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Old 12-19-2016, 04:42 PM   #1
WRelaX
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Default Most practical solution to solve my stock audio woes

Ok I'll try to make this short and to the point.

I'm 6 months in to a 3 year lease on a 2017 WRX.
I foolishly thought the stock sound system would be good enough, so I didn't get the kickers or HK or anything. I read it would be bad, but didn't realize the WRX has the worst sound system stock I've ever heard in any car.

I realize I have to give the car back at the end. BUT the audio is so bad that to me, personally, it's worth about 1-1.5K to drop something in there to make my driving experience way better for the next two and a half years I'll have the car. To me it's worth it even if I don't keep the car because music is a big part of my life. It would be a plus if at the end I could swap the stock system back in and sell off the aftermarket, but if that's not possible I'm still willing to take a hit in the pocket to have a good system for the remainder of my lease. To me, it's worth it.

So...
Desires - loud, clear sound system with subwoofer for bass-heavy hip hop music (and other genres but mostly hip hop)
Budget - 1.5K
Questions - aftermarket or go with Subaru kicker system?
Any considerations I should make since it's a lease that could benefit me? (i.e. Resale)

And yes I know why lease blah blah
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Old 12-19-2016, 05:39 PM   #2
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You're going to need to have it in stock condition when you return it. Doesn't matter if you leave a solid gold block in place of the stock unit, you can't return it any other way than how you got it. Just a warning.
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Old 12-19-2016, 06:01 PM   #3
WRelaX
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You're going to need to have it in stock condition when you return it. Doesn't matter if you leave a solid gold block in place of the stock unit, you can't return it any other way than how you got it. Just a warning.

Gotchya. I don't know much about the technical aspects of audio but I hear the Subaru Kicker system is "plug and play." I'm assuming this implies ease of installment/uninstallment. Maybe it'd be logical for me to buy the whole kicker set up and then when it's time to give it back, revert to stock and sell the kicker system to get some money back?
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Old 12-19-2016, 07:52 PM   #4
hekler
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http://oemaudioplus.com/subaru/wrxsti/

He just upgraded my 16 HK system and its amazing. They tune the stock system to rip!! Guaranteed or money back. Ask for Sandy
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Old 12-20-2016, 10:15 PM   #5
michaelyunk
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Default Most practical solution to solve my stock audio woes

IMO don't go with OEM Audio Plus. I had a very bad experience and gave them three attempts to correct issues and they failed.
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Old 12-21-2016, 09:21 AM   #6
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That's a pretty decent budget. Given your concerns, I would go with OEM+. The Subaru kicker setup is just okay, very bright tweeters and uneven bass. Both of these setups leave the factory wiring largely intact with little effort on your part.

If you have a little more skill with wiring up audio, I'd go custom. My own setup is alpine type r comps up front, alpine mrv500 and ktpu445 amps, and alpine sbr-s8 sub. I used a custom breakout harness and the ktp is bridged to the fronts. From that harness the rear speaker signal is tapped into the high inputs on the mrv which powers the sub. Rear speakers themselves are powered by the deck. I could uninstall everything and go back to stock in a few hours. The system sounds great. I did spend a few hundred on sound deadening which I wouldn't on a lease. Deaden the doors and trunk and spend the extra money on a better amp like a pdx100.4. I'm really happy with the s4 sub. It's an amazing box and install was a simple as 4 Velcro tabs and dropped right in the trunk.
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Old 12-21-2016, 11:06 AM   #7
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After looking at the OEM+ single sub package for 1200, it seems like it might be a good choice. Ease of installation and price seem decent. Looking at the website though it looks like the dual-sub package is 2 grand. So it's an extra 800 for just another 8" sub? Can someone verify this or am I missing something?

One of my main concerns is bass. Do you guys think a single 8" sub will satisfy my needs? I don't need earth-shattering bass but after spending 1200$ I wanna be able to at least feel those bass lines in my chest. Anyone here have experience with the dual?


Also, last thing. Do you guys think it will be relatively easy to re-sell the OEM+ system after I revert back to stock, and how much money do you think I can recover? If I spend 2k on a system knowing I can get at least half or more back at the end, I'd be more willing to pull the trigger
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Old 12-21-2016, 03:25 PM   #8
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I would personally just go custom build, too. With that budget, you can get an earth shaking sound system. I went with custom JBL comps up front and JBL coax out back with the ktp amp to power those. Also have Rockford Fosgate amp to power my Fosgate 12 in the rear. I can easily remove those as well if I'm going to return mine after the lease, but at this point I'm thinking of keeping it.
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Old 12-21-2016, 03:40 PM   #9
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I would personally just go custom build, too. With that budget, you can get an earth shaking sound system. I went with custom JBL comps up front and JBL coax out back with the ktp amp to power those. Also have Rockford Fosgate amp to power my Fosgate 12 in the rear. I can easily remove those as well if I'm going to return mine after the lease, but at this point I'm thinking of keeping it.


