Amp needed for new speakers?

[kerph32]

I have 2 sets of MB Quart Reference speakers that I'm putting in my E36. I'm also replacing the stock head unit with an Alpine 9830 or 9827 (any opinions on that also appreciated)... will I need to install an amp to get the most out of my new speakers? Will they sound OK without an amp?
Thanks for any input!!
Mike

 

[jszar]

your car has an internal amp, so your head unit will send high level inputs to the amp and then the amp will absorb the signal and amplify it to the speakers. either of those units are a great choice.

the stock amp is alpine i believe....but its still an oem model, and somewhat cheap. you'd be better off getting a new better amp for them.

 

[epj3]

your car has an internal amp, so your head unit will send high level inputs to the amp and then the amp will absorb the signal and amplify it to the speakers. either of those units are a great choice.

the stock amp is alpine i believe....but its still an oem model, and somewhat cheap. you'd be better off getting a new better amp for them.

Actually the amp is super shitty! Trust me. The mosfet amp in the HU will be better than the stock amp.

 

[kerph32]

I talked with someone at M3 Soundwerks and he said I shouldn't need an additional amp with my new speakers
I'd love to save some money or use the saved money to get a better head unit... the 9830 sure looks nice

 

[epj3]

I talked with someone at M3 Soundwerks and he said I shouldn't need an additional amp with my new speakers
I'd love to save some money or use the saved money to get a better head unit... the 9830 sure looks nice

Try looking for one of the previous years models - they are actually better - both better sounding, and IMO, better looking. Look for the 9813... it kicks absolute ass. It also has the V-Drive.

 

[jszar]

how much quality do you want? how loud do you play your music?

it'd be ideal if you could just spend a little extra and get v-drive. but, if you play your music loud and often, V-drive wont cut it.

and the guy you said you talked to, technically he's right, you dont need another amp. but the amp in the car is OEM, no matter who makes it odds are it cost $10 to make and its very cheap. yes it will play music, but sound quality will suffer. you can get a Denonford head unit without an internal amp, and get a decent smaller amp, like a nakamichi 50x4 for like $150 or so. there are many options....it just depends on your taste.

 

[jszar]

ehhh the denonford unit is pretty ugly this year though. it retails $720, ebay you can get it for $340-$350 shipped.

if you still want a good external amp though.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=18797&item=5734237125&rd=1 ....thats a great amp for a really good price. i've seen it go a little cheaper if you watch ebay closely. just an idea. i'd get that amp and one of the first two model alpines you suggested. external amps are always better, v-drive is cool, but a bigger and better amp is even nicer.

 

[kerph32]

The 9813 was the unit I was looking at last year... can't find many anywhere though lately, I'll look on ebay.
Trying to keep all this under $400 so sounds like no amp is the way to go for me

 

[epj3]

The 9813 was the unit I was looking at last year... can't find many anywhere though lately, I'll look on ebay.
Trying to keep all this under $400 so sounds like no amp is the way to go for me

A 9813 will still run you a good $150 - $200. Its a very nice head unit, I'm extremely pleased with it.

 

[kerph32]

Well I got a 9813 used on ebay for $200, had it installed with my speakers and it sounds AWESOME... Jason from Bavarian Soundwerks hooked it up... can't believe my ears. No additional amp too.
Now... does anyone know if I can adjust the button colors to be amber to match my interior?