Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Thursday March 28, 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 08-26-2015, 12:16 PM   #1
buschman
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 49615
Join Date: Nov 2003
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: New Market, MD
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
WR Blue

Default 2016 Starlink 6.2" vs 7.0"(HK w/Nav)

I have a 2016 WRX Limited high on my list of potential next cars. There is only one option really, the upgraded Starlink 7.0" (Navigation System + Audio w/ Harman Kardon Amplifier and Speakers + Keyless Access & Start + Blind Spot Detection / Rear Cross Traffic Alert) for $3100. Not a small chunk of change. I know this question is highly subjective.

The ironic thing is I really have little interest in paying additional of navigation. I tend to use Waze on my phone for Nav. Can you pump this up to the 6.2 or 7" screens?

One of the most intriguing options is the upgraded HK sound system. Not worth $3100 on it's own, but you add in the coolness factor of keyless start, the added BSD and it's starting to close the gap. Not to mention that this $3100 actually increases the value of the car down the line in resale, where as if I have to go aftermarket, it does not.

Has anyone sat in the 7"HK and the 6.2" side by side and listened to the difference in audio quality? Whats your take?

Thanks for any feedback from those of you who have also found yourself on the fence for this upgrade.

Mike
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
buschman is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 08-26-2015, 12:26 PM   #2
reny0519
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 426644
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MD
Default

Hey,

I'd be glad to share my .02
I'm actually waiting for my 2016 wrx limited to be delivered as we speak!! One more month - can't wait. Anyways, I had the same dilemma as you. If the car didn't come with a screen I would've definitely paid the 3100. I just like how the screen makes the dash cleaner. The main thing to me is GPS. Push to start and the HK are awesome add ons. The BSD...ehh I could care less for it and honestly would rather not have it..just my opinion. At the end of the day I didn't think the 3100 was worth it to me. I'd like to mention, though, the MirrorLink function of the 7.0 systems is awesome. I just wish it came with the 6.2. That way we could mirror our android phones while using whatever application. So to answer your question, unless you "hack" your system you cannot mirror Waze to the screen. Obviously the BT will speak to you, but I think you are in the same boat as I was. I just couldn't justify the cost just for GPS. I figured I'd deal with it later. I'm currently research ways I can possibly either add or mirror GPS to the screen. I hope this helps. Let me know what you think Oh, and the HK does make a difference. It's a lot nicer as you would expect.
reny0519 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 12:29 PM   #3
reny0519
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 426644
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MD
Default

Since this thread is already opened, I'd like to hear from others if mirroring your phone is possible for 6.2 system. I've read/seen some chromecast hacks, but I'm not sure if I want to go that route. Possibly a simple wired solution such hdmi...even though there are no direct hdmi inputs.
reny0519 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 04:02 PM   #4
walterv
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 160346
Join Date: Sep 2007
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Virginia
Vehicle:
2015 WRX Limited CVT
Ice Silver

Default

My wife has a '15 Legacy Limited with Eye-sight. It has the same bigger screen you are talking about, I like it a lot more than the unit in my '15 WRX. The Nav is much nicer

Her car also has the BSD on the mirrors which is nice in traffic. However, if you live where you don't get much traffic or spend a lot of time on multi-lanes roads, they may not do much for you. I find them helpful on a crowded freeway. I didn't think I would care about the rear cross-traffic alert, but it has gone off 3 times in the last year preventing a close call, so now I appreciate it more.

As for Eye-sight - I'm not the biggest fan of the lane departure feature because it beeps if you dodge a pothole or move over to pass a pedestrian. You can cut it off, but it comes back on when you start the car again. However, I DO like the adaptive cruse control a lot. I used it for 300 miles on Monday. That was the first time I have used on a longer trip and I came to like it a lot.
walterv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 06:28 PM   #5
obiwantoby
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 428773
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:
2018 WRX Limited
WR Blue

Default

Keep in mind the 6.2 inch unit in the 2016s has no resemblance to those in the 2015s.

The way I see it the 2016 WRX Limited has 3 options.
  • Stock 6.2" Unit with base Speakers
  • Stock 6.2" Unit with the Kicker Package
  • 7" Unit with Nav + extras and HK.

I personally went with the 2nd option. As mentioned in another thread, the 2016 6.2 unit with kicker is much improved over the 2015 model. Saves money, and should provide ok sound.

