So I just picked up an 03 Silverstone 2 weeks ago. So far its been a blast to drive and own. Like many others, the audio wasn't up to par. I wanted to take baby steps and upgrade pieces here and there and try to catch deals when they came up. Little did I know that one thing would lead to another. I've pretty much completed my system in a matter of days. Here is how it went.

Number 1 on the list was to ditch the factory headunit. I really just wanted something newer that allowed me to play mp3's from my ipod/iphone. Seems that all of the new headunits have AUX ports for connecting an mp3 player and most of the higher end ones had the integrated ipod controls. After doing some research, I ended up going with a JVC unit from Circuit City. I was afraid it was going to be junk since it was priced so low ($129 with integrated ipod cable). Surprisingly, it wasn't that bad. It made the biggest difference even running factory speakers. Total cost with wiring harness and tax was a tad under $160. If you are wanting better sound and ipod integration and are on a budget like me, I highly recommend this unit. Now with the top down doing 80 on the highway, you can actually hear the music. With the help of this forum, install was a snap. Less than 30 minutes including the wiring for the harness.



After chatting with a friend about doing some stereo work, he told me about an old 8" JL Audio sub enclosure that he use to use in his Nissan truck before he sold it. He thought it would be perfect for adding some low end to my setup. He has no use for it so he wanted me to take it. I offered to buy it but instead I'm going to do some detail work on his paint. Works for me!

I jumped online to try to find an amp to power this thing. I posted a question in the Dallas section and a local forum member contacted me about a spare amp he had. I ended up buying it (MTX 6152) for $50 from him. He even told me how he had it laying in his spare tire. I took him up on his advice and that's where it lives now. I was worried about cooling issues, but so far its been fine.



The amp/sub combo totally changed the sound of my music. Obviously, it doesn't shatter any windows but it makes the music sound so much more full and complete. I removed the tool kit and enclosure basically rests in that area. It's not 100% flush with the floorboard, but I'm still able to fit my golf bag in there easily. I kept my tools wrapped up in a towel down in the hole as well.

I would like to attempt to build a custom enclosure for that cubby hole but not sure how to go about designing it. I've seen a kit on ebay, but its only for a 10" or 12".



After all that, I thought I was done. I happen to be browsing another local forum's classifieds and found a guy selling some Polk Audio db6500 components. He was asking $60 but I was an ass and offered him $40 hoping to meet at the middle. He told me he would take $40 if I was located close to him. He worked at Subaru dealer near my office so I couldn't turn him down. I was really expecting to be blown away by this setup but honestly, I thought the factory mids/highs were decent after upgrading head units. However, after a couple days of driving and tuning, I noticed that I was getting a lot more volume now. Sometimes I get out and my ears are ringing just a bit. There is also way less distortion. Once again, install was a breeze because I found a thread on the exact same install (except i already had tweeters in my door).





Long story short, I'm now 100x happier when driving my car. I was able to do everything I wanted and more for about $280 (parts/wires/etc). Of course, the free sub helped out, LOL. I read from many who said that upgrading your headunit was the best money you could spend on audio and I couldn't agree more. I bet a $99 special from Bestbuy/Circuit would run circles around the factory one. Amazing what Honda gives you when you buy a $30,000 car from them.

Hope you enjoyed my read. Let me know if you have any comments/advice/questions.

Now its on to wheels and suspension!!!

 

very nice! I coughed up money for a head unit a while back and even some expensive speakers (but found out i already had aftermarket, so returned the others). I'm hoping to add a fiberglass sub box soon to the tool well. So how do you like the 8"? How is it with the top down?

 

Thanks. With Top down, you definately lose some bottom end, but its still there. I often like to turn the sub off and listen to just my door speakers. Its night and day difference. If I had the funds, I would prolly step up to a 10" though. But for the money I have sunk into it, its hands down 100X better than it was stock.

Good luck on whatever you decide to do.