Stock non-Bose sound. I want nice sound; I don't care if it thumps much. My brother and I are splitting the costs; it is pretty much just my car, but he doesn't appreciate the value of the dollar. So that makes the budget about $400. From what I'm reading, the stock headunit is weaker than catholic inhibitions, so I imagine that'll be the first step. After that, replace all four speakers. I got a buddy who is ridiculously well connected and can get me good deals on speakers, and he knows his way around installation so intstall-price is not gonna be a factor.

So, to crystallize, does a new headunit and new speakers sound about right for the likes of me, given my interests and budget?

 

That should do it for you. If don't want anything too fancy and want to install all 4 speakers it will bring you to just about $400. I won't give you any brand names you should buy as there are people here that know a lot more then me on which brands are the best.
Good Luck,
Paul

 

hell yea...pick out a deck that'll do everything u want first...then speakers

 

If I may, I would recommend the Alpine Head Units. You don't have to go extremely high end to get excellent sound and decent power. Up until this week, I ran my front speakers and a Sub with amplifiers and my rear doors with the Alpine's own power.

I agree with the others in that you should get a nice deck first, then follow up with some JL Audio 2-ways or Boston Acoustics. They both have high, medium and low end versions of their speakers, AND you can get a pair of their Mid-range stuff for about $125 a pair, if you shop around.

The Alpine unit (at 50 watts per channel, sort of) along with a set of Boston's would definitely meet your needs. May put you slightly over budget, but if you have connections, you'll be right there.

Good Luck!