A client from Northampton recently dropped by Mobile Edge to ask about upgrading his 2012 Subaru WRX sedan with a new radio. The client told us he primarily listens to hard rock and wanted more control over how the stereo system sounds. We showed him a Pioneer multimedia receiver that includes a 13-band equalizer, then suggested a modest speaker upgrade that would improve the clarity of the sound system. He was enthusiastic about our suggestions and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an installation appointment.
Subaru Radio Upgrade
The client liked our suggestion of the Pioneer DMH-W4600NEX multimedia receiver. This radio features a 6.8-inch color display with a capacitive touchscreen. In addition, the unit includes both wired and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. If you have an iPhone or an Android-based smartphone, these voice-controlled interfaces are a must-have for whenever you are driving. You can make phone calls, send text messages, get navigation directions or choose the entertainment source you want using simple voice commands.
To complete the radio integration, we added an interface that allows the buttons on the steering wheel to work with the new Pioneer radio to select sources, change tracks or adjust the volume.
Efficient Speakers Improve Sound Quality
The next step was to upgrade the speakers in the Subaru. We suggested a set of Hertz Cento-Series CS165 coaxial speakers in the front doors and their Dieci DCX165 speakers in the rear. Both of these speaker upgrades are designed to deliver good efficiency, so they will play loudly when powered directly from the amplifier in the radio. In addition, they have a high enough power rating that if the client decides he wants more output, we can later add a mid-sized amplifier to bring the system to life.
Our team created a set of custom mounting adapters so that the new speakers would mount to the original fastener locations in the doors. We used two layers of expanded PVC, cut them to fit the speakers, and stacked them together. After bolting them to the doors, we added a sheet of sound deadening material over the whole thing to act as a gasket and help reduce any vibrations in the metal panel. The same process was repeated for the rear doors.
Eastern Pennsylvania’s Car Audio Upgrade Experts
With the new speakers and radio installed, everything tested and the car reassembled, it was time for the client to return to Mobile Edge to check out his new sound system. He loved how the new speakers sound and couldn’t wait to fine-tune the system with the EQ in the radio. If you’re interested in upgrading the stereo system in your car or truck, drop by our store in Lehighton, Pennsylvania, or click the red button below to send our team an e-mail
