Okay this has probably been posted everywhere on this forum, but the search feature is disabled so I'm going to ask it anyway.

I have components from a previous auto install that I want to use in my 97 Max to replace the Bose system. I have a RF head unit with a 3rd set of preouts for a sub, an Alpine 25x4 + 1x70 (sub) amp, an RF Punch 55.2 amp, and a Kicker SoloBaric 8. Not the most kickass system, but it'll sound better than the Bose when mated to new components in the front and coaxials in the rear. I was thinking something along the lines of lower end Alpine, MB Quart, or Infinity speakers, matched front and rear for consistent sound. I'm trying to fund this upgrade from the money received from selling my Bose system ($140 for the HU so far, est $70 for the speakers).

My dilemma is how to power the components. I'm thinking to do one of the following:

a) use the 25x4 Alpine to power both the front and rear speakers and use the 55.2 bridged to 110w for the sub, or

b) bridge the Alpine to 70x2 for the front components and use the head unit to power the rears, and use the 55.2 bridged to power the sub, or

c) bridge the Alpine to 70x2 for the front components, use the 55.2 for the rear speakers (27x2), and use the Alpine's 70x1 sub channel to power the sub.

I'm leaning more toward (b) because i know that most component sets are more power hungry than 25 watts rms, but would the head unit power the rears well enough? I know that the 70x1 sub channel on my Alpine really is inadequate to drive my Solobaric, too.

Any input would be appreciated!

 

option c sounds best, but then you have to mount a second amplifier. option b sounds pretty good. try mb quart discus. maybe dse216 front, dke116 rear. by the way, where'd you get 140 for the headunit? i got total about 150 for the speakers but am having slight difficulties selling the head unit.

 

I sold my HU on eBay. Starting bid $40, and worked its way up to $133.50 + $15 s/h. I was pretty impressed.

Is the quality from the HU that much worse than an external amp? Aren't the rears considered more "rear fill" than quality sound? I know that the stock Bose system sounds crappy with just the front speakers.

 

i have my rear speakers as rear fill. the head unit power is definitely not the best, but thats how i am running mine. i havent got my front stage in yet, but will once i get all my wiring in. i intend to have the internal amp off whenever only me and one passenger, and turn it on when people are in back (not all too often).