About to pick up my 2008 Smart!

[bikerboy]

Maybe its premature to ask these questions since I don't even have the car yet, but I'm too excited!

Anyways, is it worth the effort to get some aftermarket speakers like Polk or Infinity. Would there be a noticeable difference if I just replace the speakers but not the head unit/amp? I really don't want to touch the amp/head unit. Any suggestions for speakers and where I can get a set? I really like the way the Polk speakers look. Also how can I listen to music from my Ipod? Is there a some sort of gadget that would let me do that? THANKS!

[HGB]

Make the speaker change the first thing because the originals are horrible.
Get speakers with a good built in tweeter and then consider a small self contained subwoofer in the future such as the Bass 600. It is a minimal investment for a much improved sound.
I bought a nice set of Infinity speakers for $12 plus shipping on ebay.
The subwoofer I ordered online with Radio Shack. It is not sold in stores. I believe it was about $130 plus shipping.
Reinstalling the door panels was my biggest challenge afterwards.

[John_H]

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Maybe its premature to ask these questions since I don't even have the car yet, but I'm too excited!

Anyways, is it worth the effort to get some aftermarket speakers like Polk or Infinity.

Not just yes... Hell yes! You might improve the audio further by adding sound/vibration dampening to the inside of the plastic door skins. I like stuff from cascadeaudio.com while many other folks use Dynamat products.

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Would there be a noticeable difference if I just replace the speakers but not the head unit/amp?

Even with the stock radio, the tinny sound from the factory speakers will be improved. If the 2008 has the "premium" sound package, there will also be tweeters up by the windshield and an under-seat subwoofer under the driver's seat that helps round out the factory sound. Upgrading the speakers will probably make those components worthless (at least worth less) if they're already there.

Originally Posted by bikerboy

I really don't want to touch the amp/head unit. Any suggestions for speakers and where I can get a set? I really like the way the Polk speakers look.

My favorite place for smart stuff is scp-parts.com (my alpines are from there) but it doesn't look like they carry polk or infinity. Your local audio store probably has speakers that work, as well as online places like crutchfield. Smartmadness appears to be everybody's friend and is getting into audio a little more than when they first began.

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Also how can I listen to music from my Ipod?

The glove box has a jack in the left side where you can plug in your iPod and leave it locked up, out of sight. Some people don't care to leave their iPods powered on all the time, so you still may need to get into the glove box to turn it on and off on occasion. The Radio9 (single CD) or Radio10 (6 CD changer) can change the SRC to AUX to play the iPod.

Originally Posted by bikerboy

Is there a some sort of gadget that would let me do that? THANKS!

You just need the cable from your iPod to the 3.5mm stereo connector.

[bikerboy]

[QUOTE]If the 2008 has the "premium" sound package, there will also be tweeters up by the windshield and an under-seat subwoofer under the driver's seat that helps round out the factory sound. Upgrading the speakers will probably make those components worthless (at least worth less) if they're already there./QUOTE]

No I'm pretty sure it doesn't have the premium package...I'm pretty set on the Polk speakers. will the DB675 fit or do I need the DB651??

I'm going to install them myself I'm pretty handy w/ the tools plus there is a link to installing/taking apart the panels. Anything in particular about the door panel that might give me a hard time?