I have a 2003 P5 and have been thinking about upgrading the stereo system (original). I don’t know too much about car audio systems but read somewhere that adding an amp (300 Watts?) alone will make a noticeable and sufficient improvement in sound quality.

I’d prefer not to go all out on a new system as I don’t know how long I will be keeping the vehicle. What kind of modifications can I make to the current system so that it can be somewhat decent? Add an amp… replace the speakers?

Can I get away with the original CD/Radio deck/ Is it good enough?

Also, I tried looking up this topic on other threads and came across the term “HU”. What does that mean?

I know this must be a simple topic.

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

HU = Headunit...i.e. cd player, tape deck etc.

I think most people will tell you to just pick out a nice cd player that you like and replace the door speakers with some quality pieces...shouldn't be anymore than $500 and sound really good.

I did a MSP audio swap and ahve been very happy with everything but that piece of crap head unit. I have an alpine now and it works much better.

 

YES your stock deck is plenty good. infact superior to most aftermarket decks unless you want to spend alot of$. The trick is to get a good quality Line OUtput Converter (LOC) such as those made by Http://www.davidnavone.com The only reason to get any other deck would be functionality such as MP3 capability, etc.

As far as amping, you'd want to change your speakers out aswell. Basically the stock speakers are VERY easy to move (meaning they don't take alot of power to do so) This is good for getting lots of sound, but being so easy to move, they're kind of flimsy and flexy and inaccurate. Therefore getting a nicer speaker that's more rigid and has a REAL tweeter is a good upgrade, but this extra mass and accuracy comes at the price of efficency. This means you'll want to add amp power. Most aftermarket speakers are designed around having 50w or so to play with.

Thatsaid, get a simple 2channel 50w (RMS rating) amp and a Decent pair of front speakers (either good coaxial 6x8's or some midlevel 6.5" components) But I'd say likely 6x8's for simplicity. LIsten to every set of speakers you can put your ears on, try to do it with a "control" cd or preferably a mix demo-disc of high quality tracks you're familiar with. Also try to keep them on a similar amp with no sub or anything else hookedup.

I can go into more detail on whatever else you want to know... or check in here http://protege5.com/vbb225/forumdisplay.php?f=11 Much more frequented audio board with some of the most educated contributers on the net.

 

Thank you Roddimus Prime and Poseur for the advice. It's much appreciated!

 

me personnaly would go with a higher watt amp like a 200 with some speakers that can handle it with a nice pair of 6X9's ans like poseur said some nice 6X5's and ive heard some nice 6X9's that sounded really good with a 200 watt amp hooked up to them at a stero place near me.....just putting my sence in

 

uhhh, gotaphat, it's 6.5, not 6x5. Six and a half inches, not six inches vy five inches.

converting the P5 speaker holes to 6x9's or 6.5's is useless. Just get some nice 6x8 speakers and plug them straight in. If you want the 6x9's for bass, just get a mazdaspeed sub or a full subwoofer/amp combonation from a company such as MTX or JL. My setup is an Alpine HU, JL TR series 6x8 speakers all around, 2 MTX thunder 8000 10" subs, and an MTX Thunder 1501D amp. I havnt hooked it up yet since my damn car is still in the shop, but it should sound crazy badass when it's all put together.

 

I've got the mazdapeed sub box and while I love it's size and uniqueness I HATE it's bass. I'm planning on purchasing a JL 8W3v2d...I hear this is the way to go for a stock msp sub rack.

 

lol igot 2 12 inch cuspid subs for sale if ya want them 50 bucks with the box all ya need is like a 300 watt amp and your set theyll fullfill your needs for alittle bass but if you want boom boom like i got in my car you wont get it but if all you want is a nice boom to sound good theyll do

 

I sometimes wish I could educate the world. but it's just SOO damn big...

Get what you see fit for your car, but if you want it to sound good, well, just listen to me... It'll make life easier.