Currently have a Sony CDXCA700 which I very pleased with, it very helpfully states 4x50W on the face plate, which I assume means a maximum output of 200Watts, in regards to subs, amps and 6x9 how does this value relate.

Cheers

 

sorry to burst your max power bubble of 200w, but each channel of the head unit kicks out up to a very maximum of 50w, with a more realistic figure of 20 wrms real power. The high power ratings are occasional peaks, with a constant power (rms) being a lot lower.

The high figures look good, but they are not only created by 'cheating' but will be at a level where you get a lot of distortion - which could also blow the speaker. The way some manufactures test components for power is by not only through a higher feed of 14v or more, (when the car is running) but also through resistors mimicking the speakers which typically are easier to 'drive' and hence return higher power ratings.

Depends a lot on the quality of the internal amps on HUs, and from memory alpine and kenwood tend to have the most respectable power from these.

 

You can probably drive two pairs of co-axials - whether they be 5", 6" or 6x9's off your Sony.

If you're looking at component speakers with passive crossovers, the crossovers absorb some power and you could look at running an amp.

Add a subwoofer and you could look at amping the fronts and the sub at least.

Be aware that rear shelf speakers and a sub may not share your boot-space together too happily (for the rear shelf speakers anyway...).

Vindaloo.

[Edited by vindaloo - 5/12/2003 7:03:52 PM]