Speaker choice, and amplifier advice

[crazybiker]

Excuse me if it's bleeding obvious, but stereo systems I've never been able to fully comprehend.

Which of these 2 speakers would be better:

Soundmaster Car Audio - ($120) Kenwood KFC-M6952A 6x9 KFCM6952A

Soundmaster Car Audio - ($170) Pioneer TS-A6992S Speakers TSA6992S


Would I need an amp with those?

What kind of amp would you guys suggest, considering I'm not after STUPIDLY loud system, just reasonably loud, but clear.

[HCVP]

The cheaper Kenwood puts out a little more power, whether you would notice it or not, i couldnt say. As for an amp, and whether or not you need one, well that comes down to how much your after out of a set up. Being that either pair of speakers, are rated at 80-90 watts RMS each, then basically any 2 channel amplifier, with a similar rating per channel, would be ideal.

[Philthy]

Most pioneer speakers I've heard have been better than the equivalent Kenwoods in my opinion, but the Kenwoods *might* go louder. Most car audio places should have similar speakers to these on a sound board so I suggest going and having a listen if you can.
Amped speakers tend to not only be louder, but much clearer across the range as well (at least in my experiences), and I doubt I could ever go back to running speakers off a headunit

[holdenboy]

Sound (speakers) are a personal thing, what might sound good to me will sound like crap to you. I suggest (like Philthy) going into a car audio store with these models in their demo board and having a listen.

As far as an amp goes, it would come down to your volume / clarity requirements. For the average person a set of good 6x9s (installed properly) running off a good aftermarket head-unit will be enough. A good idea is just install them without an amp, give it a week or two and if you require more volume / clarity then buy an amp. If thats the case something with 80-100wrms will be ideal, brand choice is up to you.....just pick a well known brand like Pioneer / Kenwood / Clarion etc etc.

[crazybiker]

I think I might just do that.

Go without the amp for now, and buy those kenwood speakers and see how I go.

Anything's an upgrade from my 6", 38W standards