[drummer12]

Okay, yet another upgrade opinion thread, I know

Got the hifi 8 speaker deal. Sounds terrible.

Upgrades so far: JL W3v3 12" (w/JL amp)
I have some dynamat lying around as well that I plan to use for the doors.

Problem is, I really only want to spend no more than about $500. Most suggestions in threads generally start at about $1000 (or more). And for this $500 or so, I prefer to replace all speakers (don't care about underseats since I have a sub already).

I've read that that the JL XD amp is a nice fit (esp. with the harness), but I also want as much plug-and-play as possible. Don't have time for a headache right now to deal with modifying/fabricating speaker rings, etc. Then I gotta see if the impedance matches up, etc.

Seems like my only (best?) option is the BSW, but figured I'd come on here and ask anyway in case I am missing something. I've seen the master threads on here, but it's annoying to a) find items that aren't discontinued b) if they're any good c) within my price range.

Sorry for the long post I don't crank my music super-loud, but it's sad that my old car with an upgraded head unit and upgraded cheapo-Pioneer speakers and this sub sounded several times better than what I have stock now.

[ctuna]

The reality is its hard to cheap out on this and make it sound good.
None of that standard Pioneer or Sony stuff fits or works. If you read the
thread at the top of the page the low cost paths are layed out. But its hard to replace the
amp front doors and floors for under 1k plus add a harness and some connectors.
You could try just adding and amp but the speakers might not last
to long under more power.

[taibanl]

Amp $349
Fronts 169
harness 89

P&P connectors...time or money

[VP Electricity]

Originally Posted by drummer12

Problem is, I really only want to spend no more than about $500.

And for this $500 or so, I prefer to replace all speakers (don't care about underseats since I have a sub already).

Hmm. So you don't want to spend any money or any time? This is like some kind of optimax exercise...

[drummer12]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

Hmm. So you don't want to spend any money or any time? This is like some kind of optimax exercise...

Well, I suppose I wouldn't mind spending time, but I don't have a lot of tools. My skills are decent enough to install basic equipment/splice wire, etc...but I can't do any kind of metal fabrication, major modifications, etc. So if there was a way to spend some time where I could utilize my skills and it would save money, then I'm all ears.

General consensus seems to be, if you replace the amp, then you should probably replace the speakers as well...which makes sense. But I would still need to:

• Find speakers that fit (from the speaker sticky)
• See if they are still available for sale
• Determine if they are ideal for me (and my musical tastes)
• Determine if they are in my price range (most are not)
• Find speaker rings to retrofit

And then, as I don't plan to replace the underseats, I wonder about the mixed impedance of the stock (2 ohm?) and aftermarket 4 ohm speakers on a single amp.

Basically, sure, I want to spend $500, but if $500 isn't going to get me much more than what I have, and perhaps another couple hundred will make a bigger difference, then that is something I can consider to more wisely invest my funds.

[taibanl]

VP Electricity's Upgrades are well worth the money ..they are a good, even great value, even BEFORE he gives you added support and expertise.

There are also some more "budget" upgrades recommended by Technic, JL XD 400/4, DLS R4, etc that may fit the bill but require more effort.

Maybe VP Electricity has something like that up his sleeve???

[kaigoss69]

Ever consider putting in an MS8? Supposedly it works very well with the Hifi speakers, even with the underseats (to a degree).

Easiest SQ upgrade you will ever make and huge bang for your buck.

Who knows, you may even find a small 2 channel amp for the underseats and still stay within budget.

Ms8 $400 (used)
Technic harness $ 55 (no LOC)
Cheap amp $45 (eBay)