[firesail]

Can the under seat sub be installed on a 2012 premium with the non HK radio with no nav? Is the head unit equipped for it? I like my head unit and the radio isnt on the top of my list of things to change. Just would like a little more bass.

 

[rockthebeef]

I believe that is what it was meant for as the HK system has a sub in the cargo area. The Subaru woofer comes with a T harness to hook it up to the OEM stereo.

Some useful info:
http://techinfo.subaru.com/proxy/63825/pdf/063825-H630SAJ000-ENandFRRevised.pdf

But you might want to check out my thread on an under-seat subwoofer installation I did. I went aftermarket for less than $200, which is less than the Subaru one. Although I haven't heard the Subaru version, mine has a bigger woofer (8" vs 6.5" I believe) and is fairly powerful at 120 watts RMS. This may be the ticket for what you're looking for. The Subaru one is probably more plug-n-play, but I think aftermarket should outperform it.
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...9-under-seat-subwoofer-installed-2012-ob.html

 

[firesail]

Ill defiantly look into that thanks. I saw your sub woofer on crutchfields site and was considering it. How long did the install take you? Hopefully it works with the stock head unit, i see you put a different one in.

 

[rockthebeef]

Ill defiantly look into that thanks. I saw your sub woofer on crutchfields site and was considering it. How long did the install take you? Hopefully it works with the stock head unit, i see you put a different one in.

I set aside a half-day to do the subwoofer. I took breaks and basically took my time. It definitely helps the more familiar you are with the car. I can probably remove the head unit in this car in under 10 minutes now after doing it twice now.

The aftermarket subwoofer will work with the stock head unit. You'll either have to tap into the speaker wires to run speaker level signal into the new subwoofer amp, or perhaps David (Subaru radio and radio wiring harness information) has a harness that will make some line-level (RCA) outputs from the stock harness without having to cut, splice, tap, etc. I would definitely check with him first to see if he already makes something or can build you something. It will make the installation go smoother.

 

[Ttumotion]

I purchased a used oem under seat sub off of ebay for super cheap... I installed it in my 2012 2.5 premium non h/k in about 30ish minutes. I did not take out my seat... Pretty easy install. Just make sure anytime that you are removing the panel around the radio to go behind and push it forward. You will not scratch or dent it... way easier.

 

[rswanker]

How did the OEM sub sound after install?

 

[ericthibeault]

Would also love to hear about how the oem sub sounds. I just bought a 2006-2008 Forester OEM sub for my 2011 Outback. I tought about buying the Sound Ordnance one but because it's a tight fit and that it obstructs the air-duct I went for the oem one.

I have a question about line/speaker level with aftermarket HU. I bought SVXdc 20-pins forward harness and I would want to know if the OEM sub from 2006-2008 needs line or speaker level input and how to achieve that hack? I have a Pioneer AVH-X3500BHS HU that has RCA sub outputs.

Thanks

 

[EastTeleSki]

Installed my oem sub last month. Push the watts, you'll hear the oem sub limitations, but low to mid volumes sound good, well, better than not having a sub.

 

[ericthibeault]

On the OEM HU, I'm always playing in the 20-25 area. Is it ok at this level or you can already see his limitations (do you consider that a "mid volume")? What kind of music do you have as a source?

Thanks

 

[bradze]

do not buy any oem audio equipment from Subaru. it will be beyond shitty. you can pay me, ill punch you in the face and that will be a better value. you can buy real stereo equipment for not a lot of money.

 

[ericthibeault]

I understand you bradze.

I wanted the Sound Ordnance B-8PT (as SVXdv recommended me) but decided not to buy it since according to this thread it takes all the under seat space (and most importantly, obstruct the air ducts). I'm from Quebec, Canada and in winter I have to put the heater at full heat, full fan for trips about 5-6 hours straight with two little kids in the back. That being said, I can't afford not to heat the back seats. Also, I don't want to blow heated (dusty?) air in the sub.

So, unless you could tell me how to redirect my air ducts passed the Sound Ordnance, I have no choice but to buy the smallest sub available, the OEM one.

I know that this OEM sub is not a kicker but I hope that it could at least fill the bottom end and add to the overall spectrum. I don't "listen" to the boooom sound for the fun of it (produced by big sub enclosures), but I want the kick drum and the bass in my rock songs to be reproduced in a well balanced way.

Thanks for any other input bradze

 

[bradze]

if your that worried about putting an amp under the seat, that's where mine is and no complaints from rear passengers, you can put an amp in that foam thing or somewhere else. lengthening the air ducts I imagine can easily be done with some creativity and some supplies from home depot.

 

[EastTeleSki]

do not buy any oem audio equipment from Subaru. it will be beyond shitty. you can pay me, ill punch you in the face and that will be a better value. you can buy real stereo equipment for not a lot of money.

Eloquently stated