Will upgrading speakers and sub suffice?

[jhiken]

I've just gotten a 2000 Explorer Eddie Bauer model and I find the Mach Audio muddy and unfulfilling. I'm considering getting Polk DX7 3-way speakers for the fronts and rears and swapping out the sub for an MTX Thunderform FEX10A amplified sub. Will this suffice or do experts out there feel that the head unit is so miserable that it must also be replaced to yield any significant improvement? The speakers/sub modification is a reasonable expense but I am afraid of spending much more than that. Advice is appreciated.

 

[JTang]

Definitely. Changing the speakers to almost ANY aftermarket will improve the performance of your system. To what degree is debatable, but there will be a marked difference to where I'm sure you'll find the expense justified. The factory amp does not put out a great deal of power, so you don't really have to look for speakers with tons of power handling, unless you think you might get an amp in the future.

Welcome, too!

Jon

 

[ron831]

just by putting the sub in will make a big improvement. if you go with better speakers you may need an amp to get the most out of them. i would start with the sub and go from there. that is how i started. but as you will find out from yourself and others once you start on this system you will not want to stop. i started like i said with a sub then to speakers, amps, cd changer, head unit and lots of dynomat and lets not forget about time.
just my $.02
ron

 

[karl_burns]

Changing the factory audio setup

The best advice is to probably set a budget, and get what you want, in your budget. But what's most important, is to never go back to the car stereo stores afterwards because you will never be satisfied and you will always see something better. Just ask Rock883 and Ron.

I would change the deck first. It will give you the most satisfaction. Next, the speakers, and again, worry about placement. Properly placed average speakers can sound just as good as more expensive speakers in the factory settings. No matter what the outside of the HU box says, it really only puts out about 10-20 watts of power. So basically, I'm hinting that you will need an amp (probably with a built in EQ) sometime in the future.

I've got the JL stealthbox and love it. But it's a very expensive way to save your trunk. And if you're getting the stealth or putting some subs in the back, component speakers would be a better way to go up front.

Any more specific questions?

Karl

 

[Alec]

I'm happy with my setup. I replaced the four corners with RockfordFosgates 5x7s, and have two isobaric 10"s in the back. I might upgrade the headunit in the future, but my ears aren't that great anyway, so I'm happy for now.

So to answer your question, you're thinking of doing the same thing I've done: GO FOR IT!

 

[Exploder99]

try this! just change the radio. trust me. the mach460 speakers are actually quite good. ford radios limit bass levels at high volumes i guess to prevent damge to the speakers/amps. all of my friends with mustangs have just changed the radio and have been extremly happy with the stock mach speakers and amps.