everybody's got a sub in their trunk
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From: Dallas
everybody's got a sub in their trunk
After reading pretty much everything in the electronics forum here and doing some listening at various car audio places, I've mostly decided on my system with aftermarket HU, component speakers, and external amp. However....
I'd really like to do an 8" sub. It seems like everybody except a few die-hard and adventurous do-it-yourselfers have their sub (or subs) in their trunk. Every car audio shop I've talked to, though, has said that'll sound awful -- and the place I'm inclined to go with said they'd be able to mount something in the passenger-side footwell. I saw somebody's post around here who had done something like that, and perhaps I can get a nice 8" down there (under the carpet replacing the foam block underneath?), but I'm still a little worried.
So my question is: does a sub in the trunk of an S2000 actually sound good while driving with the top down or did you guys do it just because it's the easiest/only way to do it?
I'd really like to do an 8" sub. It seems like everybody except a few die-hard and adventurous do-it-yourselfers have their sub (or subs) in their trunk. Every car audio shop I've talked to, though, has said that'll sound awful -- and the place I'm inclined to go with said they'd be able to mount something in the passenger-side footwell. I saw somebody's post around here who had done something like that, and perhaps I can get a nice 8" down there (under the carpet replacing the foam block underneath?), but I'm still a little worried.
So my question is: does a sub in the trunk of an S2000 actually sound good while driving with the top down or did you guys do it just because it's the easiest/only way to do it?
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From: Richmond
This is a very good question, and one I'd like the answer to as well. I'm ready to add some bass to my system and am loathe to go with a trunk solution due to loss of trunk space, concern about the quality of the sound from the trunk, etc. I certainly wish there was a better way...
Matt
Matt
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From: Hopedale, MA
I have an Alpine Type 10" sub in the trunk in a custom box and it sounds great 
Whoever you spoke to doesn't know the S as well as you think they do (imo) however as stated before a cabin sub my sound a "little" better but for what you get compared to the cost (this assumes your paying someone to do all the work) between a cabin mounted sub and trunk... the trunk mount is the way to go.
Whoever you spoke to doesn't know the S as well as you think they do (imo) however as stated before a cabin sub my sound a "little" better but for what you get compared to the cost (this assumes your paying someone to do all the work) between a cabin mounted sub and trunk... the trunk mount is the way to go.
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From: New York
Ive stated this over and over.......
Like DarkKnight, I too have an Alpine 10" in my trunk. First of all, I am no newbie to sound systems, I have done, and had at least 30 of them. Now, the s2000 , to my surprise, has an amazing bass transfer percentage. At least 80% of the bass generated by a trunk mounted sub goes into the cabin, top up or down. Second, in an s2000, I would give up 10 cubic feet of cargo space before I give up 1 foot of cabin space. If a shop gives you good equipment, and installs it neatly/properly, then you will have a great sounding system and plenty of room for cargo. Good luck!
Like DarkKnight, I too have an Alpine 10" in my trunk. First of all, I am no newbie to sound systems, I have done, and had at least 30 of them. Now, the s2000 , to my surprise, has an amazing bass transfer percentage. At least 80% of the bass generated by a trunk mounted sub goes into the cabin, top up or down. Second, in an s2000, I would give up 10 cubic feet of cargo space before I give up 1 foot of cabin space. If a shop gives you good equipment, and installs it neatly/properly, then you will have a great sounding system and plenty of room for cargo. Good luck!
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
if you really want to pour a ton of bass into the cabin -- get a CRX or something of the like... nothing like a monster sub in a hatchback to really abuse your ears... 
bang for buck -- a sub in cabin probably isn't the way to go.
like Dave, i'd rather lose trunk space over cabin space anytime... and even then, i give up trunk space very resistantly...
bang for buck -- a sub in cabin probably isn't the way to go.
like Dave, i'd rather lose trunk space over cabin space anytime... and even then, i give up trunk space very resistantly...
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From: Dallas
Okay you have me convinced I'll be picking up a wlaurent 8" sub enclosure in the next few weeks I think. This is why I asked here -- as knowledgeable as the guy at the store seemed, you all know more about the S specifically. I bet a lot of convertibles, particularly larger and cushier ones with rear +2 seats, insulate bass in the trunk a lot more which is why he was urging against it.
I'm looking forward to this now.
By the way, I think I'll be getting the $500 Alpine HU (I forget the model -- it's the one with the EQ presets which seem cool so I can have like top-up and top-down settings), Boston Rally component speakers (probably not the best, but has the smoothest highs and mids I've heard, to my ears), and JL 4-channel amp.
Matt
I'll be picking up a wlaurent 8" sub enclosure in the next few weeks I think. This is why I asked here -- as knowledgeable as the guy at the store seemed, you all know more about the S specifically. I bet a lot of convertibles, particularly larger and cushier ones with rear +2 seats, insulate bass in the trunk a lot more which is why he was urging against it.I'm looking forward to this now.
By the way, I think I'll be getting the $500 Alpine HU (I forget the model -- it's the one with the EQ presets which seem cool so I can have like top-up and top-down settings), Boston Rally component speakers (probably not the best, but has the smoothest highs and mids I've heard, to my ears), and JL 4-channel amp.
Matt
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From: New York
Id only get the WLaurent enclosure if you are going to do the install yourself. If you are going to have a shop install it, then get a 10" and have them custom mount it on the bottom of the toolwell. I think you retain more trunk space that way. Also, very few good 8" subs are produced today that fit the WLAurent enclosure. It is however and fine piece. May I recommend a Rockford Power HX2 8" if you go that route. Great sub, eats power like its going out of style, clear, and cheap. Let us know what you decide.
