Well, how far do you want to go? You can spend a perverse amount of money even without getting a single sub.
Other people here have been saying that the stock speakers don't sound too bad themselves -- it's just that they're underpowered. That would lead me to think that just adding a 4-channel amp would be fine, or even a 2-channel running the front speakers and run the rears off the stock head.
By then, I would be thinking of getting nicer speakers, and running a lot more power. It could get pretty darned loud with some good speakers driven with even fifty watts per channel.
Sticking with the stock head can present some problems, though. Its sound, while not bad, isn't the greatest. Using a speaker level-to-RCA convertor will also take away a *smidge* of clarity, and would be another possible way to introduce noise (or avoid that convertor by using an amp with speaker-level inputs). You also wouldn't have some of the sound shaping features common in medium- to high-priced heads, although you could add an EQ device (which could also add noise).
Usually, a clean-sounding system will have as few parts as possible. I would consider a new strong-powered head & good speakers as a minimum for myself.
**EDIT****
Now that I think about it some more (and re-read your original post), I thought of another option...
Smallish speakers, or more accurately full-range speakers, just can't properly "hit" strongly & clearly enough for my metal/rock tastes. Adding a sub will let you take the bass out of the main speakers, which will let them play cleaner and louder.
But, a sub doesn't always have to be two feet across. Maybe add some small 6-1/2" or 8" bass speakers, in either the original rear speaker locations or custom kick panel pods in front. They would definitely require an amp.
If I were to go that route, and keep the stock head, I would go with:
- stock head
- 4x50W (at least) amp with internal crossover, taking input from the head's front speaker leads
- run the front speakers from two of the amp's channels, the new bass speakers from the other two channels, and run the stock rear speakers off the head
- aftermarket front components in stock locations
- aftermarket 6-1/2"-8" dedicated bass speakers in front pods
- stock rear speakers
Why don't I want to change the rears in this hypothetical setup? They're only back there for fill, and shouldn't be distracting from the front soundstage.
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