I've been reading everyone's opinions lately on steroes and still can't make up my mind. I either want to get a new head unit or buy speakers for the front. Which one of these do you think would get the best sound? Everyone also seems to be split on the rear speakers? I think it sounds like a good idea but does anyone has a guesstimate on the price? Thanks, Jeremy

 

For 'little money', I would think the rear speakers would be the biggest bang for the buck.

 

Not trying to be funny but you can do very little with a little money. However, I do agree about the rears speaker thing. You'll save quite a bit if you do your research here, go out and get your own speakers and do the install yourself. The only thing I would suggest is to make it easier on yourself and shell out the money for "Lucid's" rear speaker harness. Without it, the install can be very tedious and could become a nightmare.
My estimates:
Lucid's harness: ~$40.00 (see his website to confirm - it's in the sponsor list at the bottom of this page)
speaker replacement: these prices can vary enormously depending on which ones you choose. I went with the cheapie Sony 1621's (~$50.00) If you want all four to match, then either get 2 more OEM speakers or ditch them and get 4 of something "nicer". I put the Sony in the doors and used the OEM ones in the rear panels. I find this setup to suit my tastes just fine. Your tastes may differ.
Speaker wire: 10 bucks.

 

JMP, how much money are we talking about?

 

Here's what I did:
Sony MP30 MP3 Headunit: 150 shipped from Ebay
Kenwood KFC1687: 55 shipped from Ebay
Lucid DCU: 70 shipped from Lucid

Total: $275, and I can control the headunit with the dash controls. The sound is pretty good, definitely good enough for having a convertible. I dont think you should spend a lot of money for a stereo on this car since you won't be able to hear the music most of the time, or even want to hear it.

 

Umm, I don't really have a set amount. I just didin't want to spend too much money right before Christmas. I'd definently say under 300. Thanks for everyone's help.

 

For that money, I would upgrade the front speakers, and add rear speakers. You will need Lucid's harness in order to use the rear channels on the factory head unit. What you don't want to do is get a new head unit without upgrading the front speakers.