I can't take the stock stereo anymore!! I am going to start some upgrades but I have a few questions.

Here's my upgrade plan

HU - I'm looking at the Pioneer DEH-P7400MP.($229) I want something that plays MP3's and has multiple, customizable EQ settings beacuse I listen to a lot of older classic rock, jazz, etc and the dynamic range and bass response is totally different from music recorded in the last 10 years. I also have a few books on CD that I would like to listen to.

Front Speakers: 6-1/2" 2-way components - probably focals

Rear speakers: Medium caliber as these will be just for some fill and general enhancement - I will power these off the HU

Amp: 4 ch. - I'll run in 3 ch. mode, 2 for the fronts and 2 bridged for a sub

Sub - I'm thinking 8" in the passenger footwell, I want more punch than bump and don't want to give up a lot of space.

Here are my questions..
The Pioneer only has 2v pre-amp outs. Is that going to be an issue? Or is that adequate for a decent quality amp?

Since I have a MY00, I will have to cut my door panels to install the tweets, any issues with this? My plan was to put them where they are in the MY02's. Any other location suggestions?

Where are people putting amps other than the trunk? I've seen some really nice ones done that way, just curious as to any other options.

The biggest challenge will be my overall approach. I will be doing this in increments, roughly one component a month, to keep it under wifey's radar I was originally thinking of putting in the rears since that would be inexpensive and would at least give me more sound. But then I would essentially be throwing away the wiring harness required to hook them up to the stock HU. I guess I could start with the HU, I just don't think that will do much by itself...

All comments welcome. TIA

jd

 

go 4v, for that $$ you should easily be able to get something with 4v pre-outs (ALPINE).

There are numerous options to the component install in the '00. It depends where you want them (typically the closer to the mids, the better - for imaging purposes).

One of the amps in my 'roo is under the seat (the PG XS4600), it's a slim amp and the 'roo has some higher seats... not sure if this is an option in the s2k.

The first thing you should do is replace the stock speakers, then the HU, then add rears... that's MY opinion. I'm not replacing the stock HU. My plan is to add the alpine CHA-s634 mp3/cd changer, then add focals or diamond components, MAYBE rears, another XS4600 amp for this car, bridge two channels to run a 10" eclipse alum in the trunk...
that's my plan at least.... neon lighting in the footwells comes first

 

I don't know how large your amp will be, but you can try putting it above the fuel tank or inside your spare tire.

 

Putting the amp in the spare looks tidy. I didnt even consider it with our space saver. As for the tweeters I got this image off another thread and saved it but I couldnt find the link again so heres the pic sorry for stealing. I like this one but the best thing to do would be run a search.

This guy just fabricated a mount for them that went in behind the door handle. No cutting, totally reversible, totally neat.

Have you thought about how your gonna mount that sub in there? I was playing with the idea of the base tube under the passengers legs. This would mean no putting the seat forward but I dont see this as being a prob for me. I'd probably mount it off the seat bolts too.

 

Thanks all for the feedback. I have some specific follow-up questions:
I really liked the 5 pre-set and 2 customizable eq settings that the Pioneer unit offered for the reasons stated in my original post. Do the Alpine's have something similar? What is the trade-off of the 2v outs? Is it just a matter of having to increase the gain on the amp?

DJ Cube, great idea. BTW, one other requirement for my new system will be to maintain the dash controls. Are you in full production mode? Will your solution work with Pioneer HU if I go with that?
Wow, another great idea. I did a search and here's the thread:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...?threadid=81743
One of our members is gauging interest in this mount and may produce some if the interest is there.

Thanks again.

 

Depending upon the quality of your hearing, the equipment, and remembering the fact that this IS a noisy convertible, you may or may not hear any difference between 2V and 4V outs. The higher output voltage allows a higher signal-to-noise ratio...think of it this way, would you rather amplify someone's whisper standing next to a noisy piece of equipment, or amplify them yelling while standing next to it? That's the diff between 2V and 4V, whispering versus yelling when the machine's noise level doesn't change.