Got a 05 sti and the sound quality inside is pants so decided to nip down to the local audio place for some friendly help and advice. I ended up coming out with a quote for the best part of £1000!

This involved new front speakers, some foam padding in the front doors, a new jvc dab HU and Ariel install, slim line sub, amp and installation etc.

The stuff the guy was quoting was all good stuff but is it possible to improve the sound for a little bit less? Im no good at wiring etc so would probably have to get someone to fir it for me.

Thanks.

 

I wouldn't mind knowing this too. The speakers arent great in mine either.

 

It depends how far you want to go and how fussy you are about the sound quality. To be perfectly honest, a new headunit and some better door speakers will make a world of difference over the standard kit, and you don't have to spend fortunes, couple of hundred quid would do it. Its not a difficult DIY job either, see here: http://connec2.co.uk/subaru/subaru_impreza_ice.htm

Obviously a £1000 system with subs and amps would be even better though

 

Get the bits, pay for my return fuel and I will happily help you install for free.

Easy for me to say it's not hard. Truth is my installs improve every time I do them, but I am confident in installing.

If you haven't got the tools or confidence to make your own mdf baffles, fear not. Jugs get them from here.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1506795757...84.m1497.l2649

Front 6.5 inch diameter. 18mm or 12mm thickness.
Rear 5.25 inch diameter. 12mm thickness.

Audio gear.
If you are on a budget, eBay is your friend...especially for amps.

Speakers.
This is down to budget, taste and plans. I have always used jbl, vibe or fli. I know they are not premium brands but they work for me. I buy everything from Colin (director and owner of Car Audio Direct). Tell him Jason from South Essex sent you. While you are there, tell him to sell you a pack of the good stuff he recommended for me (silent coat sound deadening). It's £20 for 8 sheets which will do inner and outer skins for the front doors, or outer skins for all 4 doors.

Now the amp(s).

I have this habit of installing my amps Under the front seats. Takes unused space, well ventilated and unlikely to get stolen. Also if you have a sub in the boot, it's only a matter of unplugging 2 wires for more space.

Fitting kit. This is what I used for my install.

1m 4awg power cable.
1m 4awg earth cable.
8m 8awg power cable.
8m 8awg earth cable.
1 fuse holder for engine bay
1 fused distribution block.
1 earth distribution block.
1 60 amp fuse
4 40 amp fuses
Bag of cable ties
5 metres of blue wire (remote turn on)
2 metres of black automotive wire (new earth for the radio from the same point as the amps).
1 metre red automotive wire.
1 relay
3 x 2m RCA leads
4 x 2m speaker wire (longer if you want to run the speakers all the way into the doors).
Electrical tape.
Good set of tools.
Good selection of insulated crimps terminals (male and female).
Soldering iron.
Patience...lots of it.
Notepad, pencil and good Internet access in case you need to google something.

Have a look at my project for an idea of what I did this weekend. Easier if you ring me and I can talk you through stuff.

As for head unit, I swear by Pioneer. I have a top spec dex8500 that I bought from Colin for £140. Does iPod, 2 USB ports, Bluetooth etc but no DAB. I got head unit, speakers and wires from Colin. All else we scraps I had, or eBay purchases.

Read my project thread and all me with a notebook. I will be more than happy to help if only I was closer I would happily visit for a day to help you.

J

 

Sorry, I forgot to say your speakers should always be amped (even a budget amp with half decent crossover). Best get a 4 channel for the front speakers (at least 4 x 50w rms) and a good 2 or 1 channel amp for the subwoofer.

I'm sure I've missed a few bits but I only have 6% battery on my iPad.


Here are some must haves.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2509425597...84.m1497.l2649


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2604691967...84.m1497.l2649

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2m-TWIN-2-...item3f0d2e01c8

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silent-Coa...item51a3440d03

Ok battery dying, I'm sure someone else will help or add more. I'm not a professional btw.

J

 

Thanks dude, very informative.

 

Best of luck.

J