Could use your opinions

I have a 1999 Grand Prix that I put a Sony Explode head unit into about 4 and a half years ago.It is still working well.Anybody know about how long a unit like this that cost a couple of hundred bucks normally lasts?

We bought the car nearly 5 years ago,and it had the factory sound system in it.So,the Sony definitely improved the sound.Now,I'm a 48 -year-old guy that has no clue when it comes to anything like electronics and the like.

The sound is good,I think,but should I replace the factory speakers with after-market speakers,or ?I'm not one who likes that window-rattling base sound,but I do like my classic rock to sound strong and clear.I listen mostly to the music I grew up listening to.

My wife and I have 2 other cars.An Explorer and an old '90 Grand Am that still looks and runs great.Both vehicles have the same head unit in them.Alpine CDA-9826.Extremely happy with that.The Explorer has 4 Polk Audio speakers in it,and the Grand Am has 2 rear Polk Audios and 2 front Alpines in the dash.We really like the sound in both of those cars.

Do after-market speakers always sound better than factory speakers?Is there something else I should do in the GP besides speakers?

We have 3 cars and use them all,so it's not cheap,at least I don't think so.

I'd like to spend no more than 200 or 250 dollars in the GP.What do you think?

I'd appreciate your opinions.

I have a 1999 Grand Prix that I put a Sony Explode head unit into about 4 and a half years ago.It is still working well.Anybody know about how long a unit like this that cost a couple of hundred bucks normally lasts?

We bought the car nearly 5 years ago,and it had the factory sound system in it.So,the Sony definitely improved the sound.Now,I'm a 48 -year-old guy that has no clue when it comes to anything like electronics and the like.

The sound is good,I think,but should I replace the factory speakers with after-market speakers,or ?I'm not one who likes that window-rattling base sound,but I do like my classic rock to sound strong and clear.I listen mostly to the music I grew up listening to.

My wife and I have 2 other cars.An Explorer and an old '90 Grand Am that still looks and runs great.Both vehicles have the same head unit in them.Alpine CDA-9826.Extremely happy with that.The Explorer has 4 Polk Audio speakers in it,and the Grand Am has 2 rear Polk Audios and 2 front Alpines in the dash.We really like the sound in both of those cars.

Do after-market speakers always sound better than factory speakers?Is there something else I should do in the GP besides speakers?

We have 3 cars and use them all,so it's not cheap,at least I don't think so.

I'd like to spend no more than 200 or 250 dollars in the GP.What do you think?

I'd appreciate your opinions.


Factory speakers are made for two things: to handle 2 watts of power and to cover the largest bandwidth possible while still costing 3 cents to make. They achieve this with flying colors.

The second you introduce more than 3 watts to the speakers they suck. you can get decent sq from them, but you will definitely notice better midrange response with any decent pair of aftermarket speakers. if you want to spend a decent chunk of money, look at JL components. If you just want decent rock music, buy something like infinity reference or alpine type Rs

id say stick with polk mids and highs, i think they kick ass. i have infinity components and 6x9s and im very happy with them. you may also need an amp for them. when it comes to the amp, i dont have any strong recomendations. pretty much any amp will work fine.

Thanks.I appreciate the help.

I went out this afternoon,and bought a pair of 5 1/4 inch Polk speakers for the front doors,and a pair of 6 x 9 inch Pioneers for the rear deck.

I don't have a subwoofer or anything for extra power,but I really liked the sound from the speakers in the showrooms.

Thanks for your help.Before going out to buy the speakers,I looked them up,and wanted to see how people that had them felt.Most everyone was very happy with their performance.

Sometimes,I think I would like to go out and buy the equipment to add power.But,with the 3 cars and going for a couple of weeks or whatever just driving one,and being as old as I am,I didn't think spending alot more money made much sense.If I was 20 years younger I'd do it.

I think it'll sound great.It's got to be better than the factory stuff.

I do like going into the stores and pretending I know what I'm talking about,though.As little as I know about this stuff,sometimes I think I know as much as some of these guys selling it.

you probably know more than the guys in the showroom. they are salesmen, not enthusiasts. they have now idea how much it takes to make a good speaker. they focus on how much power the speaker is rated at and push it based on that. the only reason they sound like they know what they are talking about is because they are trying to sell it all day long. they become familiar with the pysical characteristics but have no idea about the science that goes into it. nor do they have any experience with brands other than what they sell so they think that what they offer is the best out there. much like some people on this forum think they have the best shit out there just because it is what they have.

My future son-in-law installed the speakers this afternoon.

I'm sure the sound isn't up to what some guys have in their cars,but I am very satisfied.

The difference between the factory and after-market speakers is really something.

The music didn't sound this good when it came out 30 years ago.

Yep,I still have my 8-tracks and the memories,but the music sounds a hell of a lot better.

come back when youre looking for a subwoofer.. itll definately make a big difference.

i think this guy would probably be happy with a couple of 8 inch drivers. maybe a setup like ngsm has. i wouldnt really have a recommendation for 8s. i have heard solo barc 8s and memphis 8s and i like them. real cheap to do 8 too. dont require alot of power.

If you ever want some subs but dont' want anything big just pick up Rockford's bottom subs. I have they're older style Punch Z's, (400 watts) that are 10's and for the 100 dollars I spent on the two of them...I'm impressed. They are a cheaper name brand sub, but they're not the crap ones as I've had them for well over a year now, and I bought them used. I also went cheap with a Boss amp(ready for the flames), it's a K580 style and bridged it puts 450 watts rms to the two of them. What I spent is the best part though....under 200 dollars for then entire system, cd player had come in the truck and I have factory speakers in my truck. I run nothing but treble to the speakers and use the subs for bass, 130+ db's is alright and quality is awesome, even friends have said that. They're in boxes that have (inside dimensions) 5.5" deep, and I think 11.5" by 13", sealed of course. So if your not very picky about brands there is nothing wrong with a setup like that and you'll get decent sounding subs and such. Although a lot of the guys here are going to say Boss and Rockford suck...I'll agree that they're "yank yank" but as an owner, and as long as they've lasted without any problems I have to stick up for them somewhat. I just can't wait to get my car and put some Brahma's in there with a KX2500.1 pushing them. :)