I have a base GT. I hate the stero sound in it. What can I do to make the stereo sound *significantly* better? Would replacing the speakers make any difference? Putting in a new head unitl or adding an amp? I know just about nothing about audio. Thoughts?

 

Call me a relic (I, too, have the base stereo), but it sounds OK to me.

In the days of my (relative) youth, I sure might be inclined to agree with you. I'm an audiophile, yet have settled for what comes stock in autos nowadays. Years back, I recall cutting dash panels, door panels, getting removable radios (when they were the "thing to steal"), and so on.

Now, having said my peace, and staying with your theme of "gonna keep it simple" -- throw some speakers in there with larger magnets. Especially in the back, I've noticed they are quite small. That's the easiest, least intrusive, and cheapest upgrade to start out with.

Sure, you may need to boost the power to drive the larger speakers, but you can decide for yourself after you put 'em in. Just don't install speakers which are too large, lest you end up with a bad power to speaker coil ratio.

 

Definitely get some speakers upgraded in there. Any aftermarket 5x7's or 6x8's (depending on how the manufacturer measures them) are fairly reasonably priced upgrades. The speakers are terrible in the Shaker systems also. Small magnets....all paper....pure crap.

If you keep the volume reasonable you can probably get by with the rest of the system staying stock. Look for speakers with high efficiency ratings.

 

okay, since I know nothing about speakers, and if I do replace them, is there a particular brand I should go with? And also, I didn't think speakers really did that much for improving the output without distortion, so would it be possible for me to use an amp on the stock system, and if so, would that help?

Thanks for the advice, thus far.

 

Speakers can do wonders for your sound. Distortion won't be an issue with larger speakers. If anything, you'd be leaning towards overdriving the power output of the factory system -- which could (but not likely) lead to problems with the internal amplifier.

In other words, larger speakers + same amp = the need to turn up the volume to hear anything.

But if you left the same (factory) speakers in, and added an amp to the system, then you'd be lookin' at possible distortion issues.

Thus my original suggestion of adding larger speakers first (ask others for brands -- I have been out of touch with the car audio market too long to know what's hot these days) then an amp later if needed.

 

If you get larger speakers you will have to heavily mod the car. In the rear you would have to CUT a metal rear deck....and believe me...the audio places aren't going to be thrilled to do it unless you are putting in a very healthy high end system.

Same thing with up front....You could cram 5.25's in the stock hole, then put a tweeter elsewhere....but your talking much more money and install money here.....just get the factory size in an aftermarket brand. You should decide which brand by listening at a couple of places and deciding what you like...and for what price.

 

Agreed: there's no substitute for listening to the hardware. You can analyze the specs all you want, but in the end -- if it sounds good, it is good.

In general, larger magnets and some good quality diaphragm material will lead to an ear pleasing experience.

And as Charger1213 said, if you're going to "keep it simple" as per the thread title, sticking with the form factor that's already in the vehicle will make life a bit easier and keeps costs down.

 

I also have the stock stereo and I was told at bestbuy that 5x7's would be good all around, with a decent 4 channel amp, and two 10' Ported subs or one 12 inch sub for a clean and not too ghetto sound.

I was going to do the simple route also, but I decided to wait for an aftermarket bracket so that I can get a stereo with builtin Bluetooth or a Nav with Bluetooth

 

From what I have learned in this thread......

In summary:

1) no deck changing
2) change only speakers to the stock size
3) speakers should have bigger magnets and better quality of materials

Doing these things will add a significantly better sound than the stock, correct? After the speaker change things still need improving, then adding an amp would be a possibility, correct?

Like I said, simplicity is the goal with the maximum amount of quality with the fewest modifications.

One last thing......I have heard of both pioneer and kenwood speakers, so I am assuming that either of those would be a fine upgrade.

Thanks for all the help!

 

Yup, all said above is correct sir.

Speakers first, then amp if necessary. I'm guessing if you get the same size speakers (which is what we've concluded upon), but upgrade the quality of them, you may not need any further upgrades.

However, really try to stay away from an incremental speaker upgrade (if that make sense.) Try to get the best quality speaker in the form factor fitted for the vehicle (front/back).

But then again, what you perceive to be a significant upgrade in sound quality could totally differ from myself, or anyone else commenting in this thread.

As for Kenwood v. Pioneer -- I can't recall what it used to be like way back in the day in regards to their speakers, but Kenwood had an edge when it came to their amplifiers. Memory is a bit hazy, as I've mentioned, it's been so long since I've shopped for aftermarket car audio equipment.

Best thing to do is go out there to some shops that have those "semi-circular" listening rooms with all brands of speakers lined up on the wall. Then you can switch between the various pairs and see what you like.

Some brands are more prone to the low Hz spectrum, others are tinny and give you more treble. It's a matter of personal preference.