A good amp makes a BIG difference, find one with a low THD. I had a pioneer amp and it was stolen along with my head unit and I replaced the system and got talked into an eclipse amp. I wondered why my system didn't sound nearly as clear as before(same speakers) until someone pointed out the THD ratings
. I paided $250 for an amp with a .1 THD when I could have had one with a .003 THD for less
. I'm shopping a new amp now. I'm thinking pioneer or PPI..
I was searching
www.pricescan.com the other night and found this site
www.etronics.com. I can't recommend etronics because I've never used them, but they have some KILLER prices. You may want to inquire if their products are new, if you decide to order from them. I have ordered from buy.com a few times, I can recommend them.. no problems/fast delivery. Still, you can find better prices by using pricescan.
I never had kenwood before but I can tell you Pioneer is good unless you put an amp befind them. I added a 30watt Pioneer amp and cracked all my Pioneer 6 1/2s(the 'good' ones). I replaced with infinity kappas(can be had for $99 through Crutchfield), they have stood the test and come with a 3 yr warranty. There is better than infinity, I'm told(Polk, MB quartz?), .. but I'm happy with mine.
