Will this amp. do anything for me?

[Synomenon]

Ok so I ended up going with a Pioneer AVH-P8400BH instead of the Pioneer AppRadio 2. I wanted a "mech-less" head unit since I don't own any CDs and have few DVDs.

I ended up with the P8400BH because it has A2DP and AVRCP bluetooth profiles and auxiliary inputs to connect other sources (the AppRadio 2 has no other input aside from the iPod / iPhone / iPad / Android connection and isn't capable of streaming audio over bluetooth) and I needed at least a 3.5mm or RCA audio input so I wouldn't lose the 3.5mm input built into my car's dash.

Now that I have the P8400BH, I'm wondering if this Alpine amp. will do anything for me:
KTP-445U
http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ktp-445u

It's a tiny 4-channel amp. made to be hidden in the dash behind the head unit. It does 45W RMS while the P8400BH does only 22W RMS on its own.

My car is pretty small and I'd rather not install a bigger amp. in the trunk and run wires all the way up to the front of the car.


Moved to The Garage at the OP's request
Moderator PM

 

[Raduque]

You'll have to whack off the Alpine-specific connectors and wire in your Pioneer connectors, but yeah, it'll work.

Useful info here

Edit: Ohh, never mind, that one's universal. Yeah, it'll work fine. RCA outs from your HU into the RCAs on the amp, then connect your wiring harness adapter to the loose ends on the other side and plug it in.

This should also go in the Garage, btw.

 

[Synomenon]

Whoa. I thought I did post in the garage. Thanks though.

 

[NutBucket]

Yes. The HU's amp sucks. This will most certainly be an improvement.

 

[Yourself]

Are you upgrading the speakers? If not, don't bother with the amp.

 

[NutBucket]

Good point. Forgot to take that into account.

 

[Synomenon]

I will be upgrading the speakers. Should I get speakers that have greater RMS power handling than the amp.'s 45W RMS or speakers with lower RMS power handling?

 

[slugg]

You should just get good speakers, period. I've had great results with Alpine Type-R. Hard to beat for the money. Not expensive if you shop on Amazon. They'll do just fine with that amp 🙂

 

[Synomenon]

Everyone else recommend Alpine Type-R with the KTP-445U amplifier?

 

[NutBucket]

Also, any reason you can't mount a larger amp under one of the front seats? That's my go-to spot for installing amps.

 

[Synomenon]

I have a small class-D mono amp. under the front passenger seat already and don't have space under the driver seat to install an amp.. I also don't want to spend a fortune on a 5-channel amp..