Hi, i just purchased my s2000 (2003) a couple of weeks ago. The first thing i noticed is that the sound blows. I want to replace the speakers, install a sub (along with an amp of course) and install a cd changer in the "hidden" compartment. The only catch is that i don't want to change my head units (because i have changed my head units many times in my civic and i hated everyone of them.... so i think i will stay stock on this one).

Is there any way to install the amp on the stock radio of a 2003 s2000 (i doubt it has a amp control output)? As well, i do not know what kind of cd changer to get, i would like something good but small so that it can fit into that little compartment. As well, i would like to be able to control it with the factory stereo and the driver side controls.

Please let me know what you guys would do in my case to make this poor sounding s2000 into a club on wheels ;-)

Dave

 

Can I ask what brand of aftermarket headunit you've used before?

 

This can't be done with the stock head unit. You may be able to finagle something with the cleansweep from JL but for less money you can have much better sound. The headunit is godawful and the speakers are not much better. You have to replace both to be able to listen to the stereo. Send any complaints to Honda

Now, with that in mind just look for less flashy analog decks. I have an Eclipse that I think looks more stock than the stock headunit and has no weird animations or pulsing lights.

Try Eclipse, Clarion, Nakamichi (a bit esoteric), some Pioneers. They are out there.

Here's what mine looks like:

 

i just put a deposit to hold that same head unit at the local shop. they have them on sale right now for 399. i originally wanted the 5444, but with the way it folds out we decided it wouldnt work. i really like these eclipse units, getting it installed next week. how do you like yours, pros and cons?

 

you can keep the stock head but will sacrifice some sound quality and control.

use a 4 channel adjustable line out converter to send a signal to a decent 4 channel amp(i use memphis). you wont have sub control unless you add a separate knob for remote sub control.

you can add a few different changers to the factory head with adapters. alpine and audiovox are 2 of them.

depending on what kind of sub you want you can do either the JL stealthbox in the rear well or some type of custom made enclosure.


what you want is possible but id still change the factory head unit right off the bat. your audio setup is only as nice as it weakest link.

 

Thanks a lot guys. The reason why i didn't want to change the head unit is that when i did this in my civic (with a sony and a pioneer head unit), i found that the sound was not that good and the radio signal was terrible.

What kind of head unit do you guys recommed. I want something that will work with the drive controls, will control the sub and look good.

Also, do you guys think that installing the factory headrest speakers will help at all with the sound? I really hate the fact that it's only 2 speakers in the front. It's terrible.

Thanks a lot for the replys

Dave

 

Get an Alpine HU. Most of us here have great luck with them and they have the features your looking for. Do not buy the stock headreast speakers! Total waste of money. If you have an '04' you actaully have 4 speakers 2 woofers and 2 tweeters...

For the HU you'll need that and a DCI or a DJ Qube to complete the HU swap and to retain the dash controls.

I would suggest to change out the HU, add the dash control module, and a nice set of seperates to replace your stock door speakers. Once those are done then you can move on if you feel the need. I would suggest getting an Amp for those speakers asap because it will make a world of difference.

 

what kind of door speakers do you recomend.

 

What kind of music do you like/listen to?

 

It's about perfect for me. Everything not listed below approaches perfection. I paid $600 ish so if you found it for $400 from a factory certified dealer (required for the lifetime anti-theft replacement warranty) jump on it -- heck, maybe start a group buy.

Some less-good to poor things in order of most to least annoying:

- The remote sucks. This affects aftermarket dash controllers. I mean flat out worst remote ever made. It is not accurate from 3 inches from the IR eye.

- The display can be invisible top down with the sun at the right angle. It's still better than most other HUs in full sun but hey, eventually we'll expect the displays to all be perfect.

- No MP3 file playback without seperate controller box. I don't really care about this. The box for this and the balanced lines are relatively cheap.

Everything else is superb. I have not seen a deck that comes close to the CD 8053 for audiophile output. IMO, the Alpine and Clarion do not come close. Too many gadgets and bells/whistles that get in the way and/or negatively affect sound quality.