whats a good way to add base without adding a sub in the trunk? like what do i need to get to have more bass or is getting a sub and amp the best way?

 

What kind of speakers do you have in the doors? Some do a better job of reproducing low notes than others.

Other than that, you might look at Aura bass shakers. I have one attached to the bottom of each seat. They do a nice job of transmitting the sensation of very low bass. You can get them at Parts Express. You'll also need a small amp to power them.

To answer your question, though, a sub and amp is the best way to go. If you don't like the idea of having stereo equipment in the trunk, some people have found ways to put small subs in the cabin.

 

i have stock speakers in the doors

 

Your stock speakers are very limiting in producing bass. Many aftermarket speakers are not suitable for subwoofer duty either. Couldn't you just find a 6.5" or 8" subwoofer and put it in the trunk? That's better than having midrange trying to choke out bass. I've seen a lot of installs on here and many of them are very stealthy looking without taking up the entire trunk.

 

yeah seems like the best and easy way. ill probably go with that. how much should i be looking at for a 6.5 or 8 and amp plus install?

 

Installation labor is completely dependant on the dealer you take it to. Subs and amps can be low as $100 or more than that. Who knows. It varies a lot in the used audio market. If you want new, you're looking of at least $200 for sub an amp (rough estimate). Like this sub:

http://www.cardomain.com/item/IDSID8V3D2

$105 shipped

http://www.cardomain.com/item/JBLCS602

$95 shipped


Throw in about $30 for wirings. What's the utmost you can spend total? I'm sure we can work around your budget.



It's going to be hard to pinpoint exactly what to get. I can't remember who here has an 8" subwoofer though.

 

I put in a set of Polk Audio Momo 6500's because I liked their wide range - bright silk tweeters that were crisp and excellent mid bass from the 6.5s that are stand-alone good for music (rock, hip hop, others). I only have a sub for low end fill, and when I need to take it out to use the trunk space, the sound quality doesn't degrade.

I also listened to some Alpine components and thought they were more bassy overall, but I'm very happy with my Polks. You don't need a sub to get better sound, but it is nice to have one.

I have W Laurent sub enclosure with an 8" sub - the enclosure only takes up one of the side pockets of the trunk so I get to keep most trunk space, which is a good solution for me.

I'd upgrade the door speakers and your radio first, and if you aren't happy with that, look at amping your system and adding a sub. Even a new head unit that puts out 20 watts rms with good speakers will have a significant change on the quality of sound in the car. The stock speakers really are not that good at much of anything unless you are driving at low speeds and listening to NPR, but we don't drive Buicks.

 

so pretty just upgrade HU and door spearks n ill prob have enough bass?

 

With a better HU and speakers, you will be much happier than stock. After that, its up to you to decide if you want more, and if you do, I would at that point add an amp, sub and better wires to the S. One thing is look for good speakers that also fit in the S's doors - the Momos (and others) fit in the doors with minimal work.

 

Like Saki GT, I too have the Polk Audio Momo 6500s. I'm still running the factory HU, but I am feeding the Polks about 110+ watts rms.

They offer fantastic mid-bass! A friend of mine was shocked to find out that I did NOT have a sub installed. The next day, he ordered up the Polks for his car.