I've started using my S as a daily and would like a little better stereo sound quality when driving with the to up but I really don't want to spend that much on it. Looking at the FAQ it states "...a budget of $500?
Replace the head unit and upgrade front speakers (components) or a new HU and add S-Pods
This will easily include a decent HU, allow you to install some nice component speakers, and possibly retain the dash controls."

Will this really make much of a difference with all the road/wind/tire noise with the top up?

 

Yes it will make a large difference. Get a good HU that has the capability to add onto later on and some good door speakers. The door speakers should be the best you can get without an amp. Getting some that requires an amp will mean you have to purchase an amp or their capability will be greatly diminished.

 

Got it, thanks!!!

 

ive been wanting to upgrade my speaker set up as well i already upgraded my head unit.. any ideas what kind and brand of speakers will be good enough without buying an amp?..

 

In my opinion, I think s-pods or rear fill of any kind, should be the last thing. Kind of like, what more can I do? I would work on getting good sound up front first. New head unit, then front speakers, then amp, then sub and finally rear sound....just my thoughts. Good luck!

 

When your budget can allow and you want some fuller base, I recommend the sub-woofer for the passenger footwell from 2BigforAS2000 on these forums. It's enough to fill the cabin top up or down, and you don't sacrifice trunk space for a sub. Amps are small enough now that you can get a 4 or 5 channel one to fit either above the gas tank or in the spare tire wheel space. I still have my spare tire, and all original trunk space, sacrificing only a few inches in the passenger footwell. I did go with the S-Pods, too, so that that now all 9 speakers are amped and sound great even at highway speeds top down.

Get a head unit that can be added onto as your funds grow. SPods are discontinued, but you might get lucky and find some used ones.

 

If you are not using an external amp, you should get speakers that are very efficient.
Some examples would be the Polk db6501 and especially the Infinity Primus PR6500cs.
Stick to ones with a sensitivity 92+.

 

What are we talking about with efficiency? S/n ratio?

And is on top of gas tank beside spare a safe amp location?

 

Efficiency is usually quoted as "sensitivity" in dB for 1 watt at 1 meter. Reducing the sensitivity
by 3 dB doubles the power required for the same output, as dB is a logarithmic scale.

Many people (including me) have amps above the gas tank. Choose an amp that does not rely on a
heat sink on the top.

 

thanks im ordering the polsk now.. my car is an 01 so im going to need to find a place for the tweeters.. any suggestions?