I just bought installed the Kenwood KDC MP342U for 120 bucks and it is seriously like night and day from the stock head unit. I have stock speakers and everything and it sounds so much better. I can accutally hear the music with the top down. I wish I had done this a long time ago. This is a great buy for anyone who needs a new head unit.

 

did you loose you adio controls on the left of the steering wheel??

 

yea that is the only downside, but the difference in sound quality is well worth it. You will really realize how pathetic the stock unit was once you put the kenwood on, and its easy to just get used to using your right hand and moving it a foot haha. it works out

 

Pretty much any aftermarket head unit is going to require a DCI if you want to retain use of the audio controls. Check the FAQ.

 

I noticed the same thing when I put my Alpine iDA x303 HU in. Sounds great, makes the stock speakers much better. I still want to get new speakers, a sub and amp installed, but I'm content with the system as is for now.

 

yea i still want new speakers too because im thinking the stock speakers might end up being easy to blow out, since they are probably not meant for the extra power.

 

Done this meself recently and made some difference.....

 

Same here, did a kdc-x993 with wired DCI from Modifry. Could not get to the doors the first day so drove around for the day with stock speakers. Almost did not upgrade the speakers today, they sounded so good. I am glad I did though. db6501's fit perfect. Just have to drill new holes in the basket and cut a 1" x 1" hole to make room for the wiring. They also sound better than the stock units if your not amping them. Also threw some dynomat on the door skins and door frame itself. Not much though, just a 18x36 sheet per door skin and another sheet split in half for the frames.
I am still using the stock roll bar tweets, I can actually hear them now. And not in a bad way. Though no where near "awesome" performance wise.
I am still deciding on a component amp, sub amp, sub and enclosure. Those will be done sometime after spring arrives.

 

Yeah...definitely get new speakers. I went with a decent set of Alpines and its already much better. I have no plans on amping or subbing - only wanted to upgrade the HU for iPod use, and the speakers so they wouldn't blow with the new HU. New setup works exactly how I wanted it to and sounds great.

Next is actual body work - plan on getting a carbon fiber hood and spoiler as well as getting my rims redone.