$150 to spend, what to buy first

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temper

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I recently picked up a 2001 Tahoe LT with the factory non-Base sound system with a factory sub. I'm no audiophile, but this system sounds like ass....no bass at all. I thought the driver's door speakers weren't working, but it turns out I just can't hear them while I'm driving. If I crank it up, it sounds okay, but still needs improvement. I found a thread on here where someone got improved sound after disconnecting their blown factory sub. My sub buzzes, so I disconnected it, but the sound didn't improve.

I'm eventually going to replace every audio component. But for now, I have $150 to spend via a reward given to me by my employer that can be used toward gift cards at a number of retailers, Crutchfield being one of them. I'm looking for suggestions as to what I should replace first. I figure for $150 (or a little more) I can get two things. So if you were in my shoes, would you get for now:

  • 2 sets of component speakers, one set each for the front and rear doors
  • 1 set of component speakers for the front doors, and a sub (only looking to put an 8" in the factory box)
  • 1 set of component speakers for the front doors, and an amp
  • Some other combination
I also understand that the factory system does the woofer/tweeter crossover at the amp. If I get a component system without the amp, I imagine I just need to hook them up to the factory wires without the new crossover until I get a new amp. Conversely, if I get a new amp without new speakers, I suppose I would need to add crossovers to the factory speakers?
 

NathanJax

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Replace the head unit first. It doesn't matter how good the speakers are if the signal going to them is crappy....

You still have a poor signal going to a new amp if you don't do the head unit first.
 
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temper

temper

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I was hoping to get a double din in-dash GPS head unit along with the Metra replacement dash, which will put me a bit over budget if I do that now. But it's still tempting, so I'm not dismissing your suggestion just yet. Thanks for the quick reply.
 

OhFourChevy

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Chizzychase

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definitely new head unit. it improves sound quality. Still wont have any bass whatsoever because of the bose system. it is a start in the right direction pioneer are the most popular double din headunit to get
 

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