Car Stereos: AWM 970 Setup in RV, ohm speaker, car amplifier

Question
Hi, i have a 2005 Toyhauler and I need to upgrade the old stereo. I found the AWM 970, it will fit and I have read decent reviews. I am open to other alternatives if you have a better option. I need IPOD support and I like the DVD, USB as well. My question is I have 6 speakers, (3 zones) 2 outside and 4 inside. The 970 comes with 18w per speaker. Additionally, I am looking to upgrade the speaker system and need a recommendation for a good 6 1/2" indoor and outdoor speaker  in the $50-$70 range per pair. What's your take on JVC?  Will the 18W per speaker sound good or should I consider an AMP? What AMP "Pairs well" with the AWM970?

Answer
Hi Dan,

Unfortunately, I can't help you much with the speakers.  Indoor/outdoor speakers are more of a home audio product, and fall outside my expertise.  Note that most such speakers will be rated at 8 ohms, but the head unit's power rating is based on a 4-ohm speaker.  You can use it with 8-ohm speakers, but the power output will be reduced.  

18 watts per channel is about standard for mobile audio head units; I doubt you'd find one with significantly more power.  Whether this will be enough power or not really depends on how loud you intend to play the system.  If it's mostly just going to be background music, the built-in amplifier should be fine.  The outdoor speakers might benefit most from amplification, both because they're not going to be used in an enclosed space, and because you might not be able to find a 4-ohm speaker in your price range.  Just about any standard car amplifier should work with the AWM970.  You can always try out the system with the head unit's power, and see how it sounds; an amp can be added later, if it's required.

Keep in mind that you will probably need to purchase a separate iPod cable to use an iPod with the head unit; it won't work through the USB connection. Also, some newer iPod models may not charge through the Jensen adapter.  If it's important that you're able to charge the iPod through the head unit connection, you may want to test this feature in advance (if possible).

Hope this helps!

Brian