That does sound good but I don't know **** about system equipment or how to install it, zero experience. I'm willing to learn, but I want to avoid two things. 1) ****ing something up and not being able to revert to stock without damaging something and 2) if I decide to go aftermarket and the install is too complicated, I don't wanna pay 25% of the price of the Setup for labor installation.

If I can get an aftermarket system where an audio noob can install and uninstall without major work or alterations to the car, while getting a better value for money than an OEM route, that would be great
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Old 12-21-2016, 04:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRelaX View Post
That does sound good but I don't know **** about system equipment or how to install it, zero experience. I'm willing to learn, but I want to avoid two things. 1) ****ing something up and not being able to revert to stock without damaging something and 2) if I decide to go aftermarket and the install is too complicated, I don't wanna pay 25% of the price of the Setup for labor installation.

If I can get an aftermarket system where an audio noob can install and uninstall without major work or alterations to the car, while getting a better value for money than an OEM route, that would be great
I would recommend this route also, much better bang for your buck. There are some good install videos and instructions out there and on this forum - none of it is all that hard. If you can find someone near you to help - better yet! I know I would be willing to help a fellow Subaru owner, if you have a local Subaru club or forum ask them.

This is what I have - stock head unit, 5 channel amp under the drivers seat and replaced the front door & tweeters with a good component speaker set. Plus a 10' sub in the trunk. It looks stock and would be easy to put everything back. My system sounds awesome - it can go loud and its very clean.
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Old 12-21-2016, 04:27 PM   #11
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Email the guys over at OEM+. I hear they're taking $200 off for 2017 Pre Orders. If you'd still like to go that route.
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Old 12-21-2016, 05:38 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRelaX View Post
That does sound good but I don't know **** about system equipment or how to install it, zero experience. I'm willing to learn, but I want to avoid two things. 1) ****ing something up and not being able to revert to stock without damaging something and 2) if I decide to go aftermarket and the install is too complicated, I don't wanna pay 25% of the price of the Setup for labor installation.

If I can get an aftermarket system where an audio noob can install and uninstall without major work or alterations to the car, while getting a better value for money than an OEM route, that would be great
Unless you like to tinker with stuff, I'd honestly go with the OEM+ route. Custom is the best bang for the buck but it's a lot of work and I wouldn't ever recommend hacking up a brand new car for your first install.

Go OEM+ with a single sub and you should be able to resell that without issue. I haven't heard the double setup but it seems really expensive for what you're getting and it will be harder to sell. The bass on the single sub setup is pretty good but it doesn't sound aftermarket. I don't know if that makes sense. Just like the name, it sounds like a good high end OEM system. My little type-r 8 will pound when called upon. There is a pretty significant difference.
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Old 12-21-2016, 07:01 PM   #13
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Unless you like to tinker with stuff, I'd honestly go with the OEM+ route. Custom is the best bang for the buck but it's a lot of work and I wouldn't ever recommend hacking up a brand new car for your first install.

Go OEM+ with a single sub and you should be able to resell that without issue. I haven't heard the double setup but it seems really expensive for what you're getting and it will be harder to sell. The bass on the single sub setup is pretty good but it doesn't sound aftermarket. I don't know if that makes sense. Just like the name, it sounds like a good high end OEM system. My little type-r 8 will pound when called upon. There is a pretty significant difference.

The OEM+ sounds like a pretty desirable option but damn, my fear is to be disappointed by the sub and be left craving more bass/volume. I can't seem to find any good demonstration videos either and it'd be better to hear it in real life but idk where I'd find a car with that same system installed.
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Old 12-21-2016, 09:54 PM   #14
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I felt the same way as far as base is concerned so went 2 sub route. Honestly I could have been fine with 1 sub as I had to change impedance of the subs to tone it down. The 300 watt Rockford fosgate amp is very efficient. I have the amp turned down as far as it will go...LOL

There service is second to none. I have been at their location on 2 different days making the HK system as good as possible.

Here is my suggestion: Call Sandy and see if you can get the wiring harness for 2 subs but start with 1 sub? If it is possible?

I can tell you with the tuning they provide and the powered sub or subs you will be amazed. I think with the black Friday special, the second sub was $500 or so. But again ask them.

