aftermarket Vs OEM Options

[njccmd2002]

even tough the celica came with amplified system, and I yanked it out, I have tried to get a good sound system and im yet to find something good.

Ok for example I have a alpine, top of line cd player with an amplifier to speakers. and the sound was not very good compared to when i plugged in a scion FRS Radio, to test for sale.

I was amazed how the OEM radio, sounded better and much nicer than my alpine stereo.

I know the speakers have a lot to do, but why do some oem stereos sound much better than the aftermarket ones.

What are some characteristics i need to look at?

I want to upgrade my stereo, but i dont see anything out there that calls my attention. Now a days stereos are nothing but a bunch of fancy lights. Call me old school, but i like the nakamichis a lot, because of the simplicity in design, but the fact that they have almost no ipod or iphone capability sucks...



but they are very expensive, alpine has dissapointed me.. and their speakers are somewhat garbage. used to get a nice sound of the old stereos, but now a day, it seems u need to run an amp for every head unit.. And i dont want that....

i dont want flashy big UFO knobs...

i like this a lot..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nakamichi-MB-X-Bra...=item1e5dd38b73

i dont know if this is a rant, or stupid. but I want to be pleased with a stereo, yet i dont find anything...