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Old 04-11-2012, 04:51 PM   #76
big_mac127
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Hmm I don't know about those install prices. I install for best buy and at the shop we would charge:

HU install $120
B/U cam install $60
SW interface $60
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Old 04-11-2012, 05:08 PM   #77
pirivan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by big_mac127 View Post
Hmm I don't know about those install prices. I install for best buy and at the shop we would charge:

HU install $120
B/U cam install $60
SW interface $60
Hmm very interesting, thank you for that data. The HU and steering controls prices aren't THAT far off though ($150 vs $120 and $75 vs $60).

However the B/U camera install does seem way higher $150-200 vs $60, sheesh.

Maybe I will see if I can bargain a bit on the labor. I really considered something like Best Buy, but I had read reviews of the Best Buy/Car Toys/Stereo Warehouse in my area and there were enough 'bad experiences' from sloppy installations that I was a bit leery of them. That's why I went with a smaller, local shop that had ALL positive reviews (though way less total reviews). Still though, I obviously don't want to get overcharged.
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Old 04-11-2012, 06:39 PM   #78
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Yeah, every installer is different and not everybody does their work to the standards we are supposed to. I don't know what kind of reviews you saw but I do know from my experience working in a high volume shop that you can't always please everybody. A lot of times it's bad experiences with the sales staff that give people a bad taste and write bad reviews.
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Old 04-11-2012, 06:50 PM   #79
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Quote:
Originally Posted by big_mac127 View Post
Yeah, every installer is different and not everybody does their work to the standards we are supposed to. I don't know what kind of reviews you saw but I do know from my experience working in a high volume shop that you can't always please everybody. A lot of times it's bad experiences with the sales staff that give people a bad taste and write bad reviews.
Yeah absolutely; it may just be that the Best Buy near me doesn't have some of the 'good' installers. I may look around online at some other area Best Buy's to see if they are better.

Additionally, I totally agree about high-volume shops. Generally you only get reviews from the people who are really angry; you don't hear as much from people who were pleased with the experience (or had a neutral experience). Plus, as you point out there are often people who issues with the sales side and chalk it up to the installer or there are some customers who are themselves just jerks and are malicious.
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Old 04-11-2012, 07:44 PM   #80
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sparky62 View Post
I want to thank everyone that toke the time to post there experience of their hu install. I just put in a Sony XNV-660bt, and because of the information found in this forum I had no surprises.
Where'd you put the GPS module? Mine's just loose in the glove compartment. Don't particularly like it there, but can't think of a better place that isn't a PITA to run the wires to.
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Old 04-12-2012, 10:10 PM   #81
amfreeman
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Rip off for PAC get the 1 from axxes and get your harness off here for plug and play and thirdly grow a pair and install it u can do it it's so easy message me if u have any questions mail me ur harnesses I'll solder em up for you and program ur axxes swc plus get a parking break bypass for 10 bucks!!
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Old 04-19-2012, 11:39 PM   #82
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Got it now!

Last edited by Bad_Mikey; 04-26-2012 at 11:25 PM.
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Old 04-25-2012, 08:37 AM   #83
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I'm totally confused on what harness I need.. Will the Metra 70-7552 work and have the connections for ground and illumination? I've read that it does and doesn't? It's for a 2012 STi without nav... Thanks guy!

Last edited by EmWhyit; 04-25-2012 at 01:33 PM.
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Old 04-26-2012, 08:30 PM   #84
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Quote:
Originally Posted by EmWhyit View Post
I'm totally confused on what harness I need.. Will the Metra 70-7552 work and have the connections for ground and illumination? I've read that it does and doesn't? It's for a 2012 STi without nav... Thanks guy!
New harnesses from Metra should always have ground and should also include the one illumination wire needed by aftermarket HUs (pin #1). Off-brand harnesses, as well as very old Metra harnesses may be missing those wires. I've heard of some also omitting the blue wire (which Subarus must have for the antenna booster amplifier).

If you want to retain use of your audio steering wheel controls (without having to hack into your factory wires), you'll want this harness.

If you don't care to retain your audio SWCs, or if your steering wheel doesn't have them (and you're certain you'll never add the buttons), you can use a harness from Metra or Scosche.

If your wheel doesn't have the buttons, it's not too difficult to add them. See links in this post.
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Old 04-30-2012, 11:53 AM   #85
Dplus12
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I was just looking around at pictures of interiors of the '12 Imprezas, and it looks like the trim around the ones with Nav are different than the other factory radio options. Anyone been able to figure out the part number for that Nav trim piece? Looks like it would be closer to the double DIN.
Here's a link to the picture -
HTML Code:
http://www.cars101.com/subaru/impreza/impreza12-stereo4.JPG
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Old 05-28-2012, 04:19 PM   #86
ZURCALED12
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The limited does not have these linkage, they are electronic, ONE plug in the center of the buttons assembly.