I rented an Outback with a HK system, it was quite balanced and clean. It did not blow me away though.

Value add is hard to determine. Keyless entry is about the only feature that could add that value. HK perhaps, but negligible. Looking at older cars with their nav units, it is a joke. Having nav as part of a car really dates it quite fast. Carplay should help with that at some point.

Last edited by obiwantoby; 08-26-2015 at 09:32 PM.
obiwantoby is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-26-2015, 11:54 PM   #6
buschman
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 49615
Join Date: Nov 2003
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: New Market, MD
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
WR Blue

Default

Reny what part of MD are you from? If you're in Moco I'd be interested to check out your Lapis WRX. I have yet to see a Lapis blue in person. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad I'm not the only one struggling with this decision.

Mike

Quote:
Originally Posted by reny0519 View Post
Hey,

I'd be glad to share my .02
I'm actually waiting for my 2016 wrx limited to be delivered as we speak!! One more month - can't wait. Anyways, I had the same dilemma as you. If the car didn't come with a screen I would've definitely paid the 3100. I just like how the screen makes the dash cleaner. The main thing to me is GPS. Push to start and the HK are awesome add ons. The BSD...ehh I could care less for it and honestly would rather not have it..just my opinion. At the end of the day I didn't think the 3100 was worth it to me. I'd like to mention, though, the MirrorLink function of the 7.0 systems is awesome. I just wish it came with the 6.2. That way we could mirror our android phones while using whatever application. So to answer your question, unless you "hack" your system you cannot mirror Waze to the screen. Obviously the BT will speak to you, but I think you are in the same boat as I was. I just couldn't justify the cost just for GPS. I figured I'd deal with it later. I'm currently research ways I can possibly either add or mirror GPS to the screen. I hope this helps. Let me know what you think Oh, and the HK does make a difference. It's a lot nicer as you would expect.
buschman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 12:12 PM   #7
made in china
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 142145
Join Date: Feb 2007
Vehicle:
2005 Saabaru 9-2x

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buschman View Post
One of the most intriguing options is the upgraded HK sound system. Not worth $3100 on it's own, but you add in the coolness factor of keyless start, the added BSD and it's starting to close the gap. Not to mention that this $3100 actually increases the value of the car down the line in resale, where as if I have to go aftermarket, it does not.
I think the $3100 premium you'll pay will depreciate in value so much more quickly than the rest of the car that you'd be lucky to get an extra $500 out of it in 3-4 years. So, in my opinion don't use the "$3100 actually increases the value" rationalization to talk yourself into it. The better way to approach it is "I think the package is worth $3100 to ME even though the tech will be sorely outdated ANY DAY NOW".

Here's the deal with tech: generally used car buyers are not interested in leading edge tech in a used car UNLESS the car is only 1-2 years old. Used car buyers are looking for a good deal. People who feel tech is important in their purchases will either buy a new car or buy a used car and have the HU replaced. Old OEM tech is rarely attractive.

Me personally, I am a big fan of the older Lexus LS and GS cars. Unfortunately they have "baked in tech" which means they have an outdated NAV system AND the HVAC and other controls are part of the NAV system, which is just horribly out of date at this point and is not upgrade-able in any reasonable way. The GOOD thing about the WRX line is that it still uses a standard Double Din HU opening that allows you to change out your tech every few years and gives future car shoppers the same option.
made in china is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 12:49 PM   #8
lexymomo
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 396198
Join Date: Jul 2014
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Vehicle:
2017 WRX STI
Crystal white pearl

Default

Anyone know how much the 6.2 starlink unit costs from the factory? Thanks.
lexymomo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-27-2015, 09:26 PM   #9
luke14prem
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 405633
Join Date: Nov 2014
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: NY
Vehicle:
2015 Premium 4dr
Dk gy

Default

I have been looking into this as well.
Based on an oem subaru site:
The 6.2 costs $1200,
The 7" without nav is $1500
And the Nav is $2100.(!)

