OK, first of all, I don't know very much about this stuff. However, Here's what i have in my 93 protege...
- Panasonic 40wX4 HU
-(In the rear) Pioneer 260W TS-A6985 (4 way 6X9s)
-(In Front) Pioneer 200W TS-A1667 (3 way 6 1/2s)

I love the way this stuff sounds, but I need to kick it up another notch. I don't know whether to amp the speakers i have or get a sub/amp and leave the speakers alone....Or maybe a new HU? I need my system to get louder without losing bass or distortion. I don't know...what next step will give the best results for the money? What do you have to say about the setup i have now?? Thanks everyone, any comments will be very appreciated!
PS. I would REALLY recommend the pioneer 6X9s...They are SOOO crisp and clean and nice bass too!
Thanks!
Tony

 

There are several ways you could approach this but the best way to keep your bass and crisp highs is to run a 4 channel amp to your inside speakers, with crossovers for each speaker, and a seperate amp to power your subs If you decide to get them. Maybe once you get the amp you wont even need subs depending on the speakers.

 

I use to have similar speakers in my 90 Accord. I loved the power and crispness you get from the Pioneers. While there are probably better speakers out there like the Infinity Reference series I went back to Pioneer with my P5. My entire car is Pioneer Premier. In fact my home electronics are Pioneer, DVD Receiver and speakers.

- Pioneer Rev Series 6x8's up front $83 (Fit like a Glove)
- Pioneer Rev Series 6.5's in the rear $90 (Needed some Drilling or get scosche adapters)
- Pioneer Premier Amps PRS-x320 and PRS-x220 in Hatch(Gettin 1 more)(Hihoslva install style) $270
- Pioneer Prem DEH-p740mp $260
- Pioneer Prem TS-W1241C 12" subs $150

I am in the middle of my install with only two speakers connected and I already love it. I don't compete 'course but I love great sound and would prefer for no sane reason to stick with a single manufacturer. I just think if it's quality to me I'll stick with them. Personally I would get an amp and a sub with a new HU. The Pioneer PRS amps are nice but a rare find at a good price. I was able to get both mine for 270 total shipped a couple weeks back. Keep in mind the rating on Pioneer's web site is about half of what they can actually push out. Many on these boards swear by JBL amps as having the best performance for the bux. The prices sure are tempting. I If you're looking to spend about 250-300 you can get either a decent sub(Everyone has an opinion but get anything except a NOS8) and amp or just a HU. Personally I would do both but that's me and would run you about 500 plus install and appropriate accesories. If you need a tighter sound Infinity components will deliver but Pioneer is great for me. Some amped component Inifnity's up front have surprisingly tight powerful bass in my bud's bimmer. Honestly you need to decide what "loud" you want. Amps are generally gonna deliver more "loud" to your system so whichever route you go, more bass or tighter more powerful mids and highs you should grab one. You need to go to your local shop and listen to different configurations and buy according to the sound you want.
If it was me I would keep your speakers get a new Head Unit and run an amp with sub. Given the natural power of the Pioneer speakers which you already like you could run those fine off a new HU. Get an amp and sub running on a pre-out (preferably HU with 4V pre's) for some bump. MGonz has a good idea too though it requires a bunch of new wires but a sub requires a box. If you get a midlevel amp go to Walmart and pick up the 4-gauge multiamp install kit for 25 dollars. A great deal and has just about everything. OK Dusk shut up. (< Gets all stoked when someone has/likes Pioneers)

 

How much would amping the speakers with crossovers and a 4channel amp cost (I know that my nearest best buy has pioneer amps)? That sounds like a good idea...I like that I can upgrade to subs later, and in the mean time have a good strong system (hopefully) for less. So how much is that? and i don't mind some moderate reading, in fact i appreciate the in depth info....

 

Just realize that amping four speakers sounds like: plug amp into battery, amp to head unit, amp to speakers and we are finished, but requires a good while to install. If you know exactly what you're doing it can take you a couple of hours to do it right under ideal conditions. It could take you all day long or even days if you have no clue what's going on. Or you can pay Best Buy to install it for a couple hundred dollars after supplies. Many/Most of us on here want/have to get our hands dirty personalizing our stuff be it in audio, engine, exterior etc. It's just not home without that. I would never end up paying Billy PimpleHead to install it. That's just mpo. A high end car audio tech I would but for more money so no go. For some people the blame safety net they get by paying oodles for some kid to install it is worth the outlay. Then when it breaks or doesn't sound exactly right you can go bitch. I hate that way of thinking. Install it, learn, maintain/enjoy it, learn, upgrade. For me putting it in myself is the best part. (Shut up Dusk!) 8 gauge amp install kit will run you 50-75 at BB then mounting equip etc. and labor. The do it yourself steal is at WalMart. The Scosche Two Amp 1100 Watt(Not quite) 4-gauge kit is 25 dollars. This gives you a small but usable dist block and nice heavy wire that also allows you to slap another amp on later. You'll need 30+ feet of Speaker wire(measure it first) and some wire nuts or solder, some other misc parts. 12-gauge speaker wire is 30 cents/ft at Home Depot. I would definitely look at MTX before thinking about low end Pioneer. The Pioneer Premier is in a whole nother league to regular. Don't forget JBL, available many places online. As little as 200 to do it yourself with an ok amp. At least 300+ to have it installed for you. Add more if you want it to be prepared for future upgrades. I saw someone pay 1400 for a Sony MP70 MTX 5 channel and Infinity refs in front and rear. Online the equipment would have been 900. Think about that.

 

Well it all depends on the amp your getting and the quality of the crossovers. Im assuming that you want pioneer all around, there is 35 x 4 at 4 ohms 40 x 4 @ 2 ohms for 179.99 which is affordable and should do the trick with the right crossovers.PIO GMX364 is the model # if you want to check around for it. As for the crossovers you should be able to get the 4 of them and wiring for about 150 or maybe even less Im not to sure about these prices though. Im not sure how much your looking to spend but If you let me know I can recommend what amp. Dusk was right though sometimes a new head unit can make an improvement in sound but your Hu sounds like it will do. Are you planning on doing installation yourself? Let me know what your spending range is.

 

Build off of what you have, no need to spend money unless you have to . I would add a 5 channel amp and sub but if that isn't in your budget right now, costs would be around $500, then do a 4 channel amp for just the speakers. This will keep you from loosing the most $in future upgrades. I personaly would get the 5 channel now and use the sub when the budget allows.
If you have a set budget let me know and I can give you a few exact options.