Passenger side Sundown twiddler installed. This one went much more smoothly
It is such a big improvement even using the stock amplifier. Don't let anyone tell you that just dropping in speakers is a waste of time without an amp. You just need to get the right speakers (the more sensitive the better, and match the ohms).
Would giving the speakers more power improve their sound? Sure, but I am at halfway on the volume with the windows down in track mode (and a V8 engine) and I really don't need it much louder.
It's really clear now the door woofers are the weak link. Just like the stock tweeters they have almost a muffled sound and break up easy once you try to play them loud.
The Sundown SA-2.75FR v2 speakers were a direct drop in for the stock dash twiddler. Screw holes matched up perfectly to stock holes making this really straightforward.
You just really need to take your time taking everything apart not to scratch anything or break anything.
I would say so far the biggest impact was adding the subwoofer. If I did nothing else, this actually makes the stock system tolerable, but you do realize one you start swapping components how the stock speakers are just much more limited in terms of sound dynamics. They are clearly lacking and not playing the full frequency range.
In terms of cost, the Sundown twiddler was under $79 shipped (plus tax), and I did see it for $54.99 at one authorized online dealer but they were out of stock. If you did nothing else and dropped these in with a decent door woofer, it would be worth it.
Will post thoughts after the 6.5" Stevens Audio midbass drivers are installed. They should be here this weekend, I am just hoping I have time to install them