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Old 07-12-2012, 03:59 PM   #151
Dplus12
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strychnine- no, it has the standard plug now.
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Old 07-13-2012, 02:17 AM   #152
Crannogman
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Is there anything keeping one from putting a (aftermarket) sub under the driver's seat in a 2012 Impreza hatchback?
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Old 07-15-2012, 03:56 AM   #153
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Crannogman View Post
Is there anything keeping one from putting a (aftermarket) sub under the driver's seat in a 2012 Impreza hatchback?
Space.

You have a space about 5 inches deep and 12x6 wide. It's in the middle of two higher parts where it has no more than like 3 inch clearance.
You'd have to remove the seat to fit an enclosure for anything you could find to fit in the space.
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Old 07-15-2012, 04:35 AM   #154
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So I finally was able to install my stereo late last night. Thought I'd share things about the install. First is that the HAVC controls not only need to be unhooked they also need to be removed from the bracket they sit in. It's stuck in there pretty good. I found the passenger side super easy to remove by sticking a flat head screwdriver under the metal end of it and prying up, it popped right now. Did not work so well for the driver side however. That one I just kinda yanked on the white cord at the point right before the bracket it sits in and it popped out.

Once that's done it's pretty easy to pull of the dash. Started at the top right corner and once I popped all that off I removed the plug to the party button (hazzards). Then I pry at the bottom and it pops out to a workable distance, didn't completely remove the dash out of the way, left the AC controls connected.

Be super careful removing the H/U if you drop a screw it won't be fun getting it out. I did drop one putting in the new unit, luckily I could reach down and grab it. I highly suggest not dropping it though. =)
Not that you need another of this image, but here's the unit removed, as you can see the dash is still attached by all the AC crap.


I planned on routing my ipod cable under the center console to the center armrest where the stock one is. I figured I'd probably just drill a hole somewhere so that I could fit the cord through. Taking apart the center console is pretty simple. there are 2 caps on the sides that you pop off then unscrew the bolts. Push your seats all the way forward. You can pull the back part of the console off either before or after the screws. Just get your fingers under the bottom and pull it up. The back part has 6 screws on the sliding armrest. You only need to remove the big bottom 2 and the 2 outer ones on the top. Sorry I didn't take a picture. After that you need to work on freeing the front part. I just took a butter knife and pried up the leather boot around the E-brake. Then you can pull that off. You will see a screw under the boot connecting the center console to the car. Once you remove that the console is free to remove. I left it attached to the AC power and but I unpluged the aux and usb so that I could remove that little unit out of the console. You can just run the wires along the underside of the panel with the shift knob. So you don't have to remove that unless you really want to. There is guides to run the wires if you go that route. I couldn't figure out how to remove the boot so I didn't. I ran the wire out through where the HAVC runs out and hooked it under and around this part.

The fat cord under is the USB and the skinny one is the video. You can just tuck it under along till it gets to the center console. My cord isn't long enough to reach all the way so I have to go buy extension cables.

I took apart the aux/usb hub. The under side has 4 clips you can just push in with your finger and the hub just pops out up through the storage. I took it apart. There is one screw holding it together. You can then pry off the top part by pushing in the tabs on all four sides. It's a little difficult. I used a flat head screwdriver to pry up the sides and that made it easier. Then you can just pull out the board with the usb and aux and you're left with a empty shell.


I found my cables fit through the bottom part of the shell so I took a counter sink bit and enlarged the aux hole on the top cap of the hub. I kinda started to enlarge the USB part to but then realized the plugs make a connection w/o having to. So I have the USB and ipod Video cable from the H/U plugged in to my Sony ipod cable with the top of the cars stock aux/usb hub cover in between.

I will be able to put the empty hub back in with my cables running through it. Therefore not having to drill a hole or having dummy USB/Aux ports. I just won't be able to unplug the cable I'm not going to secure the bottom in place, can't really think of a way to do it.
I don't have an after picture. As I said earlier I have to go get extensions so it reaches all the way to the back of the console. It will look just like a cable is plugged in to the stock hub though, obviously.

