Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Tuesday March 19, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC General > Car Audio, Video & Security

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-10-2018, 05:55 PM   #1
TexRexGirl
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 479953
Join Date: Jan 2018
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: College Station, TX
Default Aftermarket HU in 2018 WRX

Does anyone have suggestions (and photos) of their aftermarket Head Unit in the 2018 WRX?

I have a few months until my WRX is here, but after hearing about the horrible stock audio, I figured I would get a head start researching. Everything I see though is for 2015-2017, not 2018. I have heard the 2018 is different from previous years, and will not work with units suggested for the 2016-17, but please correct me if I'm wrong.

Basically I want it to look as clean and smooth as possible on the dash, and provide better sound quality (speaker suggestions are welcome, too!). Also looking for it to have Android Auto and Apple Carplay, and also be able to keep the AM/FM radio capability, backup camera, and steering wheel connectivity.

Hopefully there is something good out there. This will be my first Subaru and first brand new car!
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
TexRexGirl is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 01-10-2018, 09:05 PM   #2
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

there is a harness coming in February-ish, that will allow the 16-18 to work. If you do a compatible radio you will get advanced features and retain the factory USB, factory AUX, Back Up Camera, Steering wheel controls, and get extra features like TPMS on screen and also vehicle info, and check engine reading. It is made by Idatalink and will pair with the Maestro RR. One thing you will not retain is the factory MIC, however you can install an aftermarket mic in the same spot with some elbow grease.


Compatible radios: http://maestro.idatalink.com/compatible-radios/ as of todays date. (PIONEER MODELS WITH YELLOW DATA BUTTON ON PICTURE DONT DO GAUGES)

Maestro RR http://maestro.idatalink.com/product...product_id/102

Maestro RR Harness: http://maestro.idatalink.com/accesso...product_id/809 Harness is not available at this time, but slated for release in February 2018
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-11-2018, 08:02 PM   #3
certainphate
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 134100
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Boston, MA
Vehicle:
2016 WRX
WR Blue

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
there is a harness coming in February-ish, that will allow the 16-18 to work. If you do a compatible radio you will get advanced features and retain the factory USB, factory AUX, Back Up Camera, Steering wheel controls, and get extra features like TPMS on screen and also vehicle info, and check engine reading. It is made by Idatalink and will pair with the Maestro RR. One thing you will not retain is the factory MIC, however you can install an aftermarket mic in the same spot with some elbow grease.


Compatible radios: http://maestro.idatalink.com/compatible-radios/ as of todays date. (PIONEER MODELS WITH YELLOW DATA BUTTON ON PICTURE DONT DO GAUGES)

Maestro RR http://maestro.idatalink.com/product...product_id/102

Maestro RR Harness: http://maestro.idatalink.com/accesso...product_id/809 Harness is not available at this time, but slated for release in February 2018
will the harness work for a 2016 with HK? Any chance you know if there will be any released before Feb? I need a solution ASAP.
certainphate is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-12-2018, 11:30 AM   #4
gturner
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 478028
Join Date: Nov 2017
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
WRB

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
there is a harness coming in February-ish, that will allow the 16-18 to work. If you do a compatible radio you will get advanced features and retain the factory USB, factory AUX, Back Up Camera, Steering wheel controls, and get extra features like TPMS on screen and also vehicle info, and check engine reading.
I have a 2018 WRX as well and am eagerly awaiting the new Maestro RR T-harness (can I pre-order?).

Question: phd12v says the factory USB can be retained, but this model has a dual-port hub builtin. My understanding is that aftermarket HU's (Pioneer 8200NEX) won't work with USB hubs like this. I was planning on buying a pair of USB Type-A extension cables, but it would be much cleaner to use the OEM ports. Can the dual-port USB really be retained?
gturner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-12-2018, 12:27 PM   #5
PenguinSpin
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 480482
Join Date: Jan 2018
Default

Do we lose any functionality, if we use this new harness and swap to a compatible HU?
I've seen discussion in other threads of some 'starlink' stuff being integrated with the HU but i haven't been able to understand what/how that is affected.

