I've purchased a used 2005 S2K...I've read HUNDREDS of threads on popular Head Units, Speakers, Modfry, ect ect ect...I'm honestly confused as this point...Someone please help me out there...Just list what items I need or you reccomend for a flawless install...

I'm not looking to knock clothing off of women with my stereo (wouldn't that be nice)

I'm simply looking for something louder, and clearer that can be heard and appreciated while driving with the top down...I don't want to add any sub boxes to the trunk...

I'd prefer my head unit to play IPOD music, to be Pandora Capable, and to be able to CLOSE the radio cover...

I'd prefer to keep my total costs (HU, speakers ect) to something around $500 (is this even possible for something decent)?

Keeping the radio controls at the left are preferrable...

Anyone with extensive knowledge please provide some guide here for me...It would be much appreciated....

Thanks

 

Ok first I'll start off by saying the OEM speakers and HU aren't that great.

This is what I have:
-Alpine ida-x305s
-Modifry wired DCI(if you want to retain your steering wheel controls for HU) NOTE: read on his site which HU are compatible!!!!!**there is a wireless option also.**
-Polk Audio db6500 components

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/483...nent-speakers/

All you need to know confusion gone.

Of course you can substitute your choice of HU and components and whether or not you want to retain your steering wheel controls.

 

It is actually pretty straightforward. But you do have to be careful about what parts you put together as some speakers will not work to their potential without an amp, just like some HU's don't provide much power to better speakers.

Based on your wants above, you would be better suited with a digital receiver vice the CD receiver. If that is the case, you really can't do much better than an Alpine iDA X305S. It is a little pricey, but you should be able to find some good deals on line to get it around $300. This will allow you to plug up your iPod (radio controls the iPod), use Pandora via your iPhone (not sure if it will work with non iPhone Pandora apps), and will allow the radio door to close (a little tight, but works, at least it does on my Alpine iDA x303). I believe it even comes with the cord necessary to plug your iPod/iPhone into the HU. Based on the specs, it can handle 18 watts RMS and 50 watts peak. In other words, mos decent speakers will sound good with this HU. If you want something a bit chepaer, you can go with the Alpine CDA-105 which is a popular HU that has some of the same features. It can do iPod and iPhone connections, but won't necessary work with the Pandora app. If you like the iDA x305S but want CD functionality, then you need the Alpine CDA-117. Not sure if the CDA-117 can work with Pandora though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/s_500IDA3...rch=alpine+ida

For speakers, I would go with a component setup (tweeters and mid woofers) that will work well without an amp. Something in the Alpine Type S line would work, like the SPS-600C. For a little more power, you can always add on the Alpine Power Pack which is a plug and play mini amp. The Polk speakers mentioned by lltyonsll is also a good setup. Very similar to the Alpines with their own crossovers that help with sound as well.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500SPS6...alpine+sps+600
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500KTP4...e_ktp&skipvs=T
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB52...search=polk+db

The only way to keep the dash controls is to use the Modifry DCI. When buying the DCI, make sure your HU is going to be compatible. The DCI information is available at http://www.modifry.com/products/dci/index.htm.

In total
HU: $150-$350
Speakers: $80-$180
DCI: $100

You can definitely hit your budget goal and still get a good system. My system, as noted in my sig, consists of the Alpine iDA x303, Alpine SPS600C and Alpine KTP445 Power Pack and only cost me around $370 when I bought it new. My HU has been discontinued, so the x305S is the only option at $350 or so. Still, between that HU, the speakers and DCI, you are looking at less than $600. I love my setup...I almost never get it louder than half way, even with the top down. Crisp sound with plenty of bass and clarity.

 

These are fantastic replies...Very much appreciated fellas...Thanks a ton

 

I'll add that this is pretty easy to do in stages:

• install headunit and DCI
• if you are happy with the sound, you are done.
• if you like the sound at low speeds, but you don't have enough
  power at higher speeds/volumes, add an amp, with the easiest
  solution being that Alpine power pack mentioned above.
• if the sound quality is lacking all the time, upgrade the speakers,
  preferably with some efficient ones so you don't need a powerful amp

Of course, once you start down the slippery slope, you may find
yourself wanting better and better gear...

 

Get out of our forum, jackass!