Here's a couple pics of the deck I installed. Sony XAV-601BT. I like it so far. Touch response is nice. Swipe scrolling through the Artist list could use some improvement, but works way better than the stock units way of doing it. The screen is pretty bright. Part of why I went with the Sony over the Pioneer that most of you guys seem to go with. During the day it's still pretty visible. You can watch videos with it not being too badly washed out. I'll try and get a picture up later. Here's a couple night shots off my cell with flash. The flash didn't wash out the screen. I would say the pictures are a little darker than it would look like during the day. At night without a flash blowing it out the screen looks really good, bright and nice contrast ratio.



I finally have a day off Sunday, after working 6 days straight. So I'll try and get better pics when I finish the iPod cable connection. I might have to open it up to get to the video cable again. If so I'll take pics with my DSLR of it all. If there's interest I'll video the UI of the head unit so people can get a feel for it. I know I really wanted to know and couldn't really find any videos other than Sony promos. That if you ask me suck at giving you a feel of the interface of the unit.

Next is to try and get MirrorLink working for my Nexus phone. I've downloaded a SGSIII rom to pull out the app but I hear it's not even working on the SGSIIIs right now, so don't know how that will go.

Last edited by doomedromance; 07-15-2012 at 04:43 AM.
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Old 07-24-2012, 12:30 AM   #155
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Hi, I recently bought a 2012 stock and can't stand the stereo either, was going to get a whole new system but after reading this thread I'll try a HU first. I'm looking to be as frugal as possible and was wondering if this HU will fit? Or how I tell if it is compatible or not? In the future if I wanted to add a smaller sub woofer how can I tell how much output this HU is capable of? And is there a way to get a tape deck in (i like books on tape) thanks for any help.

http://car-audio-review.toptenreview...5-details.html
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Old 07-24-2012, 02:49 AM   #156
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I think you'll be better off getting a nice digital media or CD receiver with an aux port and using a cassette walkman. I assume the nicer newer technology would be preferred over cassettes. I don't think you're gonna be able to find a good quality double din cassette/cd reciever anymore.

As for the JVC receiver you linked, yes it will fit, but remember you will need a mounting adapter. Many car stereo places online throw it in for free (with a certain $ value receiver purchase). The Metra kit I got was like $12, but if you get a single din you need the little pocket to cover the other half of the din, which wasn't included in my kit. I would also highly suggest you get a wiring harness do you don't cut up your stock wires in the car. That is another $12-$15. I went through somewhere that didn't include the harness and mounting kit, since I got the receiver so much cheaper than places that give it for free.

If you want your steering wheel controls to work you will also need another adapter. SVXDC on here sells it for $50 which is a very good deal, you'll need the wiring harness he sells if you go that route. It will be about $75 total shipped.
If you don't care about the steering wheel controls at least make sure you get your receiver from somewhere that will include the mounting kit free. Just select the 2008-12 WRX/STI as your car and when you get the kit you'll probably have to cut the tabs off the bracket to fit with the stock metal bracket. (As someone has already shown in this thread.) Unless they finally have one that fits the 2012 Impreza.

The description on your link tells you what the H/U is capable of. 50W x 4 (20W RMS) If you're going to get a Sub, get an amplifier or one with an amp built in like this.



Quote:
Originally Posted by Justhermz View Post
Hi, I recently bought a 2012 stock and can't stand the stereo either, was going to get a whole new system but after reading this thread I'll try a HU first. I'm looking to be as frugal as possible and was wondering if this HU will fit? Or how I tell if it is compatible or not? In the future if I wanted to add a smaller sub woofer how can I tell how much output this HU is capable of? And is there a way to get a tape deck in (i like books on tape) thanks for any help.

http://car-audio-review.toptenreview...5-details.html
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Old 07-25-2012, 02:36 PM   #157
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Awesome! I also own an Impeza 5 door and want to change the stereo too.
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Old 07-25-2012, 02:37 PM   #158
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Thank you for the info. What kind of radio are you using? Are you adding a back up camera too? Thanks!
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Old 07-31-2012, 11:57 AM   #159
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This has been an awesome threads. Thanks for all the info and pics. I just installed the Pioneer P3300BT in my 2012 Impreza 2.0i. The upgrade in sound quality is amazing. I also swapped the front door speakers with a pair of Polks that I yanked from my last car.

