I don't especially think that a car needs to sound like a concert hall. As long as the sound quality is reasonable that seems to me to be satisfactory. This. I think, is especially true of a car like the S which was made for the pleasure of driving. Up until about 3 weeks ago I was perfectly content with the stock sound system in my 2002 S.

Three weeks ago we picked up my wife's new 2003 Acura TL with the Bose system. It's not Carnegie Hall, but it is about the best sound that I have ever heard in a car. Now the stock system in my S doesn't sound quite so good any more.

My question is this:

I have about $250 to $300 to spend, what should I do that will result in the most improvement of sound? Should I add rear speakers? Should I upgrade the door speakers? Should I change the head unit? If I change the head unit, the dashboard controls must continue to function.

Remember, I am not looking for concert hall sound, just better sound. Also, I tend to like a wide variety of music styles for Jazz to Classical to Do Wop to Folk to Rock. I spend a lot of time driving with the top down. A lot of my driving is Interstate type driving and a lot of times I sit in traffic.

Along with your suggestions please write what is involved and what I need to do/buy. I've been driving sportscars for a long time, but this whole audio thing is new to me.

Thanks.

 

250 to 300

I think you can only get a set of speakers, which in my opinion wouldn't help that much in the sound quality department.
you might want to start with amplifier, speakers, subs, and finally the head unit itself.

good luck

 

For that budget, I would look at upgrading the front speakers and adding rears. Talk to Lucid about what type of sound you prefer and see if he carries speakers that fit your preference and budget.

I believe that the 2002 stock headunit has a bit more power than the earlier years, so you may be satisfied there.

If you do need more power (or a subwoofer), I think you'll be outside your budget, but can add more later.

Hopefully that'll get you started,

Ted

 

For your budget, I would upgrade the front speakers and get rear speakers.

 

I was in the same spot but decided to wait and go the full sub/amp route. (Which I am installing TODAY!!!) For that budget - one more vote for Lucid. Call him or email him and ask him to set you up!

 

Upgrade the fronts, use the factory front speakers as your rears.

 

One word ,speakers, speakers, speakers!!!

Well I guess thats three words but whose counting!

I wish I would have taken a pic of the OEM speakers when I got rid of them! Just a paper "whizzer" cone. It is an insult to the human ear!

I think speakers pretty much always should be the first upgrade in a car audio system.

 

Thanks everybody. I am going to follow your advice. Yesterday I ordered the rear speakers from Lucid (Kenwood 3-way). I think that should make a huge difference.

I am also considering replacing my door speakers with Kenwood 1687. What do you think.

Thanks

 

I have an 02 and upgraded the front speakers and added rear speakers. Made a big difference BUT the audio was still very poor. A small amp made all the difference in the world. If I had it to do all over again, I would upgrade the front speakers and add an amp. Rear speakers are nice but IMHO didn't make that much difference (especially when the seats are pushed back!).

 

I just finished my project. I added rear speakers from Lucid (3 way Kenwoods) and upgraded the door speakers with Kenwood 1687s. What a difference. It's still not Carnagie Hall, but it sounds real good. I'm a happy camper tonight. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'm going to take the S to work and listen to my tunes all the way.

By the way, it is a pleasure dealing with Lucid. He delivers good quality when (before) he says he will. His instructions are real good too. Thanks Lucid.

Also thanks to everyone for your advice. New speakers was the right upgrade on my budget. Thanks.