Speaker match to stereo/amp

[catfan95]

I need some help with my setup. Here is what I have:

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• I just bought a new Sony head unit (not marine) with 2 preamp outs to replace my no name with only 1 preamp out.<br />

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• I also have a Pioneer 200watt 4 way amp installed.<br />

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• I plan to connect new head unit so I get fader control because the front speakers are currently too loud vs the rear.<br />

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• I plan to use car speakers (I know all the risks and what to look for) vs marine speakers.<br />

<br /> My questions are:

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• What wattage speakers (need 4 of the 6.5inch) should I look for to match the head unit/amp? Most I see in my price range are 30-50 RMS with a peak of 160-260. Is this enough?<br />

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• Anyone have experience with Boss or Pyle brand?<br />

<br />Thanks in advance for the help and advice.

 

[doczenith1]

Re: Speaker match to stereo/amp

Is the Pioneer amp 200 watts "max" or "RMS"? I believe car stereo amps use 4 ohms when rating the amps which is what most car stereo speakers run at. Just compare the rms wattage of the speakers to the rms wattage of the amp.<br /><br />I am not a big fan of pyle speakers. Have you looked at/priced the 6 1/2" pioneer two-way marine speakers. I have a pair and they sound great.<br /><br />Al

 

[amirm]

Re: Speaker match to stereo/amp

Unless you are going to play rap music at 100% distortion, I wouldn't really worry about the wattage rating of speakers . You are never going to play them at their maximum rating. And besides, most speakers get damaged due to distorition from the amplifier, not the low wattage of the speaker.<br /><br />Any good speaker is going to have decent power handling, especially in the 6.5 inch form factor. If it makes you sleep easier, get a speaker that has a maximum power rating that is at least 200 watts. Such a speaker is liable to have a heavier duty voice-coil which would be a sign of quality.<br /><br />The main exception to above rule is sub-woofers where you definitely want them to match them to power output of the amp.<br /><br />As to Pyle, I am pretty sure it is a low-end brand. I would stay with name brand speakers such as Polk, Pioneer, etc.<br /><br />Amir

 

[briannh1234]

Re: Speaker match to stereo/amp

It is also important to match the impedance of the speakers with what the amp can drive. If the amp is stable to 4 ohms, and you connect 2 ohm speakers you are asking for trouble. Always make sure the ohm's of the speakers either match or are greater than the ohms of the amp.<br /><br />I've bought some cheap PYLE PA woofers, (12 inch, 8 ohm, 200 watt rms) and use them in my home. They work great and I can't overload them with my 100 watt amp.<br /><br />- Brian

 

[byacey]

Re: Speaker match to stereo/amp

Match the speaker impedance (Ohms) to the impedance of the amp. If you put 8 ohm speakers on an amp meant to drive 4 ohms, you will only get roughly half the audio power. I doubt that you will find car audio speakers rated at a true 200W RMS without spending lots of money on some esoteric stuff. Most car speakers will safely handle 30W RMS, which despite popular misconception, is a lot of power.