I'm going to be replacing the front speakers in my 350Z and will also be upgrading head units. I noticed that most head units, even top end, are rated at something like 20W RMS. That sounds pretty weak. Is that enough power to comfortable drive two front component speakers?

 

What components?

 

Probably just these polks:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...8048-_-Product

2 of them total.

 

Those are coaxial, not component. They will do fine being powered off the headunit.

 

As other have mentioned, the Polk Audio db651 is a coaxial speaker, but it is a good one. This model has a broad power range so it will work with the small amp in your H/U as well as an external amp. Although your H/U’s small internal amp will drive the speaker, the sound quality degenerates at higher volumes where you benefit having an external amp and more power.

If you are planning to use the stock front door speaker mount, I would also mention that the Polk Audio db651 coaxial speaker’s mounting depth from wall is 2.31 inch. I think that will fit the stock front door speaker mount, but will be close.

If you want to play it safe, get the Polk Audio db651s for the door mount and use the Polk Audio db651 in the rear mounts (I notice that the eBay listing is for 4 Polk Audio db651 speakers). This eliminates any issue with fitment.

--Spike

 

Why would you use the built in amp in the head unit? Get an Alpine Powerpack and that bumps you up to 45w/channel RMS if you have 4 speakers, 90w/channel RMS if you bridge it for 2 speakers.

 

That power pack is garbage.