Modest Sound System Advice

6049 Views 27 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Lawley09, Mar 18, 2014

tonky

Discussion Starter · Sep 16, 2013

I am 300 miles into a '13 Hatch with the stock audio and am looking to upgrade it to a modest, but decent sounding set up. In terms of constraints, I am not willing to sacrifice hatch space for a subwoofer and I'd prefer not to spend unnecessarily - I probably wouldn't be able to appreciate/identify audiophile-level quality, but I definitely don't wan't to live with the stock set-up. Here is what I am thinking (from reading it sounds like others have gone a similar route) and I'd appreciate feedback on whether I am making sense or not.

Upgrade 1: Pick up a new head unit (likely with Nav) and add Axxcess for hands-free + a back-up camera. I'll likely go the Kenwood route as I can call in a favor from a pal on it.

Upgrade 2: Pick up an underseat sub (Kicker, Sound Ordnance, etc.). I recognize that these don't compare to a proper sub, but I hope it will be better than going without (and improve the door speakers by alleviating them of low frequencies).

Not planned, but I could be talked into it: Sounds like the stock speakers are decent and could be left alone running off a new head unit. Would it be worth it to add a small 4 channel amp to put 40 watts RMS to them? If yes, does the extra power mean I am going need to add sound deadener? Finally, if I am going to these lengths, should I just get aftermarket speakers for the doors?

If I can get a decent, balanced sound from doing only upgrades 1 & 2 above, I'd be thrilled. Again, don't need high-end sound, just good sound at reasonable volumes. Thanks.

1 - 20 of 28 Posts

severe

· #2 · Sep 16, 2013

If you don't need the spare, you could put a 10" in there. There was a member or two who have done just that and a nice 10" in a small sealed box is very tight and plenty loud in the hatch and will be worlds better than any underseat sub and you don't need to be an audiophile to appreciate that difference.

If that's not an option I'm not much help as I have no idea how that underseat sub setup sounds.

Lawley09

· #3 · Sep 16, 2013

sounds systems can range in price so much depending on what you ultimately want. In terms of sub woofer, I would say go with a solid brand but just get a pancake sub and have it mounted either behind one of the rear seats or on the side of the trunk. I know the trunk layout is different between the sedan and the hatchback but i just put a 12inch W6 JL sub in my '13 sedan with a custom box to fit flush in the side of the trunk, i didn't lose any useable space in my trunk and it sounds awesome. you will also have to mount the amp/s somewhere but i think there is more space by the spare in the hatch so you might be able to get a nice custom mount somewhere in there out of sight.

alex15

· #4 · Sep 16, 2013 (Edited)

When I upgraded my stock radio to an Alpine head unit the sound difference was night and day. Honestly you will probably be happy just by upgrading the head unit to a high quality device. Do that first and then see where you are at. If you don't really care that much or are not really into bass heavy music (like trap or dubstep

) then you will probably be happy with an under seat sub though I know I wouldn't be. But definitely look into a sub that fits into the corner of the hatch. I know they exist because I just saw someone with one on the weekend

EDIT:

Here's a pic:

That one is called "Audio Integrations Perfect Fit Sub Enclosure"

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tonky

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 16, 2013

Apparent truth #1 appears to be that a new aftermarket head unit does wonders for the sound even with the stock speakers. I believe I've read that the stock head unit puts out RMS in the single-digit range while a Kenwood unit puts out 22 RMS. I am guessing that anyone who went to the effort of putting a supplemental amp in also put in new speakers.

