Hi, all:

Like some of you, I wasn't happy with the stock sound in my '03 TL-S w/navi. In my MUCH younger days, I was a rock musician ("Chicago"-style) and now I just dabble directing musicals at high schools, community theater, etc. Also play a few instruments.......

I am 48 y/o, and have no need to put out 450 watts of pumping bass, but I << do >> like a nice clean sound. So after reading up on some of your suggestions, I decided to take an "easy" route.

Listened to a bunch of 6.5" spreakers for the door, but since we have that blasted non-adjustable equalizer, listening at the store wasn't much use. Since I'm OLD, and the high end of my hearing is about history, I decided on a brighter sound than the Polks deliver, and went with Boston Acoustics FX6s. However, I had the local sound place install them, and they said they couldn't squeeze them in, so they put in the FX5s instead. ($140 installed)

I also decided that, due to the equalized highs fro our stock EQ/head, I would only replace the fronts to see if I could get a sound I liked using the differences of the Bose in the rear and the BA in the front.

LUCK seems to have smiled on me! By fading just 1-2 marks to the rear speakers, I get an EQ that is very satisfying, at least for me. As well, I used a hand-held EQ meter and got it adjusted to just a slight bulge in the 1500 range, which I think is pretty good considering the low $$$ I spent. Next and final mod will be the Kicker sub that some have done, since I don't need the punch down low, but like the tight mid-bass sound I hope the Kicker 8's will provide.

S, I know this is probably way too much info, but I'm pretty happy so far, and thought I'd share my experience just in case anyone is interested! When I'm finished I will have spent only about $300.

If anyone has any suggestions, or would like more info, let me know!

JOHN

BTW: Does the aftermarket air intake actually do anything for performance, or is it just cool looking? (I know--- DUH!)