If I am only going to do one or the other for now, would I be better of changing the speakers or the heat unit in the 2001?

 

The pre-2004 speakers are pretty awful. That being said, most people [70/30] will say you'll do better changing the head unit.

A quick budget:

Alpine Head w/iPod control: $200 + $20 ipod cable.
Modifry DCI: $100.

Much Better Speakers: $200

Installation: $150


I personally would consider Satellite Radio which would add another $100.


This is a rough outline. You can save money on the deck and speakers, or you could triple the money spent and add an amp/sub. It definitely helps if you can install the equipment yourself. Remember, it's what you want to do. You're on an Electronic Junkies forum, so most opinions will be to get the best stuff your budget will allow!

Enjoy the process!

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a sirius FM modulated unit, so I don't think I want to spend the money on a Satellite radio head unit. iPod control would be nice, but I could live without that too. (I memorize songs really easily so I dont like the ipod cuz I already know whats coming). Any particular Apline headunit and speakers? And is there a how to out there on how to replace speakers and head units. I am pretty comfortable doing it myself and worst case I try and then pay someone.

And yeah, I recognize this is the junkies forum. I am not looking to build some crazy system. I enjoy the S2000 for it's handling and don't want to put a big sub box and all that since it would compromise the weight distribution.

Thanks for the suggestions and if anyone else wants to chime in with model #s ect please do.

 

There are tons and TONS of threads on how to install HUs and speakers. Check the FAQ stickied at the top.

The system in the S2000 is the worst factory system, perhaps, ever.

I would seriously consider both a HU and speakers. If you only do one or the other, you will be dowing the other in short order. Save yourself the labor and do them both at once.

 

Thanks. I'd like to keep the price under $300 (not counting installation). I guess that is possible... guess I better start doing my research.

 

Save some REAL money and do the install yourself. It's not that hard and the people here are willing to help talk you through it. There are some GREAT write-ups on how to install these things.

I had never done an audio system before I bought my S2000. I ended up doing most of it myself (with help from friends and S2ki.)

I think you would be VERY happy with a $200-$250 HU and $175-$250 speakers. If you are careful you can get your gear for ~ $400 and do the install yourself, you would stay on budget. (Assuming at least $100 for install.)

 

my Dad bought a 1971 Dodge Dart with the radio delete option that i eventually inherieted. that was only slightly worse than the OEM 2001 S2000 radio.

plan for both speakers and a HU. regretfully, both of them suck in 2000 and 2001. at least in the 2002+ models, the OEM speakers would sound pretty decent w/ just a HU swap.


i'd say look for a ~$200 HU and ~$100 coaxial speakers (something with a high sensitivity number... say above +91 dB/watt/m) then save for modifry's DCI and add that down the road.

 

Heck I got a nice Kenwood that plays MP3s and sounds pretty good (gunna amp it when I get it installed for the higher volumes, but I'm also running component speakers that should be amped anyway)... I got it on eBay and paid like $80-$100 shipped...