2012 - Aftermarket Audio setup

[AmandaWurlitzer]

Just got my car back - few pics and breakdown of setup.... 2012 WRX -
(work done at GoldStar Audio - SoCal - have been going there for years, they do amazing work)

Focal PS165
Focal PC165
ARC KS125.4 AMP
ARC KS500.1 AMP
ARC Black 12 Subwoofer
Scosche SE12 Sealed Box
Kenwood DNX6990HD

[Amaterasu]

That looks really good, sound quality must be much better without the rattling. Cali weather is so nice..

[AmandaWurlitzer]

Thanks ~ some Michigan snow would be fun right about now though

[Jabbathewhat]

So what are your impressions of te audio in the car now. I can't wait to do all this in march to my Rex.

[AmandaWurlitzer]

It's very nice. I have had quite a few systems done in past cars, so it's hard to have stock audio now.
Sound is very strong, very clean. I might swap out the ARC sub for a Morel - have the Morel in another car, and it's impressive in a wide range of music. Will give it a few weeks and see how everything sounds when it's more broken in.
I listen to all kinds of music, and so far, everything sounds good. Will have it tuned up a bit after break in.

The Kenwood is great. Seems quite a bit faster than they were in the past. Navigation is quick, menu's look great - tons of color choices/backgrounds, etc. I have it set to random, but it's a bit annoying with all the colors changing at night

The install is very clean - I'm all about the car looking stock. The amps are under the passenger seat, can't see them at all, and doesn't affect the seat movement. I have a small "bass" knob on the right side of the drivers seat. There are 2 empty slot/buttons there, so used one of those - so I can adjust bass levels without having to go into the settings. All in all, very happy.

[Bottles]

That looks good how was the audio before the goodness you added? Or is it one of those must upgrades?

[AmandaWurlitzer]

I think the stock radio was ok, not bad really. It had Bluetooth streaming audio - that was pretty cool. I just haven't had a stock system in a long time - so I got spoiled I guess. I always think that I can manage with a stock system, and that lasts for about 2 days ... I love music, so for me, a couple grand is well worth the upgrade - not to mention the Navigation and being able to play DVD's.

That looks good how was the audio before the goodness you added? Or is it one of those must upgrades?

[Bottles]

I think the stock radio was ok, not bad really. It had Bluetooth streaming audio - that was pretty cool. I just haven't had a stock system in a long time - so I got spoiled I guess. I always think that I can manage with a stock system, and that lasts for about 2 days ... I love music, so for me, a couple grand is well worth the upgrade - not to mention the Navigation and being able to play DVD's.

Okay good deal I was hoping it was an okay setup for awhile at least until I decided to upgrade.

[Amaterasu]

That looks good how was the audio before the goodness you added? Or is it one of those must upgrades?

In my '11 WRX, the stock head unit is horrible. Most of the time you can always hear the door rattling and what not. I don't think there is any difference between between the stock '11 and '12 head units.

[Jabbathewhat]

OP, does the door still rattle with the upgraded system?

[AmandaWurlitzer]

No, I don't notice any rattle -
Have been breaking in the system - and haven't noticed any problems or rattles.

I didn't use the stock system enough to notice anything wrong with it.

[Thegrinch958]

Op, do you still have the bluetooth and steering wheel controls?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AmandaWurlitzer]

Yes

[gunz4me]

Gotta love that Axxess interface combined with the simplicity of the Subaru steering wheel controls. I was told other vehicles that go through the CAN Bus can be a nightmare when it comes to steering wheel controls with aftermarket radio swaps. After all, it's getting to the point where you can not replace radios in come cars without a super expensive, semi-functional dash kit OR losing functionality.

Also, I agree on the Morel sub. One of my friends just snagged a Morel Ultimo SC and he was very impressed with it. I told him he would like the regular Ultimo with more power even more.

[Calvinball]

Looks great!

So, I haven't done car audio since I was in high school. I have a lot of catching up to do, but a quick question to get me started...

The steering wheel controls, what is needed for an aftermarket head unit to interface with them. And tell me slowly with small words, I'm getting old and it's hard to hear...