Better sound on a budget

[gary700]

Yes, another audio question, but I didn't really get what I wanted from past posts.

Just bought a second hand 2007 CL (LT series). I'm not really that impressed by the stereo and want to make some simple and low cost changes so I can enjoy the music a little more.

The main thing I want to hear is mid range vocals. The other bits like good bass etc are great, but I know I wont get it on a budget.

The question is, if I only replace the front speakers (with a pair of reasonable 6.5 inch speakers and tweeters), I'm I actually going to clean-up the sound or I'm wasting money without doing a head unit replacement? What is the general opinion as to the quality of the factory head unit for a late Focus?

Thanks

[MW_WA]

I would say the the best cheap "bang for your buck" change would be exactly what you are proposing. Replace the fronts with a good quality pair of 6" splits.

The Focus actually has some very nice front doors in terms of not losing bass base frequencies so there is no reason that you shouldn't get a pretty good sound upgrade from this simple change.

The major problem with the head unit, as with most factory units, is its power. For this reason there is not much point spending too much on the speakers as they won't need to handle much power, unless you plan on maybe upgrading to an amp later on. (which is always better, so consider it if your budget can cope. Even the most basic 2 channel amp will let you drive your speakers harder without the sound crapping out)

[Mullett]

Pick up a 2nd hand 4 channel amp, a high-low level convertor (to run your speaker wires into RCAs for the amps, $10 each from Jaycar.com.au), and the best front speakers that your budget will cover. Use the rear output to run the rear speakers (for now) and when you can afford it, a *small* sub in a box will run happily off the rear channel. Whole system should cost you less than $500 including the sub, $300 without.

-RM.

[gary700]

Sounds like replacement of the front speakers is the way to go.

I was thinking about a pair from Jaycar http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=CS2329&CATID=15&keywords=&SPECI AL=&form=CAT&ProdCodeOnly=&Keyword1=&Keyword2=&pag eNumber=&priceMin=&priceMax=&SUBCATID=602

Not a 100% if that crossover can be housed in the existing molding tho.

Any others recommendations? Clarion or Fusion?

Also, if anyone has advice or knows of a "how-tos" for removing the door panel and speakers, it would be appreciated.

[BlackLS]

[gary700]

Thanks