After adding a JL 300/2 and Alpine Type-R Component speakers to my S2000, I noticed the sound quality improved dramatically compared to the stock head unit and speakers, however, the system lacks good bass response.

It seems the easiest location in the S2000 to add a sub is by utilizing the space where the tool tray resides in the trunk. There are sub boxes on eBay for about $75 that will make installation a breeze. However, if the subwoofer is installed in the trunk, which is separated from the passenger compartment and not sharing the same airspace as the passenger compartment, I would think that you would only experience the vibrations from the subwoofer and not hear any of the musical notes it's producing.

If anyone with a subwoofer installed in the tool tray area of their S2000 could chime in, it would be greatly appreciated!

I have a nice Alpine Type-R 10" subwoofer from my last car sitting in my garage that I would like to utilize for this installation...if it happens.

 

My 12" JL is in the tool space with no ports. However, I do not have much experience with sounds systems in general so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Mine sounds very well to me and I haven't had any complaints from others. Vibration isn't much of an issue, just typical plastic rattle. Volume and frequency ranges seem fine also. I would go for it. Also, if you plan to use trunk space for loose items like groceries and whatnot, I would get a grill or something to protect the sub. I have a small dent on mine already.

 

I actually have a shallow 12" sub in a box that fits right on top of the tool tray, and has spare room beside the box and fits perfectly into that spot. I have it hooked up to a 4 channel amp bridged so the sub is basically running off of 2 of the channels. It definetly helped a lot with the bass in the car. I have mine tuned down pretty well because I didn't want something that just rattles everything. I got mine so it gives very nice bass and doesnt shake the whole car. Perfect for me, and I can easily just undo the 2 connections on the side of the box, and lift it out and I still have my took tray in place. Plus it weighs quite a bit less than a full custom box in there with a full size sub.

So all in all, if you did get one of those box's and put your 10" sub in there, don't expect it to rattle the hell out of your S, but it will definetly give you some good bass and you can feel it. I don't see why anyone would want more than that.

 

once you take the paneling off you'll see that the trunk isn't actually sealed from the cabin area.

 

Another option is a shallow mount subwoofer in the passenger footwell and a small amp under the passenger seat. That's what I did (well I still need to install it all)

Our trunk is small enough as it is IMO..

 

I've been struggling with whether or not to add a sub. I question if I would actually hear the benefits of adding a sub to a convertible since I basically only drive the car if I can put the top down. The best answer I have been given is that when adding a sub to a convertible you will feel the bass, but you will not actually hear the bass. To me this made sense and I am making my decision based on that.

 

You will both hear it and feel it. The bass is easily heard because it adds lows to the music, and also adds much richer and deeper tone to it. It's a huge quality increase vs. not having a sub. I have a 10" JL Audio sub in a JL Audio Stealthbox and the difference in music quality/clarity was night and day, even when I had my soft-top. It sounds even better now that I have a hardtop.

Bottom line: adding a sub is easily one of the best things to do to increase sound quality/enjoyment in ANY song for the S2000. Huge difference.

 

I found a company called Hertz audio. Italian made speakers and subs. their sub specs call for drastically smaller sub box cubic footage than standard industry full sized subs. i run a 10" in the back and the ported box spec is smaller than most sealed boxes for other subs. and their high quality well built rigs.

 

Thanks allot for your responses everyone! I did notice the huge pass-through from the passenger compartment to the trunk when running the wiring for my 2-channel amp, but that gets sealed off after you re-install all the plastics. My Alpine Type-R 10" sub is VERY powerful and can take pretty much anything I throw at it, but I'm not looking to rattle the trunk, I just need the bass to fill in what the component speakers in the doors can't reproduce.

I'm thinking of using a JL 500/1, tool-tray sub box, and my Alpine sub. Going to use a distribution block to tap into the 4-gauge wiring already run for the 2-channel amp. Amp will sit on the left-side of the trunk.

@hurtgen, I do plan to install a speaker grille to keep groceries out of my sub. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

I can hear my 12" Kicker Pro Comp V fine, I have it in a box I made for my Jeep. Some times its too loud and shakes everything, rattles my brain. But im in the process of building a fiber glass one to go in the tool area. almost complete. Although Im trying to figure out how to attach my MDF board to the fiberglass bottom.