Hey all,

Im wondering about two things - first, can someone post a picture of the back of the factory radio in the 04 S2000? I searched but didn't find any pics, and it would save me the hassle of pulling the unit.

Second, has anyone tried keeping the factory hu and simply adding an amp for more power, or an amp and better speakers? Is the factory hu really just not that great, and should an aftermarket unit be installed? Any ideas on minimum/ optimal power for an amp if I wanted to just run front speakers? What about front speakers and a sub?

Thanks,

 

sorry -- no pic of the '04 unit.

and amp and better speakers can be well worth the time on the OEM head unit, but rather than spend a couple hundred on an amp, i'd put that money towards a modest HU w/ good internal power and a set of more than average sensitive speakers (like in the 90+ dB range, the higher the better). the clarity of the aftermarket HU will generally provide a better listening experience. and speakers with a higher sensitivity will make best use of the aftermarket HU's power, which is generally much more than the OEM deck. then, if you decide later - you can add an amp in the future.

the biggest problem w/ amping a signal from the OEM HU, is that it won't be the cleanest signal, so you'll also be amplifying the distortion, which can noticably reduce the quality of your sound, especially at higher volumes, which is where you really want your best sound so you can overcome wind noise.

i should point out tho, that i have been criticized in the past for this opinion, and that some feel an amp + speakers upgrade to the OEM deck is great.

 

Thanks for the input. I already have an older Alpine MRV-F301 (100wx2) that I am thinking of using in my S, to power the front components and possibly a sub, but its probably not powerful enough to push a sub from the trunk if I run all my speakers through it.

I am also looking at possible solutions for a new HU (my Kenwood just stopped working) and for an audio solution in general. Lots of posts on that, but I also want to plug in my iPod, so I'm trying to get a grasp on what all the possible solutions are.

Basically, I already have an amp, and I'm trying to decide on spending the money on just better speakers, speakers and wiring my amp in, or getting new speakers, a new HU, and then maybe the amp! So many options...