I want to replace the stock speakers and head unit on my s2000. I want to get an Alpine Head unit (CDA-9857). Link to the product page below.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/prod...?model=CDA-9857

However, I also want to retain the stereo control functionality that is built in to the left of the steering wheel on the dashboard. I have read about a number of solutions on the message boards, but most involve the use of IR devices and thus there is a lag. I found the KCE-865B - Honda S2000 Interface ( seems to be sold primarily in the european market ) that is supposed to connect to the dash controls and the Alpine head unit, allowing those controls to operate the Alpine headunit. Has anyone installed this on their U.S. market S2000 ? If so, I would appreciate some advice.

Link to the KCE-865B vendor:
http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/p...cts_id/489.html

What speakers do you recommed for replacemet ? I like clear, neutral speakers.

Thanks!

 

price range you'd like to be in for price on speakers?

 

I used the Modifry wired DCI on my 9857, works just fine.

 

I recommend the Polk Momo 6.5 components up front (should cost around $200), and I highly recommend Spods for the headrests and Momo coaxels 5.25 (spods should be around $250 shipped, & speakers $100). As for the dash controls, I have the Modfry IR control unit!!!

 

Use the Modifry Wired DCI for the 9857, IR for the 9856.

As for speakers, that's highly subjective, you should audition them first. But for the sub $200 range for components I prefer the Alpine Type-S.

However, you have a 2000 MY, so you don't have stock components so you will have to custom mount the tweeters if you get components. If you don't want to do that, then you'll want Coaxial speakers. I haven't listened to Coax's in a looooong time so I can't make any personal prefence opinions on them.

The best advice for speakers, drive to Sound Advice, car audio shops, etc, whatever is a mid range consumer electronics store or actual car audio store and listen to your options. Bring a CD with music you are very familiar with and get whatever you like best that fits the car, or can be made to fit

 

Thanks for the suggestions. If I decide to just use the original coaxial type speakers, can I get a pair that approaches the sound quality of component setups? Are there any tutorials on the boards here on custom mounting tweeters ? Is is something that any of you have had experience with when you have upgraded your S2000s? I am guessing the later model S2000s have the tweeters mounted on the top part of the door panel! You guys are lucky!

Speaker budget is about 250- 300 maximum, that is for the 2 front door speakers.

So the IR solutions are pretty effective ? If anyone has tried the specialized Alpine harness please chime in,

Thanks for all your input guys.

 

The Alpine interface box only works with wired HU's (like the 9857) but doesn't offer anywhere near the functionality of the Modifry unit, so you likely won't see much about it. The modifry is simply a better solution.

I'm sure you can get good components, but I'm not sure which ones.

The later MY cars do have OEM tweeters in the doors, you can actually switch the door panels, you might be able to find some used door panels in good shape with the OEM tweeters installed (you'll want the hardware from the tweeters) for a decent price in the for sale forum. Since I have a MY with the stock tweeters I never looked for a tutorial/how-to on mounting the tweeters, but it's the same for other cars, you can flush mount them without much work, but cutting that hole means leaving them installed when/if you sell the car.

The IR DCI works fine, but if you get the 9857 the Wired DCI is completely hidden (not that the IR is really obvious or anything).

 

I just installed the Alpine 9857 with the modifry wired DCI....works just as designed.

 

Thanks Dave, you are great help ! Do you get reasonable bass extension with your setup ? I wouldn't expect a lot of lower end without addition of a sub, but i'm sure revamping your sound system definitely gave it a bit more low end frequency power. The stock speakers are just so tinny and weak on the 2000 MY S2000.

 

Well they improved the stock speakers in later years also, the HU is the weak point.

I actually have a sub in my car (nothing big, just a "crappy" basslink-x) so my car has enough low end. Without the sub on (disabled at the HU) my car has decent extension considering that there are only two mid-range drivers in the car. Less than my integra with 4 mid range drivers and an enclosed cabin, but not horrible. The sub adds that low end that fills out the sound IMO. If you end up wanting ground shaking bass, or bass that you can really FEEL, the basslink won't be your answer