Hello all,
I'm fairly new to the S2000 community and I have to say that this site is an excellent resource (purchased a 2003 suzuka blue with 15K miles this past May). My car didn't come with the owner's manual, but fortunately, all of my questions have been answered on here thus far My only complaint about the car is the poor stereo system.

I'm not looking to win any sound competitions or anything with crazy bass; I just want to hear my music clearly with the top down. I'm trying to stay within a budget of $400. Are there any specific headunits and speakers combos that I should look into? I want to retain dash controls as well, so I'm willing to spend a tad bit extra to get whatever dash control adaptor I would need.

Thanks,
Scott

 

I'd suggest upgrading your headunit. The Alpine 9857 is a top choice on these pages, but you could probably do it for less money with some reputable alternatives such as Clarion.

The Alpine provides great value with iPod connectivity and quality construction. You'll also have the ability to upgrade to satellite radio, etc. if you decide to invest more money down the road.

Toss in another $100 for a Modifry DCI [discounted if you become a member here] and you'll see a marked improvement.

The 2003 model speakers aren't that great. You'll probably want to improve them after the head. No worries, no one says you have to do this in one step.

When I was in your situation, I viewed my system as a 5 out of 10. Changing the head moved it to 7 our of 10. A noticable improvement, but it left me wanting more. Don't let me influence you to jump steps. Change the headunit, and discover if you're happy with it.

Almost everyone in this forum is a star. Don't be shy about posing questions or asking comments for system configurations.

Enjoy the process.

 

Well, $400 plus $100 for a Modifry dash control interface will get you a good HU and speakers. If you can get an extra $100, I'd aim for a $200 Alpine 9856 HU and $200 speakers, and install them yourself with the factory wiring. I like my Polk Audio MMC6500s, but for less cash, the db6500s are good too.

http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/prod...6&lang=en&tab=F

http://www.polkaudio.com/caraudio/products/db6500/

 

Thanks for the helpful responses. Specific models number info like the ones in your responses is exactly what I was looking for. I'll look into these models.

Thanks,
Scott

 

You can also save $100 and get the exact same functionality with a different (not as nice) display for $200... Alpine 9856.

 

My radio door is usually closed, so I could care less what the display looks like. I just wanted good clean sound, an easy interface, and iPod compatibility. Something like the 9856 would be perfect and you can probably get one for under $200.

 

The stock stereo system is not very good, as you have discovered. I put together a relatively inexpensive system that sounds a lot better. My goals were very similar to yours. Here are my components:

1. Pioneer DEH-P3800MP Headunit ($130)

2. Pioneer TS-A1671R 6.5 in Speakers ($50)

3. Pioneer TS-T15 Tweeters ($45)

4. Modifry DCI ($95)

5. Pioneer CD-RB10 Auxiliary Input Adapter ($30)

The Pioneer headunit provides a lot of features for the money, and the speakers produce enough bass that I don't need to install a subwoofer. I wasn't intending to replace the tweeters, but the stock ones were not producing much quality sound and the new ones do. The auxiliary adapter can be used to play sound from any portable audio device, such as an iPod, by plugging into the headphone outlet. You can't control the iPod from the headunit with this setup, but it's more expensive to set it up so that you can. Finally, I added Modifry's DCI to maintain the dash audio controls and keep the radio door closed most of the time. I did all this for about $350.

This site is great for DIY instructions on removing the old headunit and replacing the speakers, so you should be able to save by installing it yourself. Good luck!

 

If you have an iPod, it's hard to beat the 9856/9857 alpines. Otherwise you have more options (clarion proaudio, kenwood, some of the pioneers, etc). Personally I'd spend at least 250 or more on a HU and then get the DCI to retain the stock controls. Then after a bit, go ahead and get replacement speakers.

You can add a sub later if you decide you want one.

 

Why is $250 the magical number? As long as you get quality, if you want a HU that will do the job well there are a few that can be had at decent prices. Just sort the basic stuff you want from the bells and whistles you don't need.

If you decide to add a sub, you'll need an amp and I suggest new wiring too. For now, add the HU and speakers, then maybe amp them and rewire the car, and if you're still not happy, add a sub. If you just want to hear the music clearly (like me), a sub may be entirely uneccesary until later.

 

I guess because of all the head units I've look at I've never found one that did what I wanted for less than that approx price range.

However, I come from a high end audio background, I've had systems with absolutely stupid amounts of money into them. I'd never do that again (hence why I have a very small stereo in my S) but I still lean towards better source units for the additional control that they offer.. that's actually what annoys me about the 9856/9857, the controls are shit.. but I live with it since the S isn't exactly a proper car for sound reproduction anyways.

For me, a sub was neccesary, simply because I prefer to listen to as much of the music as possible, and with the top down at 80mph you have zero low end without it. I only put in a simple self amped infinity in the car though, I didn't feel like building enclosures and a rack for this car (mostly because I'm getting lazy as I get older )

Yes, you can get HU's that sound fine for less than $250, but as I said, *I* would spend at least $250 (approx) because below that you don't have much of a choice for better control.