Premium Audio Upgrade for less than $250

Didi you play with the fader on the head unit?

 

I think the factory head unit only puts out about 4-6 watts to the rear. Even if you fade the sound completely to the rear they're practically non audible. No speaker upgrade would be worth it in the rear unless their amplified. Ideally, the head unit should be replaced.

 

Yes, I guess I found that out the more expensive way. The upgraded rear speakers may find a home in the doors of my BMW, but will have to wait on that until it's out of storage (summer car only). Thx

 

We all did the first time we played with the stereo settings after buying our trucks. Hence this thread.

 

Are the stock speakers 3 way speakers or did the OP just replace them with 3 way?

 

Stock speakers are components (tweeter in the dash and woofer in the door).

 

I am a audio idiot so I apologize. Replacing the component with a 3 way and replacing the tweeter is the way to go is what I'm understanding?

 

Yes, the issue is the factory radio only puts out around 12 watts to the front and about 5 watts to the rear speakers, so it's not worth replacing the rear door speakers or spending a ton on speakers for the front doors or the dash.

If you plan to keep the factory radio the Subaru kicker tweeters in the dash and the kicker 2way 6x9 or 3way 6x9 door speakers are plug and play and seem to offer the best bang for the buck.

Edit: You might start with replacing just the factory dash tweeters with the Subaru kicker tweeters. Many have been happy with that.

 

MGMDesertTaco, thank you. I appreciate the help. I'll be ordering tonight. My wife is going to absolutely hate me being on this site.

 

It only gets more expensive from here. You'll find stuff you never thought you needed.

 

Well I scored. Speakers will be here on the 5th and I don't have to sleep on the couch.

 

I hear 'ya brother! Spent 35K on my new truck, then spent another $2500 on mods even before we took delivery Nov. 18th...and I haven't even gotten to the stereo yet! But the good news, there is an enormous wealth of really smart people here who have seemingly nothing better they like doing than answering all our nube questions. They've been enormously helpful to me! So welcome aboard! We're here to help!

 

Just installed the Kicker Tweeters and those alone have transformed the sound of the stock system amazingly. What a tremendous difference and it only took about 40 minutes.
Next I will be doing the Kicker door speakers with sound deadening material as well. Probably in a couple of weeks after I get back from our trip.

 

FYI, Kicker Key 200.4 has a price increase effective 1/1/22. It's now $269.99 if you can find one in stock anyway.

 

I must say OP was spot on. I did exactly what he did and I'm extremely pleased. Thank you for all the help. On to looking at lifts. Truck may be for sale soon due to the wife killing me.

 

What's your thoughts on this little Sony Amp?

 

I think it's comparable to the alpine power pack amp, but if you're keeping the factory radio I think you'll be much happier with the kicker key, because of the dsp.

 

Anyone figure out a way to fit a hideaway under the passenger seat as well, maybe even with some "convincing" via a saw. lol.

I love my whole upgrade, been rocking all the CS, with the key 200.4, and the hideaway 10 for close to a year. But I'd love to squeeze another 10 in there.

 

Where is your current 10? Under your driver's seat? I've been curious if any hideaway subs can fit under there.

 

Yep, drivers. My cargo space under and behind the back seats is too precious for a sub.