Stereo Install (Big!)
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From: Irving
As most of you know (especially our Canadian brethren), the stock stereo in the S2000 is less than stellar. With this in mind, I opted to have a complete system upgrade. I wanted extra volume and clarity with a bit of bass punch (no boom-boom).
Here are the components:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI> Kenwood KDC-z919 MP3/CD Receiver
<LI>Precision Power PC4400 Amplifier (50w X 4)
<LI>MB Quart PSC216 Component Speakers
<LI>JL Audio CS110W3 Prowedge Speaker enclosure with 10' woofer
<LI>PAC Steering Wheel Interface[/list]
The first problem that I came across was the aux controls in the dash. I did not want to replace the head unit if it meant losing them. I've become dependent on the track change and volume controls. With the addition of the PAC steering wheel interface, I was able to keep them functional, save the "mode" button that I never used anyway. The unit works flawlessly, although it took a bit of searching to find someone local who knew how to program it.
Here's a pic of the interface: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00004.jpg
The next problem I ran into was space. I mulled over where to install the amplifier for about a day. I thought of several places to put it; under the seat, in the trunk next to the spare, in the trunk well, etc. With the type of amp I selected, there was really only one place to install it without MAJOR custom work... in the spare tire wheel well. While I'm not real happy with removing the spare, I figure that a can of Fix-A-Flat, a AAA card and a cell phone should suffice
I may opt to move it into a custom enclosure when I have a subwoofer box made.
Here is the amp: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00010.jpg
Next up are the replacements for the stock 6.5 inch door speakers. After listening to a wide variety of speakers, I found that the MB Quarts sound the best. Be warned, these boogers are expensive.
Here are the old and new speakers side-by-side: (note the high cheese factor of the factory Honda speakers, left) http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00005.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00006.jpg
The placement of the tweeters was another consideration. Installing them in the dash was not an option and putting them in the windshield supports would be almost impossible. Installing them on the glass or on top of the dash looked tacky to me so I chose to install them in the door.
Install pics: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00007.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00009.jpg
The sonic staging and quality is superb. I'm completely happy with these speakers and their placement.
As for the Kenwood head unit, it's just too freakin' cool. I burnt several MP3 cd's with hours of songs on each. Very cool. Folder navigation is simple and the sound quality when playing MP3's is incredible. Most of my MP3's are encoded at 128 or 192 bit rates.
The only gripe I have is the pace color. No amber. Oh well, it looks OK.
These pics are pretty crappy: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00015.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00017.jpg
Now for the subwoofer. I like the all-round sound of 10' woofers from JL Audio and they had a pre-fab box that fit pretty well in the trunk. I'm going to have a custom enclosure made in the next few weeks, but this box satisfied me for instant gratification. I want a fiberglass custom box and it takes about a week to have them made. The custom enclosure will fit in the trunk well and have handles on it so I can remove it for long trips or track racing. If it works well, I can have duplicates made if anyone else is interested in purchasing one.
http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00012.jpg
Anyhoo, that's about it. I love the system and would suggest that everyone at least buy a new head unit and replacement door speakers.
If you are from the Dallas area, I would highly suggest my installer. AutoSound. Good folks.
More pics can be seen here
Zoinks
s2000@highiq.com
Here are the components:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI> Kenwood KDC-z919 MP3/CD Receiver
<LI>Precision Power PC4400 Amplifier (50w X 4)
<LI>MB Quart PSC216 Component Speakers
<LI>JL Audio CS110W3 Prowedge Speaker enclosure with 10' woofer
<LI>PAC Steering Wheel Interface[/list]
The first problem that I came across was the aux controls in the dash. I did not want to replace the head unit if it meant losing them. I've become dependent on the track change and volume controls. With the addition of the PAC steering wheel interface, I was able to keep them functional, save the "mode" button that I never used anyway. The unit works flawlessly, although it took a bit of searching to find someone local who knew how to program it.
Here's a pic of the interface: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00004.jpg
The next problem I ran into was space. I mulled over where to install the amplifier for about a day. I thought of several places to put it; under the seat, in the trunk next to the spare, in the trunk well, etc. With the type of amp I selected, there was really only one place to install it without MAJOR custom work... in the spare tire wheel well. While I'm not real happy with removing the spare, I figure that a can of Fix-A-Flat, a AAA card and a cell phone should suffice
I may opt to move it into a custom enclosure when I have a subwoofer box made.Here is the amp: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00010.jpg
Next up are the replacements for the stock 6.5 inch door speakers. After listening to a wide variety of speakers, I found that the MB Quarts sound the best. Be warned, these boogers are expensive.
Here are the old and new speakers side-by-side: (note the high cheese factor of the factory Honda speakers, left) http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00005.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00006.jpg
The placement of the tweeters was another consideration. Installing them in the dash was not an option and putting them in the windshield supports would be almost impossible. Installing them on the glass or on top of the dash looked tacky to me so I chose to install them in the door.
Install pics: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00007.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00009.jpg
The sonic staging and quality is superb. I'm completely happy with these speakers and their placement.
As for the Kenwood head unit, it's just too freakin' cool. I burnt several MP3 cd's with hours of songs on each. Very cool. Folder navigation is simple and the sound quality when playing MP3's is incredible. Most of my MP3's are encoded at 128 or 192 bit rates.
The only gripe I have is the pace color. No amber. Oh well, it looks OK.
