How many watts to actually hear car stereo? Options

[Tdskip]

Any suggestions/been there & heard that on how much power I need to be able to hear a stereo at highway speed. Doesn't have to be super loud, just enough for music to be heard clearly.

Assume speakers that fit in 914Rubber speaker pods.

Thanks!

[windforfun]

And remember, rms watts is a better spec than peak watts. A continuous power spec is more realistic than a peak power spec. With the top off & noisy tires, the more power the better. Older guys don't hear so well too with typically poor high frequency hearing, so don't blow the install with some cheap low power crap that won't cut the cheese. Finally, be sure that your speakers can handle the power amp's output power. Once the amp starts to clip or your speakers get overdriven, your speakers typically won't last very long at all. I've installed lots of systems in various cars & the more power the better.