Base Speakers vs. Upgraded Speakers w/ Tweeters 2012 Impreza Sport Limited

[outdoorsoob]

Hey all, I'm getting a 2012 Sport Impreza Limited. DGM. Moonroof, Navi, All weather mats, cargo liner, upgraded speakers and tweeters.

I got these audio upgrades because I was quite underwhelmed with quality of speakers during the testdrive. Anybody else get the upgraded ones? Or at the very least know the difference in technical specs between the two. All I know is that the upgraded ones are done by kicker (not my favorite, but I dig kicker). the seller told me that he heard the total audio upgrade, with the subwoofer and it sounded great. but i also know thanks to beats by dr. dre that we americans love to associate bumping bass with overall better audio quality. I'm a bit of an audiophile so will playing my FLACS sound that much better with the upgrades?

Thanks in advance guys! I couldn't find tech info anywhere online

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[BIGD070572]

I have them, they are far better than stock. The oem speakers weigh in at 8 ounces each, paper and plastic. The upgraded weigh in at 2.5 lbs each, polymer/rubber, 50w rms 100 peak. On CD or Ipod they sound good up to about 31 on the volume control imo. I have purchased an Audio control LCQ-1, (LOC and EQ) and a JL xd400/4 (75w rms x4) and two sound ordnance b8pt powered underseat subs (120w rms/250 peak each). I expect the kickers to perform well or they will be for sale soon. Had they not been so cheap I would have just used my old polk momo's.

[subaroooo]

I'm a new member who just ordered a 2013 Sport Limited and was just given the option booklet. I wanted to bump the OP original thread since I have the same exact question. I have a week to call to add the upgraded speaker option and wanted to see if there is any recent feedback. Thanks!

[ISportLTD]

Originally Posted by subaroooo

I'm a new member who just ordered a 2013 Sport Limited and was just given the option booklet. I wanted to bump the OP original thread since I have the same exact question. I have a week to call to add the upgraded speaker option and wanted to see if there is any recent feedback. Thanks!

If you are not buying aftermarket, you must get the upgraded speakers and tweeters. I got them both, but still thinking after market...

[2.5ReallySexy]

Depending on the cost your probably better off just buying your own aftermarket set.

[phenryiv1]

I strongly recommend buying aftermarket. You can buy several matching sets consisting of components (for the front) and coaxials (for the rear), plus wiring adapters and mounting adapters/spacers and have better sound for less than the cost of the Subaru "upgrade" package. Just off the top of my head, Polk dB, Alpine Type S, and pretty much any basic Pioneer component/coaxial packages will outperform the subaru-branded kicker upgrades and cost less to boot.

Plus you are not financing modifications.

If you have questions about the difficulty of the install, there are how-to guides all over the place.

I am about to update my website on Tuesday with the 2012+ Impreza door speaker replacement procedures. I'd do it today but the file is on my work computer.

[staryoshi]

What are the specs on the upgraded Kicker speakers? I'm considering grabbing them and the tweeters with my Crosstrek to avoid the hassle of going aftermarket. I don't want the sub, as they install it behind the rear seat and waste my precious cargo space :P

I'm coming from a Mach 460 system in my Mustang which sets the bar fairly high for me.

[Shiv9]

One thing you may want to take into consideration is that kicker has never been known for their highs.

[subaroooo]

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

I am about to update my website on Tuesday with the 2012+ Impreza door speaker replacement procedures. I'd do it today but the file is on my work computer.

Thanks phenryiv,

I've checked out your site and look forward to seeing the Impreza procedures.

[staryoshi]

I'm leaning toward just grabbing the kicker upgrades (speakers and tweeters) with my purchase, partially because they use that triangular mounting system and I'd have to take extra steps to replace them with another set. I'll pay a premium for a system that isn't the best, as I'll avoid operating on a brand new car

[xXKevinXx617]

my parents have a 2011 subaru impreza with the harmon kardon sound system. Do the rear doors have speakers because 1.i cant see them 2. you can't hear them in the back it sounds like the sound is only coming from the front and as if the rear has no speakers. any answers and suggestions about what to do thanks

[splatt]

I just upgraded from stock in my 2012 WRX to Pioneer TS-A 1674R's and have been very pleased with their performance so far. The install was straight forward- no adaptor plate needed- which was a huge bonus in my book. At $50 a pair they're a heck of alot cheaper than the factory 'upgrade' that probably wouldn't sound as good. I added a line out converter, a powered sub under the seat and an amp to power all the speakers an it sounds fantastic. All while keeping the stock head unit and functionality and all for about $500. I'll plan on posting the install in here when I find the time. With all of the install resources here and other places online it wasn't as daunting as you would think.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by splatt

I just upgraded from stock in my 2012 WRX to Pioneer TS-A 1674R's and have been very pleased with their performance so far. The install was straight forward- no adaptor plate needed- which was a huge bonus in my book.

