Okay, let me preface this by saying that I have never used anything but a stock audio system. That means that I don't speak the aftermarket audio language yet.

That being said, I'm really disappointed with the stock sound system (just like everyone else seems to be).

I listen to blues, jazz, and classical, and I really am looking for a clean sound with little distortion.

So my question is, what are your suggestions on the first thing I should do. The plan is to upgrade in steps if possible, and I'd like to avoid changing the head unit if I can.

Thanks in advance.

 

you might want to start with adding a sub to give better base. that's what most folks here have done and it's the simplest sound upgrade, i think. might wanna consider getting a good sub and a decent amp to power it. do a search on how to wire the thing.....there are a lot of topics on it. if you have any quesitons, ask. there are a lot of people here who are willing to assist and give suggestions.

 

In addition to a good sub and amp, It would be worth your while to upgrade the 6 x 9 speakers in the rear deck and the front components (door speakers and dash tweeters). They will dramatically improve the overall sound.

 

Here is what I am doing....

1. 12" Solobaric Subwoofer (Square one) at $230 shipped
2. Subwoofer box 50 shipped
3. Phoenix Gold Ti600 540 shipped


Have been told to get a mono amp but got the 2 channel incase I want to change to dual subs. The amp is a bit of overkill as well as the sub but have learnt from 'school of cheap' knocks that you get what you pay for.

Other alternative for subwoofer is a Polk Momo (about $175)
for amp is a Phoenix Gold XS2500
or Sony XM6001 (about $370)

 

It's not gonna hurt drive dual subs with a mono amp (assuming a decent amp). Actually, you will be running a 2 ohm load (2 4ohm sub parallely wired), your amp will pump out twice the wattage.

 

Yup! The amp sounds like a really really nice amp but it was not cheap. I just figured that a nice average amp was looking like $350 and the PG titanium was $520. In the long run, it is worth it.

Maybe I might regret no getting 2 subs. I shall see how much I like the amp + sub once I get them installed.

Will definitely update this Board on what it sounds like