Head Unit output power??
 

This is probably a really stupid question, but what does this mean?....

When a CD player measures the output power it is usually something like 20 x 4 RMS, or something similar.. Does this mean that the power it is actually pushing 20 watts RMS to each speaker individually, or 20 watts divided by 4 speakers? Basically what I'm asking is, would it be like 80 watt total RMS or 20 watts total RMS? I think I'm even confusing myself more now..

I'm pretty much a n00b when it comes to most things car-audio and I just can't seem to come up with an answer to this one anywhere..

Reason for asking: I really don't want to put an amp in the car, I'd much rather just replace the stock (not mach) head unit with something that puts out a little more power for the polk speakers..

Anyone?

buy a good quality head unit and you will be just fine. make sure its on the higher end of power output.

This is the one I'm looking at right now, my brother has one from his truck (that he just traded in) and he's willing to sell it to me fairly cheap..

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DEHP...ures_and_specs

I think through all of my googling that I might have figured it out, the RMS x 4 is multiplying, so that one should be 22 time's 4 which would be 88 watts RMS with a 200 watt peak. Right?

That looks like a pretty good deck. I have an older Pioneer deck and I love it. To answer your question it puts out 22 watts RMS to each speaker. Most newer decks put out 22-25 watts RMS to each speaker. It should sound a fair bit better than the stock unit but you still won't be able to blast it if that is what you are looking for. When you turn the volume up high the amp in the deck will clip or distort making it sound like shit, just not nearly as soon as the stock OE deck. It really just depends on how loud you want your music.

well I could crank the shit out of my Eclipse when it was in that car with those speakers.

is it a real PITA to replace the head unit and install a aftermarket one and still be able to use the mach460 speakers as normal? Or is it just a wiring harness and thats it!

I don't think it would be difficult with a 460, but the 1000 would be a whole different bag of worms..

I really couldn't say either way though because I don't have a Mach system. :(

mach systems have a special harness that metra offers..dont remember the part number.

for us non-mach stereo people, its just a matter a simple metra harness and off we go...no big hoops to go thru. i have 2 amps, 1 going to compents, and 1 going to my sub. sounds generations ahead of any mach/shaker system, and cheaper too probably.

yeah the mach systems arent all that there cracked up to be

Thats why you should take it out lol.

My HU pushes 35 watts x 4 channels @ 4 ohms

Get and amp that puts 80-100 watts RMS x 4 channels
Take out your mach system and sell it.
Put in newer component sets and a good sub in the back.

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