Installing component speakers - do I need a seperate amp?

[l55lee]

Hi guys

I've just got a 16v MK3 GTI and am now kitting it out. I've got an Alpine CDE-9850i, which does everything that I want of it. It's got the iPod cable running from it, which I find really useful but that means that the 1 pre-out is utilised.

I'm now looking to add some speakers to the system but want to avoid using an amplifier (for obvious reasons). I like the look of the Alpine SPS-171A's but have been out of the ICE market for some time. If speakers have interconnects, do they need to be driven by an amp? I've installed similar kit in the past - component speakers to an Alpine head unit, didn't drive the speakers with an amp, and it sounded good enough to me.

Can I drive the speakers without an amp, or do component speakers with interconnects require a seperate amlifier to work?

Cheers

Lee

[Uruk Hai]

No, it shouldn't make any difference if its components or coaxial speakers. You don't have to use a amp to run them if you don't want to !

[l55lee]

Thanks Uruk

[Heyho]

As already stated, you don't have to run an amp if you don't want to, but you won't get the full benefit of the new speakers - although the alpines you mention are supposed to be OK from a headunit.

Often, aftermarket speakers can sound worse than stock speakers when run from the headunit, due to the fact that they are less sensitive - ie they req more power to reach the same volume level, which can also lead to perceived distortion, when the headunit amp becomes overloaded and causes clipping.

Don't let me scare you though - the real test is wether or not it sounds good to you!

[Dizzie]

I would advise running them off an amp if you can. your headunit only outputs something like 22w RMS whereas your speakers rated at about 40w RMS (can't remember exact figures).

your headunit will be able run them, but you would get better results running them from an amp.