I am about to upgrade my audio in the car.
I am planning to get
1. Pioneer that push 50W max X 4 (22w RMS X 4)
2. Pioneer 6.5 Coaxial 3-way Speakers 220W max (35w RMS)
3. Pioneer 5.25 Coaxial 2-way Speakers 140W max (25w RMS) in SPODS.

The question I have is it that much different to get an amp to these Speakers. Amp I would get would be a 200W (50W RMS X 4) Alpine 4 Channel amp.

The amp would run around in extra $140 for the unit and install material.

No plans to get a sub and I am on a budget so higher end speakers and such are not feasible.

 

A head unit alone isn't enough to power aftermarket speakers, a small 4 channel amp will make a world of difference and alpine makes some great small 4 channel amps. I've been running one for about 6 years now in my old car drove 2 hours a day thing never overheated or gave me any problems. You won't be disappointed trust me

 

I don't understand the thought process to building a system.
The Spod cost ~$250(unless you got it for free) yet you have the bottom of the barrel audio stuff.
Sure that setup will sound better than stock but barely.
I had a Civic Si that came with an Alpine 4 channel like the one you describe and it did nothing for me.
It was an Alpine mrp-f356

 

I don't think that will even sound better than stock. IMO, the '05 has better component speakers than those coax Pioneers. If you had an '00 without factory tweeter holes cut, sure, those might be okay, but I think you're downgrading with that setup.

I say forget the SPods, spend the money you'll save on those and the 5.5's on a better component set and a decent 2 channel amp to drive them. You'll probably save money over what you have listed there, AND you'll have a better sounding system.

Just my $0.02.

Oh, and to answer your question, yes, having a seperate amp to drive your speakers will sound far better than using HU power, *assuming* that you get one that has enough power to drive your speakers efficiently.

 

I am not trying to build a killer system in the car. Just want to be able to hear music in the car top up/down while driving. Even just on the freeway with the top up, I have to turn the volume too high and still can not hear clearly.

As for the SPODS, I figure that is the best way to add speakers without cutting into the car.

 

IMO the best way to add speakers without cutting into the car is to use the stock locations for a nice set of components.

If you're not sold on the idea of a separate amp, then look for comps that are efficient enough to run on head unit power. You can invest in a separate amp later and will probably notice an improvement in sound quality.

SPODS, if you do them at all, belong after these other upgrades.

I don't have SPODS. Are they for ambience? Our cabin is so small I don't see the value.

 

What I was suggesting wasn't for a "killer" system, but rather just what you're trying to do.

The problem is that most people assume that the best (or only) way to get more volume is to add more speakers, when this is not the case. Powering a decent set of speakers properly will get you all the volume you need, AND will sound far better than two sets of cheap speakers.

Poking around on Crutchfield quickly, I found the speakers that you were looking at, at $80 for the 6.5" and $50 for the 5 1/4". Take that $130, and buy these instead:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_17121_...+PPI+356CS.html

Then find a 2 channel amp that does 60W RMS or better like this one:

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_12300_...on+APX2121.html

You've now saved $175, and your system will sound better than the one you were going to put in.


If you absolutely feel that you need the SPods, by all means put them in. I'm just telling you what I would do.

 

I see. I will look around for some components then.

 

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?sk...d=1199494646675

Are there any good? I am check with best buy because I have a hook up from there.