I'm planning out my sound system that I'll be installing soon, since I've decided after 3 months of ownership that I'm just not satisfied with the stock system. I am not going extreme but I'd like good quality sound at all driving speeds. So here's what I'm thinking of installing, starting with the head unit. The rest I can do in stages, I suppose, but definitely need the new head unit at least so I can stream from my phone. My budget is not fixed but I'd like to stay under $2k overall.

Head unit: Pioneer DEH-80PRS
I'm pretty set on this one because I've already gotten the wired Modifry DCI that is Pioneer-compatible and this model has USB ports in the rear, so I can wire in an iPod for a more permanent installation and still keep the stereo door closed. The less expensive Pioneer decks only had the USB in the front and that wasn't going to satisfy me.

Speakers: JL C2-650 or C5-650, Alpine SPR-60C ????
Not sure on these, I've just heard good things about the above speakers. I wonder though about buying relatively expensive speakers, will they be wasted somewhat in a car as noisy as the S2000? I do plan on some sound deadening treatments but I'd hate to buy too much speaker if the road/wind noise won't let me really appreciate them. What do you guys think?

Amp: unsure. Looking into possibly using a 5-channel amp, but something small enough to fit above the gas tank. I don't want to lose my spare tire since my car is daily-driven and I feel better keeping a spare on hand. My thoughts about the 5-channel amp was to use 4 channels for the door component speakers, using the active crossover network in the head unit rather than the passives that come with the speakers. Then I would use the 5th channel to power a modest footwell sub. I am not a bass head I just want a little kick down low.

Sub: footwell, either purchase or make my own. Nothing crazy here, I don't want to rattle the neighbors or anything like that. Just enough to fill out the bottom end of my music.

So, my questions are, what do you guys think of using a 5-channel amp for the components and subwoofer? Should I get a smaller 4-channel amp for the speakers, and a separate amp just for the sub? Or should I just forget the whole active crossover thing, and use a 4-channel amp with passive crossovers for the components (two channels total), and bridge the remaining two amp channels to the sub? Any good amp recommendations for $500 or less?

About the component speakers, am I looking in the right price range for a speaker upgrade or should I be looking to spend more/less based on my stated overall budget of $2k? Any good recommendations?

Thanks for looking!

Edit: I have a 2006, if that matters, and I'm not planning to power the roll hoop speakers nor install any kind of rear speaker.

 

Congrats Sylvan on wanting to upgrade your sound system!


In the mid '90's I competed in IASCA sound competitions, so I have built a couple of systems. Over the years, I have used Polk, MBQuart, Focal and JlAudio components. Currently, my sound system is the best I have ever had and possibly have heard. Especially in an S2000. I'm an old 50 yr. old guy that is not a basshead, just a music lover. Right now my post is the last one, (post #769) in the pinned topic, S2000 audio/video systems.
My recommendations would be to log onto www.woofersetc.com (I've used them for years), and check out the following pieces:


Dynamat Extreme 36' sq. ft. bulk pack sound dampening for the entire doors and then some. $159
JLAudio ZR-650CSI component speakers. $799…..incredible speakers even up against Focal K2P'S!!!
JLAudio 250/1 Slash monoblock class D amp $339 (I pound my 600/1 for an hour and it barely gets warm).
JLAudio 300/2 2 channel amp $369.

If you are insistent on putting in a footwell sub, I would log onto www.jlaudio.com and check out their 10TW3d4 slim sub for $299. You would still need to build an enclosure with a depth of 6 1/2 inches for it.


At $1965 it looks like I am a bit over budget because you will still need a head unit, wiring, blocks….etc. But I always say to try to do it right the first time.


Wiring blocks, interconnects and wiring can get expensive, but check out www.woofersetc.com or www.knukonceptz.com for some ideas.


Good Luck,
Thraak


btw, I'm not a JLAudio rep or anything even though it looks like it!!! Honesty, I am just incredibly happy with my latest system!!!

 

Thank you for the feedback Thraak. The components you listed look really awesome, maybe a tad over my budget though. I appreciate the advice though and those links were great! I was looking for a good place online to buy my wiring and stuff so those will give me lots to look at.

 

I'm very happy with my footwell sub from 2BigforaS2000 using a Memphis Reference 10" sub. I went with a 5-channel amp that sits in my spare tire's well, as I didn't want to give up the spare tire or any luggage room, either. I upgraded my head unit, and replaced the '01 door cards with '03 cards, I believe, so I could add tweeters to the door panels.

I did get a set of S-Pods for the component rear speakers, and I'm glad that I did.

 

7 years ago, I tried the Lucid panels and quickly changed to the S-Pods. I think either one will be hard to find. I HIGHLY recommend the S-Pods for anyone needing or wanting rear fill.