Hey all, I just got my 2nd S2000 this past weekend and driving it home to Texas from Florida was a little painful because I couldn't connected my iPhone interface from my AP1 to the AP2 radio due to differing cd-changer/XM connections. Anyway, we listened to the radio the whole way and I could hear faint buzzing from the 6.5" speakers in the doors. I didn't really notice it until I played CDs where the bass was more prominent. So I wanted to replace the speakers but I wasn't sure if getting better quality ones would solve the issue or sound just as bad from being under-powered from the stock headunit. Solutions I've thought of so far...

1) Keep stock headunit, buy highly-efficient speakers and get an iPhone interface unit for AP2 headunit.

2) Replace headunit that allows me to plug in iPhone via the bottom port (not the headphone jack) & buy quality speakers that don't need an amp.

3) Replace headunit that allows iPhone hookup, quality speakers, small amp (would like to keep my trunk space, spare tire space, and space behind the seats if possible).

I've installed aftermarket systems in my previous 2 cars myself so I just need to buy the parts. The only thing I didn't like about these setups is that I had to carry the faceplate with me everywhere or try to hide it in the car. It's a really big hassle. I just want to get in and drive instead of fiddling putting the faceplate in or taking it out and hiding it. If I have to get an aftermarket headunit then I'll do it but I would like to avoid it if possible.

 

seriously i changed out my deck first and i was amazed in the world of difference it made but if your that much against the whole faceplate thing haha.

id recommend some new speakers and a new deck i dont know what brands you like but alot of the new pioneers have usb built in to the back and connect with ipods easly. and if your like me and like to listen to your music loud add a smal 2ch amp!

 

I'm a hardcore Alpine guy. I haven't tried Eclipse yet but I hear they're pretty decent.

Where did you install the 2 channel amp at? I can barely fit my hand under the seats so I can't install it there.

 

Lol, I had the same exact problem when I picked up my 06 S2K last month so I've already changed my headunit out. It makes a world of difference with the headunit, but now my passenger side speaker is buzzing nasty to the point where it's pretty much blown. I have to replace the speakers and also install an amp.

I too was once a hardcore Alpine guy, but I just switched to Eclipse, and I'm glad I stepped outside the Alpine box.

Any pics of a small 2 channel amp under the passenger seat? Any suggestions for amp? I was looking into the JL HD series, but it's mad $$$.

 

well depends i removed my spare and shoved everything in the trunk if your willing to do that there is a racck you can make that fits where the spare was and its stealthy i can help you find the thread if your interested

 

there are a few amps that apparently will fit under one of the two seats (my
memory is the left seat has more room, but I'm not sure), but they must
be pretty small & thin. You can probably find threads with a search.
an alternative is above the gas tank.

 

I definitely want to keep the spare tire where it's at and I definitely need all of the trunk space I can take.

I did read about the amp over the gas tank yesterday and it seems like viable options. My only concern is heat buildup & air circulation.

Are there any good combinations of headunit + component speaker combinations that I can go with without having to use an amp and still sound decent enough for top-down driving?

 

I've got buzzing with the passenger speaker too, that's why I'm browsing around this forum. I never push the factory HU volume much past 30, so I expected that the speakers would work forever. Guess not. I'll have to start looking...

ECLIPSE: I used to have Eclipse's #2 best HU. I thought it was a great unit with wonderful sound--next to no noise. I had it hooked up to 75W RMS x4 speakers and 500W RMS x2 10s. I got it for it's 3x high voltage preamp outputs. (8V IIRC? It's been several years now...) I had got it secondhand cheap off eBay, and I found out why quickly: two of the three sets of RCA preamps went out after less than a year. Sold it shortly after with them broken. Probably the seller was at fault and not Eclipse.

 

I went to my local audio store and possibly made an impulse buy. Got some JL Audio TR650-CSi components and a JL Audio G2250 amp. He said for my setup, the stock headunit would work perfectly fine and I just need to replace the blown speakers and power them with an amp.

If I continue with this setup, all I need is an iPhone adapter for the ap2 headunit. I just have to tap into the exist L/R channel wires to go to the amp then run speaker wire from the amp to the speakers.

My other option is to get store credit for the amp & wiring and purchase a headunit. The only headunit I'd be interested in purchasing there would be the Alpine ida-x305. I wanted to get the Eclipse cd5030 if I was to get a headunit but I didn't see it there, maybe I could special order it.

Anyway, thoughts? suggestions?

 

/\/\
I think your stereo will benefit greatly from a new headunit powering the amp--ie use both the amp and a new headunit to push it. A headunit with better preamps feeding the amp will allow you to play the radio at the same volume with greatly reduced THD/noise, and the EQ settings let you can dial in your sound much more precisely. Modifry has an inexpensive adapter that lets many headunits work with the stock radio controls if that's a concern for you.

If you're set on (Headunit only) or (Amp only), I'm not sure. I've never done it amp only with a stock headunit.

edit:
The G2250: Rated Power 12.5 V Stereo: 60 W RMS x 2 @ 4 ohm, 90 W RMS x 2 @ 2 ohm

Is this a 2 channel amp only? What did you do with the rear tweeters?
If you're running 60W RMS to the front speakers and the back tweeters are on stock power (10W maybe?) then you won't get a balanced sound out of your system--the rear will be drowned out.