Hello All-
I�m new to these parts and by no means a tech junkie or audiophile, but I have come to find, as most of you have, that the stock stereo system in MY03 (well all S2000�s really, mine so happens to be a 03) is lacking to say the least.

Over the years I have schemed up ideas for various stereos for my car. I am not looking to install subs or do invasive surgery on my cars carpet, sheet-metal or plastic parts, and I want to keep it relatively inexpensive (sub $500). That being said I would like to keep things stock looking/ well hidden and possibly retain my factory dash controls for volume/ mute, but it isn�t necessary. I will be using a stereo input into my MP3 player, as I do not own an IPOD. I know this doesn�t offer the best sound quality but I believe it will get the job done. I would like to make my CD�s a thing of the past.

The door component system of choice seems to be the Polk Audio MMC6500, and I will more than likely be purchasing this. I have an old Pioneer head unit (DEH-P4100) which has both front and rear preamp outputs, I could possibly recycle. I have plans to run some gauges in the future and would like to hide them in the radio din behind some plexiglass, so If possible I would like to eliminate the head unit altogether.

My solution, if possible would be to run a small amp to power the speakers, and connect the MP3 player via a RCA to stereo converter; but I don�t think I will be able to retain the volume features. I fuss with volume the most, so it is somewhat convenient� I have heard about a auto-up/down feature offered through a forum sponsor.

I have replaced my stock battery with the Odyssey PC680, I don't know if this limits my options.

If any of you foresee some problems or have suggestions for my project your comments/ criticisms are greatly appreciated. Especially a head unit or amp suggestion.

 

whoa... 50 views no replies?

 

Getting rid of the headunit is... insane Seriously, it will make your life and wiring extremely difficult.

Also, a number of new headunits will access files from a "USB Mass Storage Device" and your mp3 player can probably work as one of those. It's a lot easier than using Aux IN.

The Modifry DCI (for auto volume) requires a head unit.

 

Well, I'll probably have more to add after this weekend. I've got an install question thread (https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=601542) and seem to have collected some useful tips.

Your situation sounds a lot like mine. I'm not an audiophile and I don't want to spend crazy money to upgrade my system... I just want it to sound a bit better (read: audible at highway speeds).

I spent around $500 on speakers (Infinity reference 6020cs ~$120), pioneer head unit (splurged for $280), and modifry's dci + wiring harness (http://modifry.com) to be able to keep my in-dash controls. I have a small amp from a previous install I'm going to use.

I'd agree with the suggestion that getting rid of your head unit is just going to make things a PITA. You could either use the line in on your old HU or get something like a pioneer deh-4000UB ($130 on amazon) that will have a usb port on it and let you plug in and navigate your media player. It seems like you should be under $500 with speakers, new HU, modifry's dci and a small amp.

 

Sounds like an interesting project. I sometimes wonder when HU will go away or become very tiny for aftermarket installs... say if you take the CD player and internal amp away from HU...what's left?

Be sure that your mp3 player output is powerful enough to drive the amp, otherwise, you may not be making the best use of the MMC6500. You can check by hooking up the mp3 player and the amp before buying it. I'm sure local dealers will be able to help you with this.

I think your amp choice is going to be the most important give a low power input, and high output requirement for a noisy car with a set of speaker that's moderately sensitive.

 

All the new Pioneer HUs accept USB input for mp3 players...

 

so much for my grand scheme to ax the HU...

my MP3 player is an old sony walkman NWHD1 I purchased almost 5 years ago... and has a funky cradle to charge as well as upload media files. plugging in a USB cable is a no go. I dont want to navigate my MP3 player through the HU, the response/ load time for the track listing would just bug me to death. I would like to be able to skip songs using my dash controls... but I dont think this will be capable on my old MP3 player, or my old HU... is it possible with newer MP3/ HU?

I have no idea what type of amp I will be getting to run those speakers, I am afraid to go to a local dealer and get hosed by shady sales types. Any suggestions are welcomed.

can I utilize the old audio out inputs on my Pioneer DEH-P4100? to run RCA to stereo jack, as if my MP3 was a CD changer/ AUX out? Is Modifry's wired DCI system compatible with my DEH-P4100?

 

Did I mention I have no knowledge on what makes a good amp or HU? I have installed a few systems (read HU, and some door speakers)... on my cars and some friends, I mean thats just connecting wires... they went out and just bought all the parts... I dont want to spend big $ on a name brand amp/ HU that will be exceeding the capabilities of my components/ system.

 

Yes, you can control the mp3 player through the deck's buttons. You need a new mp3 player for sure. Your old ass one probably don't hold more than 20 songs amirite??

So grab any new mp3 player and whichever new Pioneer deck is within your budget. Then you're set!

 

nah it holds 20 gigs and has a 30 hour battery...