2018 base STI, with the 7" screen.
PenguinSpin is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 09:41 PM   #6
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gturner View Post
I have a 2018 WRX as well and am eagerly awaiting the new Maestro RR T-harness (can I pre-order?).

Question: phd12v says the factory USB can be retained, but this model has a dual-port hub builtin. My understanding is that aftermarket HU's (Pioneer 8200NEX) won't work with USB hubs like this. I was planning on buying a pair of USB Type-A extension cables, but it would be much cleaner to use the OEM ports. Can the dual-port USB really be retained?
i dont know about the dual usb, my test subject only has one in the console. I dont think that is really high on the priority list honestly.
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-14-2018, 09:43 PM   #7
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by PenguinSpin View Post
Do we lose any functionality, if we use this new harness and swap to a compatible HU?
I've seen discussion in other threads of some 'starlink' stuff being integrated with the HU but i haven't been able to understand what/how that is affected.

2018 base STI, with the 7" screen.
Starlink basically is a module, that the speakers leads for the front speakers run through.....there is also a trigger either in data or analog that tells it to turn on ( in really simple terms) so they are testing a few more vehicles for that starlink info. Our R and D is in quebec where starlink is not in every vehicle (actually not many at all in canada) other issue is the cars dont have tpms mandated in canada due to the winter tire regulations there as well..... so there is quite a few differences betweeen the canadian vehicles and the USA vehicles.
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 12:09 PM   #8
xEJ20x
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 49362
Join Date: Nov 2003
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Blackwood, South Jersey
Vehicle:
2013 DGM STI
Cobb Stg 2

Default

Crutchfield
xEJ20x is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-15-2018, 07:53 PM   #9
AWD_Pete
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 33730
Join Date: Mar 2003
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Outaouais, QC, Canada
Vehicle:
2018 WRX base
DGM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
Starlink basically is a module, that the speakers leads for the front speakers run through.....there is also a trigger either in data or analog that tells it to turn on ( in really simple terms) so they are testing a few more vehicles for that starlink info. Our R and D is in quebec where starlink is not in every vehicle (actually not many at all in canada) other issue is the cars dont have tpms mandated in canada due to the winter tire regulations there as well..... so there is quite a few differences betweeen the canadian vehicles and the USA vehicles.
Canadian car checking in, true.

No TMPS here and Starlink is not picking up at all, like many other OEM stuff like OnStar for GM.

Eagerly waiting for a simple solution for my 2018 base WRX. I'll most likely be stuffing a JVC 730BT or 830BT with MaestroRR once it's available. the OEM base radio is just HORRIBLE. Even my wife complained about how slow and bad sounding it is.

Still debating Scoche or Metra for the hardware kit. I like the full piano black the OEM has now.
AWD_Pete is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2018, 07:54 AM   #10
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AWD_Pete View Post
Canadian car checking in, true.

No TMPS here and Starlink is not picking up at all, like many other OEM stuff like OnStar for GM.

Eagerly waiting for a simple solution for my 2018 base WRX. I'll most likely be stuffing a JVC 730BT or 830BT with MaestroRR once it's available. the OEM base radio is just HORRIBLE. Even my wife complained about how slow and bad sounding it is.

Still debating Scoche or Metra for the hardware kit. I like the full piano black the OEM has now.

scosche for sure...... way nicer look you will be able to use the SU2 harness with either of those jvc's and it will be pretty easy to swap

also if you can find the "best kits" version, it is the scosche one
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-16-2018, 05:44 PM   #11
m3incorp
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 478467
Join Date: Nov 2017
Chapter/Region: RMIC
Location: Colorado
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
Dark Gray Metallic

Default

It can get to be pretty expensive changing out the HU, especially for the higher end ones. I swapped out all the speakers in an 18 WRX and added a 12" subwoofer enclosure and it actually sounds pretty decent. It is my teenage son's car, so that works fine. For a true audiophile, yeah you want a full blown system......even with a new HU, you will still need to get rid of the crappy 6 oz speakers and add a subwoofer.
m3incorp is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-2018, 04:04 PM   #12
eyekode
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 477587
Join Date: Nov 2017
Default

