With the noise of A'PEXi N1s and a turbo, I don't want to drop a lot of money into upgrading my stereo, but I'm willing to spend a few bucks to improve the sound.

For those of you who've gone down this road already, do you have any recommendations for the highest bang-for-the-buck improvement in sound quality?

I'm guessing a speaker upgrade with something that fits into the stock mounts in the doors, but I'm open to (and appreciate of) any suggestions.

If speakers, then what can I do that (i) absolutely looks stock (i.e., fits in the door panels without modification) and (ii) isn't going to cost huge bucks?

Given that I like supporting S2Ki sponsors, any feedback on the speaker kits offered by Lucid?

Thanks!

 

The answer and the recommendations depend on your ultimate objective; think it through carefully before you invest in something that you might want to replace again later,

You will find many threads throughout this forum that recommend installing rears from Lucid. I have done this (kenwood 3-ways) and obtained a noticeable improvement in sound quality in my 02 s2k. I also upgraded my door speakers but the improvement was not as noticeable. However the 02 speakers are a little better than the 01 and I would recommend replacing those also.

I would recommend purchasing from Lucid. They are very helpful, provide quality materials, provide excellent instructions., Lucid owns an s2k and knows what will / will not work in your car.

Given this, you will obtain a noticeable in sound. However do not expect miracles due to the relatively low power output of the s2k HU. You'll have to get input from other 01 s2k owners, but with my 02 I obtained a noticeable sound upgrade but I wish the HU had more power. From what I understand, the 00-01 HU has 10w less power.

As for other upgrades, you'll have to rely on others.

 

Thanks for the advice. Given that I'd rather buy a lightweight Toda flywheel than dump a lot of money into my stereo, the question can be rephrased as, "what can I do for $150 and no work." If upgrading the door speakers (while keeping the stock stereo) will make a difference on my '01, then I'll do it. If not, I'll probably just pass. Any thoughts?

 

Rear speakers will give you a noticable improvement.

I'm not a big fan of rear speakers with a high end system, but they would be ideal for your application.

 

So, are you guys suggesting that I add rear speakers before I swap out new ones in the front (assuming that I want to keep within my $150 budget)? If so, can the factory stereo unit product enough power for four speakers (assuming that the front's remain 01 stock and I buy rears)? how hard's the install?

Thanks!

 

I would suggest replacing the front 'speakers' first. Add rears second.

The stock front 'speakers' are truly horrible, and you will get a huge improvement by putting just about anything else in there.

It doesn't make sense to have decent speakers in the rear and cardboard and tissue paper in the front...

Ted

 

Ditto - but I would also recommend components. They raise the vocals closer to your ears. A good set of components may push your budget of $150 though.

 

Thanks. This is why S2Ki is such a great community.

I'm new to the audio side of this game, but when you say "components" can I keep the stock stereo unit in the dash and just add a seperate amplifier sitting between the stereo and the speakers? If so, any suggestions (and a calibration of cost)?

I'm really reluctant to actually replace the stock stereo unit, with the stock CD changer in the trunk. Starts to seem like a LOT of work.

The $150 isn't a firm constraint, but I'll be disinclined to do anything if I have to spend much more than $200. The N1's are their own symphony (and a very loud one at that).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by cbender
[B]Thanks.

 

You won't be able to use components with the 01 deck, not enough juice. Need an amp or new deck.

If you're stuck in tight range, I still say the rears first, but it is best to upgrade the fronts too. Just about any poly cone speaker is better than whats in doors now.