!

Next question...

The amp I have is of normal size. Where should I mount it??

 

There's plenty of options and if you search around this forum you'll see everyone's view on this. The most popular places are probably:

1- under the drivers seat if it's small enough
2- in the trunk either near the spare tire, in it, or where the spare tire should be (if it's taken out)
3- in the tool area below the trunk

I cut my "tool box" (styrofoam) to fit the amp quite nicely, however, it gets way too hot. I think the best location would be either where your spare tire is, if you can do without it, or actually in your spare tire. There's plenty of space back there where heat shouldn't be a problem...

Might want to check out this site for some install tips:
http://www.s2000.org/mods/amp/

Good luck!