My plan is to get an Alpine 9851, replace the front speakers and get an amp. Eventually I'll probably add a sub.

 

do it, do it!

 

no question - i just upgraded my 04 components and its like a night and day difference

 

The problem is I'm not so sure about cutting stuff up, and I have no idea how much a shop would charge to "custom" mount some components. There is also the fact that they can't go on the A-pillar since my gauges are already there.

 

You could just get a set of stock tweeter pods and mount them in those. I like mine in that spot.

 

honestly, components are not nessecary. a lot of people do not take full advantage of having components. if you are looking for upgrading the overall sound, coaxials are fine.

the best coaxials i have heard by far is focal 165CA.

coaxials sound more coherent because of the fact that the tweeter pathlength and midrange pathlength are the same. they are great for a cheap and effective way to get great sound.

a lot of people buy components because they think they are better than a coaxial setup. it is better, but to a certain extent. good coaxials can sound better tonally when in a simple install compared to the same level of components.

it is all marketing. a lot of people get suckered thinking it is better and pay more money.

stick with the focal 165CA and you dont have to cut your door. the best thing about it, you will save money on the speakers and labor for installation.

 

Someone was selling door panel plastic for ~$80 just a week or two ago. These things come up every now and again. If you are worried about it, you could get an extra door panel and try with that first.

Even without the factory pods, it's really a pretty simple matter to mount the tweeters using the template that comes with the speakers. Once you measure and locate where you will mount the tweeters, all it takes is a drill with the right sized bit to put a hole through 1/8" plastic.

I know it's a little scary to take a drill to your car, but replacement pieces aren't prohibitivly expensive.

I believe that manufcatures put more into their line of component speakers. Do you NEED component speakers, no. You would be fine with coaxials. I think you can find better speakers in a component set though.

 

I like the components, but you have to get the soundstage at the right level. I put mine UNDER the A-pillars, down near the windshield. Easy to do, and people dont know you have expensve speakers!

JOhn

 

Seperate tweeters make a BIG difference in the S2000. I just upgraded my 2001 tweeterless S2K and the difference is like night and day. My left leg blocks the main speaker and my clothing absorbs most of the high frequencies. I highly recommend installing component speakers in the S2K.