Can one get a high end car sound system on a shoestring budget?

In 1989, Daniel L. Ferguson wrote an audio cook book, claiming that the simple addition of an amplified subwoofer with a crossover network to an otherwise standard factory sound system will put most car audio systems to shame. LA CAR puts the Ferguson recipe to the test in a 2010 MINI Cooper with the standard (and pretty mediocre-sounding) sound system…

http://www.lacar.com/?p=4583

 

I started out doing something like this but when I discovered I could get good money for the stock head unit, HK amp, and HK front components and replace them with nicer aftermarket stuff with more options like ipod hook-up and bluetooth for not much more than what I sold the stock stuff for I ditched it all and went aftermarket.
Invested less than $600 and have now gotten over $500 for all the stock stuff.

 

Damn this website, makes me want to spend more money!

 

I added an AMP & Sub to my stock system in 06 and haven't made a change since. There's no need.

 

Very interesting concept, but at 5 watts per channel, I doubt this solution would be enough to cure the stock MINI sound system's deficiencies. ...Now, maybe this approach, in conjunction with an aftermarket head unit/mild amp--and you'd have something... Hmmm...