audio help... now what

[mike3311]

When my brother asked what I wanted for xmas the other week, I mentioned that I was eyeing a pair of cheap speakers to slap in as part of the interior restoration. Anything's an upgrade over the single mono deal right? Well, the man presented me with a quality pair of 6.5" 500 watt speakers this afternoon and I've been trying to figure out all evening what to do with them.

My original plan was to buy a new head unit, a pair of cheap speakers and walk away. But now that I'm presented with the chance for real sound, I don't know where to start. I'm pretty sure I need an amplifier now, right?

If anyone has an idea of a good (cheap) way for me to get these in and sounding they way they should, please help. Mounting is not an issue, I can figure that out. I just need to know what head unit and amplifier (if needed) to go with.

Thanks.