I can hear again!
 

I'm in the S2000 much less now that my wife has taken it over; but I was noticing that the car was becoming intolerably loud, especially with the top up, from tire noise. The Dirrezza DII's still had plenty of tread, but the racket was intolerable to me and I wondered why she hadn't complained. Anyway, I decided they had to go and I conferred with "my" Tire Rack guy. I pointed out she probably under-drives the car and doesn't need extreme cornering grip. The recommendation was Goodyear Eagle F1 assymetric all-season tires (both old and new in OEM size). I questioned that as we do have a dedicated set of snow tires/wheels, but was assured this was a good solution.

Wow, what a difference. The car still is not, and will never be, a Rolls-Royce inside but we're no longer shouting over the tire noise. Once there are more miles on the tires and before it gets too cold, I want to take it out and see what we "left on the table" for grip.

It's funny that you say that because this season I've had 3 sets of different tires (Toyo R1R, Direzza ZII, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport) and I barely notice a difference between them all.
I mean I know that the Michelin's are supposed to be a lot more quiet, and I can tell that they're slightly quieter, but it's hardly that noticeable because our cars are already so loud to begin with.

you must have sensitive hearing because my direzza dII's werent any louder than any other tires i've used (Michellin Pilot Sport, Hankook RS3/V12 and Bridgestone Potenza RE760)

ZIIs slap the pavement and any seams, painted lines, and road kill. PSS are so much quieter with a sacrifice in outright high end grip. We have an S with each set in our family. No question the ZIIs are louder.

i have never noticed any tire noise ever in my s2000. The s2000 is such a loud car i don't understand how anyone can even complain about the noise of tires.

What ? hahahaha :LOL:

I agree, the S2000 is incredibly loud. if it was quiet I think there would be something wrong.......

x2!

The previous owner of my '06 had buggered it with black wheels shod with Dii tires. Both went to good homes as soon as I could get reconditioned OEM wheels and new Bridgestone RE-11A tires delivered. Handling, ride, and noise dramatically improved. Seam slap was extremely annoying with the Dunlops.

-- Chuck

My RS3's howled on the highway. It was pretty annoying.

The DII's weren't any worse that some other tires I've had... when they were new. They simply got worse over time. And actually my hearing is terrible.

Fair enough, and especially as I now DD the Boxster which is incredibly quiet for a sports car IMHO. The S2000 remains a bit loud, just not insanely so anymore.