I am interested in doing something fairly mild (and, I'll admit it, not astronomically expensive) to improve the general volume, bass response, and crispness of my factory audio system. I have had good luck with Alpine head units, and wonder if you have recommendations for a simple upgrade.

If I change out the head unit, can it be made to work with the on-dash audio controls without a major amount of work, $$$? Or should I just consider staying with the factory head unit and concentrate on power and speakers?

What would you recommend as an outboard amp to provide a bit more umph (doesn't have to be too extreme and again, cost is a concern...I've had Nakamichis in the past and been ok with them, but haven't seen them mentioned pro or con here...I'm thinking you guys have choices you like better...

What would good speakers be that would be "plug and play" (fit in the existing speaker enclosures)?

Is it realistic to think that by adding an outboard amp and replacing the original equipment speakers I could achieve some real improvement?

Thanks!!!

--Dan

 

whne you say low $$ how low are you talking about. if you wasnt really low a few members have installed the rsx stock spare tire subwoofer. (its a sub, and amp that fits in the stock spare tire). i seeen a few go for like $50 on ebay and one person selling theres in the for sale and wanted

 

If your car is '02 or later spend a couple of hundred on an amp and you'll get the best bang for buck improvement. The speakers pre'02 are dismal so they are a definite upgarde pre-'02 and the next step '02-onwards.

That said, you can retain dash controls with many aftermarkets units so long as they are supported by Modifry's DCI unit.

I guess it all depends what you mean by 'a major amount of work, $$$' and 'some real improvement'.

 

Changing anything but headunit when on a budget is stupid. I can strap a ferrari motor to a streelpole, but it wont move it any better than a Yugo motor.

Basically, what I am trying to say...if you can afford ONE thing....get a new HEadunit.

If you can afford two things A headunit and some nice speakers.

 

I must admit that the engine strapped to pole conjers up a great visual image, but mostly just confuses me.

For the most part, I agree with Dave, except when it comes to the MY04 HU. It is not great, and it is worthy of replacing, but you can keep it and gain better sound by simply adding rears or better fronts. Before '04, make paperwieghts out of your entire stock system.

 

I just installed my new alpine headunit yesterday. Man what a difference! The stock speakers sound at least 2x as better than before. Its generally a more fuller sound, with substantially more bass.

 

That V-drive amp can do that to the stockies! A huge improvement, I agree.

Once you replace the stockies, you will hear even bigger gains, especially with a dedicated amp.

 

Budget? Around $500--$600...

 

For that much you can get everything...

Headunit- Eclipse 5423.....$249(your local stereo shop)


Amp- PPI PCX280.....................$149(onlinestereo.com)

Speakers- Focal 165CA Components for $99...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...077161&tc=photo

or

Infinity Kappa 60.5CS 6.5" Components for $159...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...077217&tc=photo

 

But no dash control!