PM me if you want any more info or check my other thread .Happy shopping!!
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Old 12-23-2016, 02:31 PM   #15
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My system that I installed didn't require me to hack up the oem wires at all. If I decide to return the car to them, all the stock speakers can still be installed without a problem. There's wiring harnesses for the speakers, too, so that you can solder the aftermarket speakers to those instead of cutting up the car's harness to install yours.
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Old 12-23-2016, 03:21 PM   #16
WRelaX
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I just watched the OEM audio plus installation video and it looks pretty intimidating lol. More complicated than I thought. I'm scared of ****ing things up when I'm taking them apart/putting them together. Should I persist and try to install myself or is it a better idea to just pay someone? It probably wouldn't be worth it at that point
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Old 12-23-2016, 08:42 PM   #17
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If you have done that kind of stuff before, it shouldn't be too hard. I would go with what others said about asking your local Subie groups or any other car enthusiast groups for someone who would do it for a case of beer or a little lunch.
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Old 06-13-2018, 11:37 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by michaelyunk View Post
IMO don't go with OEM Audio Plus. I had a very bad experience and gave them three attempts to correct issues and they failed.
I am currently working with Daniel at OEM AUDIO+ to see what is wrong with my system. I purchased the new 500Q System single sub. The tweeters are just way to high pitched, it seems like most of the sound in the car is coming from the front tweeters. I hope we can work this issues out by tuning the dsp differently. The other issue I have is that I have to turn the volume almost all the way up (58-62 vol) for it to sound nice, and I could still have a conversation at 62. I feel like the stock system was much louder. I don't know if the dsp is not set correctly or maybe it is not sending enough power to the speakers, but it is very upsetting that I can speak at conversation level with the volume at 62.

I dont want to bash OEM audio + because they have an excelente customer service and integration with the quick sync harness, but hopefully I can get everything fixed.
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Old 06-13-2018, 11:46 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WRelaX View Post
I just watched the OEM audio plus installation video and it looks pretty intimidating lol. More complicated than I thought. I'm scared of ****ing things up when I'm taking them apart/putting them together. Should I persist and try to install myself or is it a better idea to just pay someone? It probably wouldn't be worth it at that point
I can assure that the install was simpler than it looks, only part where I had issues was running the power cables from the drivers footwell to the engine bay.
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Old 06-13-2018, 12:14 PM   #20
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head unit swap. /thread
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Old 06-13-2018, 09:41 PM   #21
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Speaking of head unit swapping, how well does an aftermarket head unit play with the OEM+ kit?
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Old 06-18-2018, 03:09 PM   #22
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Originally Posted by wrxchete View Post
I dont want to bash OEM audio + because they have an excelente customer service and integration with the quick sync harness, but hopefully I can get everything fixed.
Keep us updated on how this pans out. I have worked alongside these guys for years and one thing is for sure they will do everything in their power to make things right.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nahoward View Post
Speaking of head unit swapping, how well does an aftermarket head unit play with the OEM+ kit?
O+ will tune the kit specifically for the unit of your choice. I know a few owners that have aftermarket head units with their O+ setups. I am pretty sure this is a service they offer for free (at least it has been historically).
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Old 06-18-2018, 06:26 PM   #23
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Should be well under your 1500US budget and took me a couple hours to install it all myself. I already recommended this setup to 2 WRX owners around here and looks like i'll be doing the install on one of them.

https://forums.nasioc.com/forums/sho....php?t=2876838
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Old 07-02-2018, 04:13 PM   #24
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MBelair79 View Post
Keep us updated on how this pans out. I have worked alongside these guys for years and one thing is for sure they will do everything in their power to make things right.



O+ will tune the kit specifically for the unit of your choice. I know a few owners that have aftermarket head units with their O+ setups. I am pretty sure this is a service they offer for free (at least it has been historically).
Update.

Agree completely with this. Talked with Daniel about the issues I was having, he sent me a new AMP at no cost. I havent had time to install it yet. When I do I hope everything is fixed. I will give you another update as soon as I install the new amp.
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Old 08-09-2018, 03:45 PM   #25
wrxchete
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Quote:
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Update.

Agree completely with this. Talked with Daniel about the issues I was having, he sent me a new AMP at no cost. I havent had time to install it yet. When I do I hope everything is fixed. I will give you another update as soon as I install the new amp.
I installed the new amp. Apparently the older amp was not tuned properly and had the gain set way to low. I still have engine noise and static coming through the speakers which is getting annoying.
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