Speakers RMS for stereo without external amplifier

[eriler]

Hello,

I have a headunit in my car, 4x 45W outputs.

I am going to replace my two dash speakers; a couple 3,5" tweets(?), but i don't know what RMS they are and hence I am having a hard time figuring out what speakers with what RMS to buy.

Here're the dash speakers i'm replacing:

http://puu.sh/iiDtZ/d1cb672680.jpg

http://puu.sh/iiDvp/ce63af4607.jpg

They're original speakers from a 2006 VW Caddy.

So what RMS wattage would you guys recommend i go for that would suit my headunit's output? 25W perhaps?

Also currently my dash speakers are a fair bit louder than my door speakers, at the point where i can't hear the door speakers without putting my ear to them. Is this because the door speakers are rated for much higher RMS wattage? If it becomes a problem i would consider buying new 6" door speakers to go with the dash speakers as well. Will they match well as long as they have the same RMS wattage rating?

Best Regards,

eriler

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[eriler]

Is nobody able to help? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[trumpet 5,000+ posts]

The RMS power ratings of speakers doesn't tell you much about how loud they will sound. If it's a reputable brand of speaker that rating is how much power the speaker can handle thermally with music playing.

Your door speakers probably only play bass. This may explain why the dash speakers sound louder. A safe choice for new speakers that you can probably find in your area is JBL. They make excellent speakers that sound great without an external amplifier.

 

[eriler]

Thank you for your reply, trumpet.

How will i be able to determine whether or not my headunit's built-in amplifier (The 4x45W) will be sufficient to make the speakers play?

 

[basswiigee2fix]

Thank you for your reply, trumpet.
How will i be able to determine whether or not my headunit's built-in amplifier (The 4x45W) will be sufficient to make the speakers play?

a 45x4 is really like 12-18watts rms... lol does ur car have internal amp? or bare bones stock?

almost any after market radio exceeds stock hu....

 

[hispls 5,000+ posts]

Thank you for your reply, trumpet.
How will i be able to determine whether or not my headunit's built-in amplifier (The 4x45W) will be sufficient to make the speakers play?

It'll make anything play. Whether they'll be "loud enough" for you is something you won't know until they're in. Most aftermarket coaxials or components are about the same until you start paying for high end stuff or building your own components from raw drivers.

 

[eriler]

So basically i won't know if they'll sound loud enough untill i've bought them and installed them?

And if i buy new car speakers as well, that is 3,5" composite dash speakers and 6,5" composite door speakers, i won't know if they compliment eachother, or if either set will be too loud to hear the other?

 

[macsdad 10+ year member]

Most of this stuff is trial and error. The best way to find out is to install them, then see what needs to be done to enhance them. All speakers, even the factory installed ones, will usually sound better with an external amplifier. Your crossovers will deliniate which sounds come come which speakers. There is TONS of research invovled in this particular hobby, with one of the most, if not the most, difficult aspect being; just because it sounds nice in my particular vehicle, doesn't mean that it will sound the same in yours. Car audio is a cruel, and evil, vicious bitsch. Hopefully you can find someone local to you that can help you with your endeavor, but be forwarned, this stuff is far worse than ANY drug known to man. Especially after you finally get it to sound good, because you will ALWAYS want MOOOOOOOORE power. Just keep asking good questions, and pay attention to the decent feedback, you you should be alright.

 

[eriler]

Quite frankly, i'm not an audiophiliac, i just want something that is better than the standard speakers.

I do not believe there's only bass in the door speakers, i think they're for the most part woofers and not just subwoofers. The ones in my dash are probably tweets, which are the only ones i actually hear when listening to the stereo, and imagine that horror, listening to music on tweets alone.

I just want ok/good at a reasonable price. If i need to add an external amp my budget will be torn to shreds, so i want something which my current headunit with it's built-in amp (4x45W) can handle alone.

 

[macsdad 10+ year member]

Check crutchfield, or sonicelectronix, they not only have decent deals, but they will also tell you what will, or won't fit your vehicle. Crutchfield also has scratch n dent, and open box deals as well.

 

[eriler]

Neither has volkswagen caddy of any year model in the "Does it fit my car" selector. Neither do they have volkswagen transporter which has the same dash speaker space.

I have the measurements, and i'm not inclined against making some minor modifications to make speakers fit. What i was hoping to get out of the thread is what to look for that would go with my headunit...