09 Stereo - Why is it so bad?

[evanr]

I've posted a few times in the last month with questions about the stereo in the 09 WRX. After going over the costs, I am realizing how pricey of an endeavor replacing everything really is. So I've turned back to you all with the following question: Why is the stereo so bad?

Is it...
a. Location of the speakers (tweeters)?
b. Quality of the speakers?
c. Quality of the head unit?
d. Anemic low frequency response?
e. Acoustic environment?
f. All of the above?

The reason I ask this, is that I am trying to balance cost vs performance of the stereo system. I am already planning on a 10W3 sub and Kenwood DNX6140, which takes care of c and d. Maybe this will fix everything?

If the answer is a, then I will focus on upgrading the fronts and have tweeters placed in the sail panels. Hopefully the Kenwood can power cheaper component speakers (suggestions?).

If the answer is b, then I can replace the stock speakers with something in the $100 range that can be driven by the Kenwood (suggestions?).

If the answer is f, then the upgrade may have to happen over time...

Let me know what ya'll think.

Evan

[mckirkus]

Easy fix. Push in the right knob like it's a button. Turn the treble way up (7 or 8). Turn the bass up to 6 or higher if your doors don't vibrate.

You don't need new speakers, though I hear Infinity makes some nice ones. I'd get a new amp first if this tweak doesn't help.

[kwiksilverwrx]

what about adding a box and 12' in the hatch? anyone know what ill need and where to tap into?

[evanr]

what about adding a box and 12' in the hatch? anyone know what ill need and where to tap into?

I'm already planning on adding a sub. There is another thread on adding the factory Subaru under-the-seat sub that mentions using an aftermarket one instead, that may give you more information on attaching an aftermarket sub to the stock headunit.

[economatic]

I'm already planning on adding a sub. There is another thread on adding the factory Subaru under-the-seat sub that mentions using an aftermarket one instead, that may give you more information on attaching an aftermarket sub to the stock headunit.

It is awful. That is what I did in my '09. I upgraded all the speakers in the doors but kept the factory tweeters up front. Then I added an 8'' sub on the trunk and it sounds terrible. The limiting factor is the HU and get rid of it ASAP.

[Drews]

It is awful. That is what I did in my '09. I upgraded all the speakers in the doors but kept the factory tweeters up front. Then I added an 8'' sub on the trunk and it sounds terrible. The limiting factor is the HU and get rid of it ASAP.

I've been doing stereos for years. Honestly the BEST sounding stereos I've heard for non competition cars and just your average person is 1 10" or 12" sub(depending on the music you listen to) replacing the head unit, and a nice component set up front. Disconnect your back speakers all together. It's not like you're watching movies in dolby digital 7.1 surround in your car.

[T.J.]

I've been doing stereos for years. Honestly the BEST sounding stereos I've heard for non competition cars and just your average person is 1 10" or 12" sub(depending on the music you listen to) replacing the head unit, and a nice component set up front. Disconnect your back speakers all together. It's not like you're watching movies in dolby digital 7.1 surround in your car.

Agreed fully, although I still run a little sound through the stock rears for the "all around" feeling. Just enough to tell they are there.

The head unit is junk. Get a decent Pioneer HU ($250 or so) and replace the front door speakers w/ some Infinity components ($100-$150) and a good 10" sub in a small box is plenty for me in the wagon. That is my recipe.

Good luck, T.J.

[economatic]

I've been doing stereos for years. Honestly the BEST sounding stereos I've heard for non competition cars and just your average person is 1 10" or 12" sub(depending on the music you listen to) replacing the head unit, and a nice component set up front. Disconnect your back speakers all together. It's not like you're watching movies in dolby digital 7.1 surround in your car.

It all comes down to personal preference for subs and a 10'' or 12'' would have been overkill for my tastes. There is no lack of bass for me, it is everything else that is horrible. Bottom line is the HU is junk, which many, many people have confirmed and should be first on your list to replace.

[evanr]

Awesome.

Seems as if I can just keep the rear speakers as is and add components up front. I'm planning to put a Kenwood DNX6140 in. Will that be sufficient to drive lower-end component fronts (22 wpc)?

I'll also be throwing in a 10" sub as well, which should round everything out nicely.

Evan

[mycologist]

Awesome.

Seems as if I can just keep the rear speakers as is and add components up front. I'm planning to put a Kenwood DNX6140 in. Will that be sufficient to drive lower-end component fronts (22 wpc)?

I'll also be throwing in a 10" sub as well, which should round everything out nicely.

Evan

If your running a separately powered sub you can use a high pass filter for the other speakers to free up a ton of power of your head.

[economatic]

If your running a separately powered sub you can use a high pass filter for the other speakers to free up a ton of power of your head.

Agreed. I'm not familiar with that HU but a couple years ago I had a Kenwood with fully adjustable crossovers to all channels and I was surprised with how well it drove my components. Also, if you find it isn't enough power for your components just add an amp later--best way to go if you're on a budget.

[markiemark]

So it's the head unit to be changed first? It really does sound bad. My question is mine came with the ipod interface and if I change the head unit will it still work? Thanks