OK. ive been planning my future stereo system for 86 iroc
here is what i was thinking

Alpine head unit
2 4X6 alpine speakers
2 6X9 alpine speakers
2 12' kicker comp

now my question was:

im not sure if my 2 subs would plug into my head unit, im guessing that i need an amp (plus sound better right?).
here is the head unit
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-...&skuId=9176198


i know its been done but im new with this stereo stuff, would also appreciate pics of any one has any.!.!.!

 

Your subs need an amp period, the hu would not have the power to drive your subs. The amp will have to be rated at anywhere from 50-150 watts rms. Crutchfeild.com will have everything you need to get your stereo running.

 

Yeah u cant power subs without an amp
Use crutchfield or ebay
Theres an Axillary out cable on the back of MOST aftermarket stereos
Its a Green cord that MIGHT say sub out
Heres my set up
JVC Kd-lh300 head unit
2 10' MTX thunder 8000's powered by a thousand watt Rockford fosgate amp
Alpine type S 4x6 in dash and in pillar boxes
Mid bass 6 inch subs in pillar boxes

Still cleanin up the wires

 

Subs always need an amp to operate properly. That being said, let's break down your plans (Ive done car audio for the past ten years, the first six of which were professionally. Now I just do my friends' systems)

Alpine make great head units. Short of Alipne, I would have said Pioneer Premiere of Kenwood Excelon. But if you like the LOOK of the Alpine unit, you can't go wrong.

Alpine speakers are decent, but for the money, there are better choices out there. Again, Pioneer and Kenwood have great offerings, but so does Infinity Reference. Prices are comparable to Alpine. If your can spare the extra money, putting an amp on your component speakers will clear the sound up much better than anything else you can do. It will give you a cleaner, crisper sound that will be more enjoyable.

Subwoofers are strictly for bass. I am sure you already know that, but some people just don't. Kicker Comps are okay, but they used to be alot better than they are now. I am assumingyou want to stay in a certain price range, and with average price of the Comp 12s being appx $100 each, I will stay around that price. the Infinity 1260W series are good with lower frequency response. MTX JachHammer are very popular and look great. For further recommendations, PM me.

Amps come down to personal preference, but there are options. First, you'll want to decide between a mono and 2-channel amp for your subs. I kinda prefer mono. The Alpine (Hah, got you back on Alpine!) MRP-M500 is a very good amp. The MTX JackHammer JH600 is a great amp for the JackHammer subs. 600x1 @ 2ohms. Price is going to be a factor, though, as it is for anyone.

If you need any other help, feel free to PM me. And, please, realize this is just my 2 cents. YOUR preferences are the MOST important factor when selecting a system.