Just bought an 05 STi. It's got the factory 6 disc in-dash changer, which is great. However, it doesn't play MP3's nor will it accept satellite radio (not that I know of at least).

Therefore, sounds like I'll need to pull it out and put in my Kenwood Receiver I had in my last car. Since it's a single din style deck, I'd like to get some sort of pocket or something to fill in the extra space. It'd be great to have a spot for my sunglasses to sit.

Anyone know where I could order a 'pocket'?
Will I need a special harness to install the deck - wiring harness that is?
Will I need some sort of mounting hardware, or can I reuse the stocker stuff?

Thx.

You can get the DIN pocket from several places like Best Buy and Crutchfield. They should also sell the wiring harness. You can keep the stocker speakers and use your Kenwood head unit. I can't remeber if you need the stock brackets or not. The DIN pocker just mounts underneath the head unit.

Cool, thx. I'm thinking you did something of the same with your 05?

Sound quality better with an aftermarket unit or worse? I have a lower-line Kenwood; nothing special. Something like 50x4.

No not yet. I did an install in a 04 WRX though, which is pretty much the same. The 05 STi sounds rather good IMO. I am waiting for Alpine to release an in-dash 6-disk changer just like stock. Your Kenwood will make a noticable improvement in sound quality and volume. You are most likely pushing 15 x 4, 50 is peak and means very little in real life.

I'm gonna go out on a little bit of a limb here... I have an 04 wagon but I don't think that'll make to much of a difference. The mounting hardware should still work for your single din. The bracket in there will work for both singles and doubles. As for the harness, if you Kenwood is coming out of a currentish (+02 I think) Subie then you can use that harness. I had to make my own. My Alpine came with the HU plug going to bare wires and I went to a car stereo shop and picked up the car side plug and went about connecting the right wires together to make a sort of custom Alpine to Subie wiring harness. My wagon can with a pocket from the dealer so you could always get one from your dealer, but I'm sure someone else will know where to get one for 1% the price ;)

I'm gonna go out on a little bit of a limb here... I have an 04 wagon but I don't think that'll make to much of a difference. The mounting hardware should still work for your single din. The bracket in there will work for both singles and doubles. As for the harness, if you Kenwood is coming out of a currentish (+02 I think) Subie then you can use that harness. I had to make my own.

Thx. I had it installed in an 03 Evo before (yes, I'm a convert now), so doubt it'll transfer. Good to know the hardware is reusable!

Overall though, I do think the stock system has a good balance to it. It's not very loud or anything, but not bad.

Just bought an 05 STi. It's got the factory 6 disc in-dash changer, which is great. However, it doesn't play MP3's nor will it accept satellite radio (not that I know of at least).
Thx.

I'm assuming the stocker doesn't have RCA pre-ins on it?

I'm assuming the stocker doesn't have RCA pre-ins on it?
You assume correctly. And it probably pushes a mad 5-7 watts per channel. :lol:

Seriously though it doesn't sound all that bad...much better than my 04 WRX.

I installed the generic DIN pocket that Crutchfield suggested this weekend. Install was pretty easy, it sits right under the head unit. You'll need a couple small screws (not included with the kit) to attach the pocket to the stock frame though since it's a generic kit.

i installed a DIN pocket out of a forrester and it looks 100 percent stock.

i'll go out side and post some pic in a few.... it took a little dremmel action but it is the ONLY way to go if you ask me.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=759139


my version of an 05 sti install

a single DIN radio will easily mount up in the housing of the 3 pack gauge cluster cover, which sells for like $57 at the dealership, allowing you 7" screen to mount up in the lower double din location ;) just an idea, it's my plan for the end of the summer

i installed a DIN pocket out of a forrester and it looks 100 percent stock.

i'll go out side and post some pic in a few.... it took a little dremmel action but it is the ONLY way to go if you ask me.
I've got a Forrester DIN pocket I'm looking to get rid of. New!

Crutchfield is a great place to go for pockets and wiring harnesses ... they'll even send DIY sheets that explain how to pull apart your dash which comes in real handy so you don't have to learn the hard way what not to do ... not that I've ever had that happen to me ... :p

Any instructions for removing/reinstalling the double-din unit on the 05's???

I've got the DIN pocket for sale. PM me. :)

Any instructions for removing/reinstalling the double-din unit on the 05's???


carefully yank off silver shift trim... it just poops off, undo 2 screw on bottom of radio bezel.... again carefully yank that off... use somethign soft to get under to two clips up at the top... unscrew the 6 screws that hold radio in place.

Got it all switched out, got my Kenwood in, and my separate Sirius player hooked up. It's weird you have to hook up that grounding cable to get everything to work...
Thx.

Thinking about a new stereo sub project, and looking for feedback.

I currently have a JL 300/2 amp pushing 2 10W0 subs. Wondering if I could get virtually the same about of sound out of a single 12W3 with the same amp?

If so, I could get more of a range with the 12W3, and more to my liking given the music I listen to. Also, I could save some space in the trunk.

It's weird you have to hook up that grounding cable to get everything to work...
Thx.

You should look for a good installer... or somebody who understands the basics of electricity.

You should look for a good installer... or somebody who understands the basics of electricity.

Wow, this site is so full of cynical help. Thx.

You should look for a good installer... or somebody who understands the basics of electricity.
Yeah, that had me rolling ;)

You're talking about ground right?