I have narrowed my head unit search down to an aplpine unit, they look best in our 4runners, the black face and green lighting ones, but I can't decide which one.

The low end ones put out 18 RMS and the higher put out 26 RMS, but are also considerably more expensive. Will I be able to really tell the difference on the stock speakers? I guess anything would be an improvement, but would you pony up the extra 75-100 to get 8 more watts?

 

For every increase of 3db it takes DOUBLE the power on each increment of 3db of volume. So there should be a difference. Also...a higher power of amplifier will produce cleaner lower volumes since it is not straining to push the speakers.

BUT...for that much in money you can buy some decent amps to provide better sound and volume. Buy a couple of amps.

Just my 2 cents.

 

Agreed !

 

Stock speakers?? Unless you have really sensitive ears and know what to listen for, you wont hear the difference...

Never buy a head unit for it's power...if you are, you are probably someone who will be buying an amp in the near future to push your speakers anyway. There is just NO POINT in buying a head uint for its power...just about every head unit will be better than your factory POS anyway. Quality not quantitiy. Replace your speakers, buy an amp for them down the road, do it right

BUT!!! if you just want some louder tunes - no amps - no subs...then I guess go for a more powerful HU (please replace stock speakers reguardless). But I've seen too many people say "I dont need that much" - then show up next month buying amps, subs, the whole kit and kaboodle.

 

A 3db increase requires double the power. That would mean 36 Wrms would be a 3db increase over 18 watts. 3db is hardly noticeable at that small wattage. Yea, its kind of noticeable, if you try. The thing to look at is this: compare the 2 head units, buy the one with the best features and options for upgrade for you. Not for the wattage. Buy sep. amps based in part by wattage, but not head units.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I'm gonig to buy an 18w RMS headunit and then I'll have some money saved incase I do want to buy an amp

The main reason for me getting a new headunit is to beable to control my sub.

 

YEs! all new alpine HU power rateing are CEC and they put out true RMS power! A new HU will even make your stock speaker sound good! but if you want better sound change out your stock speaker with some 2 or 3 way aftermarket speaker that can handle about 40w RMS max!! They will really bring out you high! so you can run them off your alpine HU. and still sound good!!

 

I had a 18 watt Alpine in my prevous Toy and currently have 9833(26watt) in my Taco. Yes I can tell the difference. I agree the HU has plenty for 6.5" 2 ways. I am powering the 4 stock speakers and it rocks, of course I have new speakers on the way. I will be using the 9833's amp and will soon run a amp and sub.

I also picked up the Alpine XM tuner off Ebay and will hook that up next week.

BTW I reall like Alpine

 

O.k to add, I just finished installing a pair of 6.5" Infinity 6002i in the front and a pair of 6.5" Alpine sps-170 in the rear. Big difference!

I was going to install a amp and sub but now im having second thoughts. Seems im getting plenty of bass and I just dont know if I need the big booms, so im going to chill for a while and get my XM in next.

EDIT to add.....after test driving for a while, I do believe I will add the amp and sub after all.