Aaron is quite right that every speaker needs an amplifier, but it can be implemented in a couple of ways. Companies such as Linn, Naim, Meridian (sorry, they don't make car stuff) utilize what is known as Active Amplification, whereby the crossover is powered by the wall rather than, in the case of a typical Passive Crossover, from the amplifier. In the case of Linn, they put the crossover boards right into the amplifier. In the case of Meridian, they put the amp in the speaker enclosure (not unlike most subwoofers), which certainly cuts down on speaker cable cost & interactions, but the amp is still there -- you just can't see it. The bonus of going active is twofold: you get around 5 to 10% more amplifier power since you're not powering a passive crossover, and you get more control over the frequency response of the individual drivers. You can go active in the car, but you'll need to buy a powered crossover.

In the case of the Saab 9k, which I learned about recently due to a total custom install, the stock fronts and rears are powered seperately, but there are simple Passive Crossovers soldered to the speakers. What I learned was that the stock amplification supplied with the car is not up to the task of driving aftermarket speakers as their impedence curve tends to more demanding, and they are generally less sensitive.

Hope that helps,
David

• Replacing Stock 9K Speakers, Mike, Mon, 7 May 2001 18:44:32
  • Answers to all! :0, Aaron Gilbert, Mon, 7 May 2001 19:24:00
    • Re: Answers to all! :Attn: Aaron - rears out of phase ?, RedAero93, Tue, 8 May 2001 08:25:30
      • How do you reverse the phase..1995 Aero sounds terrible..??, FLM, Tue, 8 May 2001 08:48:07
        • Self Amplified Speakers (longish), David Cocker, Tue, 8 May 2001 10:32:55 <-- Viewing This Message
          • Re: Self Amplified Speakers (longish), Aaron Gilbert, Tue, 8 May 2001 12:39:08
    • self amped speakers....., Chad, Mon, 7 May 2001 21:35:59
      • Not to pick nits (but hey, speakers are my thing, Baby!) .., Aaron Gilbert, Tue, 8 May 2001 00:02:31
        • stock amp in 89 9000s, Bobby, Wed, 25 Aug 2004 09:21:15
        • audio heaven, roadrunner, Tue, 8 May 2001 03:54:11
    • Re: Answers to all! :0, Zievfret, Mon, 7 May 2001 19:47:01
      • Yep, still Supertuner III it is. Actually I like the new Pioneer, Aaron Gilbert, Mon, 7 May 2001 21:11:23
        • Which would you choose?, Saabgirl, Tue, 8 May 2001 11:11:03
        • Which would you choose?, Saabgirl, Tue, 8 May 2001 11:06:11
          • Definitely the OXD402., Aaron Gilbert, Tue, 8 May 2001 12:24:00
        • Which would you choose?, Saabgirl, Tue, 8 May 2001 11:02:18
  • Re: Replacing Stock 9K Speakers, Phil, Mon, 7 May 2001 18:55:12
    • Re: Since We're on the Subject of Audio, Zievfret, Mon, 7 May 2001 19:08:39
      • You can use the original ant., VIKINGMAN, Tue, 8 May 2001 17:15:32
        • Thanks Vikingman (n/m), Zievfret, Tue, 8 May 2001 18:39:40
      • go to Crutchfields, Saabgirl, Tue, 8 May 2001 13:30:23
      • go to Crutchfields, Saabgirl, Tue, 8 May 2001 13:24:45
        • Re: Thanks Saabgirl, Zievfret, Tue, 8 May 2001 18:00:29
      • Re: head units - antennas - Speaker City, Julz, Mon, 7 May 2001 19:47:51

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