RdHzrd_224
Member
Can someone explain to me about watts per channel? I see things like 60 watts per channel, but don't really know what that means.
Newbie Question...
- Thread starter RdHzrd_224
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A channel is well...a channel. In your car, generally you have a 4 speaker system, and each soeaker plays the sound for that channel. You know...like dolby 5.1 you have left front, right front, center, rear left, rear right, and the point 1 is the sub channel. Well in a car you only have stereo sound, but you're sending it to four speakers, or four "channels."
60w per channel means that each channel will receive 60 watts. If you're looking at a head unit, then that 60 watts is peak (head units now a days don't put out much more than 19-25w RMS, which is the true power (how much the amplifier can continuously deliver)...a seperate amp on the other hand can do 60w RMS to each speaker.
Hope that helped!
60w per channel means that each channel will receive 60 watts. If you're looking at a head unit, then that 60 watts is peak (head units now a days don't put out much more than 19-25w RMS, which is the true power (how much the amplifier can continuously deliver)...a seperate amp on the other hand can do 60w RMS to each speaker.
Hope that helped!
RdHzrd_224
Member
so should i look for an amp first or the speakers?
What kind of car you have? Generally, if the speakers are stock, then I'd say look for good replacements to those. However, if you have something like the MSP, you can probably keep the speakers (unless you don't like them). Also, if you have a Bose system in the car, you'll probably have to stat from scratch and get both speakers and an amp...
RdHzrd_224
Member
it's a p5 with a stock stereo system.
Yeah...get a speaker upgrade. If you look at the sticky in this section it'll tell you what sizes fit. Then you can look in the 1000$ audio challenge sticky in this section to get some ideas of what to expect to pay, and what brands are out there. After a while you may want to get an amplifier anyway, but for better SQ from the start, get a decent set of coaxial speakers or a good set of components. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask! 
RdHzrd_224
Member
thanks for your help!
RdHzrd_224
Member
That's a given! do you know what the output is on the stock stereo? that would give me a better idea of what speakers i should be looking for...right??
it's my b/f car i'm trying to outfit...though the surprise may be spoiled by now.
it's my b/f car i'm trying to outfit...though the surprise may be spoiled by now.
RdHzrd_224
Member
i guess i'm needing a fullout explanation on how i should pick out speakers to go with the stock stereo.
i passed my circuits class with an A at the Uni but still didn't learn anything.
i passed my circuits class with an A at the Uni but still didn't learn anything.
hehe...yeah...being an engineer doesn't meen you know everything...it just means you're more apt to learn about it at some point.
That being the case...I had to start somewhere, too. you can check out Cruthfield and use their advisor to learn some stuff. It a good tool for beginners. of course there's quite a bit more to it than they'll ever teach you! Here's the thing to look for. The stock p5 stereo is probably tossing out 10-18W rms per channel. And that's probably at 4-ohms.
If your boy wants the best then look for components and an amp for the fronts and some coaxials (the ones w/ the tweeter attached to the midrange cone) for the rear. The rears can stay running off the main deck, but the components would most likely need a decent little 2-channel amp.
However, this is costly...and at that point you might as well buy him a sub to for the money that you're spending, too. So...you'll probably want to just look for coaxial speakers for the front and/or rear. The rest will all depend on how much you want to spend from here on. Most brands make two different levels of coaxes; Kenwood has their regualr and then the excelon, while alpine makes the Type-S and Type-R (I believe). The lower end will still sound better than his stockers. The higher end will get enhanced definition, but may be up to 50-75$ more per pair.
If you're on a tight budget this is my recommendation. Get a really nice set of coaxes for the front. The front is the main sound stage, anyway.
If you've got a bit more cash then step up to coaxes for the front and rear. More? Then look for Components up front w/ say a US Acoustics amp for them. More? Make it a 4-channel us acoustics amp and add coaxes to the rear. More? Then get an Eclipse or JL amp to power Great components (JL, CDT, Focal, MB Quart, Rainbow, ETC.) in the front w/ midranges in the rear.
As you can see it can get a little hectic! Just look in the 1000$ audio challenge thread...there are actually a couple of options that use the stock head unit. And don't be intimidated by any of it! Just like in your circuits class all of the information is available to you, there are people willing to help. Only difference is you're only testing yourself...
That being the case...I had to start somewhere, too. you can check out Cruthfield and use their advisor to learn some stuff. It a good tool for beginners. of course there's quite a bit more to it than they'll ever teach you! Here's the thing to look for. The stock p5 stereo is probably tossing out 10-18W rms per channel. And that's probably at 4-ohms.
If your boy wants the best then look for components and an amp for the fronts and some coaxials (the ones w/ the tweeter attached to the midrange cone) for the rear. The rears can stay running off the main deck, but the components would most likely need a decent little 2-channel amp.
However, this is costly...and at that point you might as well buy him a sub to for the money that you're spending, too. So...you'll probably want to just look for coaxial speakers for the front and/or rear. The rest will all depend on how much you want to spend from here on. Most brands make two different levels of coaxes; Kenwood has their regualr and then the excelon, while alpine makes the Type-S and Type-R (I believe). The lower end will still sound better than his stockers. The higher end will get enhanced definition, but may be up to 50-75$ more per pair.
If you're on a tight budget this is my recommendation. Get a really nice set of coaxes for the front. The front is the main sound stage, anyway.
If you've got a bit more cash then step up to coaxes for the front and rear. More? Then look for Components up front w/ say a US Acoustics amp for them. More? Make it a 4-channel us acoustics amp and add coaxes to the rear. More? Then get an Eclipse or JL amp to power Great components (JL, CDT, Focal, MB Quart, Rainbow, ETC.) in the front w/ midranges in the rear.
As you can see it can get a little hectic! Just look in the 1000$ audio challenge thread...there are actually a couple of options that use the stock head unit. And don't be intimidated by any of it! Just like in your circuits class all of the information is available to you, there are people willing to help. Only difference is you're only testing yourself...
RdHzrd_224
Member
BTW, i am an engineer, civil, so circuitry isn't my fortay...
You've given me a great starting point servo. it's greatly appreciated and i'm sure the boy will appreciate it in due time!
You've given me a great starting point servo. it's greatly appreciated and i'm sure the boy will appreciate it in due time!
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RdHzrd,
I agree with these fellas and I too suggest getting him some decent coaxials. They're cheaper, easier to install, and require less energy to push than most decent component sets.
I suggest you listen to some Infinity speakers, Kickers, Alpines, Kenwoods, Pioneers, etc. Then choose what you think sounds better and what is in your price range. You can go to most local audio shops, Circuit City, Best Buy, Sound Advice and demo these speakers. Once you've found what you like, try finding them online because prices tend to be a lot cheaper.
I agree with these fellas and I too suggest getting him some decent coaxials. They're cheaper, easier to install, and require less energy to push than most decent component sets.
I suggest you listen to some Infinity speakers, Kickers, Alpines, Kenwoods, Pioneers, etc. Then choose what you think sounds better and what is in your price range. You can go to most local audio shops, Circuit City, Best Buy, Sound Advice and demo these speakers. Once you've found what you like, try finding them online because prices tend to be a lot cheaper.