Apparent truth #2 appears to be go with an underseat sub at your own peril. I figure it is worth the risk given my self-imposed constraints because I can free up my speakers from low frequencies and it has got to be better than no sub at all.

dissolutionskey

· #6 · Sep 17, 2013

I have two of the Sound Ordnance under seat 8in subs. One for passenger one for driver. I like them they gave me the little bit of depth i was looking for. Like many others i have not wanted to sacrifice hatch space or spend 300+ on just a box no sub no amp. I do not have a aftermarket head unit so i cant give an opinion of them combined. I also got my SO's for 150 a piece with a free wiring kit for each it was a hard deal to beat.

bboytaktix

· #7 · Sep 17, 2013

You sound like you are on the right track. First step, like you said, is a head unit upgrade. Kenwood makes great head units, especially the newer ones with navi. Swap a new head unit in with the axxess ASWC-1 to retain steering wheel controls, and live with it for a month or two. See how you like the sound of the stock speakers. I am more of an audiophile, I could tell quite easily when they got distorted around halfway on my pioneer head unit volume (18-20 on 40).

Next step I would say would be a shallow ten inch sub in a small box that will go on the side of your trunk. Trust me, much more worth it in terms of sound quality than throwing something under the seat. If you just want to throw something under the seat, you're better off not going with a sub at all and going with some good speakers with good midbass on a 4-ch amp.

So now, you have the hea dunit and shallow sub for bass. IF you feel the mids/highs are not enough (since they distort pretty quick with medium/high volume of aftermarket units) then look into replacing your 4 speakers. You can run them off the stock head unit but I highly suggest going with a small 4-ch since you will not be getting the most out of them off of just the head unit (most aftermarket head units put 18-22w RMS per speaker).

If you do this step by step, and look for good deals on QUALITY equipment, you will be very happy. Like I mentioned before, the OEM speakers with the aftermarket head unit MAY be enough for you with a nice 10'' shallow sub.

I do not suggest amping the OEM speakers. They are only 20w RMS (40wMAX) (I took pics of the back of the speakers when I replaced them) so even an aftermarket head unit would give them enough power (hence them distorting at medium-higher volumes with aftermarket head units as I mentioned before)

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bboytaktix

· #8 · Sep 17, 2013

dissolutionskey said:
I have two of the Sound Ordnance under seat 8in subs. One for passenger one for driver. I like them they gave me the little bit of depth i was looking for. Like many others i have not wanted to sacrifice hatch space or spend 300+ on just a box no sub no amp. I do not have a aftermarket head unit so i cant give an opinion of them combined. I also got my SO's for 150 a piece with a free wiring kit for each it was a hard deal to beat.

my sealed box for my W10GTI that I just built cost me all of $20.00-30.00, and it's BEAST. best part is you can build it in whatever shape you want long as it follows the volume specs of the specific sub. Would be real easy for a shallow sub since you wouldn't really have to worry about mounting debt.

Reactions: 1

cdnthought

· #9 · Sep 17, 2013

Is it just me, or does anybody else have these issues preventing them from buying the Audio Integrations Perfect Fit Sub:
* Can't access the spare / tools area without removing the sub. EDIT: Apparently you CAN.
* Can't use with the Subaru rubber trunk mat (some cutting would have to happen there).
* Can't access the trunk light / switch.

Now, I added in an additional light for the trunk anyway, but losing that switch sucks. Like OP, I don't want to lose any functionality with my hatch, so under-seat subs seem to be the way to go....but hearing reviews and advice, it seems that figuring out how to live with the AI box might be the best over-all option....

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

bboytaktix

· #10 · Sep 17, 2013

cdnthought said:
Is it just me, or does anybody else have these issues preventing them from buying the Audio Integrations Perfect Fit Sub:
* Can't access the spare / tools area without removing the sub. EDIT: Apparently you CAN.
* Can't use with the Subaru rubber trunk mat (some cutting would have to happen there).
* Can't access the trunk light / switch.

Now, I added in an additional light for the trunk anyway, but losing that switch sucks. Like OP, I don't want to lose any functionality with my hatch, so under-seat subs seem to be the way to go....but hearing reviews and advice, it seems that figuring out how to live with the AI box might be the best over-all option....

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Besides my W10GTI being too deep to mount in the perfect fit sub box, the only real thing that stopped me from buying it was the price. Way too expensive for what it is. Now if it were in the realm of $100-150, then I would have considered it had it been deep enough to fit my sub.

