One of our clients from Andreas recently dropped by Mobile Edge in Lehighton to talk about a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek remote starter and audio system upgrade. The client had been in a few months before to have his windows tinted with 3M Color Stable. We explained how a subwoofer could really bring the system to life and offered to let him listen to our Ford F-150 demo truck. He loved the sound and asked about making his Crosstrek sound similar.
Digital Signal Processing
Our first step in working on a vehicle is to protect the vehicle surfaces.
The key to the performance of the audio system in the F-150 is the digital signal processor (DSP) in the system. This processor lets us control frequency response, levels and signal delay for each speaker in the vehicle. The client loved how natural the music sounded and asked what it would take to do that in his Subaru. We designed a system around a four-channel amplifier with DSP, a good set of components, and a subwoofer and dedicated sub amplifier. He loved the plan and gave us the go-ahead to start the upgrade.
Hertz Speaker Upgrade
The first step was to install a set of Hertz MPK 165 components in the doors and dash of the Crosstrek. We created mounting adapters from Type 1 PVC to locate the 6.5-inch woofers from the set in the doors. We applied a layer of HushMat over the adapters to improve their performance. The tweeters from the set are mounted in the dash speaker location, using an adapter bridge.
Audison Prima and Memphis Amplifiers
We choose an Audison Prima AP 4.9 bit four-channel amplifier to power the Hertz component set. The AP 4.9 bit has a built-in digital signal processor that allows us to fine-tune each of the four channels of the amp, as well as the signal sent to the Memphis PRX500.1 subwoofer amp.
We mounted each amplifier on a custom-made steel bracket under the front seats. We cut, bent and welded the brackets together from 1-inch steel plate and painted them to prevent rust. The brackets mount to factory fasteners, so we didn’t have to drill any holes in the car. The remote level control for the sub amp is mounted in one of the black panels in the dash of the Crosstrek to make it easy for the client to adjust the bass level.
Subwoofer Solution
Memphis Car Audio provided this awesome-sounding subwoofer for the installation.
The client chose a Memphis M510D4 10-inch subwoofer in a compact Bbox enclosure. The sub fits nicely in the cargo area of the vehicle and can be removed easily if he needs to transport large items or a lot of cargo. The Memphis amp provides up to 350 watts to the sub – more than enough to get things good and loud!
Subaru Crosstrek Remote Starter
The remote starter system gives the client 2-way communication of its operation.
The client asked for an easy-to-use remote starter for his car. After gaining an understanding of where he parked the car at home and work, we showed him several remote options from Compustar. He liked the simplicity of the 2W1B-SP remote. With 5x power range and two-way LED confirmation that commands have been received by the starter system, the client will be able to have his car warm and cozy when it is time to go.
As always, our installation technicians performed a masterful install – soldering every connection and wrapping the wiring with Tesa cloth tape for a factory-like appearance.
Subaru Crosstrek System Tuning
With everything installed, the final step was to use our Audison Bit Tune processor to set up the AP 4.9 bit amplifier. The Bit Tune takes frequency and time response measurements from each speaker in the vehicle and allows us to configure the amp to create smooth and natural tonal balance with excellent left-right balance.
The client returned to pick up his car and have a listen to the new system. He was stunned with the accuracy and how the sound seemed to come from across the windshield, rather than from the speaker locations. He cranked it up and the sub put a smile on his face.
If you are looking for a Subaru Crosstrek remote starter or audio system upgrade, drop by Mobile Edge and speak with our sales team. You can reach us by email for more information, using the button below.
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