[RocketMan20]

Get the base audio and spend $600-$800 and do a true custom system with Amp, Sub and new speakers all around. The RF system is way overpriced for 2 speakers and the HK system is near impossible to upgrade after the fact. . Lots of threads around here discussing audio.

BTW, . Those numbers are actual. My son just did a (Kicker CS series) 6 speaker upgrade and self powered sub with a Key amp for $770 (after coupons, discounst and Best Buy install.) the system sounds really good.

 

[subiedrone]

NOW you can have RF in the wilderness when I was told you couldnt but had mine installed today at the dealer.




I, like others prefer premium sounds. After picking up my wilderness I started to think
of things I want to add/upgrade. Stereo being one of them.

Sadly after speaking with Subaru Customer Relations they confirmed at this time NO UPGRADE OPTIONS FOR AUDIO on the 2022 Wilderness.

 

[TheHozOpp1]

I, like others prefer premium sounds. After picking up my wilderness I started to think
of things I want to add/upgrade. Stereo being one of them.

Sadly after speaking with Subaru Customer Relations they confirmed at this time NO UPGRADE OPTIONS FOR AUDIO on the 2022 Wilderness.

That's so weird. In Canada, the Rockford Fosgate upgrade is an optional accessory add-on.

 

[Thediscodoggo]

Subaru Customer Relations likely interpreted your inquiry as factory-installed. Dealers can install the RF. Unless there is an industry shortage we are missing!

 

[Thediscodoggo]

That's so weird. In Canada, the Rockford Fosgate upgrade is an optional accessory add-on.

I was going to post your write up as proof in the pudding. 🤙🏻

 

[rawksongs]

Get the base audio and spend $600-$800 and do a true custom system with Amp, Sub and new speakers all around. The RF system is way overpriced for 2 speakers and the HK system is near impossible to upgrade after the fact. . Lots of threads around here discussing audio.

BTW, . Those numbers are actual. My son just did a (Kicker CS series) 6 speaker upgrade and self powered sub with a Key amp for $770 (after coupons, discounst and Best Buy install.) the system sounds really good.

when you do this does it void your warranty on the car? Someone said it does and takes away the back up camera? New to this so was curious

 

[SilverOnyx]

If you change the head unit you will lose the backup camera but if you just add an amp and speakers it won't affect it, but as for the warranty, if the installation is botched then the warranty won't cover damage done by the installer, nor will it cover any of your aftermarket parts, or any parts that were damaged from using the aftermarket parts (which would be very very rare, but for example if the wiring shorted out something because of improper installation it wouldn't cover that damage.

 

[RocketMan20]

If you change the head unit you will lose the backup camera but if you just add an amp and speakers it won't affect it, but as for the warranty, if the installation is botched then the warranty won't cover damage done by the installer, nor will it cover any of your aftermarket parts, or any parts that were damaged from using the aftermarket parts (which would be very very rare, but for example if the wiring shorted out something because of improper installation it wouldn't cover that damage.

And there is the argument for having it all professionally installed . You'll get an experienced tech that installs quality audio every day on new/newish cars with similar quirks and sensitivities. ( i.e They know stuff you just don't) You'll also get an insured company to hold accountable if something goes wrong. FWIW, I couldn't be happier with the job done by BestBuy on my son's 21' Crosstreck. They Installed the Key Amp, 6 speakers a sub ( all with new wiring) and then tuned it all for a $200 flat fee. They worked on the car for near 6 hours and didn't hose anything up (electrically or physically) IMHOI, for $200 it's not worth the gamble of Easter egging a solution and hoping for results.

 

[Mark2022]

I priced out a 2022 Wilderness this weekend, a option that was missing, was an Audio upgrade such as Rockford Fosgate or Harmon Kardon.

My question is what is the standard audio with the option 22 package? The dealer was not able to answer this, the official press release does not mention it either.

 

[Mark2022]

The RF is a dealer-installed option on the Wilderness.

And sounds awful. My sales manager told me I’d hate it, I tested it in an Onyx XT, and confirmed.

You’re better off going full aftermarket for higher fidelity in a similar price range.

I’ve kitted out a Focal system that’s going in my Wilderness when I get it.

Just tried to upgrade my 2022 onyx XT from standard radio and installer could not ge the aftermarket amp to work. Tried three different ones. Won’t pick up resistance from the speakers. Tried Subaru for help but they were worthless

 

[Mo Pow]

I'm not sure what "won't pick up resistance from speakers" means. Couldn't figure out how to connect?

 

[SilverOnyx]

The installer probably made a mistake - many others have successfully installed aftermarket amps themselves on the base Outback infotainment unit like that found in the Wilderness. The signal gets taken from the head unit's speaker wire outputs - there is no line level output. This means either a line converter, or an amp that has a built in high level input. The Kicker Key 200.4 has worked for several members, as well as some other amps.

There is a possibility that if the head unit's rear speaker wires are left unconnected it will sense the error and not work properly - If memory serves me correctly everyone has used both front and rear speaker wires from the head unit to the aftermarket amp high level input and it works fine.

 

[Mark2022]

I'm not sure what "won't pick up resistance from speakers" means. Couldn't figure out how to connect?

Exactly what the installer told me. The amp doesn’t sense any resistance coming from the speakers. It’s a very reputable place and he also called others. Evidently the same is happening on some Chrysler and keep models as well. Not allowing Amos to be installed

 

[Mark2022]

Exactly what the installer told me. The amp doesn’t sense any resistance coming from the speakers. It’s a very reputable place and he also called others. Evidently the same is happening on some Chrysler and keep models as well. Not allowing Amos to be installed

Amplifiers

 

[SilverOnyx]

They need to find the right load resister to add. The Kicker Key amp presents a 60 ohm load to the head unit's speaker outputs and that seems to work fine.

 

[lidksmy]

Tried Subaru for help but they were worthless

Just curious, why should Subaru, or any other manufacturer, assist/help diagnose problems with installing an aftermarket product in their vehicle?

 

[Mo Pow]

Good point.

 

[kyodan75]

I was going to post your write up as proof in the pudding. 🤙🏻

I'm gonna be that guy. The proof is in the tasting of the pudding.

 

[WildBeast]

The RF is a dealer-installed option on the Wilderness.

And sounds awful. My sales manager told me I’d hate it, I tested it in an Onyx XT, and confirmed.

You’re better off going full aftermarket for higher fidelity in a similar price range.

I’ve kitted out a Focal system that’s going in my Wilderness when I get it.

Dude, can you send me what you got? Did you install it, because that sounds pretty badass and exactly what I want. Focal is an excellent brand - also will it use the factory head unit?

 

[Thediscodoggo]

Dude, can you send me what you got? Did you install it, because that sounds pretty badass and exactly what I want. Focal is an excellent brand - also will it use the factory head unit?

I wrote it up in the Onyx and other non-Harman Kardon audio upgrades - first up: Subaru/Kicker tweeters! thread. It was well worth it. Simple and got the job done without splicing and creating a rattle trap. The ICUs provide plenty of kick, especially with light Dynamic Beat Enhancer.

That mega thread should be pinned. It was invaluable with ideas, banter, and builds.