i've been looking at the specs for both of these head units and i found that the 9700 is 60w x 4 (w/ 26w x 4 rms) and the 9800 is 70w x 4 (with 60w x 4 rms). they are like 20-50$ difference, but is the 9800 really 60w x 4 rms when its 70w x 4 max?? which one would yall recommend if i put 4" speakers in my deck and 5 1/4" component speakers in my rear deck? Thanks
even you don't like to hear it, you may get 20 real watts out of it the most. the new alpine v-drive amps put out arount 17-18w ! not 25w rms ! under real volt conditions. the 60w it utopic and nothing but a good comercial. the speaker in my brothers car are advertised with 110w each, we figuered they only handle 25w rms....so peak power doesn't mean shxt ! even the good companys need those little lies not to let themselves look bad when compared to cheap brands who advertise 200watts. remember most people at circus city don't know anything about HU's. they go for a flashy design and a 100watts sign on the box...
GermanGuy is right, there's no real good way to tell.
The 9800 is better, but the difference is probably barely noticeable, I have the 9700 and its great, if I was you I'd save the $50 and buy yourself a nice meal or something