Upgrade sound system/ Pioneer HU and JBL sub
 

OEM system in the BRZ was craptastic along with the annoying HD-Radio dropping in and out. So, I opted to upgrade upon the wife's request for a better HU and sound. I'm upgrading everything except the speakers for under $500. Budget build time! I chose to go with a Pioneer AVH-X2800BS, JBL BassPro SL underseat powered subwoofer enclosure, and associated wiring/ harness adapters. I have yet to receive the subwoofer, but will be able to install it this weekend. I love the new HU and its UI. I will give overall impressions of the new system once the sub is installed. I'm hoping it will fit under the seat, but if not I will mount it in the trunk under the rear deck. I may upgrade the remainder of the speakers later down the road, but I think the OEM ones will suffice. Links provided below for where I purchased everything.

Headunit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Subwoofer:
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_109BAP...mnews=14318311

Wiring harness and adapters:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Parking Brake Bypass/ Video module:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Subwoofer wiring kit:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

looking forward to pictures

Definitely will not fit under the seat. :(
Shoulda got a 10" :p , but it'll still add a little warmth.
Changing your head unit should liven up your stock speakers as well.

I'm curious if you have any issues with the bluetooth functionality with your phone.

btw, add this to your shopping list to replace the aux usb ports, fits perfectly
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why wouldn't you just use Bluetooth? Or if you need wired then https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 or just use the default phone charging cable if you need battery?

I have it for android auto support, and to retain aux for when my friend insist on playing their music. :)

I went with this one to keep the stock ports

https://www.amazon.com/PAC-USB-TY1-t...ta+usb+adapter


My new receiver supports quick charge so I don't use up my battery on the drive.

What about aux though?

Finished my install late yesterday evening. I didn't have time to take any pictures, but I'll get some and post them up later. Overall impressions of the new system. FM radio reception sucks with the shark fin antenna. I had to remove it and go back to the OEM shorty antenna. The touch screen and all the associated apps of the new Pioneer HU are very nice. I expected nothing less from Pioneer even on one of their entry level/ mid level units. The OEM speakers have definitely livened up with the new HU. However, they were devoid of the low frequency range without an additional subwoofer. Obviously, the install of the sub fixed that. I was unable to mount it to the underside of the rear deck because I didn't like the fact it would limit overhead clearance for things I may stow in the trunk. So, I mounted it to the back of the rear right passenger seat. Not ideal, but the only place it would look halfway decent. The subwoofer is sufficient for what it is: an 8" shallow mount. It will not blow your socks off or get any real deep bass. I would definitely NOT pay full retail ($250) for the unit, but getting it $100 cheaper as a refurbished unit was well worth the investment. I may, in the future, opt to fab a sub enclosure and mount the same Polk Audio AA3085-A MM840 DVC 8-Inch Subwoofer I installed in my convertible. That sub is spectacular in a small cabin! I just don't have time for that right now. For under $500 I am very happy with the sound of the new system and don't regret spending a penny on the upgrade.

Love that head unit! Also has a CD player which is a must for me. I might upgrade mine than also :)

Here are some pictures. I routed the power wire from the battery through the rubber boot on the passenger side down the passenger side cabin, underneath the door trim, around the rear passenger seat, and into the trunk. The RCA cables and remote wire were routed down the passenger side of the center console around the rear driver's side seat and into the trunk. The ground wire was connected to the subwoofer and grounded underneath one of the nuts to the rear passenger strut underneath the trunk lining. I'll end up installing a 50A circuit breaker in the cabin so I can easily disconnect power to the subwoofer should I choose to.

Is that headunit one of the ones that can run torque or dash command ?

I don't think so, but I haven't tried.