Is an amp necessary for me?

Discussion in 'Car Stereo Amplifiers' started by pearce, Jul 17, 2009.

  1. pearce

    pearce Full Member

    Hi.

    I have a kenwood kdc-mp243 head unit ($170) I know its a cheapy.

    2 front speakers, 4 inch 2 way 120 watt max speakers.

    2 Rear speakers, 6 inch 4 ohm phillips speakers.

    Currently, when the volume on the head unit is above volume 25 (max is 35), the audio becomes distorted, especially on songs with high bass. On really old songs with no loud bass or anything, I can get to 30 without distortion.
    25 is plenty loud enough for me, except on highways.
    I've been informed that it is because my head unit internal amp doesnt have the power required to power all the speakers at high volumes. What do you think?


    Surely some people must have head units with 4 speakers and no external amp, and not get this problem?
    Have I done something wrong or does everyone get an external amp if they buy head units?
     
  2. Cashmoney

    Cashmoney Full Member

    R the two front speakers stock? I had same prob but i put some crossfire 6x9's and sounds wonderful now.

    You shouldn't need a external amp for your setup though. Correct me if i'm wrong.
     
  3. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    at high volumes try turning the bass down. it helps.

    i havent not run an amp for over 20 years. stock power sucks.
     
  4. pearce

    pearce Full Member

  5. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    question... where in Australia do you live?

    hmmm, JVC? haven't heard much about their amps... have you given ebay a look? from the look of the JVC amp, it should treat you right though. it's got more than enough power for what you need...

    I tried to check out ebay australia but they really didnt have that much...

    I did find this:

    http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Rockford-Fosgate-Punch-Amplifier_W0QQitemZ190322568144QQcmdZViewItemQQptZAU_Car_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2c501bebd0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50
     
  6. pearce

    pearce Full Member

    I live in queensland Australia.
    The main thing I'm worried about is most of the good products are in america right? I would have to import from america if I wanted the best products?
    Im happy to do that aslong as its not 300 dollars to get the amp or sub over here.

    The amp you shown me is 50x4. Am I missing something or is that the same as my head unit.

    Thankyou.
     
  7. cccullen

    cccullen Full Member

    that's a rockford fosgate amp. It's old school and very underrated. It does a lot more thand 50x4. lol

    I think we have a guy here that is also from australia and he has a car audio shop lemme try to recall who it was...

    How are things down under?
     
  8. pedro quiroga

    pedro quiroga Well-Known Member

    the ratings on the head are most likely max not rms (continuous). big diff in sound.

    sounds to me that you need to get those 4's under control with some kind of filter. be it an inexpensive cap or a crossover.
     
  9. pearce

    pearce Full Member

    The four inches now have a little crackling sound all the time, its hard to notice when the volume is up loud. I can put up with it, they are probably blown?
    I wouldnt have the first idea how to install a cap or crossover.
     
  10. pearce

    pearce Full Member

    I've actually made a new post in this thread.
    http://www.caraudiotalk.com/audio-forum/showthread.php?t=8243

    It explains my current situation and why I dont want to spend anymore money on this car, its only a temporary thing until i get my hilux on the road.
    I need some help with connecting speakers etc, as suggested.