i have a 2002 ranger with a stock 1 cd head unit and stock speakers. the sound is not good. should i replace the speakers or the head unit or both but im on a tight budget? if its the head unit are there any ford or after market units that look like a stock unit or are the same size as the stock unit that sound good. i dont want to get a flashy after market unit because i dont want to have to worry about someone stealing it.

 

I replaced the speakers first, with some Kenwoods and I was really surprised. They sounded much better although they didn't produce the same lows as the stockers did. Now that I have a new headunit, the lows are even better than stock and the highs are awesome.


GB :)

 

Wirelessly posted (Blackberry 8530)

I would do both. What's your budget? I have a Clarion 285USB head unit, and I love it. They are discontinued, but I see NOS units on ebay often for like $80-$90. It's not a double-din size, but the adapter for a single din in out trucks sits nice and low profile. That and a set of half-decent speakers and you would get superior sound to the factory system.

 

Ive done it both ways, and I have to say replacing the headunit first gave me the best sound. as long as your factory speakers are in good condition.
The stock speakers do well with the extra power. If the headunit also has highpass crossovers using it will allow you to clean up the lower frequencies that causes most of the poor sound (distortion).
I would say the factory headunits power output is more of a weak point then the speakers.
Unless you have the power available to run aftermarket speakers, I wouldn't bother with them imo.
A amplifier and aftermarket speakers would be the best sound for your buck but install is a bit more involved.