Okay, since audio upgrades seem to be big around here I thought I would post up what I have done to my set up. I got my 03 Forester XS in October. It had the stock audio system (CD changer w/ door tweeters) and I admit I wasn't very impressed. Here is what I have come up with so far (see attached pictures):
JVC KW-NT1 head unit
Alpine MRP-F450 4 channel amplifier
Focal 165 A1 component speaker set
JL Audio CS110RG-W1v2 enclosed subwoofer
Visteon HD Zoom HD Radio
I chose the head unit because navigation, MP3 playback via mass storage device, double DIN detachable face, and Bluetooth were all must-haves for me. The unit is definitely no frills, but what it does it does well. Routes are calculated quickly, so far accurately, the voice is clear, and it even prepares you to get in the correct lane. The head unit loads up quick and I haven't experienced any glitchy behavior so far (e.g. freezing). Even though JVC doesn't list the unit as SDHC compliant, it works fine with a 16GB SD card loaded with music. Bluetooth, A/V input, and DVD playback all work great although the latter feature I won't be using much (just make sure to ground the parking brake wire). Next Summer I will install a back up camera. The amplifier, located under the passenger seat, supplies 70W RMS per channel to the Focal speakers. I am very pleased with the speakers so far. It took a long time to decide on a set, but these were chosen because of good build quality, they were efficient enough to work with my amplifier, the tweeters were small enough to fit in the stock location, and I was able to audition them before buying. I bought a pair of speaker spacers from sea-scooby. Using these, installation was very easy and seems to be the only way to obtain a proper fit. The tweeters replaced the stock pair and are held in place with heavy duty 3M double-sided tape. That turned out to be a perfect fit; far easier than I expected. I did not do anything to the rear door speakers. They are connected to the head unit, but the internal amplifier is turned off. I don't think adding rear channels will do much to improve the sound quality of my set up. I have not done any sound proofing. Having done that to a couple of vehicles in the past, I know it can be a big, time consuming project. I would rather wait until next Summer when it's warm to tackle it. I bridged the other two channels of the amplifer to supply the 10" JL Audio subwoofer with 200W RMS. I originally bought one of those small self powered subwoofers (Boss) to fit under the passenger seat. I admit the output level for such a small device was more than I expected, but I just wasn't satisfied with the sound quality. I went with a wedge shaped enclosure that is located right behind the rear seats. Not only does it take up a minimal amount of room, but I can easily remove it by yanking out two banana plugs. It is kept in place by the cargo net. The HD radio rounds out the set up. The Visteon unit works great and even the analog tuner seems sensitive enough to lock in stations that are normally very difficult to get. That all said I am not terribly impressed with HD Radio but seeing it offers additional programming (one of my favorite local stations became HD only), I am not going to complain. I keep the display/controller "Velcroed" to the center console. I might decide on a different location later, but right now I can conveniently stash it between the seats when parked and passengers seem to like being able to grab it so they can start flipping stations.
Overall, I am quite happy with this set up. I wanted to upgrade the audio, but I did not want to alter the interior of my vehicle drastically. The doors look stock. I can can easily regain all of the cargo room with the enclosed subwoofer. Everything can be hidden away so it doesn't attract too much unwanted attention. I must admit the resources of this forum have been invaluable. Everything from obtaining the speaker spacers, learning the radio antenna was amplified, to figuring out how to remove the door panels came from here. Thanks everyone. :biggrin:
JVC KW-NT1 head unit
Alpine MRP-F450 4 channel amplifier
Focal 165 A1 component speaker set
JL Audio CS110RG-W1v2 enclosed subwoofer
Visteon HD Zoom HD Radio
I chose the head unit because navigation, MP3 playback via mass storage device, double DIN detachable face, and Bluetooth were all must-haves for me. The unit is definitely no frills, but what it does it does well. Routes are calculated quickly, so far accurately, the voice is clear, and it even prepares you to get in the correct lane. The head unit loads up quick and I haven't experienced any glitchy behavior so far (e.g. freezing). Even though JVC doesn't list the unit as SDHC compliant, it works fine with a 16GB SD card loaded with music. Bluetooth, A/V input, and DVD playback all work great although the latter feature I won't be using much (just make sure to ground the parking brake wire). Next Summer I will install a back up camera. The amplifier, located under the passenger seat, supplies 70W RMS per channel to the Focal speakers. I am very pleased with the speakers so far. It took a long time to decide on a set, but these were chosen because of good build quality, they were efficient enough to work with my amplifier, the tweeters were small enough to fit in the stock location, and I was able to audition them before buying. I bought a pair of speaker spacers from sea-scooby. Using these, installation was very easy and seems to be the only way to obtain a proper fit. The tweeters replaced the stock pair and are held in place with heavy duty 3M double-sided tape. That turned out to be a perfect fit; far easier than I expected. I did not do anything to the rear door speakers. They are connected to the head unit, but the internal amplifier is turned off. I don't think adding rear channels will do much to improve the sound quality of my set up. I have not done any sound proofing. Having done that to a couple of vehicles in the past, I know it can be a big, time consuming project. I would rather wait until next Summer when it's warm to tackle it. I bridged the other two channels of the amplifer to supply the 10" JL Audio subwoofer with 200W RMS. I originally bought one of those small self powered subwoofers (Boss) to fit under the passenger seat. I admit the output level for such a small device was more than I expected, but I just wasn't satisfied with the sound quality. I went with a wedge shaped enclosure that is located right behind the rear seats. Not only does it take up a minimal amount of room, but I can easily remove it by yanking out two banana plugs. It is kept in place by the cargo net. The HD radio rounds out the set up. The Visteon unit works great and even the analog tuner seems sensitive enough to lock in stations that are normally very difficult to get. That all said I am not terribly impressed with HD Radio but seeing it offers additional programming (one of my favorite local stations became HD only), I am not going to complain. I keep the display/controller "Velcroed" to the center console. I might decide on a different location later, but right now I can conveniently stash it between the seats when parked and passengers seem to like being able to grab it so they can start flipping stations.
Overall, I am quite happy with this set up. I wanted to upgrade the audio, but I did not want to alter the interior of my vehicle drastically. The doors look stock. I can can easily regain all of the cargo room with the enclosed subwoofer. Everything can be hidden away so it doesn't attract too much unwanted attention. I must admit the resources of this forum have been invaluable. Everything from obtaining the speaker spacers, learning the radio antenna was amplified, to figuring out how to remove the door panels came from here. Thanks everyone. :biggrin:
