Amp necessary?

[CHICO2003]

So I've got some front components & rear coaxs for my MS3 Sport. I've got an MTX REQ-5 for the sub... The guy that's doing the install recommended I get another amp to power the speakers... saying that the factory HU is too underpowered. I wasn't really intending on breaking the bank for this but obviously will go for it if it's truly necessary. (he said at best I'd have to crank it up REALLY loud to hear anything and at worst it would sound like s***.) The cost of a 4 channel amp combined with the install will come out to at least $300. The fact that I'm sticking with the factory HU should tell you I'm not some audiophile freak. So what do you think? Should I plunk down the dough or just hope it works well enough off the factory HU?

 

[TheRealDefman]

Give it a try with the factory HU and see if you like it. You'll most likely end up adding an amp at some point though, there's always going to be a weak link.

 

[que]

I would go for the 4 channel amp if your running aftermarket speakers & a sub. I believe doing the amp at the same time would save you some $$ in labor as opposed to doing it at a later time.

 

[bgibb68]

a stocker HU of anykind won't be able to power component speakers for the doors....even AM HUs usually lack the umph to drive 'em....i would get one...

most stock HUs might have like 20watts rms and maybe 50watts max....most components have around 100watt rms to power them and would top out around 150-200watts peak

 

[iplaythemic]

I would go for the 4 channel amp if your running aftermarket speakers & a sub. I believe doing the amp at the same time would save you some $$ in labor as opposed to doing it at a later time.

I second this. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right.

 

[chief_wiggum]

I second this. If you're going to do it, you might as well do it right.

9 times out of 10 when i cheap out...I later wish I hadn't.

 

[CHICO2003]

alright cool... I found a (refurb) KICKER ZX350.4 90W 4CH Amplifier at consumerdepot.com for $79 Pretty crazy when the cost to install it is more than the actual amp! Oh well... I think I'm making the right call. now if only there was a place to hide these damn amps. They want to mount them on the back of my rear seat. I wonder if they can put them in the tire well (minus the tire of course) Hmm...

 

[que]

be careful with consumerdepot. I ordered from them, & they took my money. Found out the item was oversold. Luckily I didn't have a hard time getting my money back. After that I found some reviews on that company & I was happy to not have to deal w/ them. Google them, you'll see.

 

[CHICO2003]

Damn... Knew it was too good to be true!

Glad they didn't have a paypal option... getting my money back through that service is a b****! Still... if they're as shady as they seem, it looks like I'm gonna have to find another amp.

 

[CHICO2003]

Just checked the status of the order. Apparently it's already been shipped out! Got a tracking # and everything. Maybe they got their s*** together.

 

[TieNN89]

i would suggest throwing an amp in for the speakers at least for the front ones

 

[TheRealDefman]

now if only there was a place to hide these damn amps. They want to mount them on the back of my rear seat. I wonder if they can put them in the tire well (minus the tire of course) Hmm...

What's under your seats? I took the Bose stuff out of my GT and put the amps under the seats, fit like a glove!

 

[que]

Just checked the status of the order. Apparently it's already been shipped out! Got a tracking # and everything. Maybe they got their s*** together.

Mine went as far as showing shipped too, but when I checked the fedex tracking number a couple days later that's when I found out the order was cancelled by consumerdepot & the item was over sold. Anyways, hope you get what you ordered. Now, lets just hope it's not DOA.

 

[leadf00t]

Really interested in hearing how this works out for you. I am looking at doing the same thing for my sport.

 

[que]

So how is consumerdepot going for you?

 

[CHICO2003]

according to the tracking #... the amp is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

 

[que]

cool. let us know how it turns out for you.

 

[leadf00t]

Any news yet ?

 

[CHICO2003]

Got it today. Nice job with the packing... like 3 layers of bubblewrap! Won't know until it's insatlled of course whether or not it works.. .but it certainly appears to be in good condition. (no blemishes at all) Assuming it does... can't beat the price!

 

[que]

Have you installed this yet? I'm considering giving this company another shot at my money. With this economy, I'm trying to save as much as possible & still have my car the way I want it.