Base radio/cd output watts?
 

Anyone know the wattage, per channel, the base Head unit puts out? Thinking of getting better speakers, but no amp. 4 ohm?

bigaudiofanat might know, but im guessing it's not much power. probably like 15w rms for the door speakers. something like the polk db6501 would be a good choice, i think to start off.

Although I never put a multimeter on to check voltage, I can tell you that the factory speakers are rated at 40 watts. (base model, no Bose)

Speakers
 

Thanks to all. I ordered the Polk db651s from Crutchfield. I'm a firm believer in KISS . (Keep it simple, stupid.)

Considering that the Base head unit uses a BTL amp, your likely to see no more than 20w RMS. My factory base 6.5" speaker say's "2ohm Max 40w".

2 ohm vs 4 ohm
 

Thanks for the reply. I just received 4 ohm Polk speakers. Will the 4 ohm make a large difference?
Thanks

The db651's have a sensitivity of 92db, so they should be easy to power. Should be OK. The reason Nissan/Clarion went 2ohm was to squeeze every bit of volume out of the unit without concern for sound quality. If you don't like the results, you could add a small 2channel class D amp to liven things up. I would consider a Head Unit upgrade first, as the base radio attenuates certain frequencies based upon volume level from my experience(plus lack of input's).

And when you say 20w RMS, I hope you mean 5w RMS x4 speakers. There's no way that thing puts out 20 to each speaker.

Yes, it's unlikely that the base unit puts out a clean 20w RMS @ 4ohms, but when you factor in 2ohm load and max distortion @ 1Khz, it might come close. Doubt it would be CEA 2006 compliant though:rofl2:. Remember that only 2 channels are driven on the Base model.

The base radio isn't 20 it's more like 12-15 watts if that. The polks will suffice however you would get even better sound with the addition of a amp or a new head unit putting out 22 watts a channel.

Watts Per Channel
 

I was looking at CD Receivers on line, Sony Pioneer, in the $120 range, and all of them were 15 & 17 watts per channel. After I get the Polk speakers installed, I'll see if I need a small amp, then contact the audio guy above.
Thanks

I recommend that you stick to your KISS Principle and get a HU with (more than) enough power. It just complicates things when you start adding components.

Good Suggestion!
 

See, that's the down side of being retired. Too much time to sit around and complicate things.

Speaker Install
 

Hey, I got the Polk speakers installed with no issues. Sound way better than the originals. No need for any further upgrade or costs. Just FYI, Polk speakers do not come with the female slide on (spade) terminals that attach to the existing speaker wires. And no where could I find the sizes in the manual or on line. So ask the sales person you are dealing with, to be sure you get what you need. Buying them at Autozone is pricy 'cause they are only available on larger quantiles. Don't need 20 or 50 of each size (at $6.00 each package) to add to the cost of the upgrade.
Thanks for the feedback.

Thomas & Betts (T&B) makes excellent crimp connectors. You can find them at most electrical supply houses or online.