Just catback?? are you keeping your stock down pipe? Check out the Invidia Q300, not too loud but gives you the deep rumble.

 

Keeping the stock DP for now. Plans to upgrade it in the future....

 

If you have a hatch, I'd suggest the GReddy SP Elite catback.

 

How is this exhaust compared to the Q300? I have that one now and its pretty much exactly how you they described on the IWSTI thread you linked Its not totally unbearable to me, but not what I was hoping for either.

 

For that kind of money if you're really thinking about the SPT, you should just go Invidia Q300, that's what I'm doing once I really start modding. I just have a Nameless Performance Axle Back now, can't beat $300 for the amazing sound it makes

 

Very true, go with a Q300 at that price and you'll also have a 3" exhaust as well which you should notice a little pickup down low power wise.

 

Personally,

I love my Magnaflow catback on my hatch, it isn't loud, it sounds nice and deep. Easy to install as well.

Magnaflow Catback 08+ STi / 11+ WRX Hatchback [16824] - $654.53 : Kronos Performance, Fueling the Car Lover Within

Did you have a particular budget?

 

I am a huge fan of Invidia as a lot of the guy around here know about me lol. Anyways, I have to agree the Q300 is probably what your looking for. The quality of the bends and welds are outstanding!

BTW congrats on your purchase!

 

Guys,

Thanks a TON for your opinions. I am definitely thinking about the Invidia now. I'll do some research on it. As we all know, cat backs are really just for sound. I just want something alittle louder, that doesnt drone on the highway with a nice deep tone.

 

I would not recommend the Q300 if you have a hatchback. The drone on the highway & in general is unbearable.

Just to prove my point http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-exhaust/225676-psa-sti-invidia-q300-new-style-not-quiet-exhaust.html

Plus the resonator on the midpipe is huge. It hangs down real low on stock ride height.

Also minimal to no adjust ability of the tips leaving one side to stick out more than the other.

 

I would not recommend the Q300 if you have a hatchback. The drone on the highway & in general is unbearable.

Plus the resonator on the midpipe is huge. It hangs down real low on stock ride height.

Also minimal to no adjust ability of the tips leaving one side to stick out more than the other.

So everything you said only applies to the hatchback model?

 

I like the Nameless system with the Magnaflow muffler option and resonator option. It does not drone (IMO), and is not overly loud, though louder than stock.

The videos on the Nameless site do a rather realistic sound recording to the real thing (well, for the above exhaust anyway).

The GReddy SP Elite that Rage has got sounds real nice too (atleast in the vids, have not gotten to hear one live yet that I know of)

 

I just put on the SPT for my hatch on Friday and have done lots of driving including a round trip from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh. It was surprisingly loud but the other exhausts I've heard (Magnaflow, Invidia, CNT) are all louder than the SPT IMO. The hatch is really affected by the deeper exhausts which never crossed my mind when buying a hatch. That being said, it's not loud to the extent where it becomes an issue for me. I kept the radio at my usual listening level and had no troubles hearing passengers or even taking phone calls via bluetooth. There was no drone at all during my 3 hour drive on the turnpike and my daily commute today. Really happy with it. When the engine is under minimal load it's barely audible. Now WOT...that's a whole other story. I looked originally at the Invidia, but with all the horror stories about drone, I quickly knocked it off the list. I've heard good things about the Greddy although it's quite pricey. I used a bunch of Subaru Bucks to buy my SPT which made the purchase an easy decision.

When I eventually get a DP I'll probably go with the CNT because it's just a bent pipe after all. Don't really care what it looks like as long as it's functional.

 

BTW OP, there's someone selling an SPT on Club Dub right now...

http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/personal-sale-wanted/134358969-2011-12-spt-exhaust-hatchback-pa.html

Needs a little cleaning but it's a good price.

 

I really like my GReddy SP Elite. I was going to get the SPT myself. But another member,RSutton, who had the SPT changed it for the GReddy saying the SP Elite had a lot less drone.

The SP Elite has little to no drone. Is quiet on idle. Looks & sounds great. Fitment is absolutely perfect. Midpipe bolts on to the downpipe using stock spring loaded bolts. Only downside is the price. It is one of the priciest options like the MadDad Whisper which is also another great exhaust.

 

The sound of Invidia Q300 is very aggressive but subtle. Hatchbacks I believe drone more because the muffler is right under the truck floor and there is no wall between you and the exhaust. This being said, any exhaust will inherently drone a little more in a hatch. Sedans have the spare tire, inside trunk skin, and a back seat absorbing sound.

 

Awesome, thanks for that! I thought the Q300 was pretty expensive when I got it, but I was able to find a good deal through a vendor. Yea I didn't like the spt in the car I test drove very much either. I may just have to sell my Q300 and save up for the Greddy!

 

I must also point out that dynamat sound deadening will not help. My entire trunk area has dynamat installed. No difference whatsoever.

Only thing that can be done effectively is a closed cell foam layer in the hatch area.

 

Thanks all for the input. I'm debating between the SPT, Magnaflow and CNT systems right now, with SPT in the lead

 

Anyone have personal experience with the CNT catback system? To be clear, I have a 2012 WRX hatchback. Please let me know thanks.

 

i have a 2012 wrx hatch. i got a magnaflow catback. everything else stock. below is a clip. enjoy!

Magnaflow Catback 2012 WRX Hatchback - YouTube