Boofhead audio question

[melbzetec]

OK, I'm a complete nuff nuff when it comes to car audio, so need some help.

I've been eyeing off these Boston Speakers.

http://www.ryda.com.au/Boston-SL80-5...ers-p/sl80.htm

They appear to get rave reviews, and perfect for my needs in the Focus.

I'm interested in the 5x7's because it is a simple speaker upgrade with no cutting/fitting issues.

HOWEVER:
I notice that the recommended amp power is 60 watts RMS-200 watts peak.

I think the stock Head Unit (which I want to keep) is only rated about 15 watts RMS or thereabouts. Will the HU be able to drive them?

I know I could install an amp, and I may look at doing that, but will it work if I don't?

If not, is it worth looking at these which are rated at 50 watts RMS and are marketed by Boston as being ideal for upgrades to Ford vehicles:

http://www.ryda.com.au/Boston-SX85-5...ers-p/sx85.htm

Cheaper and quite good, but apparently nowhere near the quality of the SL80's.

Any help for the audio challenged gratefully appreciated.

ps I tend to listen to jazz and classical, so am interested in clarity, not volume or bass

[RJO89]

If you're into clarity, Boston Acoustics are the way to go. Perfect sounding speakers from a company that has a background in musical instruments, so they know what they are doing and the sound that they are looking for. The SL80s are components built into the one unit, meaning that the woofer takes the bass notes, and the tweeter is placed close enough to blend the music together and allow a crisp, clear note to pop out.

In terms of your wattage issue, the speakers will work when run off the stock head unit, just won't be running at maximum capacity. They will be as loud as the stock speakers, just with a much clearer level. If I were you, however, I would just buy an amp and connect the speakers to that. It will provide you with a much clearer sound. Just up to you whether or not you want to install an amplifier. But if you don't, the speakers will still work. Remember that the wattage rating for those speakers is MAX.

Hope that helps Steve.

Regan

[819_FLY]

In most instances Im assuming a Head Unit making about 20w upwards can run say the front two speakers, then using an amp (im guessing a 4 channel) to run the two rear speakers and the sub if needed.

Thats about as much I know about audio, not too enthused about the subject of car audio.

[Mullett]

I'd wire an amp in, the reason being that if you can afford the Bostons, you can afford an amp :P

But seriously, the main problem is that if you start to run them near the limits of the factory output, there starts to be flat lines in the output where there should be a spike. It's basically distortion, but it's not as easy to hear as speaker distortion, and it kills speakers. You could run them from the factory HU, but NEVER run near the limits of output. More powerful speakers are more efficient, so it'll still be slightly louder than stock, and the quality *might* be better, depending on what the weak point is. An amp is easy enough to wire in using a hi-low convertor.

-RM.

[melbzetec]

Thanks for your help guys. Very much appreciated

I would prefer a 4 channel amp to retain the Balance and Fade functions over the 4 speakers.

But the Boston amps start at a frightening price.

Any suggestons as to what I should get and pay? I've heard the JL audio amps are too shabby, but not sure what you'd pay

[FOCUSonTHIS]

Steve...my old sound system in my Focus was all Alpine and I couldn't go past the V12 range on amps from Alpine

[Fast Eddie]

I'm another one who'se had past experience with Alpine and I just love their stuff.

[warren77]

In my two previous cars I had an amp and premium sound. The quality is certainly significantly better when you power decent speakers via an amp. Personally I run the fronts and the sub off a 4 channel amp, and let the head unit run the rears. But that was because I was running 6.5s in the front, and only 5s in the rear.

My current car (XR5 Mondeo) has a Sony deck and speakers (no amp). For a factory unit it is pretty good but at the higher end does distort. However, not looking at changing anything over in it.

If you want quality, go an amp. But also pay particular attention to the install. A few simple things such as using some sounding deadening spray can make a big difference. In my previous car, I had spacers put in to make the 6.5s fit. A friend recommended using a silicon sealer around the spacers. A 5 minute job made a huge difference.