2016 WRX audio upgrade: new tweeters, amp, front door speakers, and sub. Stock HU.

Finally finished my audio upgrades for my 2016 WRX so I'm putting together a write up for those looking to do the same! I'll answer any questions I can as well. Sorry for the length, I get wordy sometimes hah

If you want a TLDR and parts list and costs, its at the bottom.

I'll preface by saying I'm not a tech or audio nut and am quite green in that arena. I wanted more crisp and louder sound(not significantly, but noticeable), and a much richer level of bass. I have no need for window shattering sound, I really just wanted something fun for my commutes. My initial budget was > $400, I ended up increasing my budget to $800-900 when I realized I wouldnt get all the things I wanted for $400-500. I had VERY ridged specifications for my upgrade for a few reasons: my limited budget, wanting to keep as many "stock" features as possible due to being on a lease, and needing to maximize trunk space for work.

SO that left me limited options: aftermarket kicker unit, which is an OK sub upgrade and can be found cheapish through 3rd party buying; custom sub enclosure in rear trunk nook/corner, best sound quality, but really costly; OR an under-seat sub enclosure, which would add OK sound, be moderately costly, and has received mixed reviews. I looked all over for reviews, suggestions, whatever. I looked into Best Buy audio, they suggested upgrading the 4 door speakers with JBL speakers, leaving the tweeters, and adding no sub. Such an upgrade would give me a better mid-bass sound, but wasnt what I was looking for. Then, through some research and googling, I found TC Auto Spot and shot them a call. Eric, owner (I think?), was able to walk me through a few options, which I can post later if y'all want for my car. The first option was new tweeters, front door speakers, and amp for less than $500 with installation OR a second option with a sub enclosure included on top of the speakers. This second option was $850-900, but required a trunk wooden enclosure for the sub. No go.

We explored far too many options through an email thread 100 emails long, but ended up finding an under seat sub enclosure through Memphis Audio that he felt comfortable installing. Eric was very particular about the products he sold and installed. I believe it sells for ~$500, but he was able to work out a deal with his seller for $299 + wiring and installation (another $100). SO, we pulled the trigger and went with that option, on top of the tweeters, amp, and front door speakers from the first option.

It was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I got the increase in sound quality and volume I was looking for through the speakers and the level of bass I was looking for through the sub enclosure all while maintaining the stock head unit and didn't have to add anything to the trunk (yay for work!).

TLDR; wanted better sound, but didn't want to sacrifice trunk space. Went through local shop (MN) for research, advice, and finally installation. Incredibly happy with results. Better sound, volume, and range of bass.

Final Part list:

• Memphis car audio Nanoboxx 10" amplified underseat subwoofer system $299.00
• Alpine 4 channel "powerpack", hide-away amplifier 45x4 - $149.99
• Sony GS 6.5" Component speakers (Includes two tweeters and two 6.5" speakers) - $179.99
• Install Labor costs - ~$268.98 (including various parts and wiring costs).

Final Cost: $897.96

Note: Prices vary a bit because he was able to work out in house product costs and what not.

Lastly, I'm sure you could save some money by installing things yourself, I just don't have that know-how.

 

the reddit post with more updates.

https://www.reddit.com/r/subaru/comments/4aa4ge/2016_wrx_audio_upgrade_new_tweeters_amp_front/

 

There was no mention of tweeters installed in the parts list. Did you leave those stock?

 

Ah yes, I can see how that is confusing. The "Sony GS 6.5" Component speakers - $179.99" package included tweeters along with the speakers. The only stock speakers I have are the rear door ones, but the system has been wired so that's not noticeable or an issue.

 

Great, thanks for the review!

 

Very interested in hearing your new setup. I've wanted to do something with my '15 but haven't taken the time to do enough research yet.

 

I can't get over the fact of how sad it is that somebody spends that much on a brand new car and then "has to" spend almost another grand to get a solid stereo setup. Granted not everybody needs/wants an awesome sounding stereo, but still. It's 2016!

 

It is sad that Subaru couldn't have made the base sound system better. Our Chev traverse ls (cheapest model) is much better.

 

Yeah, this stereo in its stock reset setting is so stale sounding. I never had to replace speakers in over 15 years on the previous cars I've owned until I got this car. Changing a bunch of settings and replacing the tweeter made it sound much much better.

 

To be honest, I think I've replaced speakers in every single car I've owned (except for the 95 Legacy beater I've got). Basically just for the sake of having good sound (nothing over the top, audiophile style). However, I've never bought a new car and the most I think we've spent on one is $3500. Threw a couple hundred bucks at the first couple and have just kept stripping them and reusing the same stuff over and over.

 

I'm really happy with the sound. I think I'll eventually have to upgrade the HU down the road as well, to get a bit more sound from the current set up, but with the stock HU I'm still get pretty great sound for what I spent. Shoot if you ever want to hear it let me know! I can try making a video, though I don't know how well that would work. Either way, good levels of bass, clearer sound, and a bit louder (without feeling like I'll blow the speakers). I still try not to crank it above 29 - 31.

 

A bummer indeed, but I knew going into it that I was buying the WRX for the way it drives not necessarily the components in it. Hopefully with the introduction of the carplay/android auto system they'll put more effort into the sound that comes with it.

 

I understand completely. Just still think it's nuts that you can't get all of the goods for that much money. Mind bottling... Haha.