Have you tried adjusting the equalizer? I have the 7" screen and the sound can be greatly improved with a little eq as long as you keepthe volumn under ~40.
When i first got the carmy first impression was the audio was trash. But now i may just add an amp andmaybe a sub.
eyekode is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2018, 05:03 PM   #13
Darkcyde108
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 481039
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SoCal
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by AWD_Pete View Post
Canadian car checking in, true.

No TMPS here and Starlink is not picking up at all, like many other OEM stuff like OnStar for GM.

Eagerly waiting for a simple solution for my 2018 base WRX. I'll most likely be stuffing a JVC 730BT or 830BT with MaestroRR once it's available. the OEM base radio is just HORRIBLE. Even my wife complained about how slow and bad sounding it is.

Still debating Scoche or Metra for the hardware kit. I like the full piano black the OEM has now.

Scosche dash kit for sure man. I have one for my 18. Test fitted with my Pioneer AVH4201 and it fits like a glove. Heard of too many people with fitment issues with the Metra.
Darkcyde108 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-2018, 05:24 PM   #14
Darkcyde108
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 481039
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SoCal
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
White

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
there is a harness coming in February-ish, that will allow the 16-18 to work. If you do a compatible radio you will get advanced features and retain the factory USB, factory AUX, Back Up Camera, Steering wheel controls, and get extra features like TPMS on screen and also vehicle info, and check engine reading. It is made by Idatalink and will pair with the Maestro RR. One thing you will not retain is the factory MIC, however you can install an aftermarket mic in the same spot with some elbow grease.


Compatible radios: http://maestro.idatalink.com/compatible-radios/ as of todays date. (PIONEER MODELS WITH YELLOW DATA BUTTON ON PICTURE DONT DO GAUGES)

Maestro RR http://maestro.idatalink.com/product...product_id/102

Maestro RR Harness: http://maestro.idatalink.com/accesso...product_id/809 Harness is not available at this time, but slated for release in February 2018


phd12v - So i have a Pioneer AVH-4201 for my 2018. Since this Pioneer model doesn't support gauges, I can run the RR and it won't mess with my AccessPort? I read on another post that the RR caused the AccessPort to not display gauges.

***EDIT*** Sorry phd12v, read that wrong. Mine does support gauges. Question still remains though. Will the RR interfere with the AccessPort?
Darkcyde108 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-30-2018, 10:16 AM   #15
AWD_Pete
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 33730
Join Date: Mar 2003
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Outaouais, QC, Canada
Vehicle:
2018 WRX base
DGM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
there is a harness coming in February-ish, that will allow the 16-18 to work. If you do a compatible radio you will get advanced features and retain the factory USB, factory AUX, Back Up Camera, Steering wheel controls, and get extra features like TPMS on screen and also vehicle info, and check engine reading. It is made by Idatalink and will pair with the Maestro RR. One thing you will not retain is the factory MIC, however you can install an aftermarket mic in the same spot with some elbow grease.


Compatible radios: http://maestro.idatalink.com/compatible-radios/ as of todays date. (PIONEER MODELS WITH YELLOW DATA BUTTON ON PICTURE DONT DO GAUGES)

Maestro RR http://maestro.idatalink.com/product...product_id/102

Maestro RR Harness: http://maestro.idatalink.com/accesso...product_id/809 Harness is not available at this time, but slated for release in February 2018
any update on this? Eagerly waiting for a simple install in my base 2018 WRX with base radio.
AWD_Pete is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2018, 09:59 AM   #16
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

im still waiting....its on a slow boat still from what i am being told....i asked for a heads up to when they hit our warehouse
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2018, 10:08 AM   #17
AWD_Pete
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 33730
Join Date: Mar 2003
Chapter/Region: E. Canada
Location: Outaouais, QC, Canada
Vehicle:
2018 WRX base
DGM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
im still waiting....its on a slow boat still from what i am being told....i asked for a heads up to when they hit our warehouse
Awesome, thanks
AWD_Pete is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-31-2018, 10:57 AM   #18
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Darkcyde108 View Post
phd12v - So i have a Pioneer AVH-4201 for my 2018. Since this Pioneer model doesn't support gauges, I can run the RR and it won't mess with my AccessPort? I read on another post that the RR caused the AccessPort to not display gauges.

