I agree with you to a point, but there are certain sets of components (Infinity Reference, for example) that have their recommended operating range set between like 5-40wrms. These speakers are almost designed to run of HU power....thus the lower rating recommendation. They are over $100, but now a days, what components are not (except for internet / sale items)?

I also agree that the extra $ is worth it to get an external amp....but that is just my opinion. Other people might have difference goals (more towards making a system "bearable" instead of going all out). For those people, they will have to justify to themselves if the amp is worth the $ or not.

Not really. The "civic" engine would be a smaller magnet / coil size with a heavy surround / cone material. Completely independent of power. Amperage is a measure of amplitude in a given signal between peaks and valleys (I believe). All signals (whether "amped" or not) have some sort of amperage rating. Amping a signal is effectively giving the speaker more power, similar to supercharging or running high octane gas would do for an engine. The speaker already has (built-in) everything it needs to run. It just needs fuel. I think a better analogy would be running a set of not very sensitive speakers on a very low wattage signal would be similar to running the S2000 on 87 octane gas. I CAN happen, but will lead to detonation and the engine de-tuning itself, by retarding the timing, to compensate (reduced performance).

I think we are on the same understanding, but I am just sort of anal when it comes to analogies .

John

 

Ok, so I've decided to raise my budget a little.

I've decided to go with Infinity Kappa components.

Still uncertain on the HU. Alpine or Pioneer?

And a small amp to push this. Any recommendations?

This would be all for right now. Eventually, I'm going to get another amp and a 10".

 

Alright.....Right now I'm looking at the Pioneer DEH-P7700MP HU and Pushing Infinity Kappa components. I'm going to Circuit city tonight to listen to it , although I think they only carry the reference series.

So, what else will I need to complete this installation???

 

It took me awhile to figure out the amp. After spending about a day on it, it's pretty simple

 

I figured as much, but I decided on the Hifonics because of the price and "bang for buck" factor. I will go all one brand when I have the funds to do so (when I get my Master's in Accounting). The price break will allow me to either upgrade components or sub as well. I am thinking of going all Alpha for the speakers.....seeing as those Alpha's on sonicelectronix.com are going for so cheap, I will probably be getting those. All I need now are a set of 5.25's for the S-pods and a 10" sub that is stable at 4-ohms.

You might need a dremel or some shears, as the magnet will probably not fit into the stock basket (not sure). You will also need a Honda --> Pioneer/Alpine adapter for the wiring harness. If you are unsure about the HU install, it might be worth the $45, or whatever they charge) to have them put it in. Its kinda difficult to screw up a HU install.

John

 

Kewl.....I have someone to install it for me. And to everyone who chimed in.... Thanks for the input!!! It looks like this may be a spring install b/c I think my clutch is going out.

 

You need at LEAST 75wrms for the Kappas to even move. Without an amp, it will sound like crap.

 

i have an old panasonic radio 50w x 4, running my infiniti kappa speakers, i didnt get the components because i didn't want to have to cut/mess with installing the tweeters in a separate place, i can hear the music great even while driving 100+ on the highway with the top down. i have an amp that i am going to hook up to the speakers eventually, but am waiting to get some s-pods first and maybe do all the other audio upgrades at the same time

 

Sorry for the BS call, but that HU is only putting out 22-25wrms, not 50. I have a comparable Alpine HU with components AND S-pod speakers, and I can barely hear it at 100+ (and I have a set of speakers 6" from my head). Also, at those speeds, without an amp, kiss the bass good-bye (or risk some serious distortion at volume).

John

 

I'm gonna have to agree with Dave and John on this one... Kappa's take power to sound good, but once they have power they sound great! And as for you hearing them with your top down a 100 mph+ .... well.... you must have hearing that would make Superman jealous I just don't see it.