Alpine Stock Head Unit Power Pack

[3000GTCSULB]

I'm going to be installing some Image Dynamics Components some time next week. I'm keeping the stock head unit so I'm going to need more juice to power the speakers.

I was thinking of maybe going this route:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-+180W+4-Channel+Mini+Amplifier/9442187.p?id=1218112724899&skuId=9442187&st=alpine&cp=1&lp=2

It doesn't require an amp kit to install, and goes in the back of the head unit. Is anyone familiar with this setup? Recommended?

Continuous Watts per Channel (4 Ohms)
45W x 4

$120

Yay? Nay?

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

mmm Is it worth it. Sound quality on this thing would be similar to your HU. You will only be 3db up on your output, so minimal difference at best. I'f anything it will be not as harsh straight up as you start to clip it.

[2fnloud]

3dB, I thought a 3dB gain was perceived as twice as loud to the human ear? Or is it 6dB? Either way it is a nice dB gain without having to install a traditional amplifier.

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

No 10db is twice as loud, 3db is twice the power. So he would need 235wrms per channel to be twice as loud as the standard radio if the standard radio is 20wrms...

[2fnloud]

I learned something today, I can now turn my brain off.


j/k thank you for the correction.

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

It wasn't about correcting you, just informing you :)

[2fnloud]

It wasn't about correcting you, just informing you :)

And that is exacly how I took it. And also why I gave you a thanks. I think it is safe to say that we understand each other's intenions with our posts.

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

hahahahahaha yes very true - very true!!!!

[PsykoGamer]

I used to work in a car stereo place and we installed these in a few cars. Believe it or not this little plug n play box did add to the amount of sound coming out. It's basically like a miniature amplifier. Check this video out so you can get an idea the kind of power it can put out. Pretty crazy how it can power a subwoofer.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBoRTS3FAHM

I would say if you're looking to boost your sound without going through all of the hassle of getting an amplifier then I would really recommend this route. Now that I see you're looking at keeping the stock head unit you are going to have to do some rewiring for sure. I'd really recommend swapping out the stereo. A new stereo will add even more sound to your car and will even make it look better as well. Stock stereo sound is normally pretty crappy so swapping the head unit out is a great idea when you are going to upgrade some things like this. If you are putting in an Alpine stereo it's all plug n play.

If you are going to add this however I would recommend changing out the speakers which it looks like you're planning to do already. Was never a fan of Image Dynamics speakers. I would personally go with Alpine, Sony, JL Audio or Polk Audio speakers. Remember if you decide to possibly go with the new stereo you'll need a wiring harness and install kit...not really all that expensive to get.

[3000GTCSULB]

I ended up going with the following setup:

Pioneer P4200 Headunit
Polk Audio 330 2 Channel Amp
Image Dynamic 6.5 Components
Sony 6x9's (going to be powered by the head unit for filler sound)
Bazooka BTA250D 8" woofer.
Peel & Seal the trunk/floor/doors for sound dampening.
Kicker 4 gauge amp kit with distribution block.

Not installed yet, waiting for the car to get painted. Might through on the peel and seal this weekend though.

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

Yes well it will definitely sound better than what you were going to do (well if its installed correctly it will)... :)

[GTOJOE]

What about a Rockford 3Sixty?

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_categories.asp?cat_id=1&locale=en_US&p_status=

[2fnloud]

What about a Rockford 3Sixty?

http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/product_categories.asp?cat_id=1&locale=en_US&p_status=

Need to be leery of those. My friend that is the head installer at a shop had fits trying to eliminate all the noise his introduced into his system.

[reallyxxxxxxloud]

Yeah I've heard good and bad about those... I'm undecided until I actually fit one.

[2fnloud]

Once he got it quite it was great. All that adjustment available from your palm screen.