Let me clear something up. Stock audo components and aftermarke audio components are two different breeds. They don't work well together. The stock head unit puts out a max of 10w RMS which is great for the stock speakers. However, any set of aftermarket speakers will be designed to handle a minimum of 50w. They will be less sensitive and therefore play softer than the stock speakers. They will have a cleaner upper range but will put out significantly less bass when powered off the stock head unit.
So what do you do? For starters, you have two options: You can replace the speakers AND the head unit or better yet, you can replace the speakers and connect an external amplifier to the stock head unit.
Find a set of speakers that you enjoy listening to. Go to several stores and write down the brand, model, and price of the ones you like. I recommend spending a little extra for a set of component speakers but your ears will make the final decision. Don't be fooled by sales people or even people on this forum. It might be true that Alpine makes a better speaker than Sony but if you like the sound of the Sony better, who are we to tell you what to buy?
Once you have decided on a speaker you can select an amplifier. Since you are on a budget, I think any amp that puts out between 50-100w RMS will do fine. You will also need an amplifier wiring kit and possibly a line out converter (LOC) if the amp you select does not have speaker-level inputs. Make sure the amplifier you select has a built-in crossover (most do). Its up to you whether you turn it on but if you install a subwoofer down the road it will come in handy. Most 2-channel amps in this power range will fit right under your front seat and a professional installer can hide all the wires under carpet and trim pieces. (I don't consider installers at Circuit City and Best Buy professional BTW)
I do not recommend doing anything with the rear speakers. Just leave them be. You don't need them and if you want to find out why, read the "Rear Speaker Discussion" located in the main CA&E section.
So what do you do? For starters, you have two options: You can replace the speakers AND the head unit or better yet, you can replace the speakers and connect an external amplifier to the stock head unit.
Find a set of speakers that you enjoy listening to. Go to several stores and write down the brand, model, and price of the ones you like. I recommend spending a little extra for a set of component speakers but your ears will make the final decision. Don't be fooled by sales people or even people on this forum. It might be true that Alpine makes a better speaker than Sony but if you like the sound of the Sony better, who are we to tell you what to buy?
Once you have decided on a speaker you can select an amplifier. Since you are on a budget, I think any amp that puts out between 50-100w RMS will do fine. You will also need an amplifier wiring kit and possibly a line out converter (LOC) if the amp you select does not have speaker-level inputs. Make sure the amplifier you select has a built-in crossover (most do). Its up to you whether you turn it on but if you install a subwoofer down the road it will come in handy. Most 2-channel amps in this power range will fit right under your front seat and a professional installer can hide all the wires under carpet and trim pieces. (I don't consider installers at Circuit City and Best Buy professional BTW)
I do not recommend doing anything with the rear speakers. Just leave them be. You don't need them and if you want to find out why, read the "Rear Speaker Discussion" located in the main CA&E section.
