dkny

Getting the stock stereo out was a nightmare. I tried with coat hangers, small screwdrivers, and was not able to release the clips. After a few small scratches on the dash, a few blisters, and 2 hours, I brought it to a future shop. The guy had problems too, but he managed to get it out after several minutes by loosening the dash, and accessing the deck from the sides throught the glove compartment. I tipped him well.

I don't have much money but I think I have a pretty good system for what I spent. I used my old deck Pioneer DEHP2000 - these drive the rear stocks (I didn't change these). For the front speakers I got 6.5" Infinity Reference 652i (87 CAD + tax(I got these at cost)). These are driven by a Pioneer X352 Amp (99 + 25 s/h CAD(last years model clearance)). Unfortunately my deck only has rear RCA outs and these goto the amp so I have no fader control. The speakers were mounted on 1/4" MDF plywood.

In order to overpower the stock rears, I turned the gain up on the amp to full blast. The Infinities are incredible! The instruments sound much more lifelike, and I hear things that I havent heard before from my CD's, like percussion, piccolo's- even the breathing of the soloists. Mid to high range is super clear, probably as clear if not more clearer than my friends bose acousitmass home theater.

The only thing lacking is bass, but I'm hoping the Infinity 6x9's for the rear deck will be enough so that I don't need a subwoofer.

Oh this car is a lease and we had to drill 3 holes into the chassis. (watch out for the brake lines) We put silicone on the top and some spray gunk on the underside for rust prevention. I hope this doesn't give me problems returning the car - but I'm loving it so much I'll prob keep it.