Since the car is new, a bunch of places(Best Buy/Fry's Electronics) kept telling me that nothing fit my car or they didn't have the wiring harnesses or dash kits. But like others have said the Metra 70-7552(wiring harness) and Metra 95-8902(double din dash kit) will do the job.
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Old 08-08-2012, 12:44 AM   #160
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This was taken after I did the rear temporary FLEABAY camera install. I think that there is going to be a market for a better looking radio kit. The opening is a few inches bigger than a double din.
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Old 08-08-2012, 05:23 AM   #161
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There are different installation kits out there (Metra, Scosche, etc.). I wonder if any of them are better than others?
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Old 08-08-2012, 02:26 PM   #162
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Quote:
Originally Posted by usnswagaru View Post
I replaced my head unit within two weeks of buying the car. It was that bad. I bought the Pioneer AVH-P8400BH headunit and had my 10" Infinity Basslink installed in the trunk. I had the shop put in a unit for 60 bucks that made the steering wheel controls all work like it did from the factory, and the new microphone is actually in the stock position.
I've been re-reading through this thread. I thought what I highlighted in red above wasn't possible, and that everyone used the mic that came with the HU?
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Old 08-08-2012, 03:09 PM   #163
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Quote:
Originally Posted by davidn96 View Post
But like others have said the Metra 70-7552(wiring harness) and Metra 95-8902(double din dash kit) will do the job.
Can someone please explain the difference between the Metra 70-7552 wiring harness and this harness? Or are they functionally identical?

If I'm understanding correctly, ae64's harness allows us to tap directly into the SWC adapter, whereas the Metra harness would require splicing/soldering?
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Old 08-08-2012, 03:13 PM   #164
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
I've been re-reading through this thread. I thought what I highlighted in red above wasn't possible, and that everyone used the mic that came with the HU?
I'm using a new BT microphone that's compatible with my HU. It's mounted on the steering column.
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Old 08-08-2012, 05:56 PM   #165
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
Can someone please explain the difference between the Metra 70-7552 wiring harness and this harness? Or are they functionally identical?

If I'm understanding correctly, ae64's harness allows us to tap directly into the SWC adapter, whereas the Metra harness would require splicing/soldering?
That one has steering wheel control wires, metra one doesn't.
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Old 08-09-2012, 02:07 AM   #166
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by usnswagaru View Post
I replaced my head unit within two weeks of buying the car. It was that bad. I bought the Pioneer AVH-P8400BH headunit ...
and the new microphone is actually in the stock position.
I've been re-reading through this thread. I thought [above quote] wasn't possible, and that everyone used the mic that came with the HU?
'usnswagaru' did use the mic that came with his new Pioneer. He installed it in place of the factory mic. Not really hard to do.

Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
Can someone please explain the difference between the Metra 70-7552 wiring harness and this harness? ...
As 'UsernameGoesHere' said, the ae64 harness has the extra wires for the SWCs. It simply lets you avoid having to splice into the factory wires.

For most aftermarket HUs, you will still need a steering wheel interface module (either Metra's Axxess ASWC, or one of the SWI units from PAC Audio).
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Old 08-10-2012, 11:59 AM   #167
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I have a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium. I would like to avoid running any wires, and do as little modification as possible. Can anyone give me some info on the tweeters? What the stock ones are, if it's wired if there are none, are there existing crossovers, other details?
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Old 08-10-2012, 12:06 PM   #168
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foghelmut View Post
I have a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium. I would like to avoid running any wires, and do as little modification as possible. Can anyone give me some info on the tweeters? What the stock ones are, if it's wired if there are none, are there existing crossovers, other details?
All speaker systems have some sort of crossover, including whatever HU you might buy.

It uses a wiring harness so all you have to do is wire that up, which should only take a minute or two. Then plug it in and go. Unless you buy a nav unit with HD radio and bluetooth, then you'll have a few more wires to connect. There's really not much to it...
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Old 08-10-2012, 12:14 PM   #169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foghelmut View Post
I have a 2012 Impreza Sport Premium. I would like to avoid running any wires, and do as little modification as possible. Can anyone give me some info on the tweeters? What the stock ones are, if it's wired if there are none, are there existing crossovers, other details?
Both the door and tweeter speaker connections get the full range. The stock tweeters have an integrated high pass filter on them. If you add your own tweeters, you'll need to add your own crossover.
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Old 08-10-2012, 03:49 PM   #170
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ashio View Post
Not so much of a mod, but you will have to trim/cut the kit plastic bracket so it will allow a fitting over the factory bracket.

