Advice on reasonable audio upgrades please?

[lopro]

I'm wanting to upgrade my audio, but not ridiculous 12" subs (although that would be nice). Here are my wishes: 1. To have dvd/mp3 capabilities, so I don't have to keep changing discs. Not to watch movies. Maybe usb memory stick? 2. To increase volume, quality, and bass. I'm not trying to win sound competitions or cut new speaker holes in my doors, just feel and hear the bottom end a little bit. 3. To make minimal changes. I would love to only change the deck and not put subs in the trunk and several gigantic amps, etc. I've done that when I was younger. Now I just want a subtle boost that is reasonable and not a complicated install. It would be nice to still use all of the existing dash controls of the car as well. I have a 2004. Any reasonable suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanx.

[atac]

Eclipse SP6500 85.00 usd front component speakers
Kicker ZX350.4 (10ZX350.4) around 200.00-250.00 usd
JVC Arsenal KD-ADV49 head unit around 300.00 usd
Pioneer Premier TS-W1008D4 10 inch sub around 60.00 usd
and you can find a box for trunk anywhere from 30.00 to 80.00 depends on where u want it
and dynamat 100.00 usd
your total is
around 800.00 usd
plus the labor :they will charge 20.00 for front speakers 10 for putting a dynamat which is 30.00 or 40.00
70.00 for amp
70.oo for sub
100.00 for head unit plus if you want to control volume and etc.from the side panel another 90.00 bucks

AROUND 400.00 BUCKS LABOR if you know people that u work or it can go up to 1000.00

i put everything by my self plus capacitor
and all system cost me around 1000.00 usd.and i finished it in 4 hours.

[Dmaye]

A good HU with a decent lvl+used Ipod, comp setup, modify dci, (Depending on year u may need the roll speakers). U should be able to do it all for about $500+- a bill. and not add stupid weight or insane mods to the car

[Rudy-S2k]

Originally Posted by Dmaye

A good HU with a decent lvl+used Ipod, comp setup, modify dci, (Depending on year u may need the roll speakers). U should be able to do it all for about $500+- a bill. and not add stupid weight or insane mods to the car

No offense, but I notice that you troll the hell out of the audio section preaching weight savings, etc. Do you just want to raise your post count or what? I've read quite a few threads on here and you usually don't contribute anything to the topic other than me lol'ing at you talking about weight savings when you have carbon overlay fenders that I'm willing to bet weigh more than stock.

[turbosix]

rofl, what is going on here

[Dmaye]

Originally Posted by Rudy-S2k

No offense, but I notice that you troll the hell out of the audio section preaching weight savings, etc. Do you just want to raise your post count or what? I've read quite a few threads on here and you usually don't contribute anything to the topic other than me lol'ing at you talking about weight savings when you have carbon overlay fenders that I'm willing to bet weigh more than stock.

the carbon overlay fenders @ 12lbs (that equals lighter the stock btw) are a ton lighter then a 100lbs system in a two door convertible . I was trying to tell the dude about the modifry DCI, roll hoop speakers, and the ipod bein the easy way out as far as not changing CD's and thank you for bein so concerned with my posts. looks like we have a new Moderator.

[Rudy-S2k]

100 lbs where? No way a simple box with a 10" sub and an amp will equate to 100 lbs. Either way 100 lbs would equate to 1/10th of a second in the 1/4 mile and is hardly noticeable in an already relatively slow vehicle. It's stationary weight and wouldn't make a huge impact in handling either.

Regardless, a small system like the one being asked for would weigh >50lbs.

[RMurphy]

Originally Posted by Rudy-S2k

No offense, but I notice that you troll the hell out of the audio section preaching weight savings, etc. Do you just want to raise your post count or what? I've read quite a few threads on here and you usually don't contribute anything to the topic other than me lol'ing at you talking about weight savings when you have carbon overlay fenders that I'm willing to bet weigh more than stock.

Well that was entertaining.

Rudy, I'm sure you're a nice enough guy and all, but it's poor form to show up and diss the locals when you've only got 4 posts under your belt. Dmaye's alright. He's tested the waters already and he's carried his own weight here. It's a practice I highly recommend, not that you asked for my opinion. Much like DMaye didn't ask for yours.

