Mobile Audio: BRZ, FR-S, GT86

[Afghan Vet]

I'm a car audio guy. I have been working on the system in my '02 325i for a few years - got it just about as good as I can get it.....now I'm ready to pull it all out. I thought I would stay with BMW forever, but this series of cars have come along. The audio potential in this car tipped the scales from the BMW's I was considering. Putting a world class Sound Quality system in a Subaru BRZ would be so easy and effective. I'm not a track guy, so a few extra pounds in the car doesn't bother me.

If I do buy one - I would look at installing a Pioneer P99, Mosconi processor and amps, and Audible Physics speakers. The stock locations on top of the dash is what sealed the deal for me. I have to wait to see one in person, convince the wife to purchase, pull the equipment from the bimmer, and then install in the Subi.

Anyone else out there looking forward to putting a high quality aftermarket system in this car?

[2pt5RS]

I'm planning on it as well. currently in my TL, I've got

DLS UP6i in front
Hertz HX250D Subwoofer
Zuki Audio Class D 6 channel amp

More than likely, I'll put all that in the BRZ, but in thinking about it, the amp/sub combo is almost too much for that car. It's about perfect in the TL, but would definitely be overkill in a BRZ. The sub is a dual voice coil, and I bought the amp with the intentions of installing rear speakers..

I'll more than likely swap over to a single voice coil Hertz with matching amp (buddy of mine is a rep/dealer for them), keep the same DLS components and will more than likely get the Pioneer Avic 930BT h/u. The OEM Subaru head unit doesn't look very promising. At least a dealer option for Canada is the sister of the 930, the 9310.

[Afghan Vet]

Very nice - I used to have an Eleets 4 - loved that amp. I wonder if current model mounting kits for single DIN HU's will fit in this car, or if one would have to wait. I would love to get something custom made - wood /fiberglass or steel would be awesome. I have a dual vc sub that I'll be doing an IB wall should sound amazing.

[onbooSTi]

Thought about getting a head unit for my STI, but never could understand why they were so expensive. What is a good / reasonably priced head unit?

I wish the BRZ had a stereo delete option, that would be awesome!

[2pt5RS]

Thought about getting a head unit for my STI, but never could understand why they were so expensive. What is a good / reasonably priced head unit?

I wish the BRZ had a stereo delete option, that would be awesome!

There's really no such thing as good and reasonably priced. Although, I heard the OEM Forester Navi was a decent unit. Some dealer options were Pioneer or Kenwood units. Personally, I prefer Alpine or Pioneer. Used to only like Alpine, but Pioneer has done a lot of good in the past few years...IMO.

Standard headunits aren't too expensive anymore. The expensive ones are all the Nav based head units that do a decent job integrating your iOS device into the unit.

This is a great unit, and has since been discontinued...I'll more than likely pick one up. I don't mind having last years model http://www.crutchfield.com/S-jFtefsc...IC-X930BT.html

A buddy of mine has this in his '12 WRX and likes it. He's not an audiophile, but it's a decent unit for the price http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVH-P3...8561019&sr=1-1

[BRZ]

What exactly makes the BRZ more attractive to put a stereo system into, more-so than your BMW... or any other car for that matter? To me cars all have the same audio potential when it comes to custom stuff. Relatively aren't they all the same amount of work? I'd expect a more expensive car to be better because the interior peices would be less prone to rattle if they were higher quality parts.

[Afghan Vet]

That is a great question, and I'll do my best to articulate it as well as possible.

You are exactly right in terms of the 'fit and finish' of the BMW - especially as it concerns sound deadening. The manufacturer puts a high premium on a quite interior, so that is an advantage. The issue I have with the bimmers that I am interested in is Mid Bass drivers under the seats and 4" drivers in the doors. I have a friend with a 135i who did a very good sounding system utilizing the stock locations, but it had its limits. I would have to decide whether I would want to use the mid bass under the seat option or do a custom kick panel install for 6.5" drivers - expensive and annoying. I would also have to decide between using the 4" placement in the door (hiding behind the door grab handle) or 3" drivers custom molded into the A pillars like I have currently - yuck.

These cars have stock drivers on top of the dash - firing into the windscreen - if tuned correctly, this offers amazing depth and width. Fairly easy to install drivers there, and you maintain a stock appearance (lower class if competing as well). The doors have a decent looking location for deep mid bass drivers, so the decision would have to be - use the doors and dampen to stop rattles, or try to get 6.5's in the kicks (tough with clutch pedal).

Many newer cars have a double din screen that has audio, nav, and air conditioning controls built in - difficult to work with if you have a great single din HU that you want to put in. This car also has a trunk with fold down seats - advantage for someone looking to do an IB set up. Before going IB in my BMW - I could not get a level of sub sound into the cabin from the trunk to satisfy (not a boomer - this is an SQ set up). Car audio is all compromise, but these cars would have advantages to me that maximize the compromises I'm willing to make. I hope some of this made sense.

[BRZ]

Thanks for the nice little write up. I appreciate someone so nicely taking the time to teach me something! Rep for you +

[Afghan Vet]

Thanks - I appreciate that. I am passionate about music....audio reproduction.....car audio. I love talking / typing about it, so you gave me a great opportunity

[2pt5RS]

Who is this friend with his 135? I have a buddy who did essentially the same thing