***EDIT*** Sorry phd12v, read that wrong. Mine does support gauges. Question still remains though. Will the RR interfere with the AccessPort?
if your gonna run the Acessport, i would suggest using the SW and buying the trigger for the back up camera. If your going to use the t harness for the RR you can simply turn off the gauges in the menu and it wont interfere at all
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2018, 05:52 PM   #19
jmules
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 351678
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Rochester, NY
Vehicle:
2020 XTrek LTD
PURE RED

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
im still waiting....its on a slow boat still from what i am being told....i asked for a heads up to when they hit our warehouse
Any update on the harness coming in?
jmules is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-05-2018, 10:08 PM   #20
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

ill call the warehouse tomorrow and see whats going on..... i know some came in already and they were going to go through an QC some of them

i just got an 18 last tuesday... so im just as anxious to get it now. i have the 7" starlink radio also. It is definitely a big improvement over the 6.2 for sure
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-15-2018, 11:17 AM   #21
jmules
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 351678
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Rochester, NY
Vehicle:
2020 XTrek LTD
PURE RED

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by phd12v View Post
ill call the warehouse tomorrow and see whats going on..... i know some came in already and they were going to go through an QC some of them

i just got an 18 last tuesday... so im just as anxious to get it now. i have the 7" starlink radio also. It is definitely a big improvement over the 6.2 for sure
Anything? I'm ready for a new HU...
jmules is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2018, 03:04 PM   #22
Ridehardfox
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 483493
Join Date: Mar 2018
Chapter/Region: AKIC
Vehicle:
2015 Wrx
Red

Default

I cant speak for the subie homelink on maestro, However i had to disconnect the can high and can low wires from the maestro inorder to have my access port work correctly. I am still using the maestro for steering wheel controls and have zero issues though. As of the moment there is no harness avaiable for the 18 wrx with harmon amp. The firmware is there for the car though, so you could hardwire the maestro.
Ridehardfox is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-17-2018, 09:43 PM   #23
JuiceboxWRX
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 483507
Join Date: Mar 2018
Default

I just finished installing an Alpine ILX 207 in my 18 base wrx. Install wasn’t bad at all. I just used the maestro SW interface and got my 28 pin harness from autoharnesshouse. Everything integrated nicely.
JuiceboxWRX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 08:05 AM   #24
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ridehardfox View Post
I cant speak for the subie homelink on maestro, However i had to disconnect the can high and can low wires from the maestro inorder to have my access port work correctly. I am still using the maestro for steering wheel controls and have zero issues though. As of the moment there is no harness avaiable for the 18 wrx with harmon amp. The firmware is there for the car though, so you could hardwire the maestro.
You cant run two "scan tools" at the same time, either pick maestro for OBD2 scanning or your accessport..... cant do both. Think of it this way, they will fight each other to "grab" info..... make more sense now?
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-19-2018, 08:09 AM   #25
phd12v
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 432497
Join Date: Oct 2015
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pitt
Vehicle:
18 Sti
ISM

Default

the harness was pushed back a little bit.... not sure why ( im not in the office, i am in support and remote location)

If you want it done now, hit up Svx and get his harness setup..... im trying to find out "why" ours was held up..... i hope it isnt the 28 pin connector binding up like the metra one does now....i did tell them that was an issue we have seen in the field, so hopefully that isnt it. I am trying my best to stay on top of this harness, i am waiting for one as well for my 18 Sti so please know your not alone on waiting......
phd12v is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:33 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.