I am trying to zero in on how much power I need in my new stereo.

I am concerned that using the Alpine head unit with no external amp may not be powerfull enough to work in a roadster. (with a powered sub of course)
SO......

I have no idea if Alpine's 26X4 rating is realistic.

I have no idea if the Bose 240 Watt rating means anything at all given their products so far.

The question:

If I ran an Alpine HU (26 W RMS x 4 claimed) to 4 efficient speakrs (say 90 - 92 db seinsitivity) and a basslink powered sub would it be louder or quieter than the Bose "240 watt" system

Thanks in advance.

 

I think most aftermarket speakers(at least the good one) will need an amp to drive them. Most HU don't have a lot of power. I have a Clarion DXZ935(53 X 4), and it sounds good with the stock speakers and the Basslink. I think some manufacuters overrate their systems, and some actually underrate theirs. The only way to find out is to test them. Which Alpine HU you are looking for? A lot of people on this board use Alpine HU(but I think most of them have external amp to drive their speakers), you should ask them.

 

I have a 98 Integra GS-R with an Alpine 7894 hu running to stock front components and cerwin vega coaxis in the rear with 2 12" Alipne Type R's in a custome box running off a Hifonics Brutus amp giving them 400 watts a piece and my system sounds perfect, hi's can actually be too hi for the bass sometimes. Anyway the V-drive amp in Alpine head units is the best amp in any head unit, and the Bass Engine allows you to tune the frequencies to each speaker. But only with a Basslink I honestly think you could make the regular speakers sound way louder than the Sub. For like $50 more you could get a good sub and amp. Just a suggestion though. Also if u get an alipne head unit get the CDA-9815. It has Bass Engine Pro which will really allow you to tune the sound to sound really nice. You can probably find it for $330 on the net. Hope this helps.