Running comp's off head unit power?

[cjv998]

So I have a pair of Type-X 6.5's (the SPX-17REF models), and I'm considering (gasp!) running them off my head unit power (Kenwood KIV-700, 22W RMS/50W peak). The car is a Miata, so I don't want to take up any of my precious little trunk space with an amp, and the only amp small enough to stash away somewhere is $200 (the elf 2125X). Also, I won't have any rear speakers - not sure if that would put less demands on the HU's internal amp or not.

So do you think I'll completely regret this decision and end up buying an amp, or will my speakers still sound decent? (I've only ran them off external amps before, so I'm not sure what I'll be missing out on until I hear them, I'm guessing I might lose some midbass? Oh, and I don't usually blast my speakers, moderate volume is plenty for me.)

Anyway, any opinions on this?

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[BlactimusCrime 10+ year member]

you cant fit a small 2 chan under the passenger seat?

 

[pro-rabbit 5,000+ posts]

You will lose a bit of clarity and volume. I have done this in the past only while I was waiting to install an amplifier. Considering you have heard them on an amp, in most cases you will regret not using one. I'm sure you can pick up a small amp cheaper then $200 if you look(unless your want new).

 

[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

AUDIOPIPE APSM-2075 440W 2 Channel MINI Amplifier - eBay (item 230476706464 end time Dec-14-10 14:26:57 PST)

$86

 

[cjv998]

AUDIOPIPE APSM-2075 440W 2 Channel MINI Amplifier - eBay (item 230476706464 end time Dec-14-10 14:26:57 PST)
$86

Nice find. But with an amp that cheap, will it really sound that much better than the HU amp?

 

[matt_bennett05 10+ year member]

Absolutely Brother Man! You will be blown away by clarity and power.... no joke. At least you're not the kid powering his sub from his headunit! //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/crazy.gif.c13912c32de98515d3142759a824dae7.gif

 

[swollen_cu 10+ year member]

Amazon.com: Alpine MRP-F300 - Amplifier - V-Power - 4-channel: Electronics

this amp is pretty small. It fit right under my passenger seat in my accord and had plenty of rơom left. And puts out a decent amount of power for your comps.

* RMS Power Per Channel Into 4 Ohms: 50W X 4 (1% THD)

* RMS Power Per Channel Into 2 Ohms: 75W X 4

* Brigded 4 Ohms: 150W X 2

* Number 2 Rated Amp In US

 

[cjv998]

Amazon.com: Alpine MRP-F300 - Amplifier - V-Power - 4-channel: Electronics
this amp is pretty small. It fit right under my passenger seat in my accord and had plenty of rơom left. And puts out a decent amount of power for your comps.

* RMS Power Per Channel Into 4 Ohms: 50W X 4 (1% THD)

* RMS Power Per Channel Into 2 Ohms: 75W X 4

* Brigded 4 Ohms: 150W X 2

* Number 2 Rated Amp In US

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, the Miata doesn't have that much room under the seat.