[Rudy-S2k]

I assure you my post count has nothing to do with my competence. While I am new to this forum and hate to get off on the wrong foot, I did lurk the boards as an unregistered viewer for quite some time. I'm well aware of the hierarchy.

A public forum will get a multitude of opinions. That's probably the meaning of an open forum. You say something, fully accepting of what answers will come, much like your all's response to my own.

I may be new, but I am well versed in the art of conversation and have spent years talking cars/tech online. I assure you I am not set out to step on toes, I just hate seeing people talk down on adding mods to vehicles when they forget... we aren't race car teams, we're enthusiasts. Enthusiast meaning we drive the vehicles we own because we love them and because we want to enjoy them as much as possible. Myself being somewhat of an audiophile find it rather monotonous when someone talks about weight and the like from systems. 2 wires later you can remove said weight for any events you may be doing and still have an awesome sound system.

Either way, to post on a public forum and say, "I didn't ask for your opinion." is simply ridiculous amongst other words I would use but will refrain from sharing out of respect.

He gave his opinion, I'm gave mine, you gave yours. No one is going to get their feelings hurt in a simple discussion and there is no disrespect intended from anyone as far as I can see, aside from your easily spotted and somewhat snide closing remark. Cheers.

[RMurphy]

LOL! Rudy, you are an entertaining sort, if nothing else. You um, *did* diss dmaye by inquiring if all he's interested in is raising his post count. The implication is that his posts have no value other than to serve the purpose of post whoring, and that's not something he needs to do. But, you're welcome to make sure we all know you were just *joking* of course. It wasn't clear, but maybe you were. Maybe. Possibly. In some fashion.

I'm not sure why the swimming sperm emoticon was added, but I'm not sure it merits any further thought. No, my initial closing remark was *not* intended to be snide. It was intended to point something out in a light hearted manner. The closing remark just added here, however, is not even thinly veiled.

[Rudy-S2k]

Understood, Mr. Murphy. Those who know me from other forums will find that I rarely make a post with the intent of being overly serious or insulting. Most of the time it's friendly ribbing and it is a habit that the military has instilled in me. I apologize in advance for anything that is taken ill as opposed to a, "Yeah, well up yours too buddy!" kind of response. I am plenty capable of taking jokes/remarks/comments/etc. with grace.

Hence, the "no offense" in my post and the sperm.

Take my posts with a grain of salt as far as the insults go and look into them when I post an actual tech response. I assure you I'm only here to learn more and to help others with what I know. I'm glad to know I could be useful to an extent in the entertainment area.

If I could be of any use to this thread aside from that, I would like to add that whatever aftermarket head-unit the OP obtains, I would recommend getting one that has an AUX port for you to connect your MP3 player to. It's easier than running wires and you can plug almost anything into it. I also swear that my aftermarket HU is lighter than stock!

[lopro]

Originally Posted by Rudy-S2k

Take my posts with a grain of salt ...

Grain of salt taken...my thread has been duly salted.

But seriously, any more suggestions on subtle audio enhancements? I was thinking of replacing head unit & door speakers. Will that give me some decent kick without a box in the trunk?

Thanx.

[s2000isu]

Originally Posted by Rudy-S2k

No offense, but I notice that you troll the hell out of the audio section preaching weight savings, etc. Do you just want to raise your post count or what? I've read quite a few threads on here and you usually don't contribute anything to the topic other than me lol'ing at you talking about weight savings when you have carbon overlay fenders that I'm willing to bet weigh more than stock.

Well I am going to have to stick up for dmaye on this one. In my younger days I was a big audio nerd and to tell you the truth while im not as critical as I once was I always need to have a nice sounding stereo in my vehicle. With that being said the s2000 is about the dumbest car anyone could ever put a large stereo in besides maybe the ariel atom. I had a small sub setup in mine and it was not worth the time money or weight. I would suggest a nice 2 channel amp, hu, and speakers anything more then that is wasting money in this car but thats just my opinion.