Last edited by ZURCALED12; 05-28-2012 at 08:05 PM.
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Old 05-29-2012, 06:39 PM   #87
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZURCALED12
The limited does not have these linkage, they are electronic, ONE plug in the center of the buttons assembly.
I though you couldnt replace the limited radios due to it effecting the climate control?
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Old 05-30-2012, 11:09 AM   #88
freddy121389
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quick question guys, spent the last hour reading through everything and and still no straight answer.
I'm looking for a different radio for my wrx and that pioneer canada replacement seems like it would be what I would want. Is it a direct replacement of the oem H/U or is there modification needed? I would also like voice commands still so I'm assuming the canada H/U has those via SWCs? any help is appreciated
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Old 05-31-2012, 08:24 PM   #89
doomedromance
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Quote:
Originally Posted by freddy121389 View Post
quick question guys, spent the last hour reading through everything and and still no straight answer.
I'm looking for a different radio for my wrx and that pioneer canada replacement seems like it would be what I would want. Is it a direct replacement of the oem H/U or is there modification needed? I would also like voice commands still so I'm assuming the canada H/U has those via SWCs? any help is appreciated
The OEM CA unit is standard Double DIN. It's a regular Pioneer H/U. It's the AVIC-Z130BT navigation unit with a different model number specific to Subaru (avic x9310bt) or the Pioneer AVH-P3300BH. Your American H/U is slightly wider and the install would be the same as the others in this thread, needing the extra frame to fill in the gaps on the side.
As far as the voice command goes the H/U supports it so you should be able to designate a button on the SWC for it, but I'm not sure. I don't even have my car yet. Maybe someone else knows better.


Non Nav Pioneer AVH-P3400BH (Crutchfield)
Pioneer AVIC-Z130BT detailed specs and features (Crutchfield)
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Old 06-01-2012, 08:28 PM   #90
curbach
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Question Is the head unit at all salvageable?

I just got a 2012 Impreza with the "upgraded" stereo with bluetooth and iPod USB connection. Yes, the sound is terrible and something must be done. New speakers are a given, but it is pricey to replace all that functionality of the head unit and it seems I might have to lose the built-in USB and line-in connections in the armrest if I go that route.

So my question is: can good sound be achieved by connecting the factory head unit to high quality external amplification? Has anyone tried that? Or is all hope lost with the factory head unit in place?
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Old 06-06-2012, 10:41 PM   #91
doomedromance
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delete, questions been answered by SVXdc thank you.

Last edited by doomedromance; 06-07-2012 at 04:01 AM.
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Old 06-07-2012, 01:06 AM   #92
dorkbert
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I would suggest that you pop the trims and have a look before start spending on parts
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Old 06-07-2012, 07:19 AM   #93
FourOhFour
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Quote:
Originally Posted by curbach View Post
New speakers are a given, but it is pricey to replace all that functionality of the head unit and it seems I might have to lose the built-in USB and line-in connections in the armrest if I go that route.
Removing the panel the built-in USB and AUX connectors are in isn't too hard. I just got extension cords off monoprice and my own USB and AUX to the armrest. If you want to do this, just make sure the head unit you get (if you end up getting a head unit) has USB and AUX in the rear instead of on the front panel.
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Old 06-08-2012, 04:28 PM   #94
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Alright, I just bought a new Impreza hatchback that my girlfriend will be using as her primary car. Seeing as how she likes to get lost I want to replace the in-dash head unit with an aftermarket head unit with GPS built-in. Judging from everything I've read I think what I'm looking at works, but I want to make sure before I spend all the money on the parts. So here is what I believe I need:

Metra 95-8902 Double DIN Installation Kit for 2008-Up Subaru Impreza/WRX Vehicles
Pioneer AVIC-Z140BH 2DIN 7" Touchscreen In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver
Axxess ASWC Universal Steering Wheel Controller (or similar model)

