The sound of $500

[dirt_rat]

okay here's the dealI have exactly $500 and I know almost NOTHING about car stereos (even less about cars in general)I was wondering if I could replace all of the factory installed speakers with quality crisp new speakers on that budget???I crave bass and would like something that bumps too (possibly a subwoofer in the rear?)Will I need an amp??(btw, I have the base Vibe with the M&T package)

[Flip-Side]

quote:I was wondering if I could replace all of the factory installed speakers with quality crisp new speakers on that budget???I crave bass and would like something that bumps too (possibly a subwoofer in the rear?)Will I need an amp??If I'm not mistaken, the M&T package comes with an amp under the passenger seat, and with buying 2 new speaker sets you should get much better sound, depending on how much power is needed to drive them well. As for a Subwoofer, you will want an amp just for it to use.This is a good site as a reference www.crutchfield.com
[Modified by Flip-Side, 11:00 AM 12/1/2002]

[cohocarl]

If you are going to do it yourself (VERY easy) here's a post on replacing the stock speakers:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=785And another for replacing the head unit:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=769I'd suggest go listen to different speakers and buy what sounds good to you, not the name.

[Mr. Poopypants]

If you plan on putting a quality sub and amp in the back, you should up that figure a bit. For a Rockford Phosgate Punch 300 amp and 2 10" Kicker comp subs + box ran me just under 500. The interior speakers (MB Quart) ran me another 400. The head unit (JVC) was another 300. It sounds amazing, however, it is costly. You are smarter to do it right the first time and don't skimp on speakers. That is the ricer way to do it. (i.e. two rims at a time)

[dirt_rat]

wanna loan me $1200?

[Mr. Poopypants]

In my opinion, just my opinion, I would do either subs or interior speakers first and put the other on the back burner until affordable. The stock speakers do not sound all that bad, and do carry an OK amount of bass. So you will win either way. The subs will give you a little more bass with the same sound clarity, or the interior speakers will give you better sound with maybe a little more bass. It's a win win situation. Go with whichever is better for you. I would go with interior speakers. (cheaper and you get a better sound, I'm not a big fan of big bass, my subs are there only to add depth to the sound)

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I keept the stock from and rear speakers. I changed the head unit for a Pionner DEH-P8400MP ($650 used), add a JL audio sub and enclosure ($325), a power amp JBL 180.2 ($400). I also added tweeter, Kenwood KFC-T204 with cross-over.($75)So, my sound system cost me a little more then $1400 and I think it sound very great.Note: all prices are in Canadian $ and include taxesWith $500, you can get an amp and a sub and I think it will do the job.