Both of my rear speakers in my 92 maxima have started humming (broken amplifiers probably) and I'm ready for an upgrade. What I want is something louder! When they still worked the sound quality was good, but I couldn't turn them up near as loud as I wanted to (before they would start sounding like they were about to blow). Should I buy some new 6x9's for the back and keep the stock bose speakers up front, or replace all four? Will I really be able to turn it up higher, or will it just blow my old bose front speakers? Any suggestions?

 

neither.

just disconnect them and leave them there. get new front speakers (preferably components) and amp them if you want to be able to crank it without distortion..

 

So just get front speakers and have only 2 speakers in the car?

 

or 4 technically, if you have components. components will give you the best imaging and sound, but also will cost the most.

you could get coaxials all around (all 4) and amp them, and even that will be heads and shoulders above stock, but wont sound as good as properly tuned components. its all about how much you're willing to spend.

 

i would go ahead and change them all out. spend more money up front, and just some 'decent' speakers in the rears.

 

I've heard good things about infinity references. Are these just "decent" (like I should put them in the back) or would they be good for the front? Also, would adding a subwoofer (and amp) be a good idea, or would having good speakers up front and decent in the back be sufficiently loud?

 

sound deadening the front doors will greatly help with the midbass response. so, if you properly amp a set of nice components in the front doors...a sub isn't really necessary. but keep in mind nothing will play the reallllly low stuff that a dedicated sub can only do.

i don't have too much experience with the references...so i don't know what to tell ya. a buddy of mine got a set of infinity components in his prelude, but i didn't get much ear time. but from what i did hear...it didn't sound that bad. in my 3rd gen, i ran boston acoustics up front, powered by a fosgate amp, and the rear were some alpines that were on sale. what's your budget?

 

What's your budget, only then can we really give you a best option.

to give you an idea
Eclipse cd 2000 199
good set comps for the front 200 or so
1 10" or 12" sub 100-150
4 channel amp 100-500 depending on brand and wattage.

 

My budget is about $150-$200, but I know a guy selling a 700 watt Crunch amp for $50 and a 12" sub for $20. Also, I can get two 6x9 infinity references on ebay for $50 or $60. I already have an Alpine HU. From what you guys are saying, though, maybe I should put references up front and put cheaper speakers in the back.

 

If that is the budget, I would replace the front speakers and install the amp and sub. (I'm assuming your 12" sub includes the box).

When you get more money I'd get some rear speakers and a 4channel amp to drive your 4spkrs and let the Crunch drive your sub. It's low cost system that will give you some volume.