Best speaker combo bang for your buck...

[mgwashburn]

Hi everyone...It's time to upgrade my 2004 Vibe's base model pathic sounding stock HU and paper-cone speakers. For under ~$500.00 what would be the best combination from Crutchfield?I am guessing replacing the 4 stock speakers with upgraded ones, putting a powered sub in the trunk-space and upgrade the HU to an newer model (one that supports mp3 and maybe I-pod via AUX).Any suggestions? I am open to all brands. Also,I have read the install notes for the door-speakers and that looks pretty straightforward, how about installing the HU, is it as simple removing the plastic cover, 4 hex nuts, unplug, then plug in the cable converting harness and mount new HU?And lastly, how about running the wires to a powered Sub in the trunk...is that a pain the (removed)?The less I have to take apart, the better, at my old age I am prone to loosing nuts, bolts and screws.Thanks in advance,Marc

[Sublimewind]

marcWelcome, if i hadden't said it before....I'm heading home from work but i will start adressing your questions in the morning, but, while you are waiting, please start reading the next 30 threads or so.... there is a LOT of answers for you in just the first few pages here... See ya in the morning...

[WaveAction]

im gonna be upgrading my speakers sometime this summer..a friend of mine has a brother that deals with a stereo company called quantum..he says they're big in the states(not sure if thats true or not) but i heard them at his shop and they sound amazing..as for subs..im going with a kicker..cause i've always loved kicker subs..the amp is the hard one for me to chose from..im not sure whats the best out there..as for the wiring..i dont think it would be to much of a pain..easiest way would to pull off the side molding along the bottom of the door where the carpet is then running it behind the seat...you may need to take out the seat..mainly the bottom portion which shouldnt be to hard..probably just pops out from the front of the seat

[mathteacher'04vibe]

I have always been a fan of Sony decks and speakers. I replaced my h/u with a Sony and the rear door speakers with Sony's. I went with Memphis for the fronts.As far as the install of the deck--easy! Just get the right dash kit and wiring harness. Also, for running the wires for the sub...the threshold along the passenger side gets a little crammed. Maybe consider running half the wires on one side and the other half on the other side. I ran the power wire, the remote, and the pre-outs all on the passenger side and had a huge bulge on the threshold since the feed line for the rear window washer and another wiring harness runs down that side. I did not have to remove the rear seat. Coming through the firewall was the hardest part there. Good luck.