Best audio upgrades under $400

Ok it's been a while since I've kept up with car audio stuff. At some point I'd like to make some upgrades to improve overall sound quality. I don't see myself spending over $400 on this and if significant improvements could be had for say 2-3 hundred that would be great. I've got the 5dr with the 6cd changer. I'm not interested in putting a sub box in the hatch area or doing things that give up cargo space. Other than that I'm open to ideas. Let's here 'em!

dulog said:

Ok it's been a while since I've kept up with car audio stuff. At some point I'd like to make some upgrades to improve overall sound quality. I don't see myself spending over $400 on this and if significant improvements could be had for say 2-3 hundred that would be great. I've got the 5dr with the 6cd changer. I'm not interested in putting a sub box in the hatch area or doing things that give up cargo space. Other than that I'm open to ideas. Let's here 'em!

Click to expand...

For under $400 dollars the only thing you can do to significantly improve overall sq is a sub and amp. Replaceing the stock speakers is not going to get you much improvement without a good amp or radio to go along with them. You almost always loose bass responce when you replace the stock speakers and keep the stock radio, aftermarket speakers generally need more power than the stock radio can provide.... When an aftermarket dash kit is finally released you might be a ble to get a decent radio installed for around your $400 budget.

For $400 I would install an Infinity 'Basslink' - basically a powered subwoofer. Nice & compact, easy to wire up, and it makes a HUGE difference with the stock stereo.

I installed the Basslink, and Infinity speakers, and the difference is absolutely amazing.

i just bought all new infinity ref. 6800cs speakers. ill let you know how it goes. "You almost always loose bass responce when you replace the stock speakers and keep the stock radio"
not when your stock speakers crack at the highest volume lol. im thinking if you just replaced the stock ones with after market it would be an overlal improvment, becuase my stocks cant handle whats comming out of the HU right now.

https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned) Hifonics ZX4400

https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned) Infinity 5x7 components

https://www.ebay.com (commissions earned) Infinity 5x7 coaxials

LOC

You should be able to get all of this for right around $400 USD. I would not recommend replacing the factory speakers without adding an amp, the factory HU pushes 12-15 watts RMS.. This setup would give you a significant upgrade. You would probably want to add another amp (2 channel or mono) to drive a sub later down the road.