need some sound advice
 

starting to up grade my base system in my 09. but am on a budget.
got 500.00 to start with. where would you begin. Head unit or speakers?
which would be the biggest improvement.
i won't a double din unit. and am open to suggestions on speakers
Thanks for any advice

Just a headunit to start will definitly improve on the sound..I think speakers would be 2nd to the unit

Confused. Do you want a double DIN unit or not?

If you are looking for a single DIN pm me I've got a kickass head unit that I don't need.

Head unit will make the biggest difference.

I've just been buying everything 1 piece at a time. It seemed the most practical option to get everything first and do a one time install of everything.

That's interesting, that the head unit would make that much of a difference.
I know stock unit has no power at. but i thought the stock speakers where
the weak link.

I had this exact setup from BOSE in my last car. New HU is 90% of the game.

I second on the Head Unit. Anywhere from 500 to 600$ will get you a top-end Double Din Head Unit that most of everyone is suggesting or recommending on here. Starting here will allow you to build on as you go piece by piece.

Then get a nice set of component 6.5" speakers. Dont skimp here! Spend at least $300.00 but not more than $600 on a decent set.

You can stop here if your satisfied with how it sounds. Its definitly better than any stock audio system made.

Next I would get a Good Quality 4-Channel Amplifer 75 X 4 or more. And then add a Subwoofer. You can configure the 4 channel amp to run as a 3 channel mode 75X2 + 200X1 using the 3rd channel to drive a subwoofer.

A speaker can only sound as good as the signal it receives. IMO the head unit is ultimately the deciding factor in how good a stereo can sound.

I agree with 2fast4thelaw, start in the very front and work your way back.

Head unit it is then. Thanks for the heads up! guys,no pun intended.

I'll check back and let you know what i choose. planning on trying to get it
done today.

Thats what I would do. But if I had to choose go with the head unit first.

Yeah I made the mistake of saving the most expensive piece for last to purchase. So now Its all I have left and I keep having to spend money! I'm very impatient.......