We all know the OEM sound system in the S is terrible. I'd rather leave it off most of the time. But in planning for future long drives, like to California for example, some good tunes and sounds would be welcomed. I recent found an S (guest) subwoofer guy on our forums, and that got me thinking about upgrading the whole system and adding sound deadening in the door panels (other?). His sub fits in the passenger footwell under the carpet and only eats up a few inches of space. Thinking about fitting an amp next to the spare hidden so I don't lose trunk space.

What kind of upgrades, including the ability to use an iPhone as well as play CDs can you recommend? And what shop or individual to do the install with new components? Will I lose the dash radio control functions?

 

From what I've seen:

- Alpine head unit (ebay) $300
- DCI module and harness from modifry (gofastlab.com) $100
- JL 10" sub in the trunk well (I dont know who makes the enclosures these days. Kinetic or William had nice ones) ~$500
- JL 500 watt amp in the spare tire area with the PAS2KNut vertical amp rack (ebay) $400 + $80
- Polk DB 6501 component set (ebay) ~$150
- Amp Wiring kit (4GA) ~$60
- RCA wire (10ft I think) ~$20
- Dynamat extreme door kit x2 ~$70

You can do some of it or add more but if you look around the forums, most people end up with similar setups.

You can add stuff like dynamat to the trunk and lid, roll hoops tweeters, bluetooth hands-free, and audio processors like Alpine's version of Audyssey (probably overkill).

 

Ivan, does the DCI module work well with the aftermarket stuff? I tried it with my component system but it was too complicated to make it work. Also 4 gauge is a bitch to run through and maybe a little overkill?? I have that in my S. 8 gauge should work fine.

Infinity Reference component system is good, I have the boston acoustics component in mine and love it.

 

I had no problem running 4ga down the door still.
But I didn't do the math so 8ga or 6ga may be enough.
It may have been all they had at Best Buy the day I need it lol.

My DCI has worked perfectly for 5+ years now.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
If you get the harness with it, it's already spliced in.
This is speaking for Alpine. IDK how well other units work.

Not sure what you mean by it working with components...it's not speaker related.

 

If your running both speakers and a sub you should run 4 gauge. The amp sub and speakers are all subjective. Jl is good but pricey. I have had hiphonics components that sounded great and cost half as much. I have always bought alpine decks however pioneer is one I have considered. The number you want to pay attention to is the rms wattage that an amp alcan produce and that a sub or speakers can handle. The max is meaningless.

I currently have an alpine head unit with iPod hook up (all sold as one package)
Modifry dci and harness (works great!)
Stock speakers

I think my next upgrade will be an amp and components. Since I drive top down so much a sub isn't on my list because I feel like it'd be a waste plus I don' t want the weight. There is a million options out there So do some research. A great site is crutchfield.com. They often include the needed install hardware you need and instructions for alot of installs.

 

HU's tend to have decently powerful internal amps for straight install of aftermarket components.
Alpine also has a +40 watt inline amp available for their units.

 

+1 for Modifry DCI... Well worth the $$$
Works perfect on my Sony HU

Oh and forget the iPhone hookups and cables plugs etc...
Just get a HU with stereo Bluetooth capability A2DP profile.. Works great for streaming music! No wires



Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2 Beta-5

 

Great advice, thanks. I'm starting to work some Saturdays as extra days, so I hope to set aside some cash for this upgrade. The OEM unit is so bad and weak, that I'd rather listen to the engine and road - that's still good for me, but it might not be enough for my +1. A shop close to my house uses Kenwood products. Any thoughts?

 

I am happy enough with my stock stereo with "OEM sub" and Polk speakers, my tweeters are still stock though. I will be upgrading to an aftermarket HU as soon as my modifry DCi comes in.
As of right now I have a iPod adapter for my stock stereo which I find very handy because it charges my phone while I listen to music and I can still controll it via dash controls.
I'm excited to hear the quality of sound from the new HU and having Bluetooth option available.

 

Hm I have never used an inline amp but I guess thats an option.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE1...3.html?tp=5684
Something like this is a good head unit for you. Does everything you want and can even stream pandora which has me wanting one since my older model cannot do that.

Like I said that site is really good for learning and their prices are decent plus you get great service and support.