Sound System quality is bad?

[soilent]

Speaking of the stock stereo, have anyone tried these in the previous gen and had them fit? They look like they would work, but I can't find any conformation. I assume if they fit first gen they will fit second gen, like pretty much everything else seems to.

https://www.crutchfield.com/S-iVLVPR...c&awug=9025150

[LivinLife]

I am underwhelmed with the speakers in the Limited. I have yet to play with settings though. I test drove a 2022 Civic top trim when they came out and was impressed with that stereo system.

[SpectreRT]

Originally Posted by LivinLife

I am underwhelmed with the speakers in the Limited. I have yet to play with settings though. I test drove a 2022 Civic top trim when they came out and was impressed with that stereo system.

Welcome to Subaru vehicles.

In all seriousness though; stereo was never, and will never be a selling point for the 86 platform.

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by SpectreRT

Welcome to Subaru vehicles.

In all seriousness though; stereo was never, and will never be a selling point for the 86 platform.

This is true, I just wish it was an option. I'm one of those people who would gladly pay $1000-1500 for a really nice stereo from the factory vs having to kluge something together after the fact.

[SpectreRT]

Originally Posted by OkieSnuffBox

This is true, I just wish it was an option. I'm one of those people who would gladly pay $1000-1500 for a really nice stereo from the factory vs having to kluge something together after the fact.

The optional subwoofer makes a pretty significant difference, as it has a dedicated amp and low-crossover.

[Varelco]

Originally Posted by OkieSnuffBox

This is true, I just wish it was an option. I'm one of those people who would gladly pay $1000-1500 for a really nice stereo from the factory vs having to kluge something together after the fact.

It would be wasted really. The lightweight concept of these cars means there is little in the way of sound deadening and its lightly built, even with top end components it would still sound poor unless the OEM revisited the sound deadening aspect and the interior panels.

In my 2015 GT86 I have the optional JBL sound package offered here in the UK. It's better than the stock setup but still poor, simply because the environment its working in, the extra power from the drivers just rattled the interior. I added some sound deadening and sorted the panel rattles and it made a huge difference.

[JoeBRZ18]

I agree, it doesn't sound great to me either. I've tried a few different sources and adjusted the levels and I am not a fan.

I've been researching new speakers and an amp (and I'm open to suggestions.)

[dragoontwo]

Is there an amp that can replace the factory amp and do a better job with the factory speakers?

[OkieSnuffBox]

Originally Posted by JoeBRZ18

I agree, it doesn't sound great to me either. I've tried a few different sources and adjusted the levels and I am not a fan.

I've been researching new speakers and an amp (and I'm open to suggestions.)

I'm hoping OEM Audio will make a 2nd Gen setup like they did for the 1st gen. From what I remember it received pretty good reviews.

I'm not going to go all crazy with components in the kick panels and stuff like that, but definitely want the best sound I can get. Although at this point I'm considering waiting for a '23 model. Figure by that point, the aftermarket will really be moving.

[shoreline86]

So I'm looking at upgrading the OEM head unit to this:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DMT...WT8600NEX.html

The only things are that since the vehicle is new there's a lack of a 2nd gen specific mounting solution, and also iDatalink's Maestro RR and wiring harness not being updated for the 2022 (well undetermined by Crutchfield, not listed on iDatalink's site):

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADS...ce-Module.html

Is it worth the risk to try going through with it and seeing it the module works or is it better to just wait and see (no idea how long that would take especially in this supply situation atm)?

[tenderization]

Originally Posted by shoreline86

So I'm looking at upgrading the OEM head unit to this:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130DMT...WT8600NEX.html

The only things are that since the vehicle is new there's a lack of a 2nd gen specific mounting solution, and also iDatalink's Maestro RR and wiring harness not being updated for the 2022 (well undetermined by Crutchfield, not listed on iDatalink's site):

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_794ADS...ce-Module.html

Is it worth the risk to try going through with it and seeing it the module works or is it better to just wait and see (no idea how long that would take especially in this supply situation atm)?

You might want to see if you can find out what is being done with JDM stereos, as it looks like the norm there is to install aftermarket head units out of the gate there. If they're using Maestros or something similar that could be an option.

[soundman98]

Originally Posted by dragoontwo

Is there an amp that can replace the factory amp and do a better job with the factory speakers?

there wasn't with the 1st gen. i don't expect the 2nd gen uses much different gear.

[dragoontwo]

Originally Posted by soundman98

there wasn't with the 1st gen. i don't expect the 2nd gen uses much different gear.

I was unsure if there was any sort of market for an OEM+ style amp.

Sort of like: hey we know they gave you an amp, but this will make the stock system sound a bit better.

[Kindafearless]

With my Jeep I covered the interior with boom mat and it made a significant difference. I weighed my stack of mats before installing and used about 35 lbs worth to do the job.