Audio system: Subwoofer compatibility and installation

[CluelessPedalMasher]

I'm new to all of this and my BRZ came in yesterday. I got the limited trim with 8 speakers and while I'm still trying to the eq right, it's enough for me. However, the bass is awful, especially how it boosts some overtones to compensate but not all. I'm looking all over internet for how I can install a subwoofer. What's compatible, how to install, and is a new head unit needed as well? If anyone has pointers or advice, I would greatly appreciate it

[emce]

There's supposedly an OEM option for a sub in the GR86... as soon as I can get a part number on that, that's what I'm ordering


I assume this will be available soon because I think the 86 is finally officially available next week.

[soundman98]

i know what/how the previous-gen was setup, i haven't seen any specific details yet that indicate the next gen is any different.

previous-gen had an amp in the trunk under the trunk floor for the door speakers only. can use that for high-level signal to the sub, just need to run your own power cabling to the new sub amp.

[Fingat]

Originally Posted by CluelessPedalMasher

I'm new to all of this and my BRZ came in yesterday. I got the limited trim with 8 speakers and while I'm still trying to the eq right, it's enough for me. However, the bass is awful, especially how it boosts some overtones to compensate but not all. I'm looking all over internet for how I can install a subwoofer. What's compatible, how to install, and is a new head unit needed as well? If anyone has pointers or advice, I would greatly appreciate it

What are you using for bass settings and what music source and type of music?

[CluelessPedalMasher]

Originally Posted by Fingat

What are you using for bass settings and what music source and type of music?

For the EQ (I like it flat with a little extra bass): Bass at 8, Mid at 3, and Treble at -3. The source from is raw audio files, no processing from my phone.

I'm listening to classic rock (Stones, Hendrix, Cream, Them), rap (Pierre Bourne, Landspeed, Carti, Yeat), funk, jazz, good music from any decade and genre

[Fingat]

Do you have the virtual bass on and or the beat enhancer? I found setting virt bass to low or off helps a little.

[CluelessPedalMasher]

Oh no I have all of that off. Also now have my treble at -4.

Also I noticed this is now listed as a BRZ audio upgrade even though in the description it says it's for the ascent. Who knows?
https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_20...630SXC001.html

[LanceLane174]

Originally Posted by CluelessPedalMasher

Oh no I have all of that off. Also now have my treble at -4.

Also I noticed this is now listed as a BRZ audio upgrade even though in the description it says it's for the ascent. Who knows?
https://parts.subaru.com/p/Subaru_20...630SXC001.html

That audio upgrade isn't for the 2022.

[LanceLane174]

Has anyone been on Toyotas site and realized that they don't offer the sub upgrade now for the 2022. They took it off of the list. Hmm

[LRNAD90]

OEM Audio Plus has confirmed they are working on a system for the 2022, planning a spring 2022 release..

Seems it was the defacto standard for quality audio in the previous gens..

https://www.ft86club.com/forums/show...ight=OEM+Audio

[joemysterio]

I just need a little extra bass, I wonder if the spare wheel well style sub would be sufficient?

[soundman98]

defacto standard? no. it was just the simplest, single-cost, most-plug-n-play option while maintaining the factory hu.

once one gets into aftermarket head units, there's an entire planets worth of audio gear that does everything better.

[LRNAD90]

Originally Posted by soundman98

defacto standard? no. it was just the simplest, single-cost, most-plug-n-play option while maintaining the factory hu.

once one gets into aftermarket head units, there's an entire planets worth of audio gear that does everything better.

Well, I said it 'seems' like the defacto standard, everything is an opinion and open to interpretation.

I'm new around here, and haven't even owned an 86 of either gen as of yet, so I'm sure that discredits me to some degree. But there are quite a few long threads of many (even some discerning music industry types) singing the praises.

I've done some high end audio installations in the past, and I'm not going to argue that you couldn't do better, but I think you are going to spend 2,3 maybe 4 times as much. Using a Digital Sound Processor and specifically crafted maps for a specific environment with specific components tends to lead to a better overall outcome. If you (or an installer) has the resources and expertise to do this, and are willing to spend you can probably do better, sure.

But from what I have read, it really seems that OEM Plus seems to provide the best all around solution for a reasonable price, and one that I am guessing is going to sound better than an aftermarket head unit, speakers and sub in a generic 'I bought a bunch of expensive stuff from Crutchfield' type install (Also should note that the solution works with aftermarket HUs as well).

I could be wrong, it certainly wouldn't be the first time (just ask my wife), but hopefully the advise is not too far off base. I don't think the OP was looking for a full blown competition level system..

[Yoshoobaroo]

I like the last gen’s OEM kicker sub because it adds a subwoofer AND puts a crossover on the other speakers, while you only need to run a harness from the headunit to the trunk.

I honestly have no interest in pulling door cards off and replacing speakers.