Hi, I'm a freshman in here (few month of ownership S2K 2005) and I love it!

But question is regarding sound system.

I decided to upgrade the sound by myself and now trying to complete the list of components I need.

1. Head unit - JVC SH1000 or JVC AR8500 (pretty much the same spec)
2. Speakers - Focal K2P 165
3. thats the question - do I need AMP ? if yes what is the best for this set up or how to choose the proper one?
Probably some of you has similar set up and could give me some advice on this.

Thanks in advance.
-P

 

Amps are very nice but not necessary as plenty of people here do not run them and have reported good sound.

I myself always run an amp just for clarity at volume, which is necessary in a convertible!

One thing I do not see on your list is a way to retain your radio controls on the dash. Aftermarket HUs will not respond to those signals without a product like this http://www.modifry.com/products/dci/index.htm

 

Thanks, I didn't include it into this list because it's not primary thing for this set up but definitely I'll get that DCI. Thanks for response.

 

Having just this last weekend finally found time to finish the install on my amp, I would encourage you to install one. The sound level is so incredibly different. Now when I'm cruising with the top down on the highway, the music is loud enough to need to be turned down...lol

How much do you have to spend on an amplifier?

 

I don't know, probably if I have that pretty good set up I would spend additional dime on amp (I would say something before 800) but I don't really know the price range on decent amps.

Another question... anybody use Focal amps ?

 

I found my JL amp for $80. Display model

MSRP was around $300. Just gotta look for the right deal.

 

What Daktruckie said.

I paid $300 for my Audison LRX 2.150 (quite a steal).

Focal just started producing amps (within the past year or two) so while I don't doubt they're of high quality, they're still young in the game. With your price range, I would recommend Audison, Genesis, PPI, or, a little lower on the price/quality scale, JL or Alpine.

 

Thanks guys, I'll do some research on this and probably will update this post with decision, but definitely would be nice to see more responses/advices

 

Hey, unrelated to this topic, but... I cannot find if JVC SH1000 compatible with WIRED DCI unit from modifry.

I guess I just need to know if there is 3.5mm jack outlet on the back panel. But I can't find if there is one on that HU.

Does anybody know if they are compatible?

Thanks in advance.

 

Isn't there the IR one? I had to go that route because my H/U is from 2003. I was able to hide the diode well enough that it's hardly noticeable.