ok, I just replaced the HU in my 1999 TL and as you all said, the quality pretty much sucks with the factory Bose speakers. My question: What would anyone recommend as far as replacing the existing speakers as affordable as possible? I wasn't planning on doing this yet, but they really sound bad. I don't care about a booming system, just a good overall quality one. Also, amp? I know it is mostly personal preferance, but I'm looking for ideas. Just something decent for the money. I'd rather spend my money on the rest of the car.
Thanks

 

As far as speakers I personally like the Infiniti speakers and Im sure other people here would tell you the same. The sound very clear and crisp and have good power to them, you can pick up a good set of Infiniti Reference for about $90/pair.

An amp would make it sound much better, clearer, and louder. As far as amps go everyone has their brand preference but I suggest getting a 4-channel amp, I have MTX amps and have never had any problems with them and they are somewhat cheap.

 

Everyone's probably sick of hearing me pimp out the Infinity Reference speakers... but I think they are great. They have one of the highest Sensitivity ratings of speakers in their price range. Which means good.

I had 4 Inf. Ref speakers in my old Accord and anyone that rode with me always loved the sound. They were just powered by the head unit, but they really did sound great.

They are amung the top end for their price range. Yes, there are better... there are more expensive too. No they are not "the best" for everyone... I highly prefer them to anything else (that I can afford )

 

I have the infinity 605cs reference comps. up front ($110 a pair) and infinity 6953i 6x9 3 ways in the back ($88 a pair). They sound awesome even off my 4 year old alpine HU. I can crank it up pretty high without distortion. I would definately recommend them.

 

Infinity, Polk, Boston Acoustics... all in the same price-to-sound category pretty much... I personally have all Boston speakers... home and car... and ive installed them in both of my parents vehicles... they have a great overall sound, and I can get good prices on them!!!

Polk is my second choice... again, a very clean, warm sounding speaker.

All 3 companies have different "levels" of quality... like Infinity's Reference and Kappa lines... Boston and Polk both have numerous product lines.

Their lower priced models share some of the great sound of their bigger siblings... just at a more reasonable price... with the higher prices models, you'll get increaced power handling, usually better build quality and other "extras" that add up to better sound. But, the higher priced models, also usually require a little more power to produce their best sound as compared to the cheaper ones.

I do not have the high-end Boston speakers... and I am still overly pleased with them...

I definatly say which ever of those 3 you can get a hold of... go for it... if you can, listen to them in person... its not always the best way to tell, as they will sound totally different in your car, but it gives you a good idea.

 

Ok thanks, I know it seems pretty obvious, but you guys are walking me through this...almost as we post. As mentioned in a previous post, I got the Hu installed and bypassed the amps to the factory Bose. It quit working after about ten min. I have to wait till after new years to take it back up to the shop. My HU is working fine as far as display, equalizer, etc. Just getting no output to the speakers. Any idea while I'm waiting as to what happened?
Also, my friend and I have put speakers in cars numerous times. I think we can add the speakers ourselves, especially since the amp has "supposedly" already been bypassed. For those of you who have a TL, what sizes are needed? I've looked at a couple of sites and went to Best Buy to look on their chart and keep getting different answers. Is it 6 1/2 's on all doors with the 10" sub in the back?

 

Its been a while since ive done a TL... I really cannot remember the sizes, but im almost positive the sub is 10", not that it really matters though when changing the speakers.

My guess, since the aftermarket head-unit is built to power 4ohm speakers, its protection is kicking in because the bose speakers are 2 ohm... which is too difficult for a weak little deck amp to power.