2nd gen upgrade

I want to upgrade my stereo this year but I don't need to get crazy with it I'm planning on keeping the stock head unit and throwing in some kicker speakers and tweeters. I've read that a sound processor will help get better sound quality so what would you guys recommend for a sound processor that won't break the bank? I'm also planning on stripping the whole interior and laying in some Sound deadening material because I've read that helps a lot. Of like to keep the stock stereo so I can still use the factory Mic and the steering wheel controls, but I'm open to replacing it if there is another head unit or there that will let me keep these features or have it so it would be relatively easy to regain use of the stock features (Mic and steering wheel controls)

Summary of my plans:
Stripping interior, laying in sound deadening
New kicker speakers all around
Sound processor (if you think it would help)
-or-
New relatively cheap head unit

Like I said I don't need anything crazy, I just want some better sound.
I'm not worried about a sub, I can't justify having one.

I've done some research but I would like to get input for my situation here but I couldn't find any like it.
I will keep looking but hopefully you guys can give me some advice to point me in the right direction

 

Unfortunately, keeping the stock stereo isn't as cheap and easy as it used to be, and keeping it actually adds to the overall stereo upgrade budget. It costs on average about $300 just to retain the stock radio/navigation when upgrading the overall system. A DSP like the JL Audio Fix 86 is needed to correct the audio signal and make typical set of outputs for input into amps...if your thinking about running a few amps. If you want a basic audio upgrade, upgrading the head unit is the place to start. Apparently the stock speakers will come to life a little more when changing out the head unit ( I can't confirm this though). What I can confirm is that adding aftermarket speakers to only the stock radio will actually reduce bass...aftermarket speakers usually need fed amplified power to come alive.

The Alpine CDE W265BT head unit has a lot of basic sound processor capabilities included, like independent Front/Rear/Sub crossover and slope control, a very basic time correction, and a 9 band parametric eq (which allows adjustment of the center frequencies, Q and levels). If you are into tuning, you may eventually outgrow these functions and require a real sound processor. This head unit does lack power though for higher output and will need its complimenting power brick amp or regular amp to sustain the bass. Also, its been around since 2015 - so Alpine might be ready to release new stuff (they refresh the head units every 2-3 years).