Reactions: 1

tonky

Discussion Starter · #11 · Sep 17, 2013

Thanks for the feedback and it sounds like I am starting in the right direction at least with respect to the head unit.

If I were to get a shallow-mount sub and a custom box, am I still locked in to throwing it in the hatch like the AI box (I don't want to do this) or is it realistic to create a box that fits in the spare and still keep it looking stock (do I have to ditch or can I keep the spare)? Also, what would I be looking at ball-park for a custom box + shallow 10' sub that would fit in the spare? I have no skills in creating a custom box and have no idea what the $ is.

One other factor influencing my desire to go underseat and leave stock speakers - thus far my car doesn't rattle at all. No doubt time and miles will change that, but I'd hate to accelerate it by introducing a 10" sub, new door speakers, amp and so on. Writing this I recognize that it might be a dumb rationale.

bboytaktix

· #12 · Sep 18, 2013

tonky said:
Thanks for the feedback and it sounds like I am starting in the right direction at least with respect to the head unit.

If I were to get a shallow-mount sub and a custom box, am I still locked in to throwing it in the hatch like the AI box (I don't want to do this) or is it realistic to create a box that fits in the spare and still keep it looking stock (do I have to ditch or can I keep the spare)? Also, what would I be looking at ball-park for a custom box + shallow 10' sub that would fit in the spare? I have no skills in creating a custom box and have no idea what the $ is.

One other factor influencing my desire to go underseat and leave stock speakers - thus far my car doesn't rattle at all. No doubt time and miles will change that, but I'd hate to accelerate it by introducing a 10" sub, new door speakers, amp and so on. Writing this I recognize that it might be a dumb rationale.

honestly a shallow mount ten inch sub won't rattle your panels off, but it will give you some nice bass you may be lacking. With the space we have under our seats, IMO, not worth it to attempt to build a sub box for under there...it would be too small to get decent bass out of it, the acoustics wouldn't be quite as good either. I don't see the issue as to why you aren't a fan of doing a simple side mounted box in the trunk area, surely there is a way to make it discreet and not take up much space.

I use the space under my seats anyway so to me it's still lost space.

tonky

Discussion Starter · #13 · Oct 4, 2013

So I went ahead and did the install this week. Equipment: a Kenwood DNX-690HD head unit, Kenwood Rear-view Camera, Sirius radio antennae, Axxess adaptor for steering wheel controls and a Kenwood KSC-SW11 under-seat sub. In addition, I changed the cross-overs to throw low frequencies to the sub and free-up the burden on the door speakers. For fit/finish, I added the Forrester bezel for an OEM look on the Kenwood head unit.

Aesthetically and utility-wise: the whole set-up is great, looks good and I didn't sacrifice any space. Antennae's for GPS/Sirius fit nicely in the rear wing to keep the dash clean. All my steering wheel controls work (albeit a bit of a pain in the *ss to program).

Sound-wise: I am pleasantly surprised. Admittedly, I had low expectations for sound improvement, but it is night and day from the OEM set-up and the under-seat sub does a nice job filling in the low-end. Playing with it, it isn't hard to find the volume levels where the system gets overwhelmed. That being said, I have plenty of head-room for the volumes that I typically listen to. For me, it is more than enough.

Economics for others considering this path as an option: If you shop around well, you can get similar equipment for about $1K give or take. Install is non-trivial due to the rear-view camera - I paid about $500 for the install or if you have talent a DIY. For me it was money well spent and happy I did it.

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bboytaktix

· #14 · Oct 4, 2013

Glad you are happy with the setup! Pics!! Very nice choice of head unit as well. I am thinking of adding a rearview as well since my pioneer has the inputs for it.

I'm curious about the under-seat sub, would love to hear one in person. I feel though as if you get accustomed to bass, and want a little more after a while. Even with my beast of a sub, I feel that certain songs don't necessarily have enough bass, but other songs pound! May be more of a tuning issue though

Jalapeno

· #15 · Oct 24, 2013

tonky said:
Antennae's for GPS/Sirius fit nicely in the rear wing to keep the dash clean. All my steering wheel controls work (albeit a bit of a pain in the *ss to program).

