2004 STi aftermarket stereos?

Hi,

New to the group, I just bought my 2004 WRX STi, but without the $1400 stereo.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about finding a suitable stereo for this car. Crutchfield.com hasn't measured the car yet for their database, so no help there. I'm not looking to spend a crazy amount on this, probably around $600-$700 or so for the 4 speakers and stereo. Also, would I need to buy an antenna the radio reception as well?

Does anyone here have any feedback about what they have bought for aftermarket stereos for this beast? Thanks in advance.

Matt

Reply to
Matt F
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Congrats on your new STI! What color did you get? I currently have a blue

2003 WRX, but really thinking about upgrading to the STI - like the silver. My roommate likes the EVO, but I think the STI is more of an everyday driving car? A friend of my roommate's brother has a white STI - he installed Pioneer headunit with XM radio features. The antenna was installed outside on the roof in the middle near to rear window. Not sure how much he paid for the radio and install. How much did you pay for the STI? A dealer near me in Columbus, Ohio has 4. White, Blue and 2 Silvers. I need to stop by and see how much they would offer me for a trade in, but first I would need to remove some mods or sell by owner.
Reply to
GMan

Congrats on your new STI! What color did you get? I currently have a blue

2003 WRX, but really thinking about upgrading to the STI - like the silver. My roommate likes the EVO, but I think the STI is more of an everyday driving car? A friend of my roommate's brother has a white STI - he installed Pioneer headunit with XM radio features. The antenna was installed outside on the roof in the middle near to rear window. Not sure how much he paid for the radio and install. How much did you pay for the STI? A dealer near me in Columbus, Ohio has 4. White, Blue and 2 Silvers. I need to stop by and see how much they would offer me for a trade in, but first I would need to remove some mods or sell by owner.
Reply to
GMan

Can't speak of other head units, but I have always been satisfied with Alpine. The 9815 is awesome (unless you want one of those flashy animated teeny-bopper headunits that just look good). I run the 9815 in my truck with two external amps. I assume the WRX has a standard 1-DIN size head unit like most vehicles? I don't own a subaru yet.

You can't go wrong with Alpine. Get it from etronics.com, cheapest I have seen. Has a 60W V-Drive amp in it (I am assuming you don't want to install separate amps). For speakers I would reccommend Boston Acoustics for the front, and something cheaper for the rear, Pioneer or Sony should do fine for rear fill.

-Tom

Reply to
TomTom

Thanks for the info. I got the silver one. Pretty sweet deal for it at this dealership in CT, lists at $29435 then $30652 with all the options except stereo and boost gauge. I couldn't get anyone around her (WI) to list less than $30500. So I'm flying out there next weekend and driving it back.

Matt

Reply to
Matt F

Hey thanks a lot for the info! I'm checking out etronics right now. Never heard of Boston Acoustics, will check them out too though.

That's the exact info I need, too...whether or not this car has a 1-DIN size head unit box. Anyone else know for sure?

Matt

Reply to
Matt F

The factory stereo is a double DIN but you can put anything you want in it. Pretty much anything will fit. See the link below:

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This subject has been widely discussed.

BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

I have a JVC 777 (CD Cass AM/FM) unit in mine. Bought an adapter harness so it was a plug in job. Sound is good but still need to upgrade speakers.

Reply to
Greg

You rule....thanks a lot man. Yes yes, I'm sure I could have found that on my own, but time is short!

Matt

Reply to
Matt F

Reply to
Tony Hwang

I couldn't agree more. The right speakers will make or break the system. Definitely go with the best speakers you can afford. IMO, most of the head units out there today a pretty similar as far sound quality goes. The more expensive systems just allow you more options. Like, built in cross-overs, MP3 play back, sub output and total power output. I haven't ordered my HU or speakers yet.

But, with the STi there are very few speakers that will work in the front doors with out some sort of spacers. Plus, the stock mounts for the speaker is a 3-point snap-in system. So, you need to plan on using speaker mounting adaptors or drill your own holes to match the speakers. You want to make sure you look at speakers with flush mount tweeters. There just isn't much room behind the factory covers. Here is a link to a site that makes outstanding adaptor kits for the STi

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Their stuff is spendy, but if you want to do it right, this is the way to go. BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

I finally bit the bullet and put in a Eclipse H.U. and Alpine Type R speakers.

BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

nice. could you please post info regarding how/why you chose these items, how you determined the fit for the speakers, how it is wired, mounted, etc. ? TIA

white '04 STi

Reply to
John Emdall

Well, I could not get the Alpine Type R speakers to fit so I went with the MB Quart RCE 215 Componet Speakers. They fit perfect. I went with the Eclipse 3413 Head Unit. Sound quality is exceptional. But the whole package was expensive $700 total installed. I will be adding rear passenger door speakers when I put away a little more money.

BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

Oops, I mean the RCE 216 component speakers.

BlueSTi "Scary-Fast"

Reply to
BlueSTi

Reply to
John Emdall

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