do components really need an amp? Options

[captb]

i just got a new pair of 6.5" kicker components ($50 ). do i really need an external amp? i know under powering is bad but i really dont want to override my electricals with another amp? and i run my stereo at about "20" w/ a max of 50 so i play it no were near max but it does get enough thump. i wont get the most out of the speakers, i just want to make sure i dont "overly" damage them by under powering.

on a side note is this normal: i ran my engine with radio/lights/ac off and disconnected the battery. ran fine but when i turned on the headlights the car shut off. should the alternator be able to handle w/ headlights and accessories? or by turning on lights i created a surge? should i try running the engine w/ the headlights/acc on, then disconnect? this ties into overwhelming the electricals...i still dont have a volt meter

my setup:
jvc pdr30 hu
500w alpine amp
2 10" alpine type e's
stock speakers
4 neons w/ switch going in this week
big three upgrade(4gauge)

so basicly, how much more can my electricals handle? dont want to replace alternator/add capacitor/get a bigger or add a battery. based on my setup, and average alternator capability these are the choices of things i would like to hear:
1.install components and dont max out volume, get an amp later(it should be fine for now)
2.get a cheap amp because your electricals can handle the added draw
3.what the hell you doing, your system is maxed.
4.your alternator needs replacing

any help is appreciated guys.

This post has been edited by captb: Oct 22, 2008 - 3:57 AM

[Cutrara]

Ok, first you need a multimeter if you're going to be doing electrical work on your car... Second, the will be fine without an amp for the time being, but if you ever want the full range out of your speakers you need an amp. Get your electrical system tested for free at autozone/advance auto. They test the charging system and battery.

[RickJamesBish]

20 out of 50? That's nothing...bearing in mind that some of my downloaded songs have volume differences, I've had it at 52/62 before.

[Sinyk]

You stereo should be fine. Install them without an amp and enjoy. I assume they have crossovers correct? If they do, they will work essentially like 1 speaker, but sound a lot cleaner.

I have been running a set of 5 1/4 components for about 5 years now and they sound as good as ever. Never had them amped either.

[WWSideWinder]

My 0.02

I have a 50Watt Head unit running my Front (6.5" 3 way + Tweeters) and Back (6.5" 2 way) and a AMP running the 12" Sub at the back.

So Yes you can run the Car Speakes from the Head unit
But 10" to 15" Subs will have to be Amped.
The Subs have to be Amped due to our hearing range (Hear highs better than Lows) and the amount of Air the 10" to 15"'s push around.

[mitchy]

also with the 50watt head unit, remember this is peak power, you need to know the RMS power to tell what quality it is.

[captb]

thanks. my hu is 22rms and 45-50max.

[mitchy]

22rms is pretty dam good, my IDA-X100 is only 18, but it can go pretty loud before distorting with my Type-r components

[captb]

just stayed up until 4am last night installing the components. only tried them at low volume but from what i can tell they came out as expected. thanks for everyones help.

also i suggest to everyone the big three upgrade. just checked it again yesterday, turning on the lights before i disconnected the negative and apparently my 14yr old alternator can handle the engine, headlights, and my sounds(low volume) on its own.