stock stereo plus - feedback

[Hank_VA]

I was going to have a kicker under seat sub installed, and I was advised against it (by a couple people here) and the guy at the shop who was going to install it.

He suggested getting an Audison SR5 (5 channel) , using stock speakers and adding a sealed sub box in the trunk.

There are essentially no reviews on the amp online! The specs look good ... 50wx4 + 185wx1 with a built in processor that will supposedly clean up and enhance the existing HU output.

He seems confident that I will be very happy. But he's also hoping to sell me a 600$ amp and 150$ sub box, which is going to put me 500$ above where I was going to be with the kicker under seat +install.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks!

[Callahan]

The stock HU needs replaced, not amplified. It's music reproduction clarity is very sub par. An amp will only let this be made more apparent. Replace your stock speakers with quality speakers, also. Many aftermarket radios don't need an aftermarket amp unless your really like your music loud. A good subwoofer will enhance the bass feel, but I would prioritize as speakers first, HU second, amp third, subwoofer fourth, only if the HU isn't amplified enough.

[rage-wrx]

I still have the stock Head unit. But I have it hooked up to an amp & sub woofer through a JBL MS-8 sound processor. The sound is better than anything out of an aftermarket HU.

[EndlessSea]

I still have the stock Head unit. But I have it hooked up to an amp & sub woofer through a JBL MS-8 sound processor. The sound is better than anything out of an aftermarket HU.

^ ^this

you dont NEED an aftermarket head unit to get really good sound. you can use the stock one with a JBL sound processor and it will sound as good or better than any AM head unit. this is the route im taking as well.

[rurso01]

IMO the stock head unit and speakers aren't THAT bad. Everyone complains about them so much and I get it, they aren't great but are definitely manageable. I had upgraded speakers and an AVIC-D3 in my 05 WRX and while it sounded great, the difference wasn't necessarily good enough to go spending $1,000+.

[mangostick]

The problem with the factory hu isn't the signal quality, its the power output that's lacking. The factory speakers aren't that bad either.. pull em out of there and you'll find poly cones and rubber surrounds.

If the factory HU has all the features you want.. then keep it! Going with a sound processor and external amp will likely be more cost effective and sound better in the long run.