Rep Power: 0

I have a 2002 honda civic LX-G sedan. I have factory speakers and head unit (cd and cassette).

I wanted to upgrade the head unit so I can have the option of USB/ipod connectivity. I know the speakers will sound a bit "better" with the upgrade.

I already have almost 200K on the car and I am not sure how long I will end up keeping it/ or it dies. At that point I will buy a new car and will probably not take the stereo to my new car. Hence I do not want to spend much on the system. I do not want a sub for sure.

I wanted to put in the Apline CDE 100 or 121. I was thikning of upgrading the speakers to something cheap like 50-70 dollar sony explodes or something really low end.

My question is, is it worth it to upgrade the speakers from factory to the really cheap speakers? Will there be a HUGE difference over stock or will the head unit be enough to bump out a bit more sound. Currently I find the system "adequate" for general listening.

set up 1: Stock speakers + apline head unit
set up 2: alpine head unit + wires + speaker + amp(do i have to add an amp if i get aftermarket speakers)

the alpine units are $70(cde 100) to $100(cde 121).

Thanks for you help guys.

 
Rep Power: 188

You don't have to buy an amp for stock size speakers, however a small amp for them will always produce "more" sound. If your just looking for something to hold you over till you sell it then you don't really need to upgrade..in my opinion some stock speakers sound better then the "cheap low end" speakers..however depending on the condition of your current speakers you might find a increase in quality..you can add a two way speaker which adds to your highs as well. Will it sound better yes, is it worth it depends on how bad you want it. I would not say its a HUGE difference but a noticable one yes..

 
Rep Power: 209

I only upgraded my head unit to a sony explode and the sound is MUCH better than the factory unit. Plus, getting to the rear speakers is a bitch on our cars cause you have to pull the rear deck off. If you aren't planning on keeping the car for a long time and none of your spears are blown out or anything, I'd stick to the head unit. You could always just get the head unit alone and see what you think of the sound. Then, if you want something better, you could upgrade the speakers too. There isn't really a reason you HAVE to do both at the same time. Good luck.

 
Rep Power: 0

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'll just stick to the head unit. I don't think I will be keeping this car for too long. My speakers are in good condition and work really well. When I put in a CD with a high quality song you can feel the bass from the speakers. Like its not horrible.

Also what should I be looking for in a head unit? Any specific features(I am not talking about bluetooth and that stuff, but more like power rating of at least 18RMS or minimum of 4V out pre-amp?) My friend also said that many of the lower end units don't have noise filtering so there might be a slight buzzing/hissing when I turn up the volume. Anyone had any problems with this?

 
Rep Power: 0

Don't be fooled by the peak or max power of a head unit. RMS is what you want. The higher the better.

 
Rep Power: 0

I was wondering if a $100 unit and a $300 unit would make a difference in sound with the stock speakers? If you upgraded the head units of 2 identical civics 1 with the $100 unit and 1 with the $300 unit would there be a significant difference? or with stock speakers any name branded head unit would suffice since the speakers are the weakest link?

 
Rep Power: 193

If it were my money, id buy this....More power, better display, more sound controls, right around the same price as the 121

 
Rep Power: 185

Pick up an open box headunit. I got my lnib Pioneer DEH-6300UB for $80 shipped, which is usually $125-$150 brand new. I love it, it's a great head unit. I liked it better than the dozen other ones I messed around with at the store.

 
Rep Power: 0

IMO best thing would be getting a good sub/amp with a headunit, wtv happens to the car(sell or wtv) you can still put back the stock head unit and take the subwoofer and amp out

 
Rep Power: 256

you don't sound very enthusiastic about your music since you mentioned what you have now is sufficient in that case i wouldn't buy anything yet not until you get your new car. otherwise your just going to have to re- install everything including buying a new dash kit to fit it. also the speaker will probably not fit i would just wait.

 
Rep Power: 0

@lowlife9... I know it sounds like I don’t like music but I am actually the opposite. I love my music. I love all genres of music from rnb to classical. I am very musically inclined. I love rich sound. Not necessary loud but quality. My dilemma is that the car is really old and I definitely won’t take the stereo into my next car.I don’t want to drop 400-600 dollars on a system. I just want the best bang for buck unit which will give me the option of USB/Ipod connectivity. I’m not really doing it for sound quality, more for functionality (at least with this Honda). I think I will just get a head unit for now and upgrade the speakers later. Thanks for all your help guys.

 
Rep Power: 188

Craigslist..you can find used quality for less than 200 bucks..

 
Rep Power: 0

I would suggest getting a GROM Audio interface. For $150 you add bluetooth, aux or iPod/iPhone connectivity to your factory deck. You can take the interface when you sell the car and you won't affect the value, you just swap out the interface cable if you don't get another Honda. I usually leave the factory deck and change the speakers. For $250 I upgraded to Boston Acoustics and added the GROM interface. I have an Infinity Basslink that I keep for whatever vehicle I have and only spend about $200 max to upgrade the interior speakers with the factory deck.

 
Rep Power: 0

If you aren't going to replace the factory speakers then spend as little as possible on the deck that gives you the basic functionality you seek, or get the GROM audio interface for your factory deck and take it with you to your next vehicle or leave it to add to the selling price of your what you have when you are ready to get rid of it.