I apologize if I'm covering old territory here... but I haven't been able to find the answer. I have the base system and would like to do a minimal upgrade to improve sound. I would appreciate any suggestions on a speaker/amp. upgrade that could be done for ~ $500 ...if possible.

Also, is the head unit the same in the Base model and the Bose upgrade ?

 

Both premium and base have the same HU.

$500 may get you a medium-grade amp, decent separates for up front, and install. I think that much would make a big difference.

Which stereo do you currently have? Base or premium?

 

I would also like to do an ungrade and have the Premium stereo.
Any suggestions for amp and speakers; I most certainly need a subwoffer and tweaters

 

I have the base stereo and the sound is very "thin" particularly when playing CDs. Any specific suggestions on amps and/or speakers... and do you think that would make a difference for about $500 ??

 

Yeah. I had the base system to begin with, and it is pretty weak.
I don't have specific suggestions, but know that you can get some decent separates to replace the front speakers starting around $200. (I like Boston Acoustic, or Infinity)
Decent two channel amplifiers can be found for under $200 (I like Precision Power (PPI)).

Install will run you somewhere around $100-$200.

Putting that type of equipment up front will make a huge difference.

 

Thanks for the information !

 

hamerj, I'm in the process of upgrading my new base stereo. I went with Infinity Kappas in the front. Fit perfect. Made the spacer you need for the speaker by turning the Infinity grill surrond around and making an adaptor out of 1/8" masonite. Dynamated the door. With just that change the sound is much improved. Decided to ditch the little rear side speakers and go for new 6X9 Kappas in the rear deck. The cutouts are already there so it shouldn't be too hard and I think will really improve the sound. Got5 the speakers today will install this weekend.

Haven't decided on an amp yet. The front speakers are fine for the sound levels I listen to. Will decide after the rears are in.

 

My first step was Boston Pros in the front doors with a PPI amp, a bit more than $500 but the sound was much better. If you get a decent 4 channel amp, the stock rear speakers actually don't sound too bad at all.

Then I got carried away and got Boston Pros for the rear doors and a 12" PPI sub running at 1 ohm off another PPI mono amp (500 watts) in a custom box in the trunk... If you can afford it, use some sound deadening in the doors.