I just bought a 2003, I think the sound is OK. The thing is I am turning the volume up to max and it can get distorted.

I don't want to go hog wild since it's a convertible and all.

Question:

1) What are rear speakers for? anyone have pics of where to put them?? Are they necessary?

2) is it better to keep the stock head unit and add an amp, or get a whole new head unit with more power and no amp?

3)is a sub a good idea? I don't want to look like an ass driving down the street, but is it a great addition or strictly optional?

4) I can not install myself, but I am worried that a custom stereo shop will take advantage of me. Do you guys have any advice.

5)I am at the least going to replace the stock speakers. Are they components? should I get components instead? any suggestions??

I am looking to spend between $1K and $2K for everything including installation.

Please give me any advice. Thanks

 

I hate to tag along, but...ditto. I'd also like to know, but I don't even have that much spare cash. I have a 2002 S2K and on the highway my stereo distorts. I need more power. I like the dashboard controls and the stereo behind the door. What are the options if any for more power. I'd really like an MP3 player.

Sorry to tag along, but I don't want to start another thread for the same answer.

Thanks,
Dave

 

Wow $1-2k - you should be able to go top notch on everything..

What you install is all based on personal preference.

You could start with an after market deck (Alpine and Pioneer seem to be the site favorites), add Lucids rear speaker kit and upgrade the door speakers (Both available at Lucid Automotive).

Add a DJ Cube dash control interface (The Cube Device) or a PAC SWIX

Then add an amp and subwoofer - plenty of options here..

There is enough information and helpful people on this site that most of this can be accomplished by yourself - or you could bring them down to an installer.

Have fun

 

Oh, about the rear speakers, I have my seat all the way back, is this going to affect the sound?

 

There are probably 100+ threads on this subject. Use the search function witht he term "Lucid rear speakers"

 

Opinions are abound on this site but basically you can't loose. Especially with the budget you're talking about.

Here's my 2 cents:
Considering your budget (closer to $2k) you could easily replace the HU, current door speakers, the PAC, and probably the rears (see the Lucid site as noted earlier).

I'm in the process of getting my stuff ordered and put in. My budget is to keep it under a $1k though so you have a lot more room to work with. In my case, replacing the HU (Head Unit) vs. adding an amp was a matter of what door speakers I was going to use. I decided on the Boston Acoustics ProSeries 6.5s. I have a 2001 so I don't have the separate tweeter mounts. We're still in the midst of deciding exactly where to place those. It'll probably be in the window pillar.

Since I decided on those speakers they apparently need a strong amp to really make them sing. There isn't a HU that will do this nearly as well as even a decent amp. So, based on my budget I'm doing some really nice component speakers, doors only, and an amp with the existing HU.

Regarding adding the rears I've heard it both ways, being it makes a huge difference and some that say with good enough doors you're better off. I'm going the door route myself but I know of several people that are VERY happy with Lucid and there stuff looks great. Search the site for some installation pics.

Regarding a sub. There's a few options there too but I think it's up to you. How much of your trunk do you need? Granted, there's not much there but I'm not willing to use any of that space but I'm a daily driver that needs the room for my suits, briefcase, files, etc. If I were going to do something like that I'd probably go with the 8" enclosures sold on this site. They appear to fit very nicely in the trunk corners and take very little room up. I've never heard them but I'm sure with some decent woofers and an amp you'd be kicking just fine. My guy was a bit concerned about placing a sub in the trunk without any venting to the driver's area. In other words, how much benefit are you really going to get? Granted, bass travels well and isn't directional but you're talking a grand or so and is it worth it? Opinion at best.

I don't have my stuff installed yet but from what I've been told by two different installers and people on the site, for the money I won't need rear speakers and I won't get my money's worth with subs. I think it also depends on the music you listen to. I'm all over the place. In my car right now I have Creed, Buffet, POD, U2, Lenny Kravitz, Marley, Limp Bizkit, etc. Depends on the mood.

Best of luck. FYI - try to find an installer in your area that's actually done a couple S2000s. Make sure it was a stereo too. I ran into one that said yes and it turns out it was only an alarm install. I don't want to be a first time for anyone and neither do you. I finally found my old installer, he had moved, that has been doing work on my cars for 16 years.

 

Nvrquit4:

Thanks, I am thinking about doing only the doors, and amp (I'm not sure about the HU). I think my wife would kill me if ate up the trunk room with a sub.

what is the PAC you mentioned?

 

rai - PAC was mentioned by WLAURENT earlier. It's a device that you use when replacing the stock HU. It enables you to keep using the remote volume, etc. that's to the left of your steering wheel. Don't know about you but I love having those there. I've gotten really used to them. Plus, I like to keep the stereo door shut. People get in the car and go "where is the radio?" That's me though.

Good luck!

By the way, you could always add rear speakers later BUT if you even think you're going to do that you're going to want to get a 4-channel amp. If you're pretty sure you'll be cool with the doors then you only need 2-channel.

 

Thanks,

That's a good tip about the amp. I guess I'll do a bit of searching about the rear speakers before decide.

 

I think at places like Sound Advice (if you have those there) they will actually let you return stuff like that if you're going to upgrade with them w/i like 60 days. Doesn't hurt to ask the "what if?" questions. Usually they'll work with you.