I put my seat ALL the way back so that it is touching the rear wall of the cabin, wouldn't this effect the rear speakers? I mean would they be covered such that the sound would be muted. If this is the case is it best not to put in rears?

What would be better rears + door components OR sub + door component?

I was thinking of using the stock HU (2003 MY) and adding an amp and components. Not sure if I can live with a sub eating up all my trunk space.


Has anyone out there done a stock HU + amp + components (in door) and nothing else? Is there any base with 6 1/2 " components??

 

I would start with rear speakers. It was the first thing I did to mine. They are easy to install and might be enough for you. I still plan to add component speakers in the doors, but having the rears makes the stereo at least tolerable.

 

forget the rear speakers put nice ones in the door and also ifs a 2002 get Components and a Sub and ur set trust me I did that and Im very Happy rear speakers wont do anything for u also get a new HU

 

With rears you'll yield the most performance for your dollar.

Even with a sub, quality door components you'll still be lacking.

 

Thanks.

Is there any opinion about the rears if my seat is ALL the way back against the rear wall where the speakers are going to be??

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by rai
[B]Thanks.

Is there any opinion about the rears if my seat is

 

I first installed front components (Focal) and added a 300 watt Diamond Audio amp but was unhappy with the results. I still couldn't hear the stereo with the top down above 55 mph. I then added 2 wlaurent sub boxes, rear speakers and changed the amp to a 5-channel alpine (keeping the stock HU). Now it sounds great but i'm considering changing the head unit. It just seems like a lot of work if you want to keep the dashboard controls. I've also spent more money than I ever planned to on a leased car.

My recommendation to you would be to add rear speakers, put new components in the front and add an amplifier, in that order. This way you can judge for yourself every step of the way. IMO Rear speakers are a must if you want to hear the radio while driving with the top down. If you want an alternative opinion, I know wlaurent doesn't have rear speakers, only fronts, sub-enclosures and an amp (or 2).

 

My situation is very similar to dhallapex. I started with Focal components in the front with a 520 watt (peak) basically no-name amp. What a waste. Very little bass. I ripped out the amp, added a 5 channel quality amp, added rear speakers, sub, and HU. Obviously huge improvement. Top down, I can clearly hear the stereo at 100+MPH.

IMO, the rears add to the experience if you have a sub, but are a MUST if you don't have one.

 

Thanks for all the opinions and advice. I am not very up on these things, but I went to a large high end audio chain (myer Emco) and they didn't mention anything about the rears. I wish I knew of a place to go that can tailor something especially for the S2K.

Any suggestions in the balt/DC area??

 

Suggestions in DC: Yeah - watch your a$$

No really:

Step 1 - get Lucids rear speaker kit (easy install and good benefit for the buck - DIY)

Step 2 - upgrade your door speakers (again easy install - DIY)

Step 3 - upgrade HU(DIY or see installer)

Step 4 - add an amp and sub (DIY or installer)

If you do it in those steps you may find a cost effective (cost vs. benefit) without going al the way to step 4. Of course - I could not imagine not having a subwoofer.