I want to install a pioneer HU it puts out 22 watts RMS per channel with a maximum of 50 watts per channel. Will this blow the stock speakers? If so what is a good set that will handle the added power without costing over $50 a speaker?

probably not. In my grand prix I had a JVC deck that put out 20w per channel and it did not blow the factory speakers even after seven years. I did however keep the volume under distortion levels. Basically if you constantly blast the music you will eventually blow the factory speakers. Same with the factory deck. I would check out ebay for speakers. I have found many great deals on new or slightly used speakers for more than 75% off.

If you're looking to spend upwards of $50 per speaker, then you are outclassing the head unit. As grandprix104 put it, your stock speakers will work just fine with that head unit. If you want better quality audio after the head unit install, check out the Infinity Reference speakers. They sound amazing!

I would suggest upgrading speakers just for sound, because paper speakers make me , just check out speakers with a lower rms, and infinity refrences are definitely good for this purpose. Go to your local audio shop and listen to some different sets.

I looked at the infinity references and they all have 100 watts rms. Can my head unit which only puts out 22 watts rms drive these speakers?

yes and they will sound much better than stock speakers. My memphis speakers have similar rms ratings and I have run them off the deck only for a couple years. However, if you were to amplify them they would be able to live up to thier true potential.

Ive had good luck installing MTX speakers with aftermarket decks. As long as you stay away from component speakers you should be alright. Components are geat but they can be less efficient, therefore needing more power to make them shine. Look for something efficient, 90db/1-watt or higher to make the most of the power you have.

A few people I know have installed the infinity reference speakers (also JBL products since it is the same company) to head unit amplifiers and they sounded a lot sharper and better bass, but to get the full advantage you need an external amp (your head unit amp will probably clip out at high volumes giving distortion), this is why it is better to go for the lower end stuff speakers with the low power head unit amp. Polk makes some good speakers too. Just don't buy dual, insignia, blapunkt or any of the severly cheap brands. Also as phoenix_flame220 stated components are power hungry, so stay away from them with your setup. I am running infinity perfect 5.1 components and I am running ~300 watts to each speaker and it is amazing, but I thought I would let you know to put it into perspective.

I ran two 6x9 Infinity Reference speakers off of a generic head unit, and they sounded awesome. The fronts were two 5.25" Infinity Kappa speakers, and they're beautiful! I plugged in a 50W RMS per channel amp for the rear speakers, and they sounded so beautiful! The sound was amazing!

I'm going to move that amp to the front and get a bigger one for the rear speakers. So far, aside from the increased sound quality, which is probably a horrible comparison given the hardware, the speakers seem to move more while providing generally the same volume as before. It'* kind of cool.

I think i'm going to go with a pair of alpine SPS-69c2 has anyone had any luck with these. They seem to be well built for the price.