I want to upgrade my stereo but want to keep it as simple as possible, so I'm just doing the head unit & speakers on my 2003. I'm planning to order from Crutchfield since I've always had good experiences with them in the past and the free install kits seem like a nice bonus. I never use the dash controls, so I'm skipping the DCI. I have no desire for any future expansion and therefore no interest in future upgrade potential for amp, subs, etc.

Head Unit - my two criteria were Bluetooth Hands Free Calling and maximum power output and this looks like the best deal I could find w/ 22 watts RMS:
Kenwood KDC-BT555U
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113BT55...U.html?tp=5684

Speakers - I'm going with a recommendation to avoid component speakers without an amp, so I'm assuming a new HU & coaxial speakers will sound better than the stock HU with the stock component speakers, right? My criteria were coaxials that are 2-way with high sensitivity:
Polk Audio db651s
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB65...1s.html?tp=105


I'd be willing to spend more on either for an noticeable level of improvement but don't expand the project to include and other components. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

Read the thread on bluetooth mic locations.

 

Without an amp, the output is not going to be that good.
But since u are against getting an amp, I would just do the head unit for the Bluetooth option.

When I first bought my car, it came with an upgraded head unit and speakers. To be honest with you, it didn't sound any better than my mates completely standard oem sound system

You can get tiny amps like the JL xd series that put out amazing power and still fit under ur seat for a neat installation and won't require those annoying long cables running through ur car.

Good luck

 

You don't necessarily need to shy away from component speakers - you just need to choose some
that are very efficient, not high-end ones that are intended to be used with an amp. Some examples
would be the Polk db6501 and especially the Infinity Primus PR6500cs. Stick to ones with a sensitivity 92+.
There is no reason you need to make all the changes at once - it sounds like the headunit, in addition
to being more powerful, has some features you want, so start there. If you are happy with the sound,
stop there. If you like the sound, but it doesn't get loud enough without distorting, you can add a small
amp like the Alpine KTP-445U. On the other hand, if the sound quality is not there, go ahead and
upgrade the speakers.

 

I would highly recommend finding other s2k owners with upgraded systems and find out what you really want.

You are definitely on the right track if you are dead set on spending as little as possible. OTH is right also. But for me, that was not the case. I had my alpine HU installed with stock speakers but could not get any more sound with the top down. Barely noticeable sound cranked up.

But my current setup blows me away every time. I'm running morel tempos with the alpine pdx.4/100. Talk about a monster step up from factory. For some people, they could even go without a sub. Top down or up, I hear my music like I want. Good luck with your setup. Please keep us updated.

 

oth is quite right. Get component speakers as coaxials sound much worse due to the tweeters being down so low.

 

Thanks for the feedback! Those Infinity speakers look great, I'll give them a try