I was looking for some help as I am technologically challenged, all I know is I like my music loud. I have a base model and am looking to do some new speakers or an alternative to the factory system. I would like to keep the origional headunit and I also need something that would work with the satalite radio. In addition I am not looking to take up any more of the already small trunk space with a sub. Basically I am just looking to replace the speakers. Looking to spend in the area of about $500. Was wondering if there are any suggestions out there or should I just leave it be.

 

If you like music loud and full I'd recommend adding at least a small sub or better yet an Infinity basslink, which doesn't take up much space.
I think that's around 200, not really sure though.
That leaves you with 300 for a new set of component speakers for the doors, an amp for those speakers, wiring, and if you're not doing it yourself, install.
I'd say look into getting a set of Infinity Kappa 60.5c components which can go for around $150 or so on ebay or some sites on the net.
$150 is a tight budget for an amp, wiring and install. If you can't install it yourself try and find a friend who can and will do it, in exchange for dinner of course.
I'll leave an amp recommendation for someone else. I don't really know the prices of too many amps, but i'm sure others here do.

hope this helps.

Rajiv

 

I don't think $500 is going to cut it. I'd figure on:

Front speakers $150
Rear speakers $150
Sub $150
Amp $250
Misc (wire, cabling, line converters, etc) $150

Even doing the install yourself, you are still looking at $800 - $900.

I went with Alpine speakers in the front and rear, an Alpine amp, and an Infinity sub and did the install myself. It now sounds great and is plenty loud - it passes the "I can sing as loud as I want to and can't hear myself" test!

 

of course you can cut down the cost and not replace the rear speakers. many people have found them to be unnecessary for the staging of the sound. though some seem to like it better with the rear fill. you can test your liking but just fading your sound all the way foward or leaving it set to no front or rear fade and determining what sounds better or if the rear speakers are worth it. i chose to forget the rear speakers and just get better front components.

vanwinkl is right though, $500 is a tough budget. but it can easily be done for under $1000.

 

what i do is going to www.crutchfield.com and look up all of the car audio brands and copy/paste the model number and/or write it down and goto ebay and buy it only if it says "NEW/brand new in box, etc...". i got 2 pair(4 speakers) for just $100 brand new never opened. they're Alpine SPS-174A

the head unit i got from ebay was around $365+ shipping, retail was $500 no shipping. Alpine CDA-9815(i think...)

 

oh and if you've never shopped at ebay.com before, sign up! when you're buying an/any items, you always have to read its description by the seller. for example:

http://search.ebay.com/search/search...lpine+cda-9815

the prices for the head units are NOT scam NOR real, they're the price for 'another' link for you to go somewhere else to get it for cheap. which i would NEVER do that! ill try to find the actually item from a seller. IF you ever see prices for such expensive things for that cheap... it's always a sell for the link.

 

Thanks for all the help, looks like the budget will have to be increased, by charging for rides in the car, haha.