[Dmaye]

guys let him speak freely. we all have a right to post op's here. i did see that as a half handed attack but it's all good in the hood. i still say if anything rip out the pos oem crap and buy an ipod and good bose headphone because we probably don't wanna hear u bump up the road plus bose has great sound

[Dmaye]

oh back on topic let's help OP. go the modiry's website and start by buyin a good HU that will work with the the DCI like i said before.

[RMurphy]

Originally Posted by Rudy-S2k

Understood, Mr. Murphy.

*rolls eyes* Okay Mr. Rudy.

[philiam]

I think he made my puter pregnant.

[Dmaye]

Wow Rudy making friends I can see. Please remember this site is for social/car talk. Just because you're smarter then us and have great ppl skill doesn't mean the great friends u've made on here will comma running to help you if the time comes. In only 8 post you have made some great ppl look down on u so if u wish to continue the flow of things by all mean do so, but please don't blame ur attitude on being a member of armed services it makes our great nations heroes look like jerks. I am around soldiers both at work and home and they all know who to act when others are watching (as u should know that's part of the job: discipline) . The post u sent directed to me should have been sent PM but I can understand why it wasn't I was 18 once too. I also had a system then too when Pioneer made 10"s

[lonestarbuzz]

lopro - i think you will notice a big difference with a new HU and some new door speakers. i put an alpine in my and some new speakers and i really like it. you will get more bass definition - the HU will power and the speakers will be a little tighter. i would try that first, and if it's not enough, put a nice 2 ch. amp in to power the door speakers.

[lopro]

Originally Posted by lonestarbuzz

lopro - i think you will notice a big difference with a new HU and some new door speakers. i put an alpine in my and some new speakers and i really like it. you will get more bass definition - the HU will power and the speakers will be a little tighter. i would try that first, and if it's not enough, put a nice 2 ch. amp in to power the door speakers.

Now that's the kinda feedback I was hoping to hear...any suggestions on speakers? or HU?


And Dmaye...what's DCI? I'm kinda green in this area. My last sound install was probably 6x9s, a sub, and punch 45 amp!

[turbosix]

dci = dash control interface. modifry (www.modifry.com) makes something that basically plugs into the back of your head unit (stick with alpine or pioneer!) and allows you to retain use of the controls by your left hand.

[lonestarbuzz]

i have an alpine head unit (9885 i believe) which allows me to hook up my ipod. my speakers are polks (of the shallow variety). the shallow speakers fit in our doors without modification. these are not the best speakers, but i think they sound fine for our cars. i'm an audiophile indoors, but there is no way of truly reaching audiophile quality in our cars (at least not cheaply). focals are good speakers too, if you want to bump the budget a little.

the DCI is very important. i got one from modifry and it was stupid easy to install. get the plug n play harness. as mentioned, this lets you use your dash controls on the left side of your steering wheel.

[desmo4]

A set of Focal 165-K2P's in the doors and good 4 channel amp with 18 db/ octave crossovers or better built in with an IDA Hu and an Ipod will give you enough bass and clarity to satisfy some very discriminating ears. Without filling the trunk with a sub box.


Jonathan

[Jigawa]

I put a new system in my car awhile ago. I just put in a new h/u with some door speaker in to start and I liked it alot. I was thinking about throwing in a sub in the trunk but never did. I would start with that and if you like it and it works for yea, there you go. If it's not and you think you need more then go with a sub. I went with a kenwood set up and was still able to keep my dci. I would recommend the Ipod set up. I didn't go with it in the S but did in my Audi and I'm regretting it so much.

[lopro]

Originally Posted by desmo4

A set of Focal 165-K2P's in the doors and good 4 channel amp with 18 db/ octave crossovers or better built in with an IDA Hu and an Ipod will give you enough bass and clarity to satisfy some very discriminating ears. Without filling the trunk with a sub box.


Jonathan

now...what's an IDU Hu?? I feel really slow these days...

