Is it worth swapping out just speakers?
 

I have been asking a lot of audio-related questions here without getting a lot of answers (many thanks to those who have answered!), so I'll keep this brief. Is it worth swapping out the stock speakers without swapping or adding anything else other than the head unit and a sub in the trunk? So no changing wiring, no adding an amp other than for the sub, and no changing crossovers. Is that worth it for someone that isn't an audiophile but just wants the sound to be better without spending a shit-ton of money?

Since sound is hugely subjective, it depends. What exactly do you mean by better? Where is the stock system lacking for you? What do you want to improve?

I wish I could explain, but I can't. I know it needs bass, which I'm taking care of, but I don't have the audio knowledge to describe what's missing. I came out of a car with a Boston Acoustics system that was really good stock, and the BRZ just pales in comparison. I know one thing is lack the bass, but that's it. I just want it to sound better. Not the best, just better.

You'll be underdriving the good aftermarket speakers most likely, though, so that will be a problem as you're more likely to accidentally hit cutoff that way (perfectly good way to blow speakers) b/c of the increased demand.

It's okay to go with them as a starting point as long as you plan to then upgrade the HU soon after, or better yet, plan to amp them soon after.

If you're going to amp the sub you might as well just amplify the stock speakers as well with a 4 or 5 channel amp.

I already have an aftermarket head unit. What does that change?

It's an all-in-one sub with built-in amp. I don't plan on buying another amp.

I think theres two amps. one for your subs and one for your speakers.

There's a stock amp in the car, and there's an amp built into my aftermarket subwoofer. Any speakers I swap out would be connected to the stock amp and/or the head unit, with no aftermarket amps involved other than for the sub.

If you're just looking for marginally better sound, I'd suggest replacing the stock door speakers. They're the ones run off the amp, and deaden the doors while you're swapping out the speakers. If you're happy after that, then no need to upgrade the other speakers.

That's really exactly what I was hoping to do. After I installed my sub, I sat in the car and tried to figure out exactly what was wrong with the stock speakers. The doors produce a really...bad bass? It's just not very clear, if you can describe bass like that. I think people that know what they're talking about when it comes to audio call this "muddiness," but I'm not sure. I'd really just like to drop some better speakers in there to clear that up, but I don't know if that'll help. I'm assuming I'd need to put some mid-bass drivers in the doors, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

(And Dynamat is on my Christmas list.)

Yes, mid-bass drivers. Deaden and seal the doors and I'm sure you'll be happy with that.

I agree with the last few posts. You should get a much better sound by simply replacing the door speakers. I did this in my old truck without changing the wiring or adding an amp (I had an aftermarket head unit also) and it was a huge improvement. Good upgrade on the cheap for good enough sound in my opinion. I'll end up doing exactly this in the 86 eventually.

I will qualify all my responses with the fact I'm doing a complete install in my car. So, I won't be doing just the above recommendation.