Thanks. I may try Japan for the two Alpine parts as I get there more often.

 

Is there a noticeable difference in sound when comparing a system powered by an aftermarket HU only and a system powered by a pre-amp deck with an amp? I like the Alpine 7995, but want to make sure it is worth spending the extra $$ to buy amps.

 

Germ...

Based on my research, I'd say spend the money...

I just purchased everything for my install...
If you aren't in a HUGE hurry, i can give ya more info next week or two (still waiting on a few items mail order)
You seem to be now, where i was like 3 weeks ago. Believe me I kicked around like a million options.

What i'm installing:

HU : Alpine 7995
Front : a/d/s/ components
Rear : a/d/s/ components (in Lucid's panels)
Sub : Boston Acoustins 8.5LF (in WLaurent's 8" enclosure)

Front/rear Amp : a/d/s/ pq10 (CONSERVATIVELY rated @ 40W x 4 rms)
Sub Amp : a/d/s/ 2110 (110X2, Bridged to mono)

Scored the a/d/s/ stuff @ auction (spkrs & sub amp from ubid, front/rear amp from ebay) all were new accept the pq10, and i saved a TON (like 80%) If you buy anything that way, make friends with a local stereo shop guy or have a way to test everything out (paranoid consumer here).

PS... got the 7995 from a local reatiler (CarTunes) for 399, i think Crutchfield is askin' 499

cheers!

 

this is off but how much do you think i could sell my stock radio head unit for

 

The thing to note about head units with internal amplifiers is how they are rated. For example, it may say 50W per channel, but what that means is that each channel will produce 50W but NOT at the same time. You need to ensure that the unit is rated for 50W/channel ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN to ensure you are getting 50W to each channel at the same time. This is very misleading.

Personally, I would recommend a pre-amp only unit. The sound is better, but then I also realize that this is a convertible car, so will you notice the difference...probably not. DJ Qube's points are very valid also. Another one to consider is the power lead. If you do find a head unit that you like, look at the power lead, then compare it with the power lead of a separate amplifier with the same power rating...I bet the separate amp has a wire considerably larger. The amplifiers (regardless whether in the h/u or separate) will be limited by the power that they have access to, so the larger the wire, the less loss and the more current carrying ability it will have.

Last point...take a look at the physical size of hu with pre-amps only and with an internal h/u. I bet they are almost identical...that means they have to squeeze in all the other electronics (pre-amp, tuner, cd drive, display driver, etc) into the chassis as well as the amp. I am also pretty sure that pre amp models have better amplifiers (pre amp level) in them also.

Just my 2 cents.