Ive been a member here nearly two years, and have been solely performance oriented. Now, Its time for some audio!!! This is what I have in store- ( my objective is.... clean, musical sound that will overcome convertable noise, trying to keep it simple, and relatively inexpensive).(no shaking of anything necesary) Im going to do the install myself, Ive done them before, but not since I was a teenager. (35 now). So... here it is.... Kenwood mp435u +sirius... Infinity Kappa comp. fronts... Alpine mrp-f550 90x2 rms fronts, 250x1 sub... Infinity Kappa perfect sub 10"... sealed box in tire well...
I have some parts coming in already (ones I know Ill like) I would really like any opinions or any tips... Its been a long time since Ive done something like this! I think I can do a clean job!

 

You'll be fine. The guides on this site are well-written. Have patience and don't force anything. Take your time when making electrical connections because you do NOT want to troubleshoot and/or go back and rip everything out. I'm personally not a kenwood fan, but the rest of the equipment looks good! I haven't touched my S yet, but I'm a retired EJ. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific audio/alarm electrical questions. Enjoy!

 

Thanks! the Kenwood is still up in the air! Not a big fan either but it has the features I like (front USB)

 

A quick note on your possible speakers, I'm running the Infinity Kappa Perfects and the tweeters are retardedly bright. If you're listening to music with a lot of sharp highs, or even a lot of snare drums, I would steer clear. I have them powered by an Xtant 200.2 amp and on some songs my ears feeling like they're gonna start bleeding.

I can't think of any good songs for example...but I would recommend listening to them [preferably powered] before buying them.

 

Hey,
Since you Kenwood is still up in the air...

I was also looking for front USB (and SD slot). I chose JVC SH1000 and I'm running it with Focals K2P through Audison amp. That HU produces great sound quality, especially when you trun off internal amp in HU + front USB and SD slot are really good features.

As for tips (I haven't finish my install yet, but I'm trying to make it perfect)

Always use high quality wires and solder the end's of them if you can, to avoid any noise possibility. And of course use very strong ground points. Fuse not further that 20cm from the positive battery terminal... when connecting wires, try to isolate any naked metal if possible.
Also, there are a few DIYs how to stretch out the wires through doors to the cabin. I did it my way Just connected one end of the speaker wire to a few feet TV cable and sprayed avarything with DW-40 ))) and I'm telling you, you don't need to remove any grommets or something, it is so easy with DW-40

Anyway good luck!

 

Just to update you guys... I installed a new head unit in my s2k 2 minutes ago. Installation took literally 15-20 minutes. Don't be discouraged while taking out the bezel around the deck...the clips are a little tight... just keep wiggling and manipulating it and eventaully it'll unclick. That's the hardest part of the installation.

Goodluck with your install. I went with an Alpine 9885...best buy is clearancing them out for about 160-180 depending on the store (and best buy wont price match other best buy stores for clearenced items). Decent upgrade so far, but my ears are tuned to good quality sounds. I have an alpine amp and type x componant speakers waiting to be installed when i find enough time. I'll let u guys know how it goes...

 

I had the Infinity Perfect 12" Im my 1968 Camaro, hit well, was perfect for listening to good jazz, very tight and accurite!

 

Ill have to look into that JVC, never had a JVC HU. Anyone else have any experience? Thanks for the inputs!!!!!!

 

I have a Kenwood dnx 7100 double-din head unit in my other vehicle; I like it alot. It has 2.5v preamp outputs as well, just like the head unit you're considering. I wouldn't let your lack of experience with the brand throw you off.

 

have the guides been updated to include ap2? if i recall correctly, the center console had to be removed for ap2 (i got an 07 model) and to date, i coudln't find a way to remove the center console easily for a DIY...

mucho web searches didn't score me anything, and i keep losing on ebay for a decent priced service manual, though there's no guarantee the service manual will show me the procedures..

it's be a first time diy on stereo for me, hence the hesitation to just go ahead and try it.