A plug and play solution will probably cost you 3.5K. A custom installation will be less than that.

 

The only solutions that don't involve splicing at all would be to change the speakers only, using plug and play adapters.

If you want to install an amplifier you could fabricate a custom harness but that would take some splicing to make the harness but then the harness would plug in, but the dash needs to be taken apart to access the plugs.

There is a plug and play solution with a pre-fabricated harness that someone just tried and he says it sounds good, but although it is plug and play you need to take apart the dash, and maybe splice a power wire (not sure).

Gen 6 - Opinions on OEM Audio+?

Hi there, Does anyone have any experience with OEM Audio+ for their Gen 6 (preferably recent models- 2022 or 2023)? https://oemaudioplus.com/product/subaru-outback/ It has been really difficult to find information on this setup in this forum, as well as with a Google search (probably because...

www.subaruoutback.org

 

Thanks for the prompt answers!
what about just replacing tweeters, rear/front speakers, would that make a decent improvement vs the HK?
I like good sound but I’m no maniac. 🤓

 

Definitely replace the speakers. The stock ones are surprisingly horrible. I did that and there was a noticeable improvement, especially at "elevated" volumes.

 

No splicing, just have to run power to the battery

 

Just get something that is verified to fit from Crutchfield. For $150-$200 you can have new front speakers and tweeters that greatly improve the sound over stock that plug right into the factory conenctors. You can always keep adding stuff later if the improvement isn't enough for you. You can change the door speakers in 5-10 minutes a side, and same with the tweeters.

 

There is a Rockford Fosgate branded upgrade kit. It is listed for 2020-21 models and also fits 2022. Someone installed it on a 2023 model and reported that the onboard power connector for the amplifier harness was no longer present and they had to tap into the harness. The pass-through connection to the audio unit still works. The kit includes an amplifier, a pair of woofers for the front doors, and a harness. To connect the harness, the audio unit has to be removed.

 

I did a speakers only upgrade on my system and it's a significant improvement. I know that you don't want to read the entire long thread but the first item is a pair of literal plug and play tweeters and I documented the install. They are good tweeters and make a huge difference in clarity and definition, and just changing the tweeters only will be an improvement and you can decide if you need to change the other speakers after that.

 

As mentioned previously, just upgrade the stock dash speakers, and front door speakers (don't bother with the rear doors). Readily available Metra or Red Wolf wire harness connectors can be found for the front door (Crutchfield being better* as they include both the wire harnesses and speaker adapters in your purchase). Not sure of dash speakers on your model, but could be either a tweeter or coax. Check Crutchfield as a guide. Quick upgrade for less than $200, and easy install for both speaker locations.
PS...the HK (at least in my 2017 3.6r is kinda meh. I put in Infinity Reference (9632IX) 6x9's in the front door speaker locations. Nice little upgrade. Unfortunately, the dash (and centre) speaker locations on my HK system do not have readily available wire harnesses.

 

How difficult is it to remove the dash speakers and door speakers? Is there a guide or video somewhere?

 

dash speakers are very easy. use a pry tool. careful of the A-pillars. Push down on dash a bit, then use the pry tool. Lots of videos out there. Either look for Subaru Outback specific, or Toyota Tacoma speaker installs. Doors are little bit more involve, but once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature. Take your time taking the door skins off (don't pull on any connectors). I found that a small pick worked the best.
Get yourself a box of sound deadener (Noico is the brand I used). Add to to the outer, inner door skins, as well as around the speaker. It will reduce the potential rattles. Cost about $50-$60 for 36 sq. ft. (80 mil).

 

Here's a tip: when removing a door panel, place a cardboard box or something else of appropriate height under the bottom edge, to prop the panel up so you won't stretch the wiring before disconnecting. Last time I used a plastic wheel ramp turned sideways. Obviously, you can improvize by stacking things. You may also want to have spare clips on hand. Sometimes those that stay in the door could be difficult to remove undamaged.

 

this is the thread I was hoping to find here.

 

Hi all,
Thanks so much for all the feedback and tips. I finally opted for the 24 Onyx which is due to arrive only in June (I don’t mind having my 14 OBP for another month!).
Added to the HK, having a 24 which will supposedly be the last Gen6 MY is probably worth the $2k diff with the 23 for slowed depreciation and HK.
But keep going for those who already have the 23.
I really like this forum and how enthousiatic their members are! Thanks guys!

 

Is it recommended to disconnect batteries before taking the door panels off? Got some kicker tweeters and front door speakers coming. I can not stand the stock ones anymore.