Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet?

dustynyc · 06-25-2008, 10:06 AM

Has anybody replaced the stock stereo in a base model 08 STI? I've tried all of the audio modes and find I need more volume.

If you have, please post a pic and the stereo's make and model.

spongebobnopants · 06-25-2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustynyc

Has anybody replaced the stock stereo in a base model 08 STI? I've tried all of the audio modes and find I need more volume.

If you have, please post a pic and the stereo's make and model.

This car has; by far, the worst radio in any car I have every owned. I have never upgraded a sound system in any car, but I have a feeling this will be my first.

Edvig · 06-25-2008, 10:27 AM

White Knight has replaced the super crappy stock stereo. He should be chiming in soon.

White Knight · 06-25-2008, 10:32 AM

I have a picture but its on my home computer. I had an Alpine iDA-X100 but the wife was not happy with it and we didn't have an I-pod so now I have a Kenwood Excelon KDC-991. Both are single din radios so for the other 1/2 I have the 04 STi delete with it cut for my CB. You will see in the pic.

-Mark

samleeiii · 06-25-2008, 10:51 AM

I put in an Alpine IVA-W505. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - IVA-W505

I had to order an av panel from japanparts.com to make it fit flush. It's a LOT louder and sounds way better. I might still get speakers and an amp down the line though.

cookin · 06-25-2008, 10:52 AM

I just installed my new Alpine CDA-9887 deck with ipod cable last weekend. I put the Ipod connection in the armrest cubby. The new deck made the sound a bit louder, but in no manner is that a permanent fix. This is the reason I didn't pay for the navi package. I had a hard time spending 2k on a "upgraded" stock stereo with navi. 2k goes along way for aftermarket stereo goodies. Not to mention the problems people are having with the interface between the navi and ipod. I ordered the wire harness and install kit from crutchfield. If you go to your local stereo store, make sure you don't let them sell you equipment for an 07 or older. The 08 uses a Nissan Harness and the install kit is specific for the 08. The double din is 1" wider than your standard after market deck. I would suggest purchasing a new bezel from Japanparts.com. This bezel is a direct replacement and fills in that extra 1/2" of space on either side of the deck. This way the only reason for buying the install kit is for the pocket.

**onlytakes4** · 06-25-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spongebobnopants

This car has; by far, the worst radio in any car I have every owned. I have never upgraded a sound system in any car, but I have a feeling this will be my first.

The truth.

JWA · 06-25-2008, 11:01 AM

I did. Here's a thread I posted about it: My '08 Stereo install (factory DIN panel, steering wheel controls, Sirius antenna)

In my '07 I replaced the speakers too, but in the '08 the head unit alone was a huge improvement.

***Szumita*** · 06-25-2008, 11:22 AM

yes, i read a few people that have. cant remember names though.

B_K · 06-25-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spongebobnopants

This car has; by far, the worst radio in any car I have every owned. I have never upgraded a sound system in any car, but I have a feeling this will be my first.

I couldn't agree more. There will be some upgrades coming in a hurry.

***gsxrex*** · 06-25-2008, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by samleeiii

I put in an Alpine IVA-W505. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - IVA-W505

I had to order an av panel from japanparts.com to make it fit flush. It's a LOT louder and sounds way better. I might still get speakers and an amp down the line though.

This is the radio that I'd like to get. Do you have any pics? I'd like to see how it looks in daylight and at night.

calves · 06-25-2008, 04:23 PM

I did, the system is listed in my journal: Calves 2008 WRB STi

the stock was awful, they had to go. much happier w/ the current system. =)

***Spaceman*** · 06-25-2008, 05:22 PM

Stock stereo does suck...

With the windows down the volume has to be at 35 out of 40 (max) so that the music playing can be clearly heard.

I will be replacing all speakers and will have them powered by an amp, and I will get a small sub.

Since I didn't get NAV, I am looking to get the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT as my unit.

White Knight · 06-25-2008, 06:18 PM

WRXGuyInUSA · 06-25-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman

Stock stereo does suck...

With the windows down the volume has to be at 35 out of 40 (max) so that the music playing can be clearly heard.

I will be replacing all speakers and will have them powered by an amp, and I will get a small sub.

Since I didn't get NAV, I am looking to get the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT as my unit.

I have this unit installed in my '08 right now.

