Stock stereo HU (JBL MR 145.2 in 2012 SX190) question

[swatski]

I'm wondering if adding an amplifier to the simple stereo setup of my 2012 SX190 would make any practical sense. I upgraded (all 4) stock speakers to Polk DB651, started looking for amplifiers to add to my stock HU (JBL MR 145.2) and realized that this particular HU is rated at 4 x 45 watts (RMS)? Now, for now, I plan no further speaker/subwoofer additions.

So, my simpleminded question is this: will an extra amp hooked up to my current HU w/4 Polk 6.5 give me noticeably better sound quality? Obviously, not looking to impress anyone! But would I be able to tell in a "blind" test? I read just about every post on that topic here, and still can not decide.

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[RiverRat]

Yes, it would definitely make a noticeable difference. I kept the stock polks in mine and added an amp to them. Glad I did.

 

[Bill D]

Definitely. I would have even suggested adding an amp before upgrading speakers. It produces a much cleaner sound. Even though your HU says it's rated for 45 watts RMS, it's not even close to what 45 watts out of an amp will sound like.

If this one is still available it is an incredible amp at that price.

 

[swatski]

Thank you, guys, that clarifies it for me!

Now I have to somehow convince the CFO that HT4 stands for a critical upgrade to boat's electronics.

 

[spaz944]

If you figure that one out about the CFO, please share. I do realize that what works for ones CFO, may not work for anothers. lol

 

[swatski]

Okay, here is kind of a perfect answer to what I was not understanding!

Understand that while the stock speakers are not very good, most of the distortion you hear (if the speakers are in good condition) is the source unit running out of power. While a source unit may be rated at 4 X 50 watts, for example, in reality that might be a clean 4 X 15 watts over a reasonably wide bandwidth. Decent power for a small, enclosed, quiet vehicle cabin, but well short in an open environment, especially competing with exhaust noise and movement.
Better speakers will definitely help the sound quality. But to overcome the open air while underway you will need a modest external amplifier and the associated wiring.