i got a 2001 gxe stock maxima.. without bose.. its got a one cd changer

basically i want to get subs but i dont know if it will work.. im a newbie with audio.. so i was hoping i could get some help

should i first get a new headie(for 2-3 bills)? or should/will it work if i get 2 12s and 1 big enuff 2 channel amp? one of my friends is telling me i need a better hea die to run it because it doesnt have an output or something liekt aht for the subs?

so basiclaly do i need a headie first before getting the subs.. or can i just get 2 12s and a nice amp and hook it up to my stock system and bump?

and if i shoudl get a headie first wat can u recommend for 2-3 bills? or shoudl i work on speakers first.. liek wat t ype how much will it run me?

and im very sorry for the run on sentences and excessive questions. i just really dont know where to start with my stereo.. i have about 6-8 bills rihgt now that i can spend so im wondering where i should start at and wat equipment.. thx so much

 

get a new head unit.

Double din will fit best, but double dins suck. no features and there ugly. You can get a normal sized head unit to fit by just adding a pocket benieth it.

as far as whats a good one for 2-3bills alpine has some nice ones in that range. I guess it comes down to features.

do you want mp3 playback?
do you want xm?
do you want a remote?
do you want a motorized faceplate?

there are all kinds of diff things to look at

 

You can connect an amp and sub to your stock system using a Line Output Converter about $20. This device taps into one of your existing speakers and gives you the RCA out that you need to connect the amp. I am doing this to my 01 SE without BOSE tomorrow. I will eventually change the Headunit, now that I found out that a converter can be added so that you can still use the factory steering wheel remote with an aftermarket head unit!

 

it is possible to use the stock head unit and add an amp and sub in addition. and you will be able to get sound as good as an aftermarket head with the stock one. just get some quality line out converters (LOC). save you money and get good amps subs and LOC's.

this guy makes the best LOC's i've ever seen. http://www.davidnavone.com/

 

My choice would be to get the new HU instead of paying for LOC and not needing them later.
Again, what features are you looking for? anything new will usually have some type satellite option with it.
I would get 3 sets of RCA outs. But that's usually a standard.
Want D/A converters? Superior sound, but they sometimes have problems with CD-Rs and CD-RWs. But from what I've seen for the 2002 models, that problem has been solved (with Clarion and Alpine at least).
Time alignment? I would only suggest this is you're looking to put in a pretty serious system (ie $200 components up front amplified). This option get's phase problems out... almost totally.

There's a million options for head units. Sometimes you have to wade through the marketing crap to see what actually means something. For 200-300, you should be able to get a really nice head unit. Clarion, Alpine, Nakamichi, Kenwood... am I missing a couple?

Getting an HU now is also a lot cheaper than getting an amp/sub. Subs are generally around $100-150 for a quality sub and then you have to spend around $200+ for an amp to actually power it correctly. Then the $50+ enclosure (unless you make your own), $40+ for wiring kit... the list goes on. And these prices are for if you do the work. If not, look at an extra $100-200 for installation. If you need help installing stuff, just ask here or I suggest buying "The Car Stereo Cookbook". Its a little old for today's technology, but its an invaluable tool.

 

if you want a new head unit like what LikwidVT is suggesting. i'd go with alpine, nakamichi, or clarion. no kenwood for me.

 

I'll recommend the Nakamichi CD-45z. 20-bit digital to analog conversion plus pre-amp outputs for sub. Though Alpine and Clarion do make good HU's.
Go to ebay and search for Nak or which ever you preferr.

 

i'll second your recommendation. for the money that head unit is the best you can find.

but if your looking for little cool features look elsewhere. i myself don't really need little cool features, just good quality stuff.