Music is the most important part of my drive, or at least it was before I bought my s2000. I want to buy a sound system, and I am willing to spend a lot of money ( I got a quote of $1500 from Myer Emco) I know that the acoustics of the car is the most important aspect of sound and that is where the s2000 falls short. However, I am wondering if anyone out there has installed a sound system that they enjoy, or if they don't find much of a difference?

 

I love mine, I got almost all my stereo equipment off craigslist, heres my setup:

New RF wiring $75
Used 2 Memphis 10's carbon fiber with a 500watt amp $70
Used pair of JBL components with built in tweeters $40
Used RF capacitor $25
Used RF 250watt amp for components $20
New Ipod adapter for stock radio $30
MDF wood and carpeting $25

Then I used my stock speakers from the front doors (MY02) and mounted them behind the seats using the 250 watt amp to power them, overall I am very happy with my setup because I can actually listen to my music with my top down on the highway

 

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=473951

There are some good setups in here. Personally I love mine Hertz Hi-Energy components and 2 Hertz Energy 10" subs powered by and Audison Amp. It sounds awesome even at 100mph (not that I ever drive that fast) But also with the top up the sound quality is incredible.

 

Oh I love my set-up I've got Alpine R1s in the Doors, Fosgates in an S-Pod behind the headrest (I think a must in any s2000 I can hear my music no matter what ) and a JL 12w6 with a 400 watt amp in the trunk.

Only thing I could ask for is a bigger and better amp cuz mine sucks balls I got it from this kit I use to have in my civic lol

 

I don't care about how loud it gets if the sound quality is gonna blow. A crisp and clear sound is way more important. For instance, putting an ipod through anything but a direct connection doesn't sound so hot. Is the sound clear? does it sound nice or are you just going for a thumping base? (not that there is anything wrong with that, just a different musical style)

 

No way man!! The sound is not crunchy at all and is crystal clear. Although it does have that thumping bass when the need arises.

I have a JVC NX5000 Headunit and it has a harddrive built in that you can actually rip your cds to and not ever have to worry about carrying a cd or dvd around and the hard drive is 40 gigs so you've got plenty of room.

 

Let's be honest, the speaker placement options and ambient noise levels in the S2000 are FAR from ideal. But there are vast improvements to be had over the stock stereo. First change I made to my car was a new head unit, components, an amp mounted in place of the spare tire, and a 10" sub in the trunk well. Choose quality gear and you can still get great sound...when you're stopped. You just won't hear hi-fidelity sound quality at low volume levels - it gets drowned out by the car. IMO, you need volume to enjoy music in this car, there's just a lot of ambient noise to overcome. But, when done right, I can drive 70mph with the windows down and turn the music up loud enough that you don't hear the wind.

 

Nice. Thanks for all the input. Im gonna start off with some focal axxess speakers and eventually get a sub and amps. Very much appreciated.

 

Look, everyone's going to say "OMG, my setup is teh bestest EVAH!" because...well...that's why it's their setup - b/c they think it's the best.

If you're looking for SQ, and money is no object (1500-2K), send me a PM and I'll put together a real high SQ build that you won't beat for the price.

Basic lineup:

Eclipse CD7200mkII or Pioneer Premier DEH880-PRS (neutral or warm, respectively)
ScanSpeak 5 1/4" Revelator woofers
SEAS Prestige 1" neo textile dome tweeters
Sundown SAX 50.4 amp

Stereo Integrity Mag v4 12" sub
Sundown SAZ 1000D amp
WLAURENT tool well enclosure


This setup will blow you away at speed with the top down. I guarantee the SQ is better than anything else that's been recommended here (and probably will cost less in the longrun).

 

I am happy with my installation. I did the work myself to save $$$ and bought everything mail-order (lots of e-bay). I recall I spent most of $2K, including sound damping materials. I can now enjoy tunes at any speed, top up or down. I'm sure I'd get 80% of the benefit even if I spent half that. The stock system is flat-out anemic.