These pics are pretty crappy: http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00015.jpg http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00017.jpg
Now for the subwoofer. I like the all-round sound of 10' woofers from JL Audio and they had a pre-fab box that fit pretty well in the trunk. I'm going to have a custom enclosure made in the next few weeks, but this box satisfied me for instant gratification. I want a fiberglass custom box and it takes about a week to have them made. The custom enclosure will fit in the trunk well and have handles on it so I can remove it for long trips or track racing. If it works well, I can have duplicates made if anyone else is interested in purchasing one.
http://www.highiq.com/s2000/Pic00012.jpg
Anyhoo, that's about it. I love the system and would suggest that everyone at least buy a new head unit and replacement door speakers.
If you are from the Dallas area, I would highly suggest my installer. AutoSound. Good folks.
More pics can be seen here
Zoinks
s2000@highiq.com
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 704
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From: Irving
Originally posted by Mindcore:
The box you used for the dash controls..Is this basicaly the same as Pinky's Mod. You mentioned programing it. what did it cost? not that I'm cross shopping you Pinky!
Thnaks
The box you used for the dash controls..Is this basicaly the same as Pinky's Mod. You mentioned programing it. what did it cost? not that I'm cross shopping you Pinky!
Thnaks
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 970
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From: Dillsburg, PA
Sounds like a nice setup, but I have to ask... what is with the MB Quart fascination some folks have?!? Quality stuff, for sure, but dammit those tweeters are so metallic it's literally painful!
How the hell do you do it?
How the hell do you do it?
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 143
From: Chapel Hill, NC
Well nice head unit install. Looks good.
BTW: 40 bucks to program the unit? You serous!? Anyway.
Nice job putting the speakers in the doors and mounting the crossover. The other parts of the install I would have handled differently.
Glad your happy!
BTW: 40 bucks to program the unit? You serous!? Anyway.
Nice job putting the speakers in the doors and mounting the crossover. The other parts of the install I would have handled differently.
Glad your happy!
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Irving
I've heard some of the same complaints about the Quart's. While I like the speakers, I think it's the titanium tweets that give some sources a metallic sound.
With the types of music I listen to (techno, industrial, etc) the "tin" sound actually helps in crisp reproduction. That and the midrange woofers deliver stunning vocals and mid-bass.
The head unit I purchased has several adjustments that allow me to customize the mid and highs for the occasions when I listen to other, more contemporary music.
The Quarts are a good fit for me.
I was looking real hard at the Rocker Fostgate Fanatic series. What's your speaker of choice?
With the types of music I listen to (techno, industrial, etc) the "tin" sound actually helps in crisp reproduction. That and the midrange woofers deliver stunning vocals and mid-bass.
The head unit I purchased has several adjustments that allow me to customize the mid and highs for the occasions when I listen to other, more contemporary music.
The Quarts are a good fit for me.
I was looking real hard at the Rocker Fostgate Fanatic series. What's your speaker of choice?
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Long Island
Zoinks...
I have the same amp installed in my car, but I had it put on the left side of the spare tire. It easily snuggs in there so there is no need for drilling or anything just tightly fits in there without any movement.
My choice of component speakers are the Morale 5 1/4 inches cause the magnet were too big on the 6 1/2 inch ones. ($300 for a pair) Sound is crystal clear. And a 12 inch Cadence Beast woofer in a square enclosure.
Anyway good job.
I have the same amp installed in my car, but I had it put on the left side of the spare tire. It easily snuggs in there so there is no need for drilling or anything just tightly fits in there without any movement.
My choice of component speakers are the Morale 5 1/4 inches cause the magnet were too big on the 6 1/2 inch ones. ($300 for a pair) Sound is crystal clear. And a 12 inch Cadence Beast woofer in a square enclosure.
Anyway good job.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 970
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From: Dillsburg, PA
Zoinks,
The ones I have in my car are Boston Acoustics RC61 (old Rally series). I like them a lot. Soft-dome tweeters. I just find those much more natural and accurate, rather than metal trying to ring (I do mean "ring," not "wring") the crap out of music.
They're not necessarily my favorite speakers, I mean a speaker of choice for me would be
something more expensive, I'm sure!! I'd love to hear a set of Dynaudios.
Doesn't matter, whatever sounds good. I personally just don't think MB Quart makes well-rounded speakers. They can play a few things very well, but not others.
EDIT: Ah yes, forgot... I don't know about Rockford Fosgate, Zoinks. They don't seem to stack up very well against a lot of the competition, these days. They're nice, the higher-end ones, but I think you may find something nicer, for less cash! Try Boston, you may like those.
-S2-
[This message has been edited by Siper2 (edited October 23, 2000).]
The ones I have in my car are Boston Acoustics RC61 (old Rally series). I like them a lot. Soft-dome tweeters. I just find those much more natural and accurate, rather than metal trying to ring (I do mean "ring," not "wring") the crap out of music.
They're not necessarily my favorite speakers, I mean a speaker of choice for me would be
something more expensive, I'm sure!! I'd love to hear a set of Dynaudios.
Doesn't matter, whatever sounds good. I personally just don't think MB Quart makes well-rounded speakers. They can play a few things very well, but not others.
EDIT: Ah yes, forgot... I don't know about Rockford Fosgate, Zoinks. They don't seem to stack up very well against a lot of the competition, these days. They're nice, the higher-end ones, but I think you may find something nicer, for less cash! Try Boston, you may like those.
-S2-
[This message has been edited by Siper2 (edited October 23, 2000).]
