I know this is the dumbest question ever, but when a head unit is say 4 x 45w thats max isnt it, making the RMS about 4 x 16w? Or is that 45W RMS?

 

Almost always peak power.

 

its max, almost 100% of the time

 

Always peak power. Even ones claiming 22-24rms is overrated, I believe the highest benched HU I have heard about was ~17rms. Anyways remember even a small amp is better than HU power. HU get hot real quick and heat leads to distortion.

 

btw.. the dumbest questions ever are questions that are never asked :-)

It's easy for people to mix those things up, especially people who are just getting into audio and hearing all their buds brag about their wattage. Wattage can be a downer if you don't know if its RMS or Peak, so it's good to point that out every now and again!

I don't really know what factory stereos push, but I would think something low like 10 watts per channel, maybe 25-30 peak... Never really looked at their specs, but most aftermarket radios, even at 16watts a channel are a pretty decent upgrade to factory.

 

bs my 9835 does 26rms

 

my alpine double din is just 18watts rms, 50peak...
but still... im gonna amp em eventualy! but for now they are fine for now..

 

figure your life out.

 

Figure your life out? Random. I just got a new pair of Sony Xplod 12"300W RMS subs and a new set of component 50W RMS, so I should get a little 250W 50WRMS amp to boost the fronts? I have got a 600W RMS amp lined up for the subs. Problem is that it is in America. Anyone know approx what the postage would be from USA to Aus for an amp?

 

ya... LOTS!!!!!!!!!!
thats why ausies stuff costs so freaken much