In response to gsteiner's questions.

[carstereopro]

Originally Posted by gsteiner

I'm an audiophile ....(which would enable me to plug in my Ipod..... )

I hope your music has been loaded onto your ipod in full bandwidth. As a self-proclaimed audiophile, I hate my Ipod as far as sound quality, but it definitely is convenient.

Originally Posted by gsteiner

I don't want to break the bank upgrading the car stereo--maybe $2k all in.

If you are a DYI guy, its possible. As always, I prefer professional installation, making $2k a tough price point.

Originally Posted by gsteiner

I've read about this and am under the impression that the head unit may be okay but that I should change speakers and the subs/amp in the rear.

Although speaker upgrades are a must, the HU may perform up to snuff if the right interface is used.

Originally Posted by gsteiner

What is your opinion of the BSW upgrades? And are there alternatives that I should consider?

I am not a huge fan of BSW. although they are decent for the DYI guy, there are other alternatives for the same or less money that will outperform them. BSW makes it a drop-in installation, where other equipment may require some fabrication abilities, or more advanced installation techniques.

I'll throw out a recommendation below.

Originally Posted by gsteiner

Perhaps I should consider changing the head unit as well

Yes, but is your $2k budget going to cover this too?

[carstereopro]

$2000 budget, DYI installation. (these are products I am familiar with so I may be biased)

Panasonic CQ-C8305U.....$300.00
Panasonic CA-DC300U.....$40.00
Boston Acoustics GT50....$525.00
Boston Acoustics Pro60....$400.00 (promo price, Pro60SE will be $599 next month)
Boston Acoustics SX65.....$150.00
Boston Acoustics G210PS..$350.00
Dash Kit..........................$35.00
harness...........................$15.00
antenna adapter...............$15.00
4ga Amp power wire.........$40.00
rca cables(mid grade).......$90.00
speaker wiring..................$50.00
Dynamat door kit..............$90.00
---------------------------------------

total------------------------$2100.00 (before tax)

I'd estimate installation running $500-700 depending on the shop.

If you were to substitute a good integration module for the HU, the prices wouldn't be too far off.

MTX Re-Q
Rockford 360.2
JL Cleansweep
etc....

[gsteiner]

Phil--Thanks very much for the detailed suggestions. I'll familiarize myself with everything and will write with any questions I have. -Gary