A client from Nesquehoning recently contacted Mobile Edge which researching options to upgrade his 2010 Subaru Impreza audio system. We had built a system for the client’s previous vehicle, and he liked it. After talking to the client and letting him hear one of our demo vehicles, we put together a plan to upgrade the entire system in his Subaru. He liked the plan and gave us the go-ahead to schedule an appointment.
The Subaru Impreza Audio Build Begins
As with any of our projects, the first step was to protect the vehicle. We applied painter’s tape to the edges of the doors and the doorsills and used shipping wrap to protect the rear bumper. We also connected the vehicle to our power supply so we could leave the doors open without worrying about draining the battery.
The client chose a Pioneer AVH-4201NEX receiver so that he’d have Apple CarPlay smartphone integration. We mounted the radio in the dash location using a Metra dash kit and added a Metra IBR74 dual-USB extension to the center console to make connecting his phone or a memory stick more convenient. The AVH-4201NEX comes with a Pioneer ND-BC8 backup camera. We mounted the camera just above the license plate on the rear of the vehicle.
As you can see from the picture out the rear window of the Subaru, even when they’re standing straight up, it’s almost impossible to see his kids. Backup camera systems are a great safety feature.
Four-Channel System Amplifier
We created one of our trademark steel amp racks to place a Hertz HCP4 under the passenger seat. The bracket mounts to existing fasteners on the floor and has a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The HCP4 amplifier powers the Hertz front speakers with up to 65 watts and the Hertz sub with 190 watts. We used an Audison Connection amp kit to feed the HCP4.
Hertz and Memphis Speaker Upgrades
We removed the factory door speakers and used the mounting adapter bracket to create a set of custom adapters for the Hertz DSK165 woofers. A layer of Hushmat on the door skins helps to reduce noise transfer into the vehicle and improve the performance of the speaker. The tweeters are in the sail panels at the top of the doors.
We installed a set of Memphis Car Audio PRX603 three-way speakers in the factory rear door locations. The Pioneer head unit powers the rear speakers to fill in the sound and keep the client’s kids happy. We mounted a Hertz Dieci-Series DS300 12-inch subwoofer in a vented Bbox enclosure and installed it in the hatch area of the vehicle.
Compustar Remote Car Starter
The client decided to take advantage of our deferred payment financing and do a few more upgrades to the vehicle. This plan would ultimately save him time, as we would be able to complete everything in a single visit.
The client added a remote starter to the project. We installed a Compustar FT-7200S remote start controller and paired it with a set of P1WG7-SP one-way, four-button remote controls. As you can see, we are more than fanatical about integrating the starter wiring neatly into the vehicle. We wrap all the wiring in automotive-grade cloth tape so that it looks like it came from the assembly line.
3M Premium Window Tint
To round out the upgrades to the Subaru, we installed 3M FX Premium window tint on the side and rear windows. The driver and passenger windows have 35 percent film while the remaining five windows have 25 percent film. FX Premium is a non-metalized film that offers exceptional UV protection without affecting the performance of cellular phones or GPS reception.
Another Happy Client
With the project complete, the client returned to Mobile Edge in Lehighton to have a listen to the audio system. He was more than impressed with the upgrade over the factory radio and speakers. The sub added the warmth and impact he wanted, and the new speakers sound exponentially better than the factory units. If you are looking for a Subaru Impreza audio system upgrade, drop by our store or give us a call and talk to Bob. You can also reach us by e-mail using the contact button at the bottom of this page.
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