Replacing non-JBL HU and speakers; do I need an amp?

[8weight]

Replacing the stock stereo system (non-JBL) in my 2007 4Runner SR5. I know I want the Alpine ida-X100 HU. In addition, I'm thinking the Infinity Reference series 6022si 6/12" speakers in the front doors and whatever decent 2-way or 3-way, non-component speakers in the rear.

I am not an audiophile by any means but I do appreciate good sound enough that I hate the stock system, I love my low-mid range Sennheiser headphones for my iPod, and I'm perfectly content with my 2-speaker home stereo.

My question: Do I need an amp? I think it would be fun to try to do the install myself, but I know the amp would be out of my league, and I tend to think I'll be so happy with the new, non-amp set up over the stock system that I won't notice what I may be missing, at least not for a while. I don't know that the huge extra cost of adding the amp (amp plus labor) would be cost-effective for someone like me. Of course, foregoing the amp means no component speakers, from what I've read.

And, couldn't I always add an amp and upgrade front speakers in the future?

What are the flaws in my thinking here? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Vince2k4runner]

It all depends on how loud and clear you want it to sound.

That Alpine unit already has a built in 18w rms x 4 amplifier. It will be good enough to a point.

Why are you not going with 6 x 9's in the front doors? It is very easy to make your own baffle board out of 3/4 mdf or even use the factory speaker (gutted) as a spacer for your new 6 x 9's.

 

[8weight]

Well, I'm a complete newb and I was just basing my options on what Crutchfield says will fit. I'm probably going to need the instructions, wiring harnesses, etc. that they provide. Trying to keep it as simple as possible 'cause I got zero experience. So, you'd recommend 6 x 9s? Could I get away w/o an amp? I don't really need super loud, just much cleaner sound than I'm getting out of stock. Bass isn't a huge deal to me. I'll have at least a couple of days to work on this, so I'm willing to try minor mods to make 6x9s work.

Thanks for your input. It's a big help. Kinda lost. I was willing to pay a local shop to do the work but I can't find anyone in my area that's of any help whatsoever if you're not spending a couple grand. Figure doing it myself will be less painful, and faster, than dealing with these local shops I've talked to.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

6 1/2" should be good in my opinion.

If I were you I would go ahead and just get the HU and the speakers. Listen to them for a few months and if your satisfied then that's great, if not then amp them. This could save you a lot of money.

 

[8weight]

Thanks for the input, y'all. I think I'll keep it simple, no amp, for now, and then add it as the next big project. Thanks again.