STi audio set-ups...
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 12
Originally posted by essogas
yeah, but you have to know how to rip your car apart without making mistakes. Also, you have to know about sound imaging and where best to place the stuff depending on the car. An audio shop will have done more WRX's than you whicj means they have a higher vhance of knowing where and what will work best in most cars. I'm for having someone else do the work, but to each their own.
yeah, but you have to know how to rip your car apart without making mistakes. Also, you have to know about sound imaging and where best to place the stuff depending on the car. An audio shop will have done more WRX's than you whicj means they have a higher vhance of knowing where and what will work best in most cars. I'm for having someone else do the work, but to each their own.
The only reason i would pay for the install is if the wiring is *THAT* difficult. I've seen horrendous wiring jobs from some local audio shops, so i'm a bit weary.
Obviously, i would just copy someone else's setup that has had good feedback.
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if your just planing to put your speakers in the stock locations then there isn't much more a audio shop will do for you. Except suggest types of speakers and combinations. which can be good info. I just like doing the stuff my self. Thats just me. If you go to a shop I would make sure you pick a good one.
If you're going to an "average" shop it won't make much of a difference....but the work of a "very good" shop shows. If you use an adapter to connect your deck to the stock wiring harness, and use the stock speaker wiring it's pretty simple. You can save a lot of money by doing it yourself so that is a major advantage. Just remember that a good shop can point out some very important things that others won't. Sound dampening in the doors of a Subaru makes a HUGE difference, so does making sure you have a good seal around your door mounted tweeters. Your music will sound a lot better, and your system will be much more efficient.
Also remember that some of the new high powered decks (Alpine, etc) require a direct connection to your battery with larger gauge wire and a fuse. This does increase the difficulty.
I think if you use an adapter for your deck, stock speaker sizes and existing wiring, have a little advice on what works in Subarus, and take your time you'll be ok
Also remember that some of the new high powered decks (Alpine, etc) require a direct connection to your battery with larger gauge wire and a fuse. This does increase the difficulty.
I think if you use an adapter for your deck, stock speaker sizes and existing wiring, have a little advice on what works in Subarus, and take your time you'll be ok
It does! Subaru doors are built well (they're strong), but they are very light and not very good when it comes to sound. They have relatively good speaker placement so sound dampening makes a big difference. A local high end shop (which I value) also feels the same way. A major advantage is that you can run less power and the music will sound just as loud because you'll be hearing more of the music.
And don't forget......there are other companies other than Dynamat and they do have lighter weight dampening materials if you're concerned about that. I think I'll be using a product from Cascade in my STI sometime soon.
And don't forget......there are other companies other than Dynamat and they do have lighter weight dampening materials if you're concerned about that. I think I'll be using a product from Cascade in my STI sometime soon.
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Originally posted by acarguy
It does! Subaru doors are built well (they're strong), but they are very light and not very good when it comes to sound. They have relatively good speaker placement so sound dampening makes a big difference. A local high end shop (which I value) also feels the same way. A major advantage is that you can run less power and the music will sound just as loud because you'll be hearing more of the music.
And don't forget......there are other companies other than Dynamat and they do have lighter weight dampening materials if you're concerned about that. I think I'll be using a product from Cascade in my STI sometime soon.
It does! Subaru doors are built well (they're strong), but they are very light and not very good when it comes to sound. They have relatively good speaker placement so sound dampening makes a big difference. A local high end shop (which I value) also feels the same way. A major advantage is that you can run less power and the music will sound just as loud because you'll be hearing more of the music.
And don't forget......there are other companies other than Dynamat and they do have lighter weight dampening materials if you're concerned about that. I think I'll be using a product from Cascade in my STI sometime soon.
Donohue
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 89
Originally posted by essogas
okay DVD nav and screen will run you around 3 grand. As far as speakers, amps, head units etc, well...the sky is the limit. As for compliance issues, no. The DVD/nav system can be a separate system or it can be integrated but then your choice of head unit is seriously limited. I'm going with an Alpine DVD Nav because they simply make the best and have the most coverage for Canada. The audio components I'm still working out a balance between excellent quality and budget.
okay DVD nav and screen will run you around 3 grand. As far as speakers, amps, head units etc, well...the sky is the limit. As for compliance issues, no. The DVD/nav system can be a separate system or it can be integrated but then your choice of head unit is seriously limited. I'm going with an Alpine DVD Nav because they simply make the best and have the most coverage for Canada. The audio components I'm still working out a balance between excellent quality and budget.
