Hi all. Finally made my purchase of an '05 S2K and am now looking to upgrade the audio. I already have an Alpine HU (4V pre-outs) and their 12 disc changer. From various searches through postings I've come up with some candidate components I'm considering. Any constructive feedback would be much appreciated:

Speakers (S-PODS):

• JL Audio VR525-CSi 5.25-inch
• Focal 130 V2 - 5 1/4"
• JL Audio XR525-CSi 5.25-inch

(Don't want them too bright since thet will be directly behind my head)

Speakers (doors):

• hopefully I'll be able to get away with the 2005 stock components for a while)

Amplifier to run S-POD and door speakers:

• Soundstream Van Gogh VGA500.4
• JL-Audio 300/4

Subwoofer(s) (probably have to wait a while before I add this but welcome recommendations for both subs and boxes)

• dual WLaraunt's 10" sub box solution
• Is Lucid still making the spare tire tools area sub box?

Am I on the right track? Any suggestions? Thanks...

 

Since you are upgrading everything else, it makes no sense to leave the stock speakers in the door - specially since you're planning to amp them anyway.

I would suggest you get some good speakers for the doors first (e.g. focal 165K2, since you mentioned focal). Get a nice 4 channel amp and use two channels to power the door speakers.

Next, you can do one of the two:

1- If you still think you want the S-Pods you can use the other two channels to power them and later get another amp for your future sub.

2- Use the other two channels for a sub.

Just make sure you buy an amp that would work for both options. Out of the two you mentioned, the Soundstream sounds like a better candidate.

PS: If you already have the S-Pods, find some inexpensive speakers for them and spend the most on front speakers.

 

Ok let me try and help you here a little. Let review and fill in the blanks

Ok you have an Alpine HU and Changer good!

Next:

Speakers:

Ditch the stock speakers asap... they suck. Get something useful and install them you won't regrate it.

If don't want them to bright then you better not get S-pods, no matter what speaker you get they'll be to bright in an S-pod application. Just install them in the rear panels and be done with it.

Amps:

Those amps are ok, but you could do better...

Subs:

If you go with the dual WL's make sure you have the right amount of power running the subs(whichever sub you get)
What type of music do you listen to?

 

Thank you both for the helpful advice. I have not yet purchased the S-PODS and have read through alot of threads debating going with them or rear panel speakers. My concern with the rear speaker panel approach is that I am 6'5" and as such have both seats pushed as far back as possible. I'm concerned that would essentially be smothering the rear speakers. On the other hand, the S-Pods certainly have their issue with staging. One of my primary goals is to be able to hear my music with fairly good clarity while driving top down and windows down at 65mph on the highway. Do you still think the rear panels would be my best choice?

From what you indicated, even the component door speakers in the '04 & '05s are somewhat substandard. I will certainly consider replacing them with something better.

As far as the amp goes, am I in the ballpark with the Van Gogh or do I need to shoot higher?

Thanks again...

 

Usually Darknight and i agree,
but as an owner of the s-pods on this i would disagree. But that's why there's a forum in the first place. right?
At your size: i'd get the s-pods. i have them and love them. They look great and sound better. No problems with staging at all, but my fader is adjusted heavily to the front.

The most important part of your car stereo, or any stereo, is your front sound stage. This is where anyone who is interested in [I]listening[I] to music puts thier money. Find your perfect pair of speakers by checking them out at shops or in other people's cars (try to find an S with a good system). Hear what you like then buy them online.

AMP your fronts, not your rears.

You can use the HU to power your rears. You do not want your rears to balance with your fronts. Remember: you are trying to create a stereo, not surround. The rears should be "fill." Ideally they should sound like the rear wall of a concert hall.

It sounds like you are trying to pincha penny and upgrae your system. That is a fine and worthy cause. Considering that i save my money on the rear fill. Get some speakers that you can run off your HU, amp the fronts and sub, and pay attention to tuning the stereo properly.

Your stereo will sound heaps better with money invested up front, & not in the rears.

 

I honestly think you'd be better off with a really nice set of higher end amped front speakers than trying to do it all at once and going with a lower end set.
With how tall you are I might be forced to agree with Bill, due to your how tall you are the S-pod's might be your only choice for a rear setup, but I still feel they are to close to your head.

The Van Gogh is a fine amp.

 

darkknight and willie-

i was thinking about the s-pods, however my first thought was the rear panels. Reading this now i might be undecided again. that was great info from both of you. i figured the prox of the s-pods i would have to fade heavily front, as you said willie. and it is good tohear the extra info on not needing to spend on tiop shelf in this area and not needing to amp them. appreciate hearing that.

as far as the panels go, i saw people getting the lucid's panels. do you need these? i will be having a shop do my install. i have a friend who did his Mits Eclipse, so i am not worried about a hack job. my questin here is; do to panel location should i get a higher qual mid and tweet for this area than what is needed for the pods and then the fade would need to be bumped moreequal compared to the fronts than what the pods would require. oh, and would they need an amp feed? what are both of your thoughts? thanks guys.

-mark