what is the cheapest noticable upgrade to stock for non-audiophile?

[Boston X5 4.4]

I am sure you audiophiles will pull your hair with this question, but anyway here goes....
I had HK premium in my 03 330Ci and although was happy with it, didn't feel that it was worth the additional 1K or so when I got my X5.
The X5 stock stereo is OK (and I just hooked up the hardwired i-pod)
, again not being a real audiophile, question is what is a quick/cheap addition that I would find some noticable improvement .......someone recommended addition of a sub? Comments? (Ridicules?)
Thanks much

[el_duderino]

It would help if you spec'd a budget, and which stereo level you have and # of speaks.

I would say that a sub is the easiest upgrade if you are willing to live with a box... for a hidden sub, it's not that cheap.

But what's YOUR biggest complaint or issue with the sound?

[Boston X5 4.4]

It's got the 'standard' stereo; in dash CD, No NAV, not premium.
I have upgraded stereos in the past - using Crutchfield (I know you guys are probably shuddering at this) - but it was for a straight speaker and bass install/plug in.
I have'nt done anything on a BMW before and am electronically challenged. I was wondering if a bass addition is worth it and if its something I could do on my own - i.e. using Crutchfield install kits.
(This is a v low budget mod)

[el_duderino]

Nothing wrong with Crutchfield.

So I believe that means you have 6" and tweeters in each of the 4 doors? Is it an 8-speaker system overall?

The biggest improvement many people cite is adding bass... but I was asking what your perceived biggest lack was. It sounds like it's bass, but it also sounds like you're not sure. What type of music seems least satisfying to listen to?

Me personally, I'd probably upgrade the components in at least the front first, because mids and highs being clear and accurate bass is more important than sub bass. I also HATE taking up floor space with a sub, so if I can't hide the sub or stuff it in a corner I don't do one. Funny for a guy who owns a stereo shop, I guess, but I can't abide a sub eliminating useful trunk or hatch cargo area.

With a budget target, it would be easier to make suggestions. But there are a lot of bass-only add-ons in here, I recall.

[statdoc]

Hey, Boston, what did you ever decide to do?

[JV]

Originally Posted by el_duderino

Nothing wrong with Crutchfield.

So I believe that means you have 6" and tweeters in each of the 4 doors? Is it an 8-speaker system overall?

The biggest improvement many people cite is adding bass... but I was asking what your perceived biggest lack was. It sounds like it's bass, but it also sounds like you're not sure. What type of music seems least satisfying to listen to?

Me personally, I'd probably upgrade the components in at least the front first, because mids and highs being clear and accurate bass is more important than sub bass. I also HATE taking up floor space with a sub, so if I can't hide the sub or stuff it in a corner I don't do one. Funny for a guy who owns a stereo shop, I guess, but I can't abide a sub eliminating useful trunk or hatch cargo area.

With a budget target, it would be easier to make suggestions. But there are a lot of bass-only add-ons in here, I recall.

Dude, can you move to the East Coast already? The car stereo/electronics "experts" and installers in the DC area are 99% pricks who look down upon you if you do not posess their level of knowledge and geekdom on auto sound and electronics. Good to hear from someone who put it down on the layman's level.

JV

[Rob_]