Hi all,

I would like to improve the sound of my stereo system and would like your opinions. I don't want to replace the receiver itself, but would like to replace the door speakers and possibly add a set of Lucid's rear speakers. I'm not much of an audiophile, but the stock setup sounds so bad at speed with the top down that it offends even me. Suggestions?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Do you have a MY2000 or 2001? I ask because the stereo in the 2001 has a good bit more power than the 2000. I was very impressed by the sound when I replaced the door speakers and speakers behind the seats made it even better.

 

I have an MY01.

 

Dollar for Dollar you already know the two most efficient audio mods.

 

If you're serious about wanting a better sound system, you need to start by upgrading the door speakers before you do anything else to the stereo system. This is also one of the cheapest and easiest improvements to make. At the same time, I would recommend you add a crossover net, and mount a pair of tweeters - either on the door panels or the A pillars. You'll find the difference in sound quality amazing. I bought the Bostan Accoustics Pro Series 6.5 which gives you the 2 door speakers, crossover and (optional mounting) tweeters; they were a bit pricey, but I found that the amount of bass from the door speakers, and the clarity from the tweeters was well worth the extra cost. After you've done that, go ahead and install the rear panel speakers if you want. I haven't done that to mine yet, but so many ppl have raved about the improvement in sound quality, it seems like a very worthwhile and inexpensive mod to do.

Probably the next best improvement would be to add an amplifier. The stock head unit seems to give out a reasonable amount of speaker power at speeds below 60, but if you really want to crank it up with the top down, you'll find it maxes out way too soon. Hope this helps in getting you started in the right direction.

 

1y2ks2k - The Boston Pro 6.5's run at 3.3ohms, and the stock deck is praying for a 4ohm load. You really should replace the OEM deck with an aftermarket headunit/amplifier combo if you are using those seperates. Besides it would make a world of difference. Remember two things fry expesive speakers quickly, distortion, and an extreme sustained power load.

Most everyone will agree that the best inexpesive mods are the Sony Xplode 1641's front, and Lucid's mod in the rear. Replacing just the front speakers will make a big difference.

 

Jerry. Thanks for the info and suggestion. My system was installed by a stereo install shop, so I would have assumed they did what was necessary to get a match - perhaps not. So far, I've been extremely happy with just new door speakers and the addition of the tweeters, without upgrading the head unit yet. I'm hoping that'll be my next mod.