Well, I'm almost there. I want to thank Andy (local list member) who let me listen to his sound system over the weekend. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't hear it for myself but installing the smaller full range speakers behind the seats makes a huge difference! I will leave that for my near future upgrade.

I'm on a tight budget and have come up with the following list. I am only looking to improve the system over stock. Honestly, anything is better! I believe the biggest improvement anyone can make to car sound is improving the bottom end so I have made that a priority. The upper end improvements are limited only to someone's budget and ears. My estimated total cost including installation is around $1,200.

I would appreciate your feedback if you think I'm making a big mistake on one or all of the components. I list the items with the best price I can find on the net. I'm hoping to get my local installer to match these prices. We will see...

Head unit: Alpine 9811 $240
Speakers: Infinity 6000CS 6.5" components $120
Amp: Rockford Fosgate Punch 500X (4 ch bridged) $185
Sub-woofer: Alumapro BP-8 (8" sub in a bandpass enclosure) $290
Sub-woofer amp: MTX 4202 (2 ch bridged) $150
Installation and wires: $250

Total estimated cost: $1,235

There you have it! I'm hoping to pull the trigger shortly on this stuff.

Cheers,
Ismat.

 

DCI?

 

JBL 608 gti's give great range... no need for sub IMO

I'm about to add 508 GTI's using S-Pods

 

why would you need to bridge a 4 channel amp for a set of front speakers?

save space money and time.. get 1 4 channel, 2 channels for the fronts, bridge the other 2 channels for the sub.. done and done

 

i agree -- you really should consider budgeting in a DCI solution of some sort... Modifry's DCI is probably your best bang for buck.

also, considering your budget and the sound quality level of your components, i'd also suggest you go w/ a flexible 4 channel amp versus the amps you've selected.
here's a thread covering some of that right now....
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...threadid=148313

also, you may want to talk to InsaneInNC, as he has a Phoenix Gold Tantrum 600.4, that is supposed to sound quite good, and i believe he got a good deal on it as well...

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by vifferman
[B]Well, I'm almost there.

 

Just got a quote on a system myself and would also like some input since I am clueless in this area.

MBQuart RCE 216 $299.99
8 AWG Amp Install Kit $49.99
NS-60 line level $16.99
Rockford Fosgate 350s $249.99
Install Amp to Fact Stereo $150.00
Install Speakers $115.00

Tot w/tax and supplies $915.96

I really just want to increase the volume for top down driving, nothing fancy and this was more than I planned on spending for what I thought would be a simple job. Appreciate any help, comments, suggestions.

Thanks.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Homersby
[B]Just got a quote on a system myself and would also like some input since I am clueless in this area.

MBQuart RCE 216 $299.99
8 AWG Amp Install Kit $49.99
NS-60 line level $16.99
Rockford Fosgate 350s $249.99
Install Amp to Fact Stereo $150.00
Install Speakers $115.00

Tot w/tax and supplies $915.96

I really just want to increase the volume for top down driving, nothing fancy and this was more than I planned on spending for what I thought would be a simple job.

 

Appreciate the reply and thanks for the advice, but I really want to keep the car stock as far as the eye can see. Sorry, but I'm an anal retentive accountant. If I could pay money (reasonable) just to turn the knob further and have it get louder without distortion, I would do it. I really don't want to hand my car over to anyone either, but I don't feel like getting into the install myself. I did some of that long ago but just don't have the time for it now. Any input on the quality/pricing of my quote? Thanks again!

 

Thanks for your feedback!! Very good advice.

I am dumping both amps and going with an Avionixx 600.4 (4 channel) amp. It should work perfectly for my setup. Here are some details on this amp:
- 110W x 4 into 4 ohms at 12.5 volts
- The 2 front channels will drive the front speakers. The rear 2 channels will be bridged to drive the sub.
- 14" long will fit perfectly against the front wall of the trunk to the left of the spare tire bulge
- cost is only $280

The Modifry DCI add-on is a very good point. I'll have to act on that one.

Rear speakers will go in later. I have heard them in another S2000 and it makes a huge difference. I'll use the internal amp in the Alpine 9811 to drive them.

B0mbrman stated that the bandpass sub box would be boomy in a convertible. I have no knowledge here. The installer stated that it would be a huge improvement over a sealed box. Can you please educate me here. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Ismat.