2015 BRZ Stereo
 

Hello BRZ people. I just purchased a 2015 BRZ last week and I LOVE the car. The stereo, however, leaves much to be desired. I saw where I can purchase a 10-inch powered subwoofer by Subaru of America by Kicker. Is this product worth it (about $700) installed)? I am 49 years old and don't need a $,2000 head-banging stereo but I would love an upgrade. Does anyone have any advice on how to improve the sound quality of my new BRZ? Thank you in advance..

Spent 1000 for an Oem+ set.

Factory sub isn't that good... U can simply get a better one for around 500 in a car audio shop with extras for extra sound deadening.

Start with sound deadening. I've only done the doors and floor of the trunk, and I've notice an improvement when I'm on the highway. After I changed out the oem head unit, it sounded drastically better.

What about the stereo are you dissatisfied with and are you sure a sub will fix it? Have you tried mucking about with the EQ? Seems to be some good suggestions in this thread, but I haven't tried them on my 2015: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15696

I am far from an expert, but in my experience adding a sub to the OEM sound system just makes the bass overpower everything else. It doesn't really improve anything, unless thumping bass is your thing. I had a 2012 WRX with OEM sub. Even with the bass at -7 and the audio type changed from wagon, there were some songs I couldn't listen to.

As ScoobsMcGee stated, EQ settings will make a significant difference. I think I have mine set to close to what they have in the link above (maybe that's where I got it from) and it sounds much better. Still not great by any means but a drastic improvement over the flat settings. I also have sound deadening in the doors, which helped clean up the low-end sounds a little bit too, and made the bass a bit more punchy.

I'd go with OEM Audio+. I kept looking in the "For Sale" thread on here and eventually found one for I believe $750. I got the "Reference 400CF" model. If you keep your eyes open you'll sometimes find people selling theirs for cheap. I'd go that route. Not to mention that the guys over at OEM Audio are amazing to work with.

+1 for OEM Audio, I just installed 400CF kit last week and everyone's blown away by how good it sounds. Well worth the money, all plug and play with super detailed step by step instructions.

As others have said, I suggest you tune the head unit using EQ. My method is to do this while parked with the engine off, windows up and using a couple different sources (CD, MP3, Sat/XM, Bluetooth etc.) using music you are familiar with. I find the stock head unit can perform quite well depending on the particular track and source. One example, Eric Clapton's Layla unplugged. For a live track, it sounds really good on the stock system (even using Bluetooth).

If you find the tuned sound "acceptable" with the engine off, try listening to that same content with engine running and car moving (windows up). IMO, the road noise is the problem.

Before upgrading your system, I suggest reducing road noise as much as you can (considering cost and weight increase). Sound deadening the doors, wheel wells trunk will make a difference. Still not satisfied, look to amplification and speakers upgrades. Simply adding a subwoofer is not the right approach.

BRZ Stereo
 

Thank you everybody for the excellent advice. I appreciate it!

I guess I'm in the minority but I bought the factory Subaru sub and am extremely happy with it. Doesn't take up much room and was plug and play into the headunit.

If you are going to spend money at it, definitely OEM+. Roam for a used set if money is an issue.

The EQ thread saved my day, specially this setting post I found amazing after trying them all:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...2&postcount=74
Not amazing on the bass side but definitely cleared up the sound really well. Try them all with your type of music

2015 BRZ Stereo
 

Thank you to everyone for the advice. I went to a local audio store today and they quoted my about $1200 to put new speakers, amp and subwoofer in. I may save a little and get the Kicker by Subaru as I don't need much--just some more power, more bass and mostly--more sound from the rear. I am not used to most of the sound coming from the front. Thanks again everyone!

Afolhin--I may get the Kicker as you did. Do you really like it? Does it help not just with bass but overall sound as well? I am sure it helps to 'even-out' the sound as more now comes from the rear? Thanks....

I bought an aftermarket sub and it never sounds right to me. Had to use an LOC since no RCA outs, and it's always boomy to me and too loud at lower volumes and too quiet at higher volumes.

I have the additional speakers and amp for the rest of the car sitting in my house.. but I think I won't be happy until I get a new H/U. I miss the old $150 single DIN units.. now the NAV units I want are in the $1000 range :bonk:

If I had to do it again I'd probably start with sound deadening.. then maybe the oem+ and just be done.

I was more than impressed with the factory Kicker. Easy and clean install, didn't need to do any wiring or buy a new amp, and it sounds awesome. It should come as a standard feature because it makes such a big difference in overall sound quality. I looked into the OEM+ system and the JL Stealthbox but after its all said and done those were almost double the price and to me it wasn't worth the extra $

Thank you Afohlin!! One more question. I heard the Kicker sub has no bass control and can be too much. There is an $8 limiter I saw to purchase online--should I get that as well? What is your advice Afohlin? Thanks again!

You're welcome! While there is no adjustment on the sub itself there is still adjustment through the equalizer in the head unit. The bass can be a loud when the volume is really low but I don't have the limiter so I can't speak to the difference it makes. For $8 it should be worth a try. You can always unplug the limiter if you don't like it.

Cheers Afohlin!!! :)

I have the factory Kicker subwoofer. The sub + wires weigh maybe 15 lbs, if you care about the weight, which is why I bought it.

I have noticed the sub sounds pretty good if you are mainly into hiphop. It's good for some electronic music, but some songs don't sound quite as good as I like. This is probably due to the fact that this is a 10" sub and some electronic music sounds better with a tighter 8" sub.

I noticed an overall clarity improvement of the factory setup since the front door speakers aren't trying to reproduce all the mids and lows. You will notice that the OEM+ audio guys said the same thing when they made their own sub. There is no rattling at the front anymore either with the sub. I also haven't noticed any trunk or body panel rattling on the outside of the car either.

Overall, this is probably the easiest sound upgrade you can do for this car. Yes, you can get a cheaper sub + box and some wire, but honestly, it won't be as clean of a setup as the factory Kicker, and I hate gaudy sub boxes taking up room in this truck. This is nicely tucked away in the corner, and leaves your trunk usable. You can also remove it in 30 seconds if you want to take it out.

The OEM+ setup is better, but it's also a lot more money. You probably won't regret getting the Kicker.

Damnnn son

750 for Reference CF?? that's like less then half price!!! You lucky XXXXXXXXXx /rage:mad0260:

ALL JELLO

I think the speakers took some time to break in as my stereo sounded terrible when I first bought it and now it's halfway decent. Still want an OEM+ system though...

OEM reference ftw

Fuck OEM+ I want this!

http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/...eter_img01.jpg

http://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/...atone/top.html

more reviews for oem kicker? i just want a bit more bass. I think spending 1500 onto the stereo into this econo sports car is excessive, especially it came with loud road and engine noise. I could use the difference of price to get my self a set of perrin exhaust

Damn you, why post stuff I want when I just brought a set of used OEM+! 😱

Try this EQ setting. Someone else told me about it and it helps a lot
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