2010 WRX Sedan Audio Upgrade

[pavlik2217]

I am looking to upgrade the audio for my 2010 WRX Sedan looking for some suggestions. I would like to have Sirius Satellite in my car but Subaru wants $509 to install the antenna and transmitter behind the stock head unit and I find this ridiculous. The stock head unit and speakers are horrible in my opinion. (With the volume completely turned up I can still have a phone conversation because the output is so low).

I would like to either upgrade the speakers and leave the stock head unit in the car (also having Sirius Satellite installed) or completely replace stock head unit and speakers.

Any suggestions???

[EJ257]

There are three stages to upgrade the stock stereo, in my opinion, with increasing price tags.

Option 1:
Replace the H/U. This will send a little more power to the speakers, and offer some EQ tuning.

Option 2:
Option 1 + Subwoofer. This will allow your speakers to focus on the mids/highs, and allow the subwoofer to take care of the lows.

Option 3:
Option 2 + 6.5" components (front). Depending on your choices, you can pick up a 4-channel amp to power both the speakers and the subwoofer (bridge channel 3/4). Leaving the rear speakers stock (and powered by the H/U), you're not messing with your staging.

Any of the three options can benefit from the use of sound deadening. Rick from RAAMaudio did a nice writeup on Nasioc about deadening:
STI sound deadening, new tutorial - NASIOC

Sound Deadener Showdown outlines your options:
Sound Deadener Showdown - Your Source for Sound Deadening Products and Information

[Heide264]

+1 to the above. Great advice.

I just replaced the stock head unit in mine. The sound is oddly clean now. I'm still planning on doing the sub when I find time to run the cables.

[pavlik2217]

I want to replace my head unit but do not want to loose my steering wheel controls. Were you able to find a harness for the steering wheel for your new head unit?

[raceoholic330]

Search online for axxess awsc. That is what you need to maintain the functionality of your steering wheel controls.

[Heide264]

ae64.com - check it out. You'll find a harness there and info on the steering wheel interface.

[pavlik2217]

what head unit did you go with? I am looking at the Pioneer AVHP 2400BT

[Heide264]

what head unit did you go with? I am looking at the Pioneer AVHP 2400BT

Got their apps to radio 2 unit (SCH-100 or somehting). Takes some messing with on the software side, but awesome so far.

Running the power and wiring up the amp for the sub shortly.