JRock

Another newbie question that will save people a lot of time when they decide to upgrade their system:

What brand and models of subwoofers and what brand and models of amps are worth considering when upgrading the stock Bose system?

Kicker? JL Audio? Sony? etc.

Describe the difference in style and sound from the different units as well as pricing.

If you know any good, reliable audio review sites, post links please.

DirtyHarryFSU

I strongly recommend going to your local car audio shop, bring a CD of music you normally listen to, and demo what they have in the store. This way you can hear what sounds good to you with your music tastes. Then you can get an idea of what to get.

If you want something cheap and sounds decent, look at some of these brands:

Sony Xplod
Pioneer VCCS's
MTX Thunder 4000 and 6000 series
Kicker
Rockford Fosgate (some of the lower lines)
JBL

However, if you want to step up to something better(and spend a decent amount more):
Diamond Audio
Boston Acoustics
Eclipse
MTX 8000 series
Pioneer Premier
Image Dynamics
MB Quart
Focal

Hope this helps

MiK3Y

if you really care about how it sounds, you'll need to get rid of the stock head unit. i was using the stock radio with everything else changed (components, amps and subs) and it just didnt sound too great. so i got an Alpine headunit and the difference is AMAZING. my advice...if you're really into car audio and plan on spending bucks on some nice amps, components and subs, then dont keep the bose. if you just want to add a little extra to the stock system but are not too picky, then the bose will work for you.

yerffej

Hey Mik3Y, do you have any pics of your Alpine mounted? That is the HU I'm looking at and was just curious what it looked like in the dash. Most of the installers around here won't do a custom job to match the dash trim so that is what is holding me back. They want to make it out of some cheap looking plastic and I said no way! Also did you get your steering wheel controls to work with the Alpine? I've heard you can. Late.

MiK3Y

there is a post in Car Talk titled "Non navi to navi conversion" where i posted pics. no i didnt use the steering wheel control buttons.

Austin519

DirtyHarryFSU:
Shame on you for not mentioning JL

Austin519

yerffej

Hey Austin,

Know of any good shops in the Austin/SA area that would work with me on making a custom kit for an aftermarket headunit? Most of the ones in SA didn't seem interested, but I haven't checked out Austin yet.

Austin519

yerffej:
Haven't found any worthwhile in Austin yet...hopefully when I start going to Texas shows I will find some...but as of now, no.

Austin519

DirtyHarryFSU

I'm sorry. I was writing that post in a hurry and I forgot a few companies that make really good speakers. It won't happen again

Austin519

DirtyHarryFSU:
Don't worry I called the hitman off already

Austin519