Did you just screw them into the metal of the door?

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by subaroooo

Thanks phenryiv,

I've checked out your site and look forward to seeing the Impreza procedures.

I finally got the instructions uploaded. Sorry for the delay.

See this page:

http://www.subaruaudio.net/installat...za-non-wrxsti/

[chet24]

I also agree with aftermarket. I went from the base in an impreza to an rf component set, alpine coaxial, and a Polk 10" sub (yeah random, but it was all on sale. Under 100 for all of it). The sub really Made a difference, but the other speakers really balanced it all out and it was awesome.
I then bought a premium WRX. I had both cars for a few weeks, so I first swapped the sub, thinking I would leave the rest. It was good, but still not close. The sub over powered everything no matter what I tried. So I ended up switching all of it.

[splatt]

Originally Posted by phenryiv1

Did you just screw them into the metal of the door?

I actually used the stock adapter plate. The Pioneer TS-A 1674r's are a shallow mount speaker so there were no clearance issues and the bolt pattern fit that of the plastic stock adapters.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by splatt

I actually used the stock adapter plate. The Pioneer TS-A 1674r's are a shallow mount speaker so there were no clearance issues and the bolt pattern fit that of the plastic stock adapters.

Good deal. Had you screwed it right into the door, I would have recommneded adding some sort of gasket or isolator.

[CRAZYHAWK]

There should be a 5" speaker in each rear door.

Originally Posted by xXKevinXx617

my parents have a 2011 subaru impreza with the harmon kardon sound system. Do the rear doors have speakers because 1.i cant see them 2. you can't hear them in the back it sounds like the sound is only coming from the front and as if the rear has no speakers. any answers and suggestions about what to do thanks

[uspopo]

Patrick, thanks for the technical file on the 2012 Impreza door speakers. Very much appreciated!!!

Stan

Update - installed the Subaru/Kicker tweets this morning and it took all but less than 10 mins to do. Well worth it over the OEM ones and when funds permit I will upgrade the door speakers with either the Subaru/Kicker or Kicker KS60's. I am no audiophile but sound improvement is enough for me to keep the original HU in for now.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by uspopo

Patrick, thanks for the technical file on the 2012 Impreza door speakers. Very much appreciated!!!

Stan

Glad to help!

Originally Posted by uspopo

Update - installed the Subaru/Kicker tweets this morning and it took all but less than 10 mins to do. Well worth it over the OEM ones and when funds permit I will upgrade the door speakers with either the Subaru/Kicker or Kicker KS60's. I am no audiophile but sound improvement is enough for me to keep the original HU in for now.

As between those two ooptions, I'd say go with the cheaper one. Chances are, the Subaru ones ARE the KS60s with an integrated mounting bracket.

If it is cheaper to by KS60s retail (Crutchfield often does them buy 1 get 1 half-off, fo rexample) and add mounting adapters, then that woudl be the way to go. If the Subaru route is cheaper, go that way (particularly if you have Subiebucks or something like that).

[uspopo]

Thanks. Has anyone put the Kicker/Subaru speakers side by side with the KS60/DS60 for comparison? I'd like to know which model is the rebadged Subie/Kicker version..

[phenryiv1]

Pictures look awfully similar...

Subaru:



KS60:


KS65 (slightly larger, but about $20 more expensive):


At $210 (or more) fo rthe Subaru version, yo ucould easily buy the aftermarket version, witring harnesses, and mountig adapters and still come out ahead...plus you can always move them to another car in the future.

When Crutchfield has the B1G1halfoff sale on them (every month or so), you pay $120 shipped for all 4 and even get the wiring for free. They also give you mounting adapters, but they are crap for the Impreza models. Still, adding mounitng adapter you are ahead.

[uspopo]

Thanks again Patrick....decisions decisions.

[engnrsrule]

I swapped out the factory dash speakers with POLK AUDIO 2.5" TL1 SATTELLITE DRIVER SPEAKER RD1336-1 PS0692 101108. This puts more a a full range quality coming from front. 2.5" is a hard size to find. These cost $35/pair on ebay.

[phenryiv1]

Originally Posted by engnrsrule

I swapped out the factory dash speakers with POLK AUDIO 2.5" TL1 SATTELLITE DRIVER SPEAKER RD1336-1 PS0692 101108. This puts more a a full range quality coming from front. 2.5" is a hard size to find. These cost $35/pair on ebay.

Any pictures? THose sound like a good option. Any link to specs?