Who likes the stock speakers?

The stock headunit puts out a pretty clean signal. The lack of bass response in the other speakers you tested was more likely due to their sensitivity and frequency response range--you can't just expect all speakers of the same size to have the same response range and curve. I'm running Precision Power 3-ways up front (with their AMT tweeter--amazing!) and a Stereo Integrity BM Mk IV under the trunk floor, with the full-range signal from the stock headunit run through a DSP-88R. I have the front midbass crossed at 85 Hz; they don't like to play much lower than 45.

 

That was an issue for me. I thought it'd be nice to have the upgraded sound system, but then I realized every stock sound system I've had for the last 15 years was pretty darn good for "driving music." If you live in your car, I could see wanting concert hall quality.