I have the 6.2 in my 2015 impreza
luke14prem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2015, 03:13 PM   #10
SHREDSLED
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 281260
Join Date: Apr 2011
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Long Island, NY
Vehicle:
2016 WRX
ISM

Default

Get the base system and buy the OEM Audio+ 400 system for $1,200. From what others have said, better the the HK system.
SHREDSLED is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2015, 08:05 PM   #11
biserker1
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 427273
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Vehicle:
2016 WRX Limited

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by SHREDSLED View Post
Get the base system and buy the OEM Audio+ 400 system for $1,200. From what others have said, better the the HK system.
This is what i did - Limited trim with 6.2 starlink. Just added the OEM Plus 400 system for $1200. Sounds better then my friends with the HK.
biserker1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2015, 08:15 PM   #12
reny0519
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 426644
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: MD
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by buschman View Post
Reny what part of MD are you from? If you're in Moco I'd be interested to check out your Lapis WRX. I have yet to see a Lapis blue in person. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Glad I'm not the only one struggling with this decision.

Mike
Hey mike, I'd be glad to show you my car...as soon as it gets delivered haha. I have about one more month to go. Check back with me closer to the end of Sept
reny0519 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2015, 08:19 PM   #13
tmcmenam
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 427256
Join Date: Aug 2015
Default

you can't get the 7" w/o nav. Which in my opinion makes it a waste of money because this day in age most people don't use the in car nav.

additionally, there is no mirror link so you cant mirror waze onto the HU.
tmcmenam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-30-2015, 08:53 PM   #14
luke14prem
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 405633
Join Date: Nov 2014
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: NY
Vehicle:
2015 Premium 4dr
Dk gy

Default

Huh, must be just the impreza and xv. On those cars, the limited comes standard without nav in the 7". Apparently not the wrx. Weird.
luke14prem is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2015, 12:16 AM   #15
Milliron
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 422299
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Chester, Ohio
Default 2016 Starlink 6.2" vs 7.0"(HK w/Nav)

I have the 7" Nav/HK/Eyesight. I listened to the 6.2 unit and was underwhelmed.

Observations:

Couldn't care less about Nav for all the reasons mentioned. But Nav/keyless/HK/Eyesight? Better deal.

The HK was a pleasant surprise. Not as good as aftermarket, but orders of magnitude better than stock.

Lane departure warning is annoying. Beeps if you ever change lanes w/o signaling. I turned it off.

Adaptive CC is awesome. I had my doubts, but it works quite well. I forget it's on. If the traffic clears, it smoothly brings you back up to speed. You can pretty much put on the CC and just steer the car. It takes care of the rest.

RCTA is also great. It's warned me at least 3-4 times already--and you don't ignore it.

BSD? It's OK, but not really necessary b/c the Rex has almost no blind spot. Not bad for warning against faster traffic overtaking you though.
Milliron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2015, 12:23 PM   #16
rjw_24
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 189132
Join Date: Sep 2008
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Montana
Vehicle:
2016 WRX
ISM

Default

I have a 2016 base with the kicker speaker package. I think it sounds amazing and is easy to dial in with the improved EQ on the 2016 starlink HU.

I haven't heard the HK system I can't comment on that.

I do know that if I had the funds I would have went all out with the keyless and HK system though.
rjw_24 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2015, 05:52 PM   #17
buschman
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 49615
Join Date: Nov 2003
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: New Market, MD
Vehicle:
2018 WRX
WR Blue

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Milliron View Post
I have the 7" Nav/HK/Eyesight. I listened to the 6.2 unit and was underwhelmed.

Observations:

Couldn't care less about Nav for all the reasons mentioned. But Nav/keyless/HK/Eyesight? Better deal.

The HK was a pleasant surprise. Not as good as aftermarket, but orders of magnitude better than stock.

Lane departure warning is annoying. Beeps if you ever change lanes w/o signaling. I turned it off.

Adaptive CC is awesome. I had my doubts, but it works quite well. I forget it's on. If the traffic clears, it smoothly brings you back up to speed. You can pretty much put on the CC and just steer the car. It takes care of the rest.

RCTA is also great. It's warned me at least 3-4 times already--and you don't ignore it.

BSD? It's OK, but not really necessary b/c the Rex has almost no blind spot. Not bad for warning against faster traffic overtaking you though.
Thanks Milliron, good objective observations.

First questions, what is the difference between RCTA and BSD? By the name I can't tell how they are different.

Eyesight is only avail on Autos, correct? That adaptive CC does sound very cool. Just not at the cost of my stick shift!

I wish Subaru would let you pick and choose the options with a little more granularity. I could completely do without Nav and a moonroof. But would like keyless start, upgraded sound system w/ 7" screen.

