This really isn't the forum or message board for this. But I figure everyone here probably has other hobbies outside of video games and the internet and stuff. So why not. I love this place and trust everyone here. So if anyone tinkers with the sound systems in their cars. I have a question. Possibly more to come

I'm changing the head unit for my car. For those that are like I used to be and have no clue what I'm talking about, I'll translate. I'm replacing my car's radio.

My car has six speaker surround sound. Tweeters in the dash. Midranges in the car doors (its a 2-door coupe). And a sorry excuse for subwoofers in the trunk (these are currently 6x9 generic paper brand). My tweets and mids are dying. I've had to unplug one of each because of scratchy noises. And now my second mid is making the same noise. Everything's going to need replaced eventually. But we'll stick with the here and now

I got a new radio online which should be here next week. I've read the manual online. It stresses very severely that its made for four speakers only. Which are part of the regular wiring in the back. Eight speaker wires (positive and negatives for each speaker) and power and dimmer and stuff that radios do. All go into one plug. Adjacent to this however is 2 RCA outputs (think audio/video cables for those that don't know). And next to those are 2 pre-amp outputs (essentially the same thing in looks though I have no idea what the real difference is). So I can run six speakers, just that the last two need an amp which plugs into these. I'm assuming anyway. Regardless, I know the best audio you can get involves amps. So I'm going that route regardless.

One quick question. This pre-amp thing. Does that mean I can plug subs into these without having to have an amplifier to power them?

Despite the answer to that question, I'm looking at two decent amps. I'm not one of those people that likes to feel my chest vibrate and break windows while driving down the raod. I don't need that kinda bass. So I'm not looking at getting a 4000 watt amp

I've found a decently priced 2400 watt 2 channel (1200 watts per speaker for stereo). I would NEVER max that out. I like my hearing. So with that in mind. I figure I don't need anything that powerful. SO! There's also this nice 600 watt one.

So here's my main question. In case I want to upgrade later. I'm sure people are aware of the possibility of blowing a speaker from overload. My buddy recently told me that there's a little known fact about blowing speakers. Sometimes they like to keep drawing power. And if you don't have a unit to provide that power, they burn out. So he suggests buying an amp with more power than the speakers. Because if it gives too much power, it'll just turn off. Supposedly if you have speakers that can handle more wattage than the amp can provide, they'll burn out trying to draw on power that isn't there.

This seems kinda counter productive. I would think you'd want speakers that could handle more power than the amp can provide, so it'll never juice them too much. But maybe there is a failsafe

So... what should I buy for? An amp with more watts, or speakers with more watts?

This way I'll know, if I buy the 2400 watt amp, I can still be safe buying a couple 300 watt subwoofers without worrying about blowing them. Or if I buy the 2400 watt amp should I get something along the lines of 1100 watt subwoofers to make them more close so I don't blow them (in which case I'd get the smaller amp and lower watt speakers)

Any knowlege on the issue would be appreciated. Sorry about the long post