Audio Systems: Car Stereo Amplification Options, dodge dakota club, stereo amplification

Question
Tom,

I added a nice little Pioneer GM-x424 amplifier to my OEM stereo (1999 Dodge Dakota Club Cab pickup) several years ago.  Stats on the amp include RMS 30Wx4 and 70Wx2, peak 60Wx4 and 140Wx2, 0.008% THD, bridgeable 2/3/4.

I now want to upgrade the OEM head unit and speakers (four 6.5" speakers).  The existing speakers include small and separate tweeters that are wired in conjunction with the door speakers.

It seems that all mid-range and high-end head units feature built in amplifiers, the most common size being around 50Wx4 (20Wx4 or so nominal).  I'm assuming that these head units generally can not be switched from 4 channel to 2 channel, but I don't know that for a fact.  Also, THD info is typically not a primary selling point, so I'm assuming that these built-in amplifiers and not exceptionally clean.

Based on this sketchy overview, which would you recommend for optimal power and sound:
1)  Drive all 4 speakers with the new head unit;
2)  Drive all 4 speakers with the Pioneer amplifier;
3)  Drive two speakers (front or rear?) with the head unit and the other two with the Pioneer set at 70Wx2.
4)  Something else.

If the best option includes use of my existing amplifier, will I need a head unit with two sets or four sets of preamp outs?

Answer
Dennis,
You may want to shop for a head unit with two high powered outputs and two RCA outputs for the rear speakers that are connected to the amp. For a good sound you may want to bridge the amp for 70 watts into two channels. As for the amps inside most stereo head units go, they are fairly clean sounding, however due to the size of the package that they are in you won't have a whole lot of power output. Most high powered head units will have about 50-60 watts output. If you want to have that thumping bass as most drivers do you will need that external amp to boost up the power, plus with most external amps you can adjust the built in crossovers to the sound that suits you. With a head unit that has 50+ watts output into the front speakers this should give you more than enough sound up front.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net