Head Unit

Hey guys, I was flipping through this months Crutchfield mag, and I ran into a head unit claiming to put out 60 watts RMS x 4. now.. last time I checked, 60 watts for a head unit was unheard of. It strikes me as odd that its 60 rms, with a peak of only 70. Anyways, I am on the market for a head unit, and if this thing really does put out 60 watts per channel, it will save me the hassle of having to run an amp for my interiors. It says it requires a 10 gauge wiring kit. Anyone out there have any opinions on this head unit? Its Panasonic MXE CQ-C9800U. Thanks. 1990 Honda Civic HB:

Clarion DXZ545MP H.U.

2- 6.5" Power Acoustik interiors

Diamond Audio 600.1 amp

Diamond Audio 15" M6MKII

Pyramid PB881X 4 CH. Amp

Read this Review. I think it would keep your from buying a small amp to power coaxials but an external amp would still be better, especially for a component set.

The review says it all.  Class T amplifiers do not seem to have much head room (thus the small difference between "RMS" and "Peak" reported for this deck.)  It is a limitation of the design and is true for all class T (so-called "digital") amps.  But what you gain in usable power output for the size and cost far outweighs that limitation for most mainstream uses.  I do not think they are ready for real audiophile evaluation or use yet, though, as they are not the warmest sounding amps and can be rather shrill when pushed.  Who knows what the next generation will be able to do, though...Support the12volt.com

The 60x4 will definitely power any pair of coaxials, and will sufficiently power lower-power needing components. The bottom line is that if you are going to power components it is most efficient to use an external amplifier, even if it is low-wattage. This is because the external amplifier only performs one task, which is to power the speakers, whereas the hu will have many tasks to accomplish, but most notably will create a lot of heat if played for long periods of time, ultimately resulting in electronic component deterioration. An external amplifier will produce the most efficient, cleanest power/sound for your speakers. Do yourself the favor and if you're going to power components, use an external amplifier for components, and for a good pair of coaxials. If you're using OEM speakers, the 60x4 will be plenty.