I need some informed advice. I have been putting together plans for an audio upgrade and find that I lack some basic knowledge. I have always endured stock systems, and do not understand the true nature of the beast. If anyone knows of a good "Intro to becoming an auto audiophile" site, article, book, thread, etc., that would be great to hear.

I am not trying to put together a show vehicle, just want a good solid system that meets my needs: listen to Rock music, want crisp sound at speed, want to keep my dash controls, and desire MP3 capability. I am not afraid to spend some cash, want quality but again, not trying to build a sound studio. I do not plan to do the install, want to go professional.

Some basic questions:

1. Why add the sub? Is this a necessity for a good audio system? I really do not like giving up the trunk space.

2. 2 or 4 speakers? I have been thinking about only updating the door components with good quality and maybe a 300x2 Amp to drive them.

3. How to find a good installer? Will ask for references on the local forum, but trusting the rocket to others makes me nervous.

Any advice on how best to info-gather for this project is appreciated. I have spent a bit of time going thru the site, lot's of good info to be found here.

 

This is a good source of information. I found it on www.caraudioforum.com (a lot of good info there too) and put it on my site.

Please right-click and save as...
http://tepevan.is-a-geek.com/car/caraudio.doc

 

I hope you like worms....you just opened up a very large can of them.

You'll get all kinds of opinions, so hey, why not get mine? I would say I'm an above-average audio-phile, but I'm the "show me" kind that doesn't go for manufacturer's hype about "oxygen-free wires" and other near-useless devices. If I (or you for that matter) can't consistently tell the difference between this device or that one, then I don't consider them different.

I also spend a lot of time in my car, about 30k miles a year, mostly highway, so lots of audio time. My music tastes are mostly rock, no trunk-thumping.

That said, I'm reasonably happy with good (*) 6.5" door speakers, bass shakers on the floor under the seats, and 50 W RMS x 4. I currently have a Sony MP3 HU, but will probably change to Alpine or Kenwood, just for some extra features, like pausing CD playback during Mute. The Kenwood also meshes best with the new DCI that lucid is selling. (OK, shameless plug, since I make the things)

I am considering a small sub, but won't put one in the trunk (I don't ride in there). So that means I'm looking at the passenger foot well, and that means shallow-depth woofers if I don't want to encroach on the passenger's space too much. I haven't done a serious search, but I may try for 2 8's or a single 10 if it's thin enough. It's tough to find a long-excursion driver that's shallow and works in about 15 liters. I don't think Blaupunkt has released their long-advertised flat woofers yet, I couldn't even get T/S spec's on them.

I'm considering rear speakers too, but want to hear them first. It seems that virtually everyone who has them loves them, the only ones who dislike them don't have them. (what's up with that?)

* - door speakers - Audax 6.5 woofers, Vifa tweeters, real cross-over, $200 total. Woofers were deep enough I had to make 3/4" spacers to keep the magnets off the window glass. Some who have heard it say it sounds like I have a small sub in the cabin. Easily audible with top down.

 

Hey - This is my first post (I come from www.team-integra.net) I am getting a 2003 S2000 in August, and I am a resident stereo nut.

The purpose of a subwoofer is to round out the sound. Look at any good quality home stereo system: there is a subwoofer. Regular (door) speakers cannot produce the full lower end of the audio spectrum, that is what a subwoofer is for.

To answer your first question, If you add one subwoofer to your trunk (or under your seat, etc.) you will not be giving up that much trunk space. I recommend JL Audio's Stealthbox design (not plugging JL Audio, just it's design) It comes with a 10W3v2 subwoofer that can be wired to run at 2 ohms (this is important when choosing a amplifier) One 10 is all you need. When you add a subwoofer, you need an amp. For example, the JL 10W3v2 "sub" is rated at 300 watts. This means basically you need a ~300 watt "amp". I recommend PPI, Alpine, or Xtant. say a 300 x 1 amp.

Your second question is all up to your ears. I used to own a Miata and it only had two speakers (not including the headrest). A pair of high quality components will be better than 4 ho-hum speakers. Something to look for would be a non-paper cone and a good spider basket. But this area is for you to decide. Go to a local stereo shop and listen for yourself. The components I am running with right now in my Integra are the MB Quart Q218.61Q 6.5 components. These speakers need around 150 watts going to each of them so running what you posted (300 x 2 amp) would be outrageous.

My advise to you (IMHO) is to run a (ok I might be plugging here) Alpine 7894 or higher (for Mp3) head unit, a PPI PCX-5800 5-channel amplifier 100x2 front (4channel bridged to 2) and 400x1 back with the gain turned to your taste, a JL Audio Stealthbox with a 300 watt 10W3v2 sub (300 is at the bottom of the driver's operating range, I have seen these subs handle 500 watts) and the MB Quart Q218.61Q components up front. This is similar to my setup and I am overall extremely happy with it. I have done alot of research putting together this system and believe it is very good. When I get my S2000 I will be putting in a Alpine CDA 7893 head (no Mp3), PPI PCX-5800, and a JL Audio 10W6v2 (not 10W3v2) sub with my same MB Quart components. I listen to mostly rock but still some hip-hop and techno, which warrants the louder sub.

As far as installation goes, check out shops in your area... They should have a photo album of the installs they have performed. I would base your decision on the reputation of the shop.

I'm sorry for the long post, even though this is my first post on S2Ki.com, I have already learned a lot about my soon to be "stook"

I'm sorry for any typos, for I just got back from the bar.

GOOD LUCK!

wupike21.

BTW - modifry - I go to school at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and would love to be filled in about Charlotte area meets and such. Thanks

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wupike21
[B]BTW - modifry - I go to school at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC and would love to be filled in about Charlotte area meets and such.

 

Been away a bit, but wanted to close the loop and thank you guys.

I downloaded the file recommended by Tep, and it covered a depth of stuff and was very informative.

I also found the opinions constructive, so again, thanks for that. wupike21, I had a '97 GSR prior to the S2K, gave it to my son, he was quite happy about it!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TepEvan
[B]This is a good source of information.