biggest difference in sound quality

[ebo03]

I have read a few threads on new headunits, speakers, etc.

My wife complains about the sound quality on her 08 4runner sport. It has the basic sound system in it and I have since hooked up Sirius directly to the factory head unit (no FM modulating or other source.)

Which mod would help out sound quality & crispness the most? New headunit, new speakers, or what? We are trying to do this on a budget and she is hesitant to replace the head unit b/c she doesn't like the look of most aftermarket units.

I have an 06 Subaru STI with pretty much the works in it. Alpine HU with iPod and Sirius. 4-channel Rockford amp powering their components up front and 2-way speakers in the rear. Rockford amp powering their 12" power stage 1 sub. All of it was installed at the same time so its hard to decipher which piece helped sound quality the most.

Thanks for the help guys.

 

[li_runner]

IMO, you'll find the best quality increase by changing the head-unit and adding more power to the exisiting speakers. They sound decent with a little more power added. The other options are harder to properly accomplish, speakers will need more power than the stock head unit can provide so you end up with amps & speakers, your in the same boat adding subs, then your traveling down the road ending ..... should I switch it all?

I was in this same boat with my Sport, I initally changed out the head unit and was happy for a while, but then decided to go and fully swap out the entire system.

 

[ebo03]

IMO, you'll find the best quality increase by changing the head-unit and adding more power to the exisiting speakers. They sound decent with a little more power added. The other options are harder to properly accomplish, speakers will need more power than the stock head unit can provide so you end up with amps & speakers, your in the same boat adding subs, then your traveling down the road ending ..... should I switch it all?

I was in this same boat with my Sport, I initally changed out the head unit and was happy for a while, but then decided to go and fully swap out the entire system.

Right. I am thinking head unit first then we'll see what happens. Subs are not in the picture; she doesn't want them. If I end up replacing the speakers then I'd add a 4-channel amp and call it a day. Out of curiosity what is the power output of the stock unit?