Thread: Upgrading Stock System on a Very Tight Budget

I have recently bought a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP and the stock sound system just isn't cutting it. I will be the first to admit that I don't know the first thing about audio systems, so I need all the help up can get.


I know for sure that I want a head unit that has a front axillary port and possibly a front mounted usb port.



As far as speakers are concerned I really don't know where to start. This car has component speakers front and rear. I prefer not to have to do any major alterations as I don't have the tools and would like to be able to return to the stock system if desired.


At this point I am not interested in a sub, but would like the flexibility to add one in the future.



I am on a very very tight budget and may even have to piece the system together as I get the money.


It has been mentioned to me that I should skip the rear deck speakers, disconnect the factory ones, and just run a small 10" sub.



At first I thought I would try and get the head unit second hand, but after looking at crutchfield and seeing all the install goodies they throw in for free I might not save any money at all taking a gamble on a used one.


Any help would be much appreciated.

In your experience, is crutchfields the way to go?

I e-mail them for help and this is what they sent back to me:

Crutchfield Cart

But I was hoping to install component speakers to take advantage of the fact that my car is already set up for those, so crutchfield suggested these:

Pioneer TS-A1304C 5-1/4" component speaker system at Crutchfield.com

Your thoughts?

OK, guess I will make a run up to Best Buy and try a few out.

I guess I will have to price out all the little odds and ends that Crutchfield throws in to see if their price is better or not on the head unit, but for speakers it looks like I can do a lot better.

Does the wiring harness for the aftermarket head unit allow me to use the steering wheel controls?

Just got back from my trip to Best Buy, and I like the sound of the Polk speakers the best for the money. From what I have read they appear to be quite durable as well.

Another question I have is what to look for in a head unit. I know I want front AUX and would like front USB and HD Radio, but I am not willing to pay a premium just to get them.

Should I really just look for the cheapest HU with the features I want from a reputable brand name and not really worry about the specifics?

Originally Posted by KeithGTP03

I bought this for a buddy of mine. It has everything you're looking for. An aux, usb on the front, ipod direct connect, hd radio built in. And you can change the colors on it to match your interior lighting.
JVC KD-HDR70 (KDHDR70) In-dash CD/MP3/WMA Car Stereo w/ HD Radio

And yes, polk are good speakers. If they fit your budget and you like them....do it to it.

That looks like a very nice head unit indeed.

I think I have devised my plan and budget. My budget is $300. First I will buy and install a quality head unit like the one above and see how it sounds. If necessary I will upgrade the front component speakers and see how it sounds. I am hoping that for the time being I can get away with new HU and front speakers and just direct the majority of the power to the front speakers. Then I can upgrade the rears and possibly add a small sub as I get the money.

What do you think about this head unit?

Kenwood KDC-HD545U CD receiver at Crutchfield.com[rank2]4+stars[img]

Bought and intalled the above HU. It sounds better, especially the HD radio stations, but I think the factory speakers still need replacing.

I have 200-250 left in my budget for speakers.

First, is it worth the hassle to upgrade to 6.5s up front, or will the stock 5.25 size be more than adequate?

Secondly I assume I can just use 6x9s in the back to save money for higher quality speakers in the front. Is this correct?

At this time I don't really think I need a sub, but if there is money left in the budget this would be worth consideration. I would want a stealthy install to still have a usable truck. I was thinking a 10" sub tucked away on the side of the trunk or something like that.

Locally I only have best buy and 1 audio shop to listen to speakers, so I really can't try out a whole lot. I am relying on your inputs and online reviews to make a smart purchase.

Your thoughts?