Stereo upgrade questions, RMS, alternator

[navy98]

I'd like to replace my stock monsoon system in my 98 Camaro. I've already replaced the head unit with a Sony. Definite improvement, but its time to take the next step. My goal is to have a clean sounding system that I can turn up, but I'm not in the market for a window shattering, monster system. i've already got some replacement speakers for the front doors.

question 1 is, if the speakers are rated at 50W RMS, do i need an amp with a minimum of 50W RMS, or would a 40W RMS amp be sufficient?

question 2, i believe my stock alternator is 105 amps, (based on it saying 105 A on the alternator itself), will this be enough to power a moderately sized amp or will i need to look into a higher powered alternator before i can do anything?

one more question, the two amps i have my eyes on are the Alpine MRV-F340 or the Kenwood KAC8401. These are 50W+ RMS amps, but would considered the Alpine F200 (40W RMS) if that would provide enough power. Any comments or suggestions on these, or other models?

Great forum, thanks.

[Pig General]

Ok, first off, your probably going to have to track down and remove the stock amplifier for the Monsoon system, from what I hear, It doesn't like when you add aftermarket speakers at all. You will most likely have to run new speaker wire.

You can get an amp that pushes 40 watts rms for your speakers, and they will be fine, and they will probably be plenty loud for you.

Unless you get into the insane ranges of power (+600 watts rms) you will probably not need a new alternator.

I have never had experience with Kenwood, but based on my previous experience with Alpine, I would take the Alpine amplifier based on name alone. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

[96firebird311]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Pig General:
Unless you get into the insane ranges of power (+600 watts rms) <hr></blockquote>
LOL. That's times of the past man. Now, damn near eveyone is running around the 600 mark. No were near insane. My new system is almost complete. We're talking 3900W RMS!!! Still not really insane in my book. :D

Yes, first tear the entire monsoon system out of the car. Amp, speakers, wires. Everything. 40WRMS will be fine on your speakers. And two small amps on the stock 105amp alt. should be fine. Any ideas on what speakers you are gonna get?

[BeautifulDisaster]

youre going to have to bypass all the stock amps if youre goin with after market speakers, i had to do it with the bose system. if i were you id leave all the stock speakers and just go with a aftermarket HU which will ultimately make youre whole system sound better, also soundgate makes an adaptor for 120$.

[navy98]

well i did it. thanks for all the input. i bought the Alpine MRP-F240. i didn't actually remove the Monsoon amp yet, but it's completely disconnected. It sounds really good (relatively speaking). I have Pioneer Premire 3-ways in the doors, (yes i know they don't have favorable reviews here, but it's what i had). possible upgrade there later. but i guess the question now is, what about rear speakers. is it everyones preference to put a pair of 6.5's in the holes by the rear seats? or put them in the rear hatch area? the hatch area seems awefully limited in what you can put there do to the size of the speaker opening.

[96firebird311]

Many people choose to run no rear speakers at all. Just a front component set. If it sounds fine to you... then don't change it! if you feel you need some rear fill, I suggest getting a simple midrange or midbass for the sail panels. (Next to rear seats) DO NOT use the speakers under the hatch. 4" speakers 7' behind the listener.... what the hell were they thinking?!?!?!?!