I currently have the Pioneer 3-ways (5x7) in my truck, with the factory HU. My question is, will there be a noticable difference if I install a simple 4 channel amp? I'm thinking about an Alpine amp...

The reason I'm considering an amp is (1) although the Pioneers sound ok right now, I'd like them to be a bit more 'crisp' sounding; and (2) when I'm driving with the windows down, I have to crank it up all the way, and it doesn't sound that good...

So, would an amp help in this situation. I know that in general, amps are good. But what about when used with the Pioneer speakers? I know the Pioneers aren't anywhere close to being "high-end", but would an amp help them at all???

 

Slow day on the 'net, huh?

 

Pioneer makes a fine speaker. I have 'em in my Scab. Personally, I think coaxials deliver better sound with better bass and cleaner highs, but then that's me. An amp with a factory HU would be fine, but I would get a better HU first. That may take care of the situation. A little more power, cleaner sound. I'm hearing Kenwood highly touted, and that's what I'm getting tomorrow.
Pioneer may not be high-end, but after all, we're talking about a truck with an interior more subject to road and engine noise. Sure, Polks will smoke Pioneer any day of the week, and I love 'em, but can I really hear 'em? In a quieter vehicle, sure. In a truck, I'm not so sure, and with the window down, doubtful. The one true fact is that Pioneer delivers great sound at half the price of the others. In my humble opinion, the coaxial Pioneers smoked the comparable Alpines I lisitened to, and that's why I bought 'em. The price was nice, too.

 

Small amp will do you fine... All a new head unit will do is invite an unwanted thief into your vehicle... Infinity has a 5x7 component system (tweeter still intact to speaker) that has a crossover, these really seperate out hight and lows well... This are just my personal experiences and suggestions... I have been ripped off way too much... Good Luck!

Jon

 

I agree the infinity Kappa is a great buy for the money, low impedence,stiff cones w/rubber surround great freq. range and most of all a high sensitvity 94+ which results in a very efficient speaker, ie more sound dbs. Not the cheapest just more bang for the buck !

 

Each compnay rates their speakers at different sensivities, by a different scale, so you can't go by that directly. Honestly, most people prefer Polk over Infinity. If you can go with a cheapo h/u with enough pre outs and then a 50 x 4 watt amp should do you fine. An amp should create a crisper sound overall, and if you aren't satisfied, then put some nice componets up front that will run good off of low watts, ie RE comps or Jl XRs, etc...

 

Just wanted to follow up on your speaker concerns. I didn't get the Kenwood HU I wanted. The installer was out of 'em, so that will have to wait a couple of weeks. I did get my Memphis Audio amp and 10 inch sub in custom AE enclosure installed yesterday, and paired with those sweet little Pioneers, my ears are in heaven. Out-freaking-standing! In fact, I'm so pleased that I could put off the new HU indefinitely, but I won't because I know they'll sound even better then. Don't fret your Pioneers, and don't sweat the amp you mentioned. A new HU should take care of the Pioneers, and a sub/amp will round everything out nicely. Just my opinion.

 

Well, over Friday & Saturday, here's what I ended up doing... I put my Pioneer 3-ways in the rear doors, and bought a pair of Alpine 5x7 components for the front, and the Alpine MRP-F240 to power all of them. The only hiccup I had on the install was with the amp's speaker level inputs. I ran about 130' of speaker wire; 4 wires from the hu, and 4 more wires back to the hu. After all that, there was A LOT of noise/feedback. I double/triple checked the power & ground, but to no avail. So I bit the bullet and bought a pair of line output converters, hoping that would solve the problem. And presto, all was good, no more noise/feedback.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my setup. Many will say that I'm lacking a sub, but subs are not for me. There's just something about those low, deep sounds that hurt my ears & head. Anyway, the speakers sound awesome. I think the components really helped. It sounds much better having the tweeters up closer to you, pointed at you. So, after having my truck tore apart for 2 days, it done!