Question
, does our STi's come with a mounting bracket for the subwoofer underneath the rear passenger seats?? i thought it did bc the factory subwoofer from Subaru can be mounted underneath the rear seats. And if this is the case, can we fit 12" subs into the same area...don't want to place it in the Trunk bc i want to maximize the space in the cargo area. the only thing that will go in the trunk will be couple of Alpine amps flush mounted into the rear seats. the DVD unit will go either the top of the trunk or underneath front passenger seat. So what do ya think of my set up?? any other suggestions?thanks, Ghost
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I made a trip to my local Tweeter Audio Center last Saturday to listen to some car systems. The salesman was very knowledgeable and helpful. I had a fairly good idea as to what components I wanted but not sure of the brands. I was interested in the Music Keg from Kenwood. This is the MP3 unit with the 10GB ($499 list) or 20GB ($599 list) hard drive that you plug into a module that attaches to your computer, download your MP3 files then plug the hard drive into the module in your car. The 20GB hard drive will hold up to 5,000 songs! The only thing is you need a Kenwood head unit to control it properly. I liked the KDC-MP922 head unit from Kenwood. It can play CDs and MP3s and control the Music Keg. Although I have some concerns about the durability of the multi-position faceplate. For speakers I liked the MB Quart PCE216-6.5” and the PCE213-5 ¼”. They seemed to have a fuller sound and more mid-range than the other speakers I considered, Boston Acoustic Pros. They are a little pricey at around $500/pair. I’m not too familiar with amps and subwoofers. The salesman recommended the JL Audio 10” subwoofer and either Alpine amps or the JL Audio 500/5 amp ($800 list).
I asked is he knew of any other companies that are or will be producing a hard drive based MP3 player. He mentioned Alpine is coming out with a dash-mounted unit in a month or so. I did some research and found the HAD-5460 on Alpine’s website. This unit would solve my MP3 needs (15GB hard drive) and it would fit nicely in the second DIN slot! If I went with this unit I would go with either the Alpine CDA-9813 or the CDA-7995 head unit.
I asked is he knew of any other companies that are or will be producing a hard drive based MP3 player. He mentioned Alpine is coming out with a dash-mounted unit in a month or so. I did some research and found the HAD-5460 on Alpine’s website. This unit would solve my MP3 needs (15GB hard drive) and it would fit nicely in the second DIN slot! If I went with this unit I would go with either the Alpine CDA-9813 or the CDA-7995 head unit.
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Yes. Dynamat in the doors (especially around where the speakers are mounted) is probably the single most important place to reduce noise and improve sound quality, w/ maybe the exception of the tin can for a roof (most pronounced in the rain). I dynamated the doors in my WRX and it made a huge difference in road noise and the doors have a more solid feel when you close them. Keep in mind, you don't need a lot.
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There are a few manufacures that make the dB damping products. Here are some links.
http://www.dynamat.com/
http://www.b-quiet.com/?ovrtr
The dynamat stuff is expensive compared to other brands and is functionally no different.
The b-quiet site has some products that are cheaper and get the job done.
Cascade Audio makes some as well as Lightning Audio, but i'm not familiar w/ these brands...probable comparable as well.
http://www.dynamat.com/
http://www.b-quiet.com/?ovrtr
The dynamat stuff is expensive compared to other brands and is functionally no different.
The b-quiet site has some products that are cheaper and get the job done.
Cascade Audio makes some as well as Lightning Audio, but i'm not familiar w/ these brands...probable comparable as well.
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Posts: 127
From: (510) Form>Follows>Function
Car Info: GDA
my setup would be
Eclipse CD headunit
Mb quart 6.5 seperates up front
Mb quart 6x9 in rear deck
Rockford punch 4ch 50wx4 power range
Im old school though, hehe.
Ive seen quite a bit of neat new headunits/amps/speakers out there on the market.
Also depends on features and price range.
good luck,
GDA
Eclipse CD headunit
Mb quart 6.5 seperates up front
Mb quart 6x9 in rear deck
Rockford punch 4ch 50wx4 power range
Im old school though, hehe.
Ive seen quite a bit of neat new headunits/amps/speakers out there on the market.
Also depends on features and price range.
good luck,
GDA