Pioneer has STOPPED selling them, due to the amount of bugs and problems that need working out. Once the issues are resolved it will be a KICK ASS unit, but as of now, the bluetooth is unusable, and the ipod connection has all kinds of gremlins...

06-25-2008, 10:06 AM	#1
dustynyc Junior STI Driver Car: Silver 08 WRX STI Fav Mod: Coming Soon Posts: 65 Join Date: Apr 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? Has anybody replaced the stock stereo in a base model 08 STI? I've tried all of the audio modes and find I need more volume. If you have, please post a pic and the stereo's make and model. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.

06-25-2008, 10:27 AM	#3
Edvig STI Driver Car: 08 STI, 05 Legacy Fav Mod: dirt, grime and brake dust Location: Westchester County Posts: 203 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? White Knight has replaced the super crappy stock stereo. He should be chiming in soon.

06-25-2008, 10:32 AM	#4
White Knight Amateur STI Driver Car: 08 STi AW/04 FXT JBP Fav Mod: Rally Armor Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 23 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? I have a picture but its on my home computer. I had an Alpine iDA-X100 but the wife was not happy with it and we didn't have an I-pod so now I have a Kenwood Excelon KDC-991. Both are single din radios so for the other 1/2 I have the 04 STi delete with it cut for my CB. You will see in the pic. -Mark

06-25-2008, 10:51 AM	#5
samleeiii STI Driver Car: 08 WRB STi Fav Mod: Cusco Zero 2E Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 283 Join Date: Dec 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? I put in an Alpine IVA-W505. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - IVA-W505 I had to order an av panel from japanparts.com to make it fit flush. It's a LOT louder and sounds way better. I might still get speakers and an amp down the line though.

06-25-2008, 10:52 AM	#6
cookin Junior STI Driver Car: DGM 08 STi Fav Mod: Stg 1 soon! Location: B-Lake WA Posts: 68 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? I just installed my new Alpine CDA-9887 deck with ipod cable last weekend. I put the Ipod connection in the armrest cubby. The new deck made the sound a bit louder, but in no manner is that a permanent fix. This is the reason I didn't pay for the navi package. I had a hard time spending 2k on a "upgraded" stock stereo with navi. 2k goes along way for aftermarket stereo goodies. Not to mention the problems people are having with the interface between the navi and ipod. I ordered the wire harness and install kit from crutchfield. If you go to your local stereo store, make sure you don't let them sell you equipment for an 07 or older. The 08 uses a Nissan Harness and the install kit is specific for the 08. The double din is 1" wider than your standard after market deck. I would suggest purchasing a new bezel from Japanparts.com. This bezel is a direct replacement and fills in that extra 1/2" of space on either side of the deck. This way the only reason for buying the install kit is for the pocket.

06-25-2008, 11:01 AM	#8
JWA Senior STI Driver Posts: 304 Join Date: Mar 2007 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? I did. Here's a thread I posted about it: My '08 Stereo install (factory DIN panel, steering wheel controls, Sirius antenna) In my '07 I replaced the speakers too, but in the '08 the head unit alone was a huge improvement.

06-25-2008, 11:22 AM	#9
*Szumita* i eat cones Car: 08.5 GTI MKv Fav Mod: 18x8 Location: ma & ri Posts: 6,735 Join Date: Oct 2006 Trader Rating: (21)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? yes, i read a few people that have. cant remember names though.

06-25-2008, 04:23 PM	#12
calves Junior STI Driver Car: 08 WRB STi Fav Mod: Custom Sound System Posts: 91 Join Date: May 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? I did, the system is listed in my journal: Calves 2008 WRB STi the stock was awful, they had to go. much happier w/ the current system. =)

06-25-2008, 05:22 PM	#13
*Spaceman* _ Car: Aspen White '08 STi Fav Mod: 2008 STi Location: NW Suburbs of Chicago Posts: 592 Join Date: Mar 2008 Trader Rating: (3)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet? Stock stereo does suck... With the windows down the volume has to be at 35 out of 40 (max) so that the music playing can be clearly heard. I will be replacing all speakers and will have them powered by an amp, and I will get a small sub. Since I didn't get NAV, I am looking to get the Pioneer AVIC-F900BT as my unit.

06-25-2008, 06:18 PM	#14
White Knight Amateur STI Driver Car: 08 STi AW/04 FXT JBP Fav Mod: Rally Armor Location: Shelton, CT Posts: 23 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Anybody replaced the 08 stereo yet?