stereo noob advice needed

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Sep 28, 2010 | 09:50 PM

#16

Heedz

Nobody likes the tuna here

iTrader: (51)

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 19,779

From: Somewhere San Mateo County, Inside A 911 Ambulance

Car Info: 03 SRP WRX Street Class Prepped, 17 Chevy Duramax

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuzWRX

Get a good set of speakers inside and go with a 5 channel alpine pdx amp. The Pdx amps run very efficient and very safe. Then get a nice little sub in the back...it will sounds great.

Yes i like that PDX amp idea. Ive got a 600 in the back with a W7 and damn that thing pumps for such a small amp. Plus that means type r's all around with a type s in the back it will sound amazing.

Oct 18, 2010 | 06:27 PM

#17

Chef WRX

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 303

From: San Francsisco

Car Info: Subaru WRX 2003 Yellow

I don't know if you're still looking for a shop to do work on your stereo but since you're in the Bay Area, check out City Car Radio in San Francisco. I had them do my whole system and car alarm. They do GREAT work, all my wires are clean and if they damage anything they'll replace it. They'll tune your system for you for free anytime. My beat is insane and it all depends on your budget. They'll gladly explain anything you don't understand to you and work with your budget and needs and wants. These guys have serviced my family for years and I continue to do business with them. Just tell them you were recommended by the Yellow Subaru, and they'll do what they can for you. As for my system I have 6 1/2 in JL XR components front and 6 1/2 XR's in the rear, 2 10' Rockford T1's 10d4's, Phoenix Gold Tantrum amp for the woofers, Crossfire amp for the speakers, Eclispe deck, 1.0 Farad Power Cap, and Yellow Top Optima. Currently looking to upgrade the amp for my speakers though.

Last edited by Chef WRX; Oct 18, 2010 at 06:33 PM.

Oct 27, 2010 | 02:25 PM

#18

thesenior

Registered User

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 26

From: East Bay, CA

Car Info: '11 STi 4dr

Sorry to claim jump this thread, but i just bought a '11 STi, and the stereo is worse than my old WRX which i thought was pretty bad. Problem is, the Bluetooth, and steering wheel controls are all connected to it. Would it be worth it to change the speakers and just get a small amp for the speakers and leave the stock head unit? Not looking for anything great, but it sounds like a 1960's transistor radio O.o

Oct 28, 2010 | 04:49 PM

#19

popngen

Registered User

Joined: Oct 2010

Posts: 70

From: bay area

Car Info: derp!

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesenior

It's not going to be very easy if you want to change out the HU. But I believe you can simply get a small amp and new speakers as one or two threads have noted. Here are some threads I saved if you want to swap out the HU:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2078316

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2046854

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2075001

I think, if I read correctly, the biggest issues you'll face is the bluetooth mic and usb connectivity if you want off-the-shelf compatibility.

Oct 28, 2010 | 11:04 PM

#20

Heedz

Nobody likes the tuna here

iTrader: (51)

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From: Somewhere San Mateo County, Inside A 911 Ambulance

Car Info: 03 SRP WRX Street Class Prepped, 17 Chevy Duramax

Quote:

Originally Posted by thesenior

well using a line out or a sound processor will help but there are wiring harnesses to keep the steering controls in use. BT on the other hand i wouldnt know maybe an aftermarket with it can support it by modding it somehow?

Jun 22, 2011 | 10:14 PM

#21

joc61

Registered User

Joined: Dec 2010

Posts: 16

From: concord ca

Car Info: 09 wrx

Quote:

Originally Posted by donkeykong

i guess i'm just going for a little bang-for-buck.

i'd like the sound to be a bit clearer. right now, it sounds kinda muffled or very low on treble(?). i don't if it has to do with the reception, but even CDs sound not that great. i don't need crazy amounts of bass. i think i'd be okay with the way it is now, but the biggest thing for me is the clarity of the audio.

i don't know how much these kinds of systems run, but i think i'd be willing to spend a few hundred dollars. maybe up to $500? is this something that can be done by simply replacing my speakers, or do i need to add a bunch of new components? i'd like minimal "invasion" of the car if possible.

thanks to all you guys for your help!

if you want cleaner sound your upgrades should go in this order

-change out the stock speakers (the paper cone just doesnt cut it)
-change out the deck
-if the sound is too quiet for you at this point find an amp that matches the wattage of the speakers... look at rms watts not peak.