1) Will that work?
2) Do I need anything else?
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Old 06-08-2012, 04:33 PM   #95
dorkbert
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you might want to order the harness kit from Dave (ae64.com) so you don't have to cut into the factory wiring.
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Old 06-13-2012, 01:27 AM   #96
doomedromance
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You need a wiring harness with SWC, here. The Metra and scorche harnesses don't include the SWC wires.
Soldering kit or butt connectors
Dash removal tool or butter knife
an internet connected computer, this forum and youtube.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wcujer80 View Post
Alright, I just bought a new Impreza hatchback that my girlfriend will be using as her primary car. Seeing as how she likes to get lost I want to replace the in-dash head unit with an aftermarket head unit with GPS built-in. Judging from everything I've read I think what I'm looking at works, but I want to make sure before I spend all the money on the parts. So here is what I believe I need:

Metra 95-8902 Double DIN Installation Kit for 2008-Up Subaru Impreza/WRX Vehicles
Pioneer AVIC-Z140BH 2DIN 7" Touchscreen In-Dash Navigation AV Receiver
Axxess ASWC Universal Steering Wheel Controller (or similar model)

1) Will that work?
2) Do I need anything else?
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Old 06-13-2012, 09:06 AM   #97
sgoldste01
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I think I saw this question asked in this thread, but I never saw it answered.

I'm about to purchase a 2012 Impreza 5-door Sport Premium. On the options list are:
  • Subwoofer for $500
  • Speaker upgrade for $250
  • Tweeter upgrade for $120

How well do these upgrades perform? If I did the speaker/tweeter upgrades without the subwoofer, it would only cost $370. How much improvement would I hear? I'd prefer to not replace the head unit, and I want to spend as little as possible to get sound that doesn't completely suck (and I understand that one person's audio nirvana is another person's sucky audio).

I'm not an audiophile, so the audio doesn't need to be awesome. But I don't want complete crap either.

Recommendations?
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Old 06-13-2012, 09:20 AM   #98
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
I think I saw this question asked in this thread, but I never saw it answered.

I'm about to purchase a 2012 Impreza 5-door Sport Premium. On the options list are:
  • Subwoofer for $500
  • Speaker upgrade for $250
  • Tweeter upgrade for $120

How well do these upgrades perform? If I did the speaker/tweeter upgrades without the subwoofer, it would only cost $370. How much improvement would I hear? I'd prefer to not replace the head unit, and I want to spend as little as possible to get sound that doesn't completely suck (and I understand that one person's audio nirvana is another person's sucky audio).

I'm not an audiophile, so the audio doesn't need to be awesome. But I don't want complete crap either.

Recommendations?
For the 5-door, I would pass on the subwoofer unless you don't mind it being in the way when you have to fold down the rear seat and actually use the cargo area.

I have heard that the upgrade speaker kit (just 4 kicker coaxials, IIRC) is not the worst upgrade in the world, but a similar investment in aftermarket coaxials and adapters would yield better results for the money.

As for the tweeters, the OEM location is not the best.

If you were going to spend $370 on the upgrades, you'd be better to spend ~ $160 on Polk dB6501 components in the front (that way you'd get tweeters as well), dB651 coaxials for the rear, $55 for mounting adapters and $15 on wiring adapters and you'll end up a lot better off in the end and spend less money.

As fo the subwoofer, one of the ~ $200 crutchfield underseat powered subwoofers will be better than the $500 OEM unit. Add in $30-50 in wiring accessories and you have spent about the same on a whole system as what Subaru wants for just the subwoofer.

But that is just my opinion.
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Old 06-13-2012, 09:41 AM   #99
sgoldste01
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Quote:
Originally Posted by phenryiv1 View Post
But that is just my opinion.
This is exactly the kind of opinion I'm looking for. Thanks!

How do you think the Polk speaker upgrades would sound alone without the subwoofer? Can the stock head unit that comes in the Sport Premium power those speakers sufficiently?
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Old 06-13-2012, 11:28 AM   #100
phenryiv1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sgoldste01 View Post
This is exactly the kind of opinion I'm looking for. Thanks!

How do you think the Polk speaker upgrades would sound alone without the subwoofer? Can the stock head unit that comes in the Sport Premium power those speakers sufficiently?
The stock HU can power aftermarket speakers sufficiently. I mean, you won't win sound-quality competitions, but there will be an improvement in the sound.

You might want to take an incremental approach:

$55 for Polk dB651 coaxials for the front. $30 for mounting adapters, $7 for wiring adapters. Run these off of the OEM HU. You could also jump straight to the components in the front (see below).

If you like the sound, wither buy a second set for the rear or buy the Polk dB6501 components ($105-110, plus the same costs for the mounting/wiring adapters) and install those in the front, moving the dB651 coaxials to the rear.

At that point, add the subwoofer.

Of course, if you like the dB651 in the front but just want more bass, add the sub first before worring about the rear speakers.
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