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Hi, I just got a 2000 outback, Love the car... It only has a radio I want to upgrade to another system...I want to get a new radio w/ cdplayer...are there specifications I need to look into to? Can I choose any cd receiver, and will any fit?????Any suggestions???

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I have a 99Forester and the local steo shop told me I needed a double DIN only.

I asked here and folks told me to use a singel DIN, which is pretty much your standard stereo size, and that a cubbyhole for CDs was available to finish up the hole.

At Goodguys, which is a CA chain electronics store, I went in aremed with this knowledge and they even had the cubby hole for CDs in stock.

The one thing I am sorry about was that I let them fit the stereo.

I should have done it myself and bought it from Crutchfield, because then I would have learned a bit.

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Originally posted by cookie

I have a 99Forester and the local steo shop told me I needed a double DIN only.

I asked here and folks told me to use a singel DIN, which is pretty much your standard stereo size, and that a cubbyhole for CDs was available to finish up the hole.

At Goodguys, which is a CA chain electronics store, I went in aremed with this knowledge and they even had the cubby hole for CDs in stock.

The one thing I am sorry about was that I let them fit the stereo.

I should have done it myself and bought it from Crutchfield, because then I would have learned a bit.

 

The 00-04 Legacy/Outbacl will take single DIN, double DIN and even triple DIN.

 

If you have a factory double DIN radio and want to install an aftermarket single DIN radio, you will need to get a storage bin (covered or open) to fill in the extra space.

 

If upgrading from single DIN to double DIN you need to remove one of the storage bins, you can choose to loose either the covered or uncovered one.

 

Many WRX and Forester owners are selling there Subaru 6 disc in dash CD changers one ebay for as little as $100. It is double DIN and plugs right into your outback. Note that some of these units have cassette, while others do not and some have an all black face while others have a grey/silver face.

 

Your 00 Outback should have the single DIN AM/FM/WB/Cassette unit. This unit will connect to either a single disc in dash CD player or a 6 cd changer from Subaru, but these units are expensive. The used ones on ebay can be a really good deal.

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I'd take a look at crutchfield and see if there is anything you like in a single or double DIN, a lot of the double's come with CD and tape, they usually have cooler/larger displays as well. The see if some other place has a better price. I'd also suggest to get one of the wiring harness adapters, instead of cutting up the wires, they're only 10 or 15 bucks I think.

 

Alias has a nice write-up describing how to take the dash apart and do the install.

 

If you do go with double din, you might want to keep the open storage bin, I have a double din in my OB, and it's a bit tight to access the open button on the closed storage tray.

 

Oh yea, and If you plan on adding a sub/amp, you'll probably want to make sure the unit has pre-amp outputs, they'll make hooking that stuff up easier.

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Originally posted by nickb21

I'd take a look at crutchfield and see if there is anything you like in a single or double DIN, a lot of the double's come with CD and tape, they usually have cooler/larger displays as well. The see if some other place has a better price. I'd also suggest to get one of the wiring harness adapters, instead of cutting up the wires, they're only 10 or 15 bucks I think.

 

Alias has a nice write-up describing how to take the dash apart and do the install.

 

If you do go with double din, you might want to keep the open storage bin, I have a double din in my OB, and it's a bit tight to access the open button on the closed storage tray.

 

Oh yea, and If you plan on adding a sub/amp, you'll probably want to make sure the unit has pre-amp outputs, they'll make hooking that stuff up easier.

 

Most double din units are not the best quality. Its really a shame that no one makes a really good double din unit. I would love to have a double DIN equivalent of my Sony Mobile ES CDX-C90! It's really complicated adjusting my XDP-4000x DSP with that tiny display and few buttons.

 

My radio/speaker installation guide is here:

 

http://www.geocities.com/subaruownercgy/subsections/guides/g3_audio_guide.html

 

Follow the link to a PDF document.

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I put in a single din Panasonic, It fit like it was made for the car! Don't forget to get a wiring harness, If you buy a head unit from Crutchfield, they include it for free, Sure beats cutting away under the dash, plug & play!

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Thanks for all your responses.. I will take each one into consideration when purchasing.. I think I want to get a single...What should I do with the other 2 bins, they seem such a waste of space, what do you guys have in those other bins??

 

 

Thanks

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I upgraded the radio in my 2000 Forester. The original radio was a Clarion with cassette only. Using a CD player with a cassette adapter drove me nuts.

I used Best Buy and purchased a single CD deck by Pioneer. The deck was about $130 and the labor to install it was free. The parts (adapter, etc) ran about $30.

 

~Howard

:banana:

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