[lopro]

Originally Posted by Jigawa

I put a new system in my car awhile ago. I just put in a new h/u with some door speaker in to start and I liked it alot. I was thinking about throwing in a sub in the trunk but never did. I would start with that and if you like it and it works for yea, there you go. If it's not and you think you need more then go with a sub. I went with a kenwood set up and was still able to keep my dci. I would recommend the Ipod set up. I didn't go with it in the S but did in my Audi and I'm regretting it so much.

That's what I'm hoping to do and be happy with it (new HU with DCI, of course). Which HU and speakers did you get?

[turbosix]

Originally Posted by lopro

now...what's an IDU Hu?? I feel really slow these days...

ipod based head units. all they do is digital media and fm/am tuner. no cd player.

[s2k124]

I have the Polk Momo speakers and love them as well as a panasonic HU. But its hard to get good low tones in a convertable. If you are not looking for the snoop dogg thump...try an all inclusive sub, like the Infinity basslink. I have one in my trunk and it does wonders for my audio. Like you said, you wont win any competitions but it gives you that low tone that can still make your drive fun and enjoyable with the music on. The nice part about this is the amp is built in so it does not take up a whole lot of space. Although, I have to admit, it does take up some space, especially if you need the space for larger items. But my golf clubs fit right in still. The other thing you can do is get Dynamat. This helps keep things tight and helps with sound insulation. It wont give you the low sounds but may help a bit.

[desmo4]

Originally Posted by lopro

now...what's an IDU Hu?? I feel really slow these days...

Sorry I meant IDA short for Alpine IDA-X001 or X305.

Jonathan

[lopro]

Ok, I'm going to try to upgrade the HU (w/the Modifry DCI) & replace the door speakers. I'll see what it sounds like and then get an amp if I'm not satisfied.

1. In terms of HU: either the Alpine IDA-X305 or JVC KD-ADV49. Does anyone have opinions about which HU is better and how they work with the Modifry DCI?

2. As for door speakers...I'm clueless! Since I'm not going for an amp, I'm thinking they should be good speakers. But 6.5" speakers can cost up to like $400! Dyzam! Plus there's the issue of dimensions for the door speakers. Is it safe to say that most 6.5" speakers won't fit in the door without cutting something. Cutting the door is not an option for me. So, if anybody has some good speaker suggestions (I believe the Focals are discontinued), please let me know.

thanx.

[phins2rt]

I vote for Alpine! As for speakers, I think it's more about depth. I have some Infinity comps and they fit fine. I'm not sure just a HU will drive a decent pair of comps very well. Coaxs may be a better choice but then you may have to upgrade to comps if you don't like the final product and want to add an amp. Decision, decisions...

[whatsthatsound]

i love alpine type r crossovers. my friend a best buy cut the wire in half on it then put it on the sale rack for 30 bucks and i soldered the wire together and it was perfect. if you dont' have an immoral friend just keep your eye out

[kgf3076]

Alpine X305. Works fine with the Modifry Plug and Play harness and the Modifry DCI controller (make sure you get both, it makes installation into a 10 minute process). The problem with the speakers is depth more than size. I'm using Focal thin, component speakers with the Focal cross-over but am getting ready to switch to bi-amped tweeters and mids with a 1000w Alpine mono-amp driving the Stealthbox JL sub-woofer.

[lopro]

What's the difference between coax and component (comps)? I just want something that will fit and have the best range.

Thanx

[kgf3076]

Originally Posted by lopro

What's the difference between coax and component (comps)? I just want something that will fit and have the best range.

Thanx

The simplest definition is:

Coax: two speakers in one frame.
Component: Two separate speakers, eg. a woofer-midrange speaker and a separate tweeter. Depends on the individual speakers in the coax set but generally, separate speakers are better.

[Sisyphus]

I don't know much about audio systems so can anyone put numbers to what kind of upgrades you're talking about?

How many watts is the stock headunit and how much can you upgrade to before you have to start using an amp? How much power can the stock speakers take (what kind are they each)? Etc.

I am also looking for a reasonably priced, moderate upgrade to my S2000 stereo system. Getting the modifry DCI and a compatible hu seems easy, but I'd like to know what kind of power to look for or if that even matters. Thanks.