So I need some help spending money.

By years end, my 2007 S2000's interior will go through a refresh because the previous owner didn't care for it well. The interior, doors and trunk will be lined with Dynamat and new OEM carpets and floor mats will go in. Since everything will be out, I figure it will be a good time to upgrade the stock audio a bit. I would appreciate recommendations on replacement OEM speakers and a head unit. No subs or amps - just an appreciable upgrade over the stock system.

The audio source will be and iPod/iPhone, so the head unit should be compatible and charge the device as well. I mostly listen to rock, alternative, indie, some instrumentals, and podcasts/spoken word. Most of the time, the engine will be my driving sound track, but I'll need something more on longer cruises.

Also, I recently replaced the stock battery with a Deka EXT16, which will probably factor into which components I choose. Thanks in advance!

 

Plenty of things to choose from. Check out the stickies at the top to get started.

It is all subjective mind you - what you hear is not the same as what another person does. Determine what your ultimate requirements are along with your budget and go from there.

I can talk about my setup - love it. Plenty loud when the top is down (have yet to really crank it past 75%) with good sound all around.

Good luck!

 

I'll look through some of those threads, but some of the product information seems dated.

 

Some of it is...but you can always look for the updated model and see if the facts still apply.

What you want to think about is what your end goal is? You said no amps or subs, so ultimately you need a good HU and a good set of component speakers. For the most part, this is an easy setup. Best thing to do is get with some of your local S2K'ers that have audio upgrades and check out their systems. It's hard to say just get this and just get that as each person's ears are different.

At a minimum, I would recomend an HU in the $150-$200 price range and some compnent speakers in the $200 price range. A good choice is Alpine as they also have a small 'amp' called the power pack that you can plug into your system for a small boost. They also have the imprint system which allows you to work equalizer settings on your system. I can talk about my setup, as noted in my signature, if you are interested.

Run to an audioshop near you for advice on what to get and you can do the install or have them do it as well. It is very easy to upgrade the HU and speakers on your own though, so you can save lots of money that way.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I did a bit more reading this morning and it looks like the Alpine CDE-133BT HU and SPS610C components are the way to go. The OEM audio is average at best, so I'm sure any upgrade will sound better. I took a similar approach to my first home theater system.

As I mentioned in my first post, the interior refresh is going to be done by a shop, so I'll have them install the audio components while the interior is out.

 

Odd. According to Crutchfield, the SPS610C is not recommended for the S2000. When I filter for S2000-compatible speakers on Crutchfield, I only get 3 options - hah! Why might this be?

 

Because stock the s2k has 5.25 speakers. To use the 6.5 components then you will have to have custom mounting brackets/spacers cut from mdf. I ghetto rigged mine and modified the factory baskets by cutting them to fit. The upholstery shop should be able to cut some mdf spacers thatll work. Be cognizant of mounting depth as some 6.5 drivers are so deep theyll hit the window so they will need to be spaced 3/4 inch out.

 

Oh, thanks for correcting me. I think I'll stick with the stock size - I'd prefer to be able to revert to stock if necessary. So it looks like the SPS-510 for me. Do I need to get the separate 1" tweeter (SPS110-TW) with it also?

By the way, judging from your handle, you own or once owned an RSX? I think I'm going to keep mine forever.

 

You can still easily go back to stock. Just use an mdf spacer and take the stock baskets out. Then when you wanna go back to stock simply reuse stock basket and speaker. A set of 6.5s gives you more potential.

I did used to have an 02 type-s. Great car till someone rearended me and sandwiched it with another truck. Rip.

 

Dang! Sorry to hear that. Sadly, my '06 Type-S was involved in an accident 2 weeks ago. Some old Asian guy (I'm Asian too!) tried to make a turn in front of me and failed, so I sort of t-boned him. I found out yesterday he is 100% liable. The damage is sitting at $7K, but it seems like it'll be all fixed.

Back to the speakers: again, appreciate the advice on the modifications. I just want a moderate upgrade and want to keep it simple for the shop too.