Adding a subwoofer

[John_Matrix]

Has anyone added a powered subwoofer to their Emira? Perhaps to the rear shelf? I’ve seen some companies advertising these but £1500 for a sub and some sound deadening is ferocious.
What did you fit? Who fitted and is it a palpable improvement?

 

[netsinah]

Do a search using "subwoofer" and you'll find several Forum threads, with some answering your questions. Be patient though; you may have to wade through a few posts on the threads. For example:

S

Thread 'Audio thread- to KEF or not to KEF?'

Jan 16, 2023

Let me be clear- I’m buying an Emira for the driving experience (and its looks). However, even though I’m not a bonafide audiophile, I’m still pretty into listening to music while driving.

I had my test drive a couple of months ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, including the engine sound (which has not been lauded universally).

I was only able to listen to about a minute of music streamed via the Lotus rep’s phone. I wasn’t that impressed with the KEF audio but I didn’t want to draw too many conclusions from such a limited experience.

Since my test drive, I’ve been eager to read reviews...

• Skinwarrior
• Replies: 138
• Forum: Lotus Emira Electronics

• 

 

[John_Matrix]

Cambridge Audio offer the installation of a sub with the standard system, which is something I think I’d enjoy. Really hoping that someone had used another business for this who weren’t charging such an enormous premium for something relatively straightforward

 

[Orchardbike]

Cambridge Audio offer the installation of a sub with the standard system, which is something I think I’d enjoy. Really hoping that someone had used another business for this who weren’t charging such an enormous premium for something relatively straightforward

I got a quote from them for a previous car and the price was extortionate!

 

[Man.v.Cars]

I got a quote from them for a previous car and the price was extortionate!

They do have a video on YouTube showing most of the work involved, adding a sub looks to be the easiest part.

I have a 21 Yr old X-Type sport with a better sound system from the factory, my son has an A200 1.4 AMG Line and that has a better sound too. Crazy that a £80+k has such poor sound.

 

[Orchardbike]

They do have a video on YouTube showing most of the work involved, adding a sub looks to be the easiest part.

I have a 21 Yr old X-Type sport with a better sound system from the factory, my son has an A200 1.4 AMG Line and that has a better sound too. Crazy that a £80+k has such poor sound.

‘Poor’ is subjective though. If you compare the audio to what came in the Evora or a Jag F-Type, then the Emira is miles better!

 

[Davebeats]

I added one to mine, all in I think it was under $600, night and day difference of course, but honestly I prefer driving with the radio off and hearing the car

I went with the all in one Rockford Fosgate P300-10T

 

[John_Matrix]

I suspect a self amplified sub, integrated with the system, will yield a significant benefit. Without sounding precious, there are LOADS of car audio shops around but the car is under warranty. I’d feel far more comfortable with a shop doing the work who have done an Emira before rather than being a guinea pig. Cambridge have positioned themselves as a prestige option. I’ve had lots of aftermarket stereo installs fitted to lots of cars but never anything that already had a ‘premium’ system. Never anything under warranty either. On my Emira test drive I thought the system would be comparable to other upgrades in other cars. The HK system fitted to Mini and BMW for example. Both those systems sound OK, far better than standard, but they lack the ability to do bass. Some people are sniffy about the BOSE systems in Porsche cars. I was always happy with that. Dynaudio installed a good system in the Golf as well.
The KEF system sounds quite bright but the lack of a sub robs the ability to reproduce bass. I’m amazed the designers of the system were happy to put their name to it. It’s not nearly as good as it should be.
But- maybe the addition of a sub could be a game changer. Just want to follow in someone’s footsteps rather than blaze a trail. And £1500 for a sub install would leave me filled with self loathing.