I've decided to swap the head unit of my yellow '03 S2k with an mp3 deck. I'm a complete beginner when it comes to installing anything in/on/around a car. The only experience I've had was to install a head unit on a Toyota with wire harnesses/adaptors from Circuit City. After spending a few hours reading through this forum, I've become more confused than ever.

What I need help is:
1) Which mp3 deck.
Which mp3 deck should I be looking at? I've always liked Kenwoods (my old deck was an MP8017), but there were posts by members saying that the "cover" for the CD deck will interfere with the motorized D-Mask feature of the more expensive Kenwoods. I like the fact that most of the Kenwoods are Sirius ready. Can anyone recommend any other brands? I'll probably do the appropriate DCI/SWI-X gadget from Lucid at the same time.

2) Deciding on which parts to upgrade next.
All I'm thinking of doing right now is to replace the front speakers and add a pair of rear speakers, probably a pair from Lucid. Trunk space is limited enough as it is, so amps and subwoofers are probably out of the question. Which should I do first? The front of the back? Or should they be done at the same time?

Since I listen to mostly pop and NPR, I am hoping that I can get by without adding an amp and/or subwoofer. I'm on a somewhat limited budget (around $600 total, with $300 or so for the head unit). Can someone more experienced comment on this? Thanks.

 

You shouldn't have any problem changing speakers and deck if you've done one already. The S2000 is pretty easy to work on. Its not like some other cars and trucks where the HVAC controls and other trim have to come out, just the door frame.

I like Kenwood's displays on their midrange more so than other brands. Any should be much faster than the 8017 you had.

The multi-dci is pretty simple to wire up, no programming, no brainer. See www.lucidautomotive.com/guides for installation of decks and DCI.

X569 is a fine deck at the price point you mentioned
Mp522, 6022.

Alpine 9813/9815 are fine decks too, high powered.

I'd say wire in a set of kenwood 2-way rear panels and skip the door upgrade for the moment. You'll get a 200% improvement w/deck and rears.

 

I have to agree with that recommendation. I just received and installed Lucid's Kenwood Excelon 2-way rear panels in my 2002 this past weekend and it made a big difference. I haven't done much car audio work before but the job was easy with their stuff and excellent directions. You can control the imaging with the stock hu fade, using the rears for fill. I will likely change out the door speakers next but will enjoy this upgrade for a while and do the rest in stages.

A new Lucid fan!
Antioch, CA

 

Can't go wrong with Lucid!

 

Thanks for the replies. After sleeping on it, I've decided to follow Lucid's advice and go with a Kenwood KDC-X569 head unit, one of his DCI units, and a pair of his 2-way Kenwood rear speakers. Anyone have any suggestions for the front/door speakers? Speaking of which, does anyone know if the two smaller speakers (tweeters?) are connected together with the larger door speakers on the same side?

PAS2KNut: Topless season is already here in GA.

 

Dunno if this is too late, but look at the Alpine 7813. It is compatible with both MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio files which are more compressed than most MP3's with the same bitrate). I also really like the time alignment feature, which helps compensate for the fact that you are sitting on top of the front left speaker. Also, the Alpine display angle is adjustable, which makes it easy to adjust so it doesn't wash out in the sunlight. And, the radio power is pretty good for a DIN sized radio. Oh yeah, and there's XM, which you need (the Kenwood probably has Sirius controls, which is just as good).

You can't really go wrong with a Kenwood deck, but check out the Alpine if you have a chance.

 

I agree!

Lucid helped me out with my system and it sounds awsome! Check out some speakers on his site

 

I'll be ordering everything middle of April, and hope that I'll have a little bit of free time to install everything. So far Lucid's stuff have gotten nothing but rave review, especially the rear speakers, so I'm going with the 2-way rear speakers and the 3-way speakers he has listed on the same page. It's just the head unit now. I can't wait!

Karl O: I can't find any Alpine 7813s on Crutchfield, eBay, or any of the other sites that I usually frequent. Can you give me a link, or did you mean the 9813?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lucid

I'd say wire in a set of kenwood 2-way rear panels and skip the door upgrade for the moment.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by tlims2k
[B] Karl O: