I've had my S2000 for about 3 weeks. I drive to San Francisco 2 days a week. Half of it is on highway 84 -- a really fun windy road through the Sana Cruz Mountains. The other half is on highway 280 -- a freeway. This time of year the weather is spectacular, so naturally my top is down.

I've noticed that the road noise can get pretty extreme on the freeway with the top down, especially when one of those rediculously high pickup trucks with huge tires is next to me. I found a really great solution to the problem that I though I'd share with you:

Etymotic ER 20 High Fidelity Hearing Protection: http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/er20.aspx

They reduce the sound level 20 dB without affecting the sound quality -- almost like the noise with the top up! Originally I bought them for rock concerts. They also come in handy using power tools. I'm not associated with the company, but I am a fan of their products (I also own their ER 4 Earphones).

ER 20's sell for $12 a pair at etymotic.com. I bought mine on EBay for $9.

 

I just roll the windows up and crank my 400 watt Alpine Stereo.

 

 

Biger wind deflect (sp?) would help big time......!!

 

good post, but i just deal with the noise-
until i hit vtec and leave that truck in the dust!!

i like the stereo solution too

 

More music, less traffic

 

Windows up with the top down ?

Now there is silly idea that I will never try, I did not buy a convertible to try and close myself back in by putting up the windows, might as well get a SUV.

I drive with ear plugs, any drive longer than 20-30 minutes and the go in, have been since my first convertible in 1974.

I will try these, could be interesting.

 

he's right, windows up and radio on works pretty well. i was listening to football a few sundays ago and that was the only way to hear talk radio on AM.

 

Hmm. Look at the volume level needed while you are running at freeway speeds with the top down. Now sit in the driveway and turn up the stereo to the same volume. Your ears are taking a beating with the stereo volume and the wind noise level at freeway speeds.

I like earplugs when riding motorcycles or on the track since it lowers the background and lets me concentrate more on details. Don't need any of my senses maxed out while driving. I may have to try some foamy earplugs on my topdown freeway commutes. It might make the freeway part as nice as the in town part.

 

I always blast the stereo while I'm driving. I also have a 70mm exhaust that I need to drown out, plus I'm always topdown.

I don't really mind noise at all. All those sounds just add to the experience. BTW I also own a pair of those earplugs. i bought them recently for use at concerts but I found that it dimmed down the noise a little too much.