3. CD/Tape player - stock in the '01-'03 EGT is pretty average and has enough power to push most aftermarket speakers, and can support the RCA's for an smplifier for a sub, but it doesn't give the option for a full graphic equalizer like most aftermarket, so no matter how much you invest in the speakers, with the original deck it still won't give that articulate sound. The new Kenwood unit in the '04 is a definite improvement, though.
 
CD Players:
 
1. All are good, Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, JVC, just find what you like with the options you want, and your set, I have a Pioneer DEH-6400, has 6 ot 7 different motion displays, is a teal blue display, with a decent equalizer.
 
Speakers:
 
1. What brand is better for what you want. If you like bass, and the deeper mid-tones, JL Audio, JVC, and Rockford Fosgates, usually have a deeper power range for sound more bass less taste. For more articulate speakers, which give amazing mids and highs, Boston Acoustics, Blaupunkt, and Kenwood are my picks for the higher sound liking people like me. Also for better highs go with a 2-way, dome tweeter for anything from 3"- 6 3/4" speakers, for 6x9's definitely go with 3-way.
 
2. Front door components, very nice, always go German though, they are indestructable, so either Blaupunkt or Audiobahn
 
Adding that Extra Thump:
 
1. By all means subwoofers are not solely for bass, which will rattle the car to pieces, I have a subwoofer but not for mind blowing bass, but to add that extra sound, just like a Surround Sound Home Theater System does, just gives it a little extra something. If the music you listen to has faster bass beats, then either an 8" or 10" would be best, very very responsive to fast paced beats, but still give adequite sound. For more of the slower bass lines, a 12" is very nice. I have one JL Audio 12" subwoofer, with about 130 watts going to it, it's perfect, just enough to add, so it becomes a more beautiful sound.
 
2. Want loud bass, double the amount, double the sound, two twelves, VERY FUN for extreme bass, two tens will give you the same amazing response, and will just be louder.
 
Amplifiers:
 
1. How much does your subwoofer need to make a sound, the RMS RANGE on my 12" is between 110-180 RMS, most subs will have quite a wide range for the RMS level required, so you can make a good choice on how much you want it to thump.
 
2. Personal experience with brands is that, Alpine, best bang for the buck. Rockford Fosgate, better before 1999. Kicker, EXTREMELY under rated, they kick about 1/3 more than what they claim. Kenwood, Nice, but the Michelin of the amp world, a little overpriced for what your getting.
 
Wiring:
 
1. Subwoofer, unless your amplifier is kicking out more than 1200-1500 watts ALL THE TIME, then an 8 gauge wire kit from Best Buy, or your local Stereo Store will be fine. the kits usually include, Power Wire, with the fuse housing and fuse already installed, Ground Wire, RCA's which have the remote wire built into it. But pick up some extra spades, they don't have any on the end of the wire going into the amplifier, they are a lifesaver trust me, if you don't you can talk to my 1st three amps that I blew!!! From the amp to the sub 12 gauge is good, very good, they carry the sound with nothing but clarity.
 
2. Speakers in doors or rear panels/deck the stock wire should be fine, they are about a 14-16 gauge which are perfectly fine for normal speakers, unless you wanna put 6 speakers in your front door!