Hey guys I just wanted to ask a few questions about the stock HU and aftermarket speakers. I have already done a search but my question has not really been answered (or I suck at searching ). Anyway I just got my Z this last Friday and the stock (non-Bose) system is decent but it seems to crackle a bit when the music is really loud. What I want to know is if I change out the stock speakers and keep the stock HU will it make a big difference or do I have to change out the stock HU as well. What speakers do you recommend it the $400 range to replace the stockers, also should I get 2-way, 3-way or 4-way speakers? Thanks in advance.

Nikeel

 

For a HU, I always recommend the Clarion DXZ745MP. A lot of people here go with Alpine. It's up to you. Their both around the same price.

For components, it depends if you want the front only or rears also. For $400/set, i'd recommend the Boston Acoustics Pro. Again, a lot of people here go with the Infinity Kappa. Listen to as many brands w/in your price range and make a choice. What I like and what you like are prob not the same.

 

I tried the stock with line converters, Alpine amps and speakers. Sounded louder but not clearer. I wuold recommend new HU.

 

(1) Ditch the speakers. They are pure bottom-of-the-barrel junk. There is no "best" speakers. They all sound a bit different and your preferences and mine will be different. The point of diminishing returns will also be individual. So go and listen to them at a good auto sound dealer. Bring a CD typical of what you normally listen to.
(2) Ditch the stock HU. It has very little power and can't do justice to decent speakers. So get a new HU and, if you can spring for it, a separate amp.

My personal priority would be: amp, then speakers, then HU. Putting a subwoofer in would be a distant last. On the other hand, if rap is your fav, the sub might be higher priority...