There is alot to look through here so don't get me wrong guys, i'm not here for quick help and then leave. I will keep looking for answers. My real quick question though is this. I've got a 97 Bonne SE that I want to get a little extra kick out of the sound system. I plan on replacing the HU later on as I've got plans for a nice carputer in there.
Right now I'm looking at a 10 or 12" Alpine Type-R sub, Rockford Fosgate Punch amps, and cap (if necessary) in. Will I need to upgrade the HU or can I leave it stock and save a bit of money before the other upgrades go in.

Anyways, back to my forum snooping looking for more details/ideas, and thanks in advance

[edit:] Just to add some more information as I see the 97 bonne was able to have the bose system as an option.. This one doesn't have it.

Okay, had more time to search around and I think I found the information I need I love it when that happens hehe.

You can run off of the stock system for now, but you'll have to buy a line output converter to splice into the two rear speakers. It basically takes the high output signal from the + and - speaker wires, and converts it to a low power output RCA signal. I've seen a few amplifiers that have them built it, but they weren't nice amps.

I've seen them at walmart, but I don't know what kind of quality it would provide.

EDIT: Example - http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/produ...do?oid=144134&

A lot of amps have high level inputs so you can tap into the rear 6x9 wires directly. Youll get better sound quality if you replace the deck and the rear 6x9s. Youll get a little more bass than stock and itll sound a lot cleaner. Also subs sound much better when ran off an aftermarket head unit.

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at the convertor if it'* needed. All the speakers and the headunit will be replaced eventually. I'm waiting on the headunit because i'm still searching around for the right one for the carputer i'm putting in. For the time being I'm willing to accept something a little less than the highest quality though.

Ican tell you from experience that the line out convertor sold at wal-mart (schoche) is really lousy quality. Also most (if not all) RF Punch amps do not have high level inputs (mine doesn't). This may have changed with thier newest lineup though. If you plan on getting it to sound best on the factory deck you may want to look into MTX'* reQ and reQ5. They keep the audio signal level (factory deck removes the bass at high volumes) and output low level RCA signal. The reQ5 was about $90 on ebay.

The ReQ is a pretty sweet device, but for your purpose a regular line-out converter will do. Get a Stinger one from Best Buy or something. Or get one online. The ReQ has a lot of really good features, but the biggest draw for it, is if you have a BOSE system that turns the bass down as you turn the radio up. If you dont have the Bose then its not the most cost effective option. You wont even be using the converter when you put your deck in anyway, so I wouldnt suggesat spending anymore money on stuff that you wont use to build your system later. Nothing against your suggestion, grandprix104, Im just sayin that it has a lot of features that you wont really need eventually.

No thats cool. I know that he wants to replace the HU but many times plans dont get finished very quickly.

I had a question though. My impression was that even the SE/base stereo without BOSE cut out the bass with volume. Maybe the HU amp just can't keep up at higher volumes. Can anybody clear this up?

The non-Bose system is just crap. As far as I know, it doesnt have any bass curves or anything, Its just very poor power. My mom has a 96 SE with the non-Bose tape deck. Its filth. If you MUST keep the factory deck, get an amp with high level ins, or use a converter. Since you are there you should run your REMOTE wire and your RCAs to the deck. Saves you having to get back into it later.

On another note, my personal favourite for a good all around system, is to get a solid 4 channel amp (40 amps or higher input) thats bridgeable (most are) and run your 4 speakers off 2 channels and run your one sub off of the other 2 bridged.

You lose your fader, but your aftermarket speakers will sing with that extra power.

I hear you there!