I've read several dozen threads in this forum and I think I understand what would be required for a modest upgrade of the sound. Posting here for two reasons:

1. To confirm that I understand what needs to be on my shopping list;
2. To solicit specific brand/product recommendations.

I have a 2000 Excursion Limited with the factory sound system and a six disc changer. I intend to keep the factory HU as I like the look of stock. So to add better amps, I need to run wiring from the HU to where those amps are installed (location recommendation?) then to the speakers. As a practical matter, I should probably plan to run the wiring back to the HU then use the existing wiring to get to the speaks.

Then for the speakers, I just need to pull the door panels and it should be plug and play from there.

So on my shopping list are the following:

• Amp(s)
• Two front speaks
• Two rear speaks
• Wiring to get from the HU to the amp(s) and back

Any recommendations on specific brands/products?

Thank you.

 

Ok if you are keeping the stock radio (I really dont reccommend this but okay...) you need at least 2 LOC's unless you do it right and buy an Digital EQ. Most now have the ability to take the hi-level wires coming off the radio and turn them into 4/5 full-range (AP, BP, HP, LP) outs and a dedicated sub (LP) out.

Your best case list should be:
2 Front 5x7 or 6.5 components
2 Rear 5x7 or 6.5 Coax (I assume you have kids...) or 8" Midbass
1 12'' Subwoofer
1 4ch Amp
1 2/1 ch Amp
1 4ga kit (at least)
2 Distribution Block
1 Capacitor
1 Digital Eq.

You have yet to tell us what you want out of your system. SQ, SPL? And what you listen to... Etc. $$ to spend. If you can get deals with certain kinds of products

Under Backseat

 

IMO if you plan to upgrade your system that much, why not save yourself some time and effort and get a better Head Unit. You will appreciate it in the end, and it will make your system sound that much better. spend the money, do it right. You can find aftermarket head units that look pretty close to stock but sound 100x better.

 

Thanks for the response. I'm just looking for better sound quality. I listen to radio and CDs. I don't listen to heavy thumping bass and I don't listen very loud.

In a home system I'd attack the speakers and amplification, so that's why I thought to focus there. With a budget of a few hundred dollars, will I see a significant improvement with what I've planned, or should I rethink this?