2015 BRZ Stereo

[Slong]

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..

[chaoskaze]

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.

[Scoobybrz]

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.

[ScoobsMcGee]

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.

[Stang70Fastback]

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.

[ericmpena]

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.

[iConformed]

+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.

[Agent 86]

Originally Posted by Slong

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..

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.

[Slong]

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

[afohlin]

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.

[Aozora.BRZ]

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

[Slong]

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!

[Slong]

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....

[kberkel]

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

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