I went to a local specialty audio shop having done some but not tons of research. Went in thinking I'd buy a CD/MP3 HU and a pair of decent Infinity-type front speakers to replace the stock junk in my 03 OBS. When I left I had signed on the dotted line for:

Kenwood KDC MPV7019 CD/MP3 HU
Diamond Audio M661 6.5" components for front doors
Diamond Audio M351i 5.25" coax for rear doors
Alpine MRPF200 Four channel amp, monster cables
4 year warranty on all parts
All installation
$1000

Of course, I wasn't able to listen to a system exactly like the one above, just all the parts of it separately.

It's not too late to make changes. Would appreciate any opinions on how these components will work together. No plans for subs just yet. Also, the Alpine amp is 40x4. Does this rms power get added to the HU's 22x4 rms to equal 66 per channel? Or does the HU simply become a cd/mp3 player? The 40x4 seems a little underpowered to me, but I'm a total noobie, so I don't know.

Thanks
Robert

 

the input to the 40w amps are line level, so you will not be
using your hu speaker amp.

did you get a subwoofer?

 

I'm planning on adding a sub later, if necessary. Is the Alpine amp adequate for the four Diamonds? I don't blast music super loud, or play stuff that has tons of bass. I just want the system to sound very good and I want to be sure to not ruin the speakers by starving them for wattage.

 

Actually man that sound likes a hell of a deal for 1000. I got 6.5 components and 4 for the back, plus one amp, and instilation. Cost me about 800. Personally I think the shop I went to did a ****ty install. Good luck man

 

Diamond Audio is awesome.. when I had my old car (2001 Nissan Maxima), I had the older M561 Components in the front, Diamond Coaxials in the back and a JL Audio 10w3 sub. You may want to get an amp with more power (I don't know the RMS rating on the Alpine amp) as I was powering mine with a Rockford Fosgate 600a4 amp (4x75 watts). The speakers will handle the power nicely. I guess it depends on the price difference then. I paid a total of around $1500 for a Pioneer DEX-P1R head unit, Diamond Audios all around, the JL sub, and two Rockford Fosgate amps, and all necessary cables and wiring. I installed it all myself which saved me a lot of dough. Anyhow, good luck with your stuff.

 

Thanks for the good wishes. The Alpine amp is 40x4 rms. On the one hand, that seems low, on the other, why would the salesman sell me something that's not gonna do the job. On the third hand, maybe the salesman doesn't know that much.

 

What don't you like about your install? This installer seems reasonable and I can talk to him before he gets started next Monday. So if I know what your installer did wrong, I can bring that stuff up with this guy to prevent the same kinda thing.

 

I have a five channel Alpine (40x4 + 100x1) powering my entire system. I'm running MB Quart 6.5" components up front and 5 1/4" coaxials in the rear. I have a Polk/Momo MM12 sub box in the trunk. Now, My system is super clear, but it does lack some power. The amp just doesn't push enough power to run these speakers to their full potential. I will be upgrading my single amp to a multi amp setup in the near future (75x4 and a 600W sub amp)

With that being said, if you are looking for clarity over loudness, the Alpine amps are great. If you want loudness and clarity, I'd go with a Hifonics, Kenwood, or Rockford Fosgate amp, instead.

 

joeyvaz is correct. with more power, you'll get more clarity. remember that the more powerful amp doesn't have to work as hard to push the speakers. diamond audios can handle well over 40 watts rms. do the right thing... haha

 

Joey and Maybe
Thanks - those are the kinds of answers I was looking for. Still deciding, but since I'm getting the car soundproofed at the same time, I'm thinking the Alpine Amp will be powerful enough.