Tonky - sounds like you're happy with your setup. If you don't mind me asking, exactly how did you install the satellite radio antenna into the rear wing? I currently have a stock non-NAV system with the SiriusXM antenna brick stuck to the front window (upper passenger side), however, I fall into the same boat as you in that I want something a bit more than stock but don't need to rattle the fillings out of my teeth. Thanks for this thread, I'll be referencing it in the future.

regards,
Joel

tonky

Discussion Starter · #16 · Oct 24, 2013

4

Jalapeno - I hired this one out to a guy who used to work for Car Toys for 10 years and is now an independent. Since he already had to run the rearview camera to the back, it wasn't as big of a hassle for him to run the Sat antennae (since the patient was already open). I also did the JPM shift boot and parking break while everything was apart which helps aesthetically. Sorry I can't be more help on this but I was looking at getting it right for $500 or spending an entire weekend of cussing, etc before I could get it right). I am satisfied with the sound and thanks to bboytaktix and a couple of others for their counsel on this one. I appreciate it.

Here are a few pics:

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Jalapeno

· #17 · Oct 24, 2013

Tonky - thanks for the reply and the photos. Sounds like this would be something to farm-out to the pros like you did. Looks really good though. Out of curiosity, what other head units did you consider? Also, we're you able to keep your blue tooth functionality on the steering wheel? Did you have to install a different blue tooth speaker or were you able to keep and use the one next to the map lights?

I see your car is from Heuberger Subaru. All the factory accessories I've ever ordered have come from them (I'm down here near Tucson).

Thanks again,
Joel

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bboytaktix

· #18 · Oct 24, 2013

Hey Tonky,

install looks good! screen looks good, Kenwood is a nice choice.

LOVE the shift boot and parking brake!

bboytaktix

· #19 · Oct 24, 2013

Jalapeno said:
Tonky - thanks for the reply and the photos. Sounds like this would be something to farm-out to the pros like you did. Looks really good though. Out of curiosity, what other head units did you consider? Also, we're you able to keep your blue tooth functionality on the steering wheel? Did you have to install a different blue tooth speaker or were you able to keep and use the one next to the map lights?

I see your car is from Heuberger Subaru. All the factory accessories I've ever ordered have come from them (I'm down here near Tucson).

Thanks again,
Joel

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free

The ASWC axxess module for our cars allows us to keep the functionality of the steering wheel controls with the new head unit. However, since MOST (if not all) new head units do not have voice activation/recognition for bluetooth, and so the two phone bluetooth buttons do not work as they did originally. You can however program them to do another function with the ASWC-1. I do not miss those buttons, as I have access to make calls with one or two taps on the touch screen and also have my entire contact list synced on there (which took under 2 minutes when I set up my head unit). My head unit is a Pioneer x850BT. I love it. This is the second head unit from Pioneer I have owned, they make top quality head units. Kenwood also makes very good head units. Steer clear from clarion touch screens. Although they may look nice, they are known to be buggy, my last touch screen was a clarion and I did not love it.

As for the bluetooth speaker, there is no known way to keep the OEM one and get it to work with new head units. Many have tried but no real solution. No big deal, I wired the one that came with my head unit to my dome light. I can get some pics of you would like, it's very clean install and so far callers can hear me clearly. No complaints.

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Jalapeno

· #20 · Oct 24, 2013

bboytaktix - I would love to see photos of the install of your blue tooth speaker. You can PM them to me if you like; I don't want to hijack tonky's thread. Or if he doesn't mind I'm sure others would like to see them posted here.

I've had Pioneer and Kenwood head units in the past and agree they're very nice. Never been a fan of Clarion, which I've heard is who makes the stock non-NAV units. Just a rumor though.

Regards,
Joel

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