Snap off the two tabs. Use a heavy duty scissor/snipper and cut the brackets so it will look like these. The plastic will cut easy.


The factory bracket will go on like this.


The kit bracket will then go over the factory.


First put the HU upside down (not face down). Mount the factory bracket to the HU, use an adhesive to keep it on. Assemble the dash kit. Slide it down on the HU, with the plastic brackets flex and bend over the metal bracket. then push the bezel flush against the HU. Mount and tighten the screws.

The fourth screw hole won't fit in this HU as you can see.

You don't have to use these plastic bracket, but the front bezel will be slight loose against the HU screen, and will not centered.
Like your setup here
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Old 08-10-2012, 07:29 PM   #171
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FourOhFour View Post
Both the door and tweeter speaker connections get the full range. The stock tweeters have an integrated high pass filter on them. If you add your own tweeters, you'll need to add your own crossover.
I just took a look at them. It's an odd setup. 2" speakers are a bit big to be tweeters.

http://i.imgur.com/9rM9d.jpg

I don't understand the point other than to say "we have 6 speakers."

All because I had some 6.5" Infinity speakers from my old car. I thought, "Hey, these would fit in my doors. Well, they're coaxial, so I might as well put components up front, and since there's already a spot for tweeters. Well, I don't want to run wires. But I might as well because the existing tweeters are weird. But I'm limited by the stock headunit. But I don't want to lose integration with everything. But I really don't want to do that much."

I'm going to end up taking this whole car apart and complain about it the whole time.
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Old 08-10-2012, 08:05 PM   #172
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Quote:
Originally Posted by foghelmut View Post
I just took a look at them. It's an odd setup. 2" speakers are a bit big to be tweeters.

http://i.imgur.com/9rM9d.jpg

I don't understand the point other than to say "we have 6 speakers."
Checklist shopping strikes again. It doesn't matter how useless something is, if it lets them tick another checkbox. It isn't like anyone tries the radio on the test drive.

Quote:
All because I had some 6.5" Infinity speakers from my old car. I thought, "Hey, these would fit in my doors. Well, they're coaxial, so I might as well put components up front, and since there's already a spot for tweeters. Well, I don't want to run wires. But I might as well because the existing tweeters are weird. But I'm limited by the stock headunit. But I don't want to lose integration with everything. But I really don't want to do that much."

I'm going to end up taking this whole car apart and complain about it the whole time.
Yup. I've replaced the head unit, and I keep trying to decide where to go from here.
  • Do nothing. It's cheap and easy!
  • Replace the stock speakers in the door. Disconnect the stock tweeters. Relatively easy, lose the benefit (if any) of components.
  • Replace the stock speakers with component speakers that have integrated high/low pass filters. Relatively easy, but limited selection.
  • Replace the stock speakers with component speakers. Put the crossover in the door, run new wires to the tweeters.
  • Replace the stock speakers with component speakers. Find the point the tweeter and door speaker wires split and put the crossover there. Minimal additional wiring, but probably going to require tearing everything apart.
  • Replace the stock speakers and/or tweeters with the upgraded speakers from Subaru. Easiest (other than doing nothing) but probably not the best quality-for-dollar.

I'm leaning towards the Subaru parts, myself. Maybe just the tweeters. But do nothing is a tempting option. Hell, half the year I have studded tires, and it doesn't matter how good the stereo system is with that kind of noise.

Indecision ends up being its own decision, doesn't it?
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Old 08-10-2012, 09:59 PM   #173
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I recently ordered a 2013 base model Impreza and want to get all of the audio components ordered before it arrives (probably in 10 weeks or so). I'm planning on getting the Pioneer DEH-PRS80, which is a single DIN unit, so I'll need something to fill the additional space. Could someone recommend a map pocket that would look and fit the best?
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Old 08-12-2012, 09:14 PM   #174
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Lots of great info on this thread. For those of us replacing the stock HU with one that supports a back-up camera, how hard is it to run the cabling from the rear of the car up to the head unit? How/where do you dress the cable?

I assume one wire is for power, and another is for the video signal.

Oh, and I have the 5-door hatchback, but I'm sure those with sedans will want this info too.
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Old 08-15-2012, 09:19 AM   #175
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nice HU
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