Audio questions for an inexperianced guy

[Pink Panthered]

Hey. I have been lurking around for a while now. I just picked up a 00' Grand Prix GTP coupe. The stock speakers are shot. The two front ones are blown, which I can't stand, so I never listen to music when I drive. I would like to replace the stockers with some higher quality speakers. It is completely stock. Here are a few questions I have:

- Is there any way to have powered speakers (not subs) with the stock head unit?

- Are there any aftermarket head units that fit in there really good and look nice?

- If I go with an aftermarket head unit, is the only thing I need to keep the steering wheels controls functional that special adapter?

- How difficult is it to add more speakers? I believe I have four now? Is it possible to add a few more?



Thanks for all the help. If its going to be a massive undertaking, I will probably just take it to someone who knows what they are doing. Thanks!

 

[develand]

Just take the old speakers out and plug in the new ones......
I run a jvc double din headunit in my 08. Looks perfect.
Adding speakers, you can but,i, think it would be a pain.
And idk about steering wheel controls.

If, you look at the first thread in this section, the audio pics, my car is the last post. You will see the headunit.

 

[Kejross]

- Is there any way to have powered speakers (not subs) with the stock head unit?

There's always a way... My old 00GT I ran a 4 channel amp for the interior and another amp for the subs. The only wire that I left stock for the audio system was the switched +12 from the ignition, every other wire was replaced. Was it worth the trouble for a few more watts inside? NO, just buy a quality head unit with decent output

- Are there any aftermarket head units that fit in there really good and look nice?

I use crutchfield to check out all the models then when I find one I like I search the model number on ebay and google for the best price. Your probably gonna wanna just go with a single DIN size and there are different dash kits such as the HU mount with lights and crap

- If I go with an aftermarket head unit, is the only thing I need to keep the steering wheels controls functional that special adapter?

You can do the pac swi-x which will work with any head unit that takes a remote but you have to mount a little sender thing somewhere which I don't like. So I buy head units with a wired remote input and then buy the specific pac swi for that brand so you don't see anything

- How difficult is it to add more speakers? I believe I have four now? Is it possible to add a few more?

Just buy quality speakers and a quality head unit and you'll be surprised how much better it sounds. I also recommend "boom mat's" or the foam speaker cups that install behind the speakers. They seem to improve the low end on the interior speakers. Also if your running a sub or two make sure all your Xover frequencies are set up right. Mine sounds best with the subs cut at 160hz and the rears cut below 125hz and the fronts cut below 160HZ. That will keep your interiors from "clipping" too much