Hey everyone. I want to apologize in advance for what is probably a common question. I've searched and read the FAQs but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for. Now on to the question.

I recently bought a MY07 and love the car, but can't stand the stereo. I'm no audiophile so I don't know how to describe it but when I turn the sound up high enough for me to hear the intricacies of the music the sound gets really bad and hurts my ears. I'm not looking for sound studio quality but would like to hear the music with the top down on the freeway. It seems like people have realized big improvements by just switching head units and that the general concensus is that Alpine makes some of the best. My question is whether just upgrading the head unit will fix my problem. If so can I get by with one of the cheaper Alpines or do I need to go for like a 9885 or something? And if I get the 9885 will I need to upgrade the front speakers to really make use of it or will the 9885 and a lower end unit sound the same on stock speakers? If I get the 9885 and have to upgrade the stock front speakers should I also install an amp? I'd really prefer to just change out the head unit but need to do something to make the sound better. Anyway sorry for all the newb questions and the long post. Oh, and thanks in advance for any answers and advice!

 

You can use an aftermarket HU with stock speakers without a problem. Any HU will be better than the stock HU, even with stock speakers.

 

cool. will the improvement be enough that I should be able to enjoy music with the top down at freeway speeds? will the headunit model make any difference or will the speakers now be the limiting factor? like if i got the $150 alpine HU would I be able to tell a difference from if I got the 9885?

 

You tell us. Upgrading your system, regarless of extensiveness, the first step is always the headunit. If you are still not happy, we will go from there.

 

Depends on if the features that the 9885 offer are worth it to you over the $150 model... there may be some sound difference as well but neither are real high end models.

Anyways, you should be able to hear it with the top down at freeway speeds, whether or not you hear enough of the frequency range to satisfy you, or if it's loud enough/clear enough to satisfy you is something we can't really determine.

Like NFR said, you tell us once you complete the first upgrade.