Hi,

I don't currently own an S2k, but I have been looking recently. Although a test drive is scheduled in a used one pretty soon, I had a question that had been bugging me for a bit.

Currently, I own a 03 Subaru Impreza WRX, with the "upgraded" sound package. That means, it has a small subwoofer underneath the front passenger seat. While sound of my stereo is incredibly important too me, I'm not too keen on putting in a huge subwoofer in the trunk or changing all the speakers. To me, my stock soundsystem is pretty good/great. To many, many other Subaru drivers, the stock soundsystem of the Impreza is terrible to horrible, so I guess I'm a bit less picky than most.

So, what I'm asking is, do you think the stock soundsystem on the S2k is good? Is it audible with the windows/top down, at, 40-60mph? Is there any sort of extra bass, or does that have to be aftermarket? I've looked online and haven't found too much info.

I know many S2000 drivers used to be WRX drivers and vice versa, so I hope you can understand my point of comparison.

Anyway, thanks very much for your feedback!

-Chris

C/N: I have a WRX and think the stereo is fine, but there are many naysayers that drive them as well. Is the S2000 stereo any good? Bass/Volume/etc?

 

No understanding of point of comparison but the stock radio sucks... Add to your budget for buying the car a new headunit and a modifry DCI (check the marketplace link at the top...). There is also no extra bass option from the factory but a few choices if you look around this section of the forum.
-Doug

 

the stock radio is crap with top down. change your head unit and you'll be good to go. I have a 10inch bass tube, which gives it some added kick while top down. but just the HU alone will make a big difference.

 

You'd really have to decide for yourself. I think most owners would agree the system is inadequate. That's not to say it's not listenable, but upgrading makes a huge difference.

Stock can be heard at 40-60mph, but does it sound good? No. Top down at any speed will degrade any system. I don't bother much with the tunes with the top down anyway.

Adding a sub is also a standard upgrade. Couple of folks on here are marketing some clever boxes that minimize loss of trunk space.

Keep in mind we're a bunch of DIY freaks on here. Most of us believe any system, no matter how good, can be made better.

 

Well it is easily the worst sounding setup in any car I have ever owned, but that is a bit unfair, because it's as much the nature of the car. A convert is much louder than a hardtop, and there are far fewer reflective surfaces.

I replaced it with a Pioneer Premier, Infinity Perfects, 2 Soundstream Van Gogh 400's and a 10" sub and I think it's just ok compared to other systems I've had. It gets plenty loud at any speed but it certainly isn't "pretty". Then again, the radio is not the high point of this car anyway.

I'm guessing Honda threw in the towel and figured (correctly) that spending a little more on some better speakers or a better head unit would not help that much. In my opinion you really need to spend at least $1000 and replace head unit speakers and add an amp to make a real difference.

 

Replacing the HU and front components is a given if you want to listen to music. Adding an amp or sub is an option if you're still not happy, but a good HU and speakers will cover a lot of ground. A V1 enclosure from http://www.darksidesubs.com/ is a good way to go to add some sub-bass without losing your trunk.