I'm new to car audio,
Do you need an amp to power speakers and a seperate amp to power subs?

 

no, most head units have built in amps. If you want better sound and louder power your speakers with an amp. Now unless you want to run your sub passive (powered by the radio only) then wire it to your speakers (it wont do anything, you wont here it at all). You always need an amp to power your sub.

 

you can get some amps that are 5 channel amps and they will run your whole system. 4 channels for your interior speakers and 1 channel for your sub. These amps usually work awsome with one 10" sub or 1 12" sub. They can get pricey but they are worth it. If your intreasted I do have a 5 channel MTX that I can sell.

Hope this helps.

 

Yes, most definitely get an amp for sub(s). Ask again at what you're looking to get and I'm sure some posts will tell you what you need. For your stereo and 4 factory speakers (even if you replace the four in your car with new speakers) you probably won't need another amp with your factory stereo and amp. But, I'd put in a new headunit (but that's just me, not required, they're just better with better power). Hope this wasn't too confusing.

 

Yea I think I'm going get a Kicker Kx200.4 to run pioneer (TS-A1671R)'s. Then maybe in a week or two get a mono or 2 channel amp to run a sub. Oh, and my headunit is a Pioneer DEH-P7700MP.

 

Im not goin to knock ya on your choice in gear since its your first set up. Ive had ghetto'er in my past.

 

You have to have an amp to run speakers, but it doesnt necc have to be out of the deck.