Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

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dmoss8928

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I just bought an 08 Tahoe Q4 and it came with a waketower and speakers mounted on it. The speakers or connected straight to the radio and they sound pretty good, but do you guys think I need to buy an AMP for the tower and in boat speakers?

Thanks for the info...
 
S

Slide

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

Short version - if you're happy with the sound it puts out now, then no.

Long version - if you're wanting more, you'll need to look up the power rating for your speakers and for your head unit. Check the RMS wattage rating on all of them (those "600 watt" receivers often advertise peak wattage, which is not continuous and not a good indicator of what the unit can do). Most likely your HU does 10-20w RMS while the speakers may be able to handle much higher. Get an amp that supplies about the same RMS wattage as your speakers are rated for. Slightly less to slightly more is perfectly fine (50-70w RMS for a speaker rated up to 60w RMS).
 
NYBo

NYBo

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

Slide has given good advice. Before the "throw the stereo overboard" crowd weighs in, higher power provides better sound quality even at lower volume levels, so it can be worthwhile even if you don't want to blast out everyone on the lake.
 
fucawi

fucawi

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

leave it alone you are already causing too much audio polution.
 
86 century

86 century

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

The more power you have avalible the better it will sound within reason.

Your primary power source needs to be able to control the drivers.
Your sound will suffer if you get close to the end of power on either amp or speakers.
 
fucawi

fucawi

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

Quote higher power provides better sound quality even at lower volume levels,

True and the speaker efficiency is below 2 % . The frequency response makes a saw blade look smooth and everyones hearing response is different ......so yes go spend loads of money ....every one on the lake and shore line will appreciate the Quality of life it brings
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

fucawi said:
....every one on the lake and shore line will appreciate the Quality of life it brings
Click to expand...

We have heard your opinion twice in this thread, can you drop it now and move on?
 
A

azboater2

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Apr 5, 2011
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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

If the guy next to you can still hear his stereo, then you need more power.
 
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Slide

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

There's nothing at all wrong with wanting better sound. I run quality speakers and subs (usually Polk) with everything on amplifiers, not because I want to shake the trim off my neighbors' boat, but because I enjoy a high quality, rich sound in any system. If you're not happy with your sound, go for it. It's the same drive for improvement that gets us replacing propellers, adding trim tabs, and repainting our money pits.
 
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Slide

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TerryMSU

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Re: Do I need an AMP? Please Advise...

Slide said:
If you look under the specs, the continuous power rating (which is RMS) is 60w. Get an amp that will supply 50-70w RMS at 4 ohms on at least two channels.
Click to expand...

While I hate being forced to listen to someone else's style of music, I will add some technical insight here. When your amp cannot deliver enough power, it will clip when you over crank it up. This creates harmonics which will destroy a tweeter. When your amp can deliver to much power it will blow your woofer or sub-woofer if you crank it up. As Slide noted, the best situation is a roughly close match, although I would recomend an amp that limits at 50 to 60 watts for that speaker. 70 watts may damage it and will definately result in more distortion.

By the way, as far as loud music, the thing to remember is that you need to have respect for those around you, even if they have different tastes than you do. That means that when you are partying in a secluded area with your friends, crank it all you want. When you are near me, consider keeping it down until you are sure I am into listening to your musical style. Also, distortion sounds crappy, period! (My opinion.)

Thanks,
TerryMSU
 
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