guys -
i am really new to car audio, but i just got a max with factory speakers and am/fm cassette. i want to put in a new headunit and some subs. do i need an amp if the head unit has one built in?
I am looking at the Alpine CDA-7894 http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...DA7894&o=m&a=0 because it plays MP3 CDs. But will it sound good if I add subs to it without an Amp?
I can install a head unit, but I have no idea what to do with any of the other stuff. How much should i expect to pay for a box and a 12" sub? Should I put in more than 1 sub? Does this head unit require that I only buy Alpine subs as well?

Sorry I know I have a lot of questions. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I would really appreciate the help. I am just clueless about systems and I want to get something that would make my music sound as good as it can.
Peace.
GEORGE

 

GET AN AMP FOR THE SUBS!!!! And no you do not need to use an Alpine sub just because you have an Alpine HU. Just go to a High end car audio store (Not Circut City) And ask questions

 

You will need a seperate amp if you want to use a sub. You are going to want to get new interior speakers too as the factory speakers will have a hard time keeping up with a sub. If just installed a Alpine 7894 and I must say that it's a great HU. I upgraded from Pioneer and the sound quality is a lot better and you can make a ton of adjustments. Also, the pause between MP3 tracks with the Alpine is minimal compared to other units that I was looking at. If you are really on a budget and wanted to add a sub without a seperate amp, you'd have to run the sub off the rear speaker leads. If you do this you obviously won't have any rear speakers. No, you don't have to buy Alpine equipment, you can use any amp & sub. Yes, you can run as many subs as you like. As for pointing you in the right direction, I'd tell you to take a visit to your local car audio shop (try to avoid retail chains) and ask them for some info. Also try asking friends with systems about what they have. And here is not a bad place either, there are a lot of helpful & knowledgable people on this forum..... My final advice is to make budget, take into account installation costs. Once you have a budget then you can figure out what quality of components you can afford. If you want a good system expect to spend about $1000 total. Also take your time. You'll be a lot happier if you wait a month and do a lot of research and ask different people about what to get.