Okay, I've been reading a lot on this site about installing rear speakers and what a difference it makes. I even went to Tweeter's (a local Audio specialist store) and checked things out. The sales guy says that I'm the 3rd S2000 owner this week to come in (no surprise since the stock cd player sucks). He says that they did a rear speaker install and within two days the guy was back to say that it made no difference and was going to change his set-up again. PLus I didn't like the idea a spending almost 2 grand with this guy who was just puching too hard to do a lot of custom fiberglass work. All I want is clearer sound at a higher volume.

I'd love to get better sound, but I'm not ready to get rid of the stock head unit as I don't want to loose the convenience of the driver controls, and I don't want anyone doing any drilling on my dash. I've looked at getting component speakers - Bostons, and then adding an amp. My main concern right now is to actually be able to tell the radio/CD is on when I am driving home at 70 MPH. I'm not much of a sound system junkie like a lot of you, but a friend said I had several options if I went with the component speakers. Of course the mid ranges would go in the door to replace the stock speakers, but he said I could mount the tweeters somewhere else to get better sound ... maybe in the dash, or even in the air vents to keep them concealed and cooled. I really don't like letting someone else cut holes in my dash, so I was wondering what any of you would suggest.

Any advice will do. Thanks.

 

Just changing your door speaker while keeping your stock radio won't be enough. It would be wise to add the rear speaker system.

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a pair of rear speakers can help. but if you really want to make the most impact on the system, amplification is the key. you can either replace the head unit and add an amp, or if you get a decent quality amp, you can take the speaker level inputs and amplify them. rear speaker will add more sound, but not necessarily better sound. now if you amplify front AND back speakers, look out - your system will scream. my s2k has stock speakers for the time being, a new head unit cause i wanted XM, and two amps - one for the main door speakers only, and one for the sub. result - hugely improved imaging (which any audiophile will tell you comes from the speakers in FRONT of you), as well as the ability to hear it at any speed. the head unit (alpine) lets me customize the sound based on the type of car and even it's interior materials. would rear speakers help the system in my car? yeah, i can see the benefit of added air being moved. more sound, yes - but better sound, that one i'm not so sure i agree with, unless they were amplified. you don't need to do a lot of fiberglass work back there, as i'm sure lucid can attest to.

 

Lucky,

I think Lucid was a bit too modest in his reply. He didn't mean to suggest have Tweeter making some custom fiberglass setup, he meant to suggest HIS rear speaker setup...good price (less than $100 + cost of your chosen speakers), and it definitely helps the sound staging). However, I definitely suggest replacing the door speakers, and a new head is a good thing, as well. You could have all of this for $500-$600 without too much of a problem.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by MacGyver
[B]Lucky,

I think Lucid was a bit too modest in his reply.

 

I just received my Polk rears and new Polk fronts today from lucid (right on time - today's my birthday!), and I'll be installing them tomorrow evening, adn let you now how it works out!

Thanks, lucid!

JonasM

 

The key to better sound in the S2000 is amplification - and it doesn't have to be huge power.

I'm running the stock head unit to 2 low power (40W) 2-channel amps through a low-level converter. They drive two sets of coaxial speakers; 6 1/2" in the doors and 4" mounted Lucid-style behind the seats. Total cost = less than $550 including wiring. The sound is much improved over stock, and Lucid's rear channel adapter has worked great. If you use component speakers, your sound quality will be better still.

 

Adding rear speakers makes a huge difference by itself, though. I'm pretty happy with the Polks. It won't knock your socks off, but you'll hear your music on the freeway!

Adding just speakers seems to add to the clarity of sound, while adding an amp boosts both clarity and power. How much you need depends on your preferences.

JonasM

 

What I did was get some pretty nice MB Quart PSD 216 components for $260. I also got a Soundstream 100W x 2 amp for $200. I did purchase a new headunit but that was more for functional and convenience (mp3) reasons.

 

What I did is got Pioneer speakers, with a built-in tweeter and hooked an amplifier to it, and wow! I can't get the more than halfway up without it hurting my ears while driving 90 with the top down on the freeway. Amplify it, and you shall be rewarded!