I believe our stock stereos have been tested to put out a whopping 12 watts per channel before the distortion really gets out of control, and 8 watts max "clean" power. And the PAPER cone speakers are each rated to take 25 heart-pounding watts max. This is for the stock Protege/Pro5 system - not the MP3 system.
Is it worth it to upgrade? Only if the stock system doesn't please you. If you like it, keep it. It's not that bad of a system, it just has no volume capabilities.
Personally, I like to be able to slide the roof open, power-down all four windows, and still be able to hear my music clearly - this takes volume and volume takes power.
Up to you my friend.
~HH
