Is an amp necessary for a good car audio system?

[RaymondC]

I want to upgrade my car audio system for my 2001 Honda Civic coupe.
I don't want overpowering bass and I don't plan to blast my music either. I just want good clarity and good sound that can still offer good volume. I was just wondering if I can get by without an amp and still have good sound with a strong head unit. My dad's 2002 Acura TL has a pioneer head unit and no amp but still produces good sound for all four Bose speakers and can handle loud volumes even with a sub so that's why I'm asking. Eveyone out there is saying that an amp is necessary but I'm doubting it.

 

[doug]

Good is relative. Meaning some people will think that their stock system in their 95 ford ranger sounds good...others only think a system sounds good if it contains several thousand dollars worth of high-end equipment. So like I said, good is relative.

Having said that, you could get sound that I (and most people) would consider good without an amp. A quality headunit and some quality aftermaket speakers will give you a system that most people would think is good. But that doesn't mean that a quality amp won't make it better. Even if you're not planning to blast your music, an amp (good amp) will give you crisper highs, greater clarity and more detail (with a pair of good component speakers, a quality amp can make a HUGE difference.

Do you need an amp? No. But would a quality amp make a noticable improvement on your system? Yes.

 

[JohnR]

If your head unit pushes over 100 watts, then you can get some really good sound. Bose Speakers are top of the line for a reason, they thump! Look into some alpine or JL audio speakers as well.