[catsinmo]

I think the stock stereo on the 1.8s sounds mediocre. Would it be better to replace the head unit or just replace the speakers and keep the head unit? Has anyone made either of the changes?

Also, the reception seems poor. There is a college radio station that I can easily pick up in my VehiCross but the reception is awful in the Cube. Would a better antenna help or is it the radio itself?


Thanks

 

[fotomoto]

It seems most folks have done full swaps so far.

I have the rockford system and I never test drove a base system so I don't know anything about its performance. My previous car had a stock mediocre low power system and I installed new speakers when the original paper cone ones started cracking. It was an improvement but not by much.

 

[KromKid]

I have always recommended replacing the factory headunit for better sound. Reason being an aftermarket headunit has a more powerful amplifier and also aftermarket headunits have much better equalizers, frequency response and tuning capabilities. basically the way I explain it is this, the aftermarket speakers can make the sound a tiny bit better but are still limited to the signal coming into them, where as the factory speakers with a great quality signal going to them will sound much better just from the higher quality signal alone. I hope I didn't confuse you by my analogy but I think if you ask other installers or people in the mobile audio business you should get the same answer, now replacing the speakers and the head unit is an even GREATER option that will surely give you better sound. Alot of people think distortion in a sound system comes from the speakers when in all actuality it is usually attributed to a lack of power from the Signal source, You are MORE likely to blow a speaker with to little power than to much power believe it or not, of course there are varibles involved but I will save that for a rainy day, or if someone wants more info. just pm me,
Rick

++Disclaimer++
All expressions are my opinion and my opinion only, if you agree great, if you do not agree great, I will do my best to help anyone with audio related questions.

 

[Miw]

what kind of stereo system and subwoofers etc etc would you recommend? affordable and which is in your opinion is the best. thanks

Miw

 

[catsinmo]

Thanks for that info. Has anyone here actually just replaced the head unit? I read a different string but no answer.

Thanks.

 

[fejus]

Yes I have just replaced the head unit and am having issues getting the Sub to turn on now lol

I plan on stopping by a Car Stereo store to get it looked at but keep not having time >_<