2012 WRX Audio Upgrade

[gunz4me]

Well, it was requested when I posted in another thread that I do a build log, so here goes...

Parts from svxdc:
Steering Wheel Controller -


Wire Harness -


Center console aux input adapter -


Parts from me:
Center Console USB adapter -


Protect those pins with epoxy:


Missing is the post heatshrink photo, just to be doubly sure.

Parts from IA Performance and JL Audio:
JL Audio C5-650 tweeter in the IA Performance tweeter Pods -




It is hard to tell, but I used CCF on the back side to wedge the tweeters into place. I later clipped the stock connector, leaving enough to return to stock, and soldered onto the JL Audio Speaker wires.

JL Audio C5-650 woofer in a birch baffle:


I wrapped the stock connector in painter's tape then used a piece of deadener to hold it to the door. No photo of that, but I couldn't have a wire dangling around and possibly rattling.

Kicker Wire and Fuse Holder:


Sadly, I ran out of heatshrink, so I used red electrical tape that I had on hand to keep the techflex in place.

Alpine PDX V9:




Pioneer DEH-80PRS:


I need to get better shots of the temporary sub enclosure that I made out of birch. I may end up building a FG enclosure as soon as I sort out some other issues. This is all I have for now:


I had to make a ring because I cracked the birch when installing the hurricane nuts. I think I hit a tiny void and it turned into a HUGE crack. The ring covers the damaged part and then some.

Thank you for looking!

[gunz4me]

Oh yeah, and my next future mods will be a JDM radio bezel and a Forrester DIN pocket. Sorry, I can't stand that cheap azz Crutchfield supplied dash kit.

[xFalleNx]

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you go for a double din unit?

[gunz4me]

Just out of curiosity, why didn't you go for a double din unit?

Needed active crossovers. Double Din plus a Processor would be close to $2k. This unit was $350, although I hate it with a passion. My wife about freaked when I told her I was close to returning it and going with a double din and a processor.

ETA: I now have a Lunar L450 and a Lunar L100x2 in place of the Alpine PDX V9. The PDX was sold at a substantial loss, but, I will treat it as a lesson learned. Stay away from PDX amplifiers!

[gunz4me]

Here it is with the Forester DIN pocket:



Just waiting on my JDM radio bezel to arrive!

[jd92677]

Looks like you have a great start! What processor do you plan on using?

[Rambo]

Here it is with the Forester DIN pocket:

Did you have to do some hacking like I did to get the Forester DIN pocket to work? I had to drill a hole in the radio bracket, then I used black craft foam around the sidesto ensure a snug, rattle-free fit. It turned out great!

[gunz4me]

Looks like you have a great start! What processor do you plan on using?

The Pioneer DEH-80PRS is my processor! It does 2 way plus sub and allows for tweaking after the auto-tune process. I decided I will live with its faults, mainly that annoying beep, because nothing will come close to doing what this HU does for $350.

Did you have to do some hacking like I did to get the Forester DIN pocket to work? I had to drill a hole in the radio bracket, then I used black craft foam around the sidesto ensure a snug, rattle-free fit. It turned out great!

I used the factory holes on the pocket, plumber's strap, and closed cell foam! It looks, umm, "unique". bahahahahahaha

[Rambo]

The Pioneer DEH-80PRS is my processor! It does 2 way plus sub and allows for tweaking after the auto-tune process. I decided I will live with its faults, mainly that annoying beep, because nothing will come close to doing what this HU does for $350.



I used the factory holes on the pocket, plumber's strap, and closed cell foam! It looks, umm, "unique". bahahahahahaha

Nice, looks good. HERE'S MINE.
I had to dremel mine a bit as well, but it fits great now with no rattles.

[gunz4me]

And the trim bezel has arrived:



I need to perform some minor fitment adjustments, but I couldn't be happier with the result.

EDIT: This is as good as it gets


EDIT2: And here it is with a D2 1508. I decided to replace the class ab L100x2 bridged at 4 ohms with the more efficient switching power supply L1500 to give me 500 watts @ 1 ohm.


All I can say, is the way Kenny underrates his Lunar Amplifiers... That L1500 with its 500 rated watts seems like a LOT more power @ 1 ohm than the L100x2 rated at 400 watts bridged to 4 ohms. There is no way there is only 100 watts of difference between those two amplifiers.

[WRXchet]

that looks pretty good to me.