New to car audio... Do i have this straight?

[bryan0]

Hi, I'd like to make my sound system on my '99 GT better. I don't care if it's crazy loud, I want it to be very very clear. I was looking around and found this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nakamichi-CD-35...5854088146QQcategoryZ3293QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Would this fit? Would this be better quality than my stock head unit?

I'm looking to spend under $200 on a head unit, but I don't want to get some bargain basement piece of ****. I've read really great things about Nakamichi, and brand new, they're ridiculously expensive, so I figured this one might be worth my money. Also, how much is the installation ring and the installaion itself? I'd have it done at circuit city or somewhere like that if possible. Thanks guys :-D

 

[The Green GT]

35 watts per channel? Id say take your $200 and go get a Pioneer of Sony with 50 Watts per channel.

 

[iskwezm]

regardless if its 35 watts per channel or 50-60 watts per channel,you ll never see the max wattage unless its turned up to the point of distortion.Your better off with a good head unit and adding a clean 4 ch. amp. ANYTHING will sound better then a stock head unit.

 

[eedwards]

***** 5-star advice, iskwezm. the clean amp is key

 

[bennettracing]

Actually, you should never pay attention to the rating on a head unit. Those numbers are only *if lightning strikes* as we say in the industry. Turning it up to distortion is not how they get those numbers, they are usually determined at about 16-18 volts, which your car will NEVER acheive. Like Izkwezm said, the only way to get true power is to use a clean 4 or sometimes 2 channel amp being fed by the head unit. In this application, you should look for what is referred to as the output voltage from the deck, the higher the better.