I know this is kind of a newbie question, but I checked the FAQ and couldn't find any questions on it.

What is the best way to upgrade the sound system in a 5th gen non-Bose? Does it make sense and would the sound be better by swapping out the speakers and leaving the stereo stock? What size speakers can I get, I remember reading something about having to enlarge the holes for the speakers?

thanks...

 

Head unit will make a big diff do that first...then new speakers...then amps...then processers

 

I did this exact thing, swapped out all the speakers with infinitys
6-1/2's in all doors and a set of tweeters then had an 8" sub and custom box mounted under the rear deck in the exsiting cutout for the bose sub. I sounds really great. I did not want to swap the head unit for the steering wheel remote and the stock unit looks the best it lets the lines of the console flow. ( I also had the non bose unit)

 

Is this easy enough to do it yourself? (I can set up a 5.1 home theater system with no problem and I put on my own Rsb)

The 6.5's go in the doors right? Can you get 2-way speakers? Are they 2-way already?

Is there a out for a subwoofer from the head unit already?

Thanks...

 

i remember reading about this. yes 6.5 fit but u have to use the stock speaker brackets. the stock hu has no sub out. hope this helps...

 

I'm fairly happy with my Premium non-Bose system. (I have the upgraded middle system.) I think it's a decent head unit. It's rated at 120 watts. I would like to upgrade my speakers eventually. The tweeters seem to be fine, so I'm going to leave those alone. I would also like to get some type of small sub. If someone finds a good set of upgrade non-Bse speakers that are easy to change out, please share it. Also, a recommendation for a small subwoofer would be nice. I don't like those large one's that take up half the trunk.

 

A good sub to use in the rear deck would be an illusion audio sub 8". The reson is it sounds good and is less than one inch deep. I forget the exact amount of depth...but i know the 10" sub is 1 3/4 inch. So there real shallow so the box will fit around it very small and will take less room than the factory.

The 120 watts rating is a lie.
some of the max's come with tweets in the a piller and 6's in the doors or 5's. so seperates will work fine in those with not cutting needed.

 

Thanks for the recommendation. I have the door speakers and the A pillar tweeters, like many of us here. I take it that the Illusion sub has its own amp?

 

I used a JL audio 8" sub and a 200 watt amp to drive the sub only, just make sure that your amp has a remote gain it makes life so much better to be able to tweak the amp for bass from up front. the 6-1/2 speakers do fit but you need to cut the old speakers and make brackets out of them, as soon as you pull the old speakers you will see what needs to be done it should be no problem it took me about a whole 40 min.

 

No the illusion audio subs are not self powered you will need an amp to go with it...if you gave me a doller range i could suggest a few brands and models. Feel free to email me if you'd prefer not to put it on here.
Deffinitly go with some seperates up front focal makes great speakers even in there lowest product range...may wanna check them out.

 

Whoever is looking for a 8" sub, I have one for sale in a bandpass box, lightweight and compact (Pioneer), with holding straps.IM for more info