So I tryed doing the (what seemed to be right) repair of the factory system on my car, had the head unit service and 1 of the front door amps fixed... but now the other front amp is acting up and I really don't want to jack with this crap anymore. I just want a system that sounds as good (or better) than a factory bose system, and isn't going to rape my wallet. I did a bit of searching and saw a few things about infinity and a few others, and I have a few questions:

Whats probably the best "Bang for the buck" speakers on the car? I am also wanting to use all 5 speakers (If this is possible, run them off an amp maybe?)

Also, and this relates a bit to the first question, would it be wiser to get an amp for the 6.5" speakers or would the head unit be enough?

I DO already have a new head unit in, and got some cheapish Sony xplode 6.5" speakers in the front because of the amp troubles (ran new wires, powering them off of the HU)

Thanks in advance for the input, and if anyone wants to talk to me more 1 on 1 about what I should do and how to reach my goal, please send a PM or something!

 

I abandoned the entire Bose System and couldn't be happier

The Bose consist of 4 - 6.5" speakers in the doors and Sail Panels, along wit a cheesy Sub in the Trunk...

None of these speakers will sound decent powered from an aftermarket head unit. So you'll need to replace the door / sail panel speakers with 6.5 in. aftermarket speakers, and then add a sub(s) in the trunk (Stealth box or full on box, depending on how much bass you want).

The Sub setup will need to be driven by a separate Amp, and if you're going that far I recommend amp(s) for the 6.5s as well...

You can just go with an aftermarket head unit, and only the 6.5" speakers alone without amps if you so desire.

 

bose < aftermarket with a 4 channel

 

I would recommend an alpine, pioneer, kenwood, or eclipse aftermarket radio. Get either a 4 channel, or a 5 channel amp. Put aftermarket speakers in, personally I recommend Polk DB and find them to be a great bang for the buck. If you wanna do a sub either get the 5 channel amp or a small sub amp and get a stealth box with a 10" sub in it and blow the factory out of the water. Was there a budget you had in mind

 

depending on what you do, a HU and replaced speakers might be a step back. A nice step forward would be a HU, 4-5 channel amp, components upfront and coaxials in the back and a sub for that 5th channel (or the 4th channel and dont amp the rears)

 

Well, I don't want to drop a massive load into the sound system, but I do want it to sound at least as good as the bose did. I dunno, $500 to $600 maybe? You guys keep saying a stealth box... what? Sorry lol, but the only box I am familiar with is the ones that fit 2 subs in the rear hatch area, that takes up the t-top area.. (Personally hate these boxes because I LOVE having the t-tops out on a nice day!) I'll try a google search or something to see if I can come up with what you guys are talking about.

The head unit I put in the car is a sony head unit, I personally like it, has the movie-kinda thing for the display with cars racing and an engine crankshaft... kinda neat but eh, I'm easy to entertain. Thanks for the input so far guys

 

theres a box availible that fits in that cubby on the left side of hatch so you can still put the T-tops back there

 

Subthump Loaded Stealth Box FTMFW

I love my Elemental Designs Sub in a JL Stealth Box, but I bet it would sound even better in custom box specifically designed for it.

Oh yeah and New HU, and AMPS are the way to fly > BOSE everyday of the week and 2X on Sunday

 

Ah I see now... does it go where the factory bose enclosure went... behind the panel? Or...

if someone has a pic of one in their car, let me see it!