Upgrading Speakers - Base System+No Amp
 

I have the base audio system and am looking for a little bit of step up in quality. I am looking to replace all the stock speakers, but leave the head unit alone. For the moment, I am not thinking about getting into new amps or a sub. I just want to get the most out of the stock unit.

What I am after is just much cleaner sound. I think the stock speakers are muddy pretty much across the range, and the bass response is particularly weak. I want something cleaner, that can give me some nice, clean highs, and a good step up in quality on the low side. I know I won't get great bass without a sub, but I want to do the best I can within these limitations. It doesn't need to seriously kick, it just needs to sound like it doesn't have a pillow stuffed into the speakers, the way it does now.

Last issue: As they say on Monster Garage "the vehicle must appear to be stock." Whatever I put in has to fit behind the standard speaker grills, this needs to be a stealth upgrade.

Anybody have any recommendations or done something similar and happy with the result? Anybody have suggestions on speakers to avoid?

Also, does anybody have any idea how much power the stock base head unit puts out per channel? I am a bit worried I won't have sufficient power to drive better speakers effectively.

I replaced the front speakers with Infinity Reference Componets model 6800cs. I replaced the rears with Infinity Kappa's model 692.5i. In all the speakers cost $214 including and that included shipping. Scan eBay for great deals. These speakers sound AWESOME with the stock HU and no amps. At low volumes you can't really tell the difference, but when you pump up the volume they really shine. They also fit right in the stock locations and use the stock mounting holes for the screws. One tip for you to follow would be to scan for the threads on this board that will help you wire your speakers correctly in terms of polarity.

I replaced my speakers with Infinity's but-- i am pushing them with the amp--its LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDDDDDDD and clear. Before I could turn the volume up to max and tolerate it for short periods of time--now it is intolerable above 15. Going to add sub next.

I have Diamond Audio M3 series speakers in the doors & rear deck. They're the 361 components (6 1/2) in front & the 391i (6x9) in the rear.

The highs are very nice but the bass response leaves something to be desired. Admittedly they're being powered by the stock HD but the amps are on the way along with the sub.

the polk audio DB series work very well and seem to match up power wise to the stock head and are a bolt in affair. adding some high quality CV tweeters on custom x overs will make the system sing.

If you want to make the effort and willing to do your car proud i would suggest to only go with the Boston Acoustics www.bostonacoustics.com/ The Z6 are awsome. The only prob is im not 100% if they will fit the stock front door area. You will have to check. They have heaps of good and loud base response even with low watts but add an AMP and they will be extra special everytime.

The boston Pro that i have used in a competition car also do the job very well for the price. I have never ran them from a stock head unit though so im not sure.

Does the base system come with its own amp external to the head unit or is that just the leather pack. Or am i just confused.

I dont want to look at my base system as i might be forced to start a project on it that i wont have time to finish :)

Regards
Phillip