ivesGS400

I've got a 98 GS400 with the stock system. This was the best stock system I had heard up until now. My buddy just got an '03 Avalanche with a sweet Bose system. I can't have his Chevy sounding better than my Lexus. I've got about $1,000 to spend right now. What would you all recommend to upgrade my system? Is $1,000 enough or do I need more to make a large difference. FYI - I listen to all types of music including rap/hip-hop and I like tight, loud bass. Thanks for any help. Having this truck sound better than my car is killing me!

Jmai22

to be honest with you 1,000 isn't much when your dealing with sound system. there are people who put over 5,000 in just equipment. a good cd headunit will cost you 200-600. a dvd headunit with dvd built into it could cost 1500.

If you upgrade your headunit that right there will improve your sound quality. the headunit will have more control of the output of the sound.

Now if you just want to add bass and keep the stock headunit you can add a LLC which turns your amp wires into RCA wires. those wires can then be connected to an amp then out to subs. I think with a budget like 1,000 dollars this is the way to go.

Each sub you want usually can cost around 150 dollars or so. i personnaly recomend Alpine Type R's. they are great Sound quality subs that are a good price. around 120-150. Then you have to buy an amp for your subs. There are many selection of amp out there. look for a 2 channel amp with at least 500watts RMS that way you have headroom to upgrade later.

If you don't care about bass and just want clearity. i would upgrade all the door speakers with some MB Quarts or Boston Acoustic. I personnaly have MB quarts and they sound very very clear. sometimes i think they sound too sharp though. upgrading all 4 speakers can cost about 100-200 a pair depending on brand name and model. Then if you upgrade speakers you will need an amp to do them justice. amp for mids will go for around 200+ depending on how high of quality you want. you should buy a really good one so you have room to upgrade. Doing this setup you could eighther use the stock headunit or aftermarket. I personnaly would upgrade the headunit at this time also.

Just remember have fun and enjoy what you do.

ivesGS400

I got one good reply out of like 122 views. Anybody else want to give me their 2 cents? I'd really appreciate it.

sirsomo

Jmai gave good advice, If I had 1000 to spend, I would:
Keep the factory deck
-Replace the front speakers with some components (300)
-Keep the rear speakers stock, unless you have people back there often.
-Get a new 4 channel amp, use 2 ch. for the front and use the other 2 for the sub (300)
-Replace the factory sub with a 12. I would put it in a sealed box and pull out the factory sub. (250 including box)

Leaves you with 150 for wiring and install. This would be a pretty good sounding install with a little "bump".

You could also later upgrade the system by buying some new rear speakers, head unit, new amp for the sub and maybe add another sub.

GS4Will

that is the same budget figure whcih i had when i toyed around the idea of audio upgrade....here is my finding after helps from several stereo gurus here(very similar to the advice above):

1. keep the stock head unit
2. replace the front(test listen to several speakers and see what you like)

3. replace the rear sub with 10 or 12
4. get an amp, 4 or 5 channel

Jmai22

oh i forgot to add. installation could cost quiet a lot. i would also run 4 gauge power cable so you have enough space to upgrade later. 8 gauge is way too thin if you even run a sub. 4gauge shouldn't be that much harder than 8 to run so do it right the first time. you will need about 15-20 feet of this stuff just incase. installation and things needed will be around another 100-200. but you can do it yourself for under 75 if you wanted. depening on how much you want to spend and quality. i have 3 pairs of RCA wires. each almost 50 bucks

LSonDubz

feel free to e-mail me joey@customrides.net, and i can help you with questions and get you good prices as well.

retrodrive

If this is going to be one-off project, I would advise getting a 5ch amp some speakers to replace stock ones and a sub. Now if you are going to upgrade in the future, get a 4ch amp and do it the way sirsomo recommended. This leaves you space for upgrades. For example you might want to get some more bass in your car. You can use your existing 4ch for the interior speakers and get an extra amp for sub/s.
While buying components for your system, don't forget that installation will cost you a lot.

twenty1

when you say stock system do you mean the stock stock, or the Nak? I personally have the Nak, and I was wondering what would be the best things I could do to improve the system. I listen to hip hop primarily. I'd ideally like to get rid of the rattle that I get when listening to some songs. Not looking for a thumpin' system, just to add more bass while maintaining the clarity that the Nak provides.

retrodrive

swap out the sub and a sub amp. All you need for rap is a lot of low end. you can upgrade the front stage later. Stock, is any system that came with your car from the factory. That reffers to Mark Levinson, Nakamichi and Pioneer.

twenty1

thanks.