Why does the stock stereo sound like poo?!?!?!
 

Is it because of the head unit? Or is it because of the speakers? I have the upgraded system too, and i still think it sound like poo.

If possible, i'd like to keep the stock head unit and just upgrade the speakers, so that theives will more likely shy away from my stock interior. But if its the head unit that's the culprit, well then i just might be shopping for another stereo!

Eric

If you upgrade the speakers, then the stock HU won't push enough wattage to them to make them sound optimum. This would NOT be getting your $$$'s worth out of the speakers. So, IMO, replacing both at once seems to be the logical thing to do since they compliment one another. You should be able to find a decent deck that fits your needs for ~$200 (new), but once you start shopping, the amenities of the 300-400 range are quite tempting... I know about this myself ;)

Anyway, I hope this of some help, and good luck with de-pooifying the sound of your stereo :D

I agree with 98 that the head unit should be replaced but I'm not ready to give up the 6 disc for a 1 disc (besides, I probably will want to go with some DVD/Navigation thing). I have a 5 channel amp giving 75W to each stock door speaker and 600 to my sub and it sounds pretty good, but not great. Good enough for now. I'm using LOC's which is not the best way to do it but at least I don't have to spend $1500 on the new head unit yet. Definately get a real sub.

i just installed factor upgrade door speakers and sub im my wrx and i love it..

but then again to stock stereo imo was good enough already, now its better tho..
edgar, :)

That sucks, i wish to keep the stock stereo, but then again, i don't want a crappy sound system. I had a $1000 deck in my old civic, and it got broken into and the deck was stolen withing 2 weeks. After that, i've been kinda paranoid about getting a nice stereo, or anything that would have my car broken into again. Thats why i wanted to keep the stock head unit. I figured if i changed the speakers only, i might be able to get a better sounding system, but keep the stock look. How much power does the stock head unit put out to each speaker anyway?

You can keep the stock deck and just run line out converters to amps and have the upgraded speakers powered by the external amps. The sound quality won't be quite as good as an aftermarket deck, but it will be better than running the upgraded speakers with the stock deck.

The stock HU puts out about 8W/channel. You can't push it too hard without getting serious distortion and this will blow aftermarket speakers more easily than excess power will. With the windows down at highway speed it just doesn't have enough power to keep up. Also the dynamic range is lousy (especially on FM) and there is an "auto loudness" function that artificially boosts the bass at lower volumes and cannot be turned off.
These are reasons why I swapped mine out for an Alpine. I still have the OEM sub.

I don't know man... playin Human Beat Box on my stock speaks and head unit sounds pretty awesome.

Remote Wire?
 

I am in the same situation as DizzyWRX. I have a '04 WRX and want to keep the stock 6 disc in-dash changer, but add an amp and sub. I got an LOC and have everything set up except for the Remote lead from the head unit. Does anyone know where the remote/accessory wire is on the head unit? Does it even have one? If not, does anyone know of a good alternative? I would appreciate any help.

Sorry for the noob question, but what's an LOC?

[QUOTE=MoodyWRX]I am in the same situation as DizzyWRX. I have a '04 WRX and want to keep the stock 6 disc in-dash changer, but add an amp and sub. I got an LOC and have everything set up except for the Remote lead from the head unit. Does anyone know where the remote/accessory wire is on the head unit? Does it even have one? If not, does anyone know of a good alternative? I would appreciate any help.[/QUOTE]

Check your seperate thread for the wiring diagram.

well i guess it was either a really nice engine with a turbo and awd setup or a *****in stereo. I think the engine was a better choice

there is no remote/power antenna lead on our wrx system. i tapped into the ignition line to get the lead. there are threads on this on the forums...

[QUOTE=MoodyWRX]I am in the same situation as DizzyWRX. I have a '04 WRX and want to keep the stock 6 disc in-dash changer, but add an amp and sub. I got an LOC and have everything set up except for the Remote lead from the head unit. Does anyone know where the remote/accessory wire is on the head unit? Does it even have one? If not, does anyone know of a good alternative? I would appreciate any help.[/QUOTE]

Dizzy,

An LOC stands for "Line Out Converter". Since the WRX head unit doesnt have pre-amp rca outputs, this device converts a channels hi output (speaker wire) signal to a lo rca output signal. I hope that explanation is adequate.

get rid of the stock stereo and upgrade!