Has anyone listened to the difference with the HK or Kicker system compared to the OEM Audio 400+? It gets a lot of positive reviews. But I always like to hear the opinions of those that have objectively sat in/listened to the various setups.

Thanks for the feedback thus far.

Mike
buschman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-01-2015, 11:17 PM   #18
Milliron
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 422299
Join Date: May 2015
Location: West Chester, Ohio
Default

BSD (Blind Spot Detection) puts a little icon up in your driver's or passenger mirror if it detects a vehicle. RCTA (Rear Cross-Traffic Alert) sounds an alarm if it detects a vehicle approaching from either side while backing up.

You can get both with the 6MT. Only the CVT gets the Eyesight gadgets.

I agree that some variation in the packages would be nice. I didn't want the Nav--but you had only one package to choose from. I could have put together an aftermarket system, but that would have been $2k easily with install, and I'm kind of through with aftermarket. I was at least fortunate enough to get the package at invoice.

I do a fair amount of mixed highway and city driving, so those options were appealing.
Milliron is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2015, 12:16 AM   #19
hekler
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 388366
Join Date: Apr 2014
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: So Cal
Vehicle:
2016 SUBARU WRX(cvt)
CBS w/eyesight

Default

I got a 16' limited with eyesight and I really like it. I am more than please with the sound system. I put in dyno mat in the trunk, rear deck lid and the doors. I like the push button start, the indicators in the mirrors, adaptive cruise is great. There is a pretty good discount available on this package.

For me it has been well worth investment.
hekler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2015, 01:38 PM   #20
zimm
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 44427
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Northern VA
Vehicle:
2017 WRX
Lapis blue

Default

I'm having the same choice to face. 6.1 with kicker vs nav package. We have a '15 outback and when we road trip, I use my iphone with Waze app. The "apps" are useless to me. BSD is nice with a wagon. Keyless entry is huge, but I'd have to somehow label the keyfobs so we don't take the wrong ones (outback has same fob). I'd rather have better audio. Does the 6.1 have Sirius XM built in? Can a sub be added to the H/K system w/ nav?

Last edited by zimm; 09-02-2015 at 01:46 PM.
zimm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-02-2015, 05:37 PM   #21
pennyrobber
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 294504
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Vehicle:
2016 STI
DGM

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by zimm View Post
I'm having the same choice to face. 6.1 with kicker vs nav package. We have a '15 outback and when we road trip, I use my iphone with Waze app. The "apps" are useless to me. BSD is nice with a wagon. Keyless entry is huge, but I'd have to somehow label the keyfobs so we don't take the wrong ones (outback has same fob). I'd rather have better audio. Does the 6.1 have Sirius XM built in? Can a sub be added to the H/K system w/ nav?
The H/K system has a sub (200mm).
pennyrobber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-03-2015, 09:48 AM   #22
EternalEight
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 413115
Join Date: Feb 2015
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Northern, NJ
Vehicle:
'16 WRX
Lapis Blue Pearl

Default

Any idea what the actual cost for the Eyesight package is?

I am seeing 4000+ MSRP and 3600+ Invoice
EternalEight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-2015, 04:11 PM   #23
neue_regel
*** Banned ***
 
Member#: 435802
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: North Jersey
Vehicle:
2016 WRX STI PrabH
grey

Default

does anyone know if the starlink 7.0 welcome screen can be customized? i cant find any info on this.
neue_regel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-2015, 04:42 PM   #24
rwd_to_awd
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 429584
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Oakland, CA
Vehicle:
2016 WRX (base)
WR Blue

Default

I haven't heard the H/K but I'm pretty sure it doesn't come with additional sound deadening. For $3100 one can have better sound quality than H/K, sound deadening where it matters and a new head unit with Carplay/Android Audio which is the future. Both of these technologies will be upgraded with your phone over time and gain features, Starlink however will likely never get a firmware upgrade at this rate.
rwd_to_awd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-01-2016, 07:32 PM   #25
mdaygo
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 418001
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Cap Dist NY
Vehicle:
2016 WRX
WRB

Default

You're not paying $3,100 for just the sound system - you're getting the additional goodies that come with the upgrade.

As for the sound the HK is actually really nice and by far the best factory sound I've ever had.
mdaygo 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 12:23 PM.


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.