I have a strange issue with my '09 Outback Special Edition stereo-at random times while listening to a CD, or the radio, or using my mp3 player in the AUX mode, the sound will completely drop out. There is no speaker hiss-no audio signal whatsoever. could it be the amplifier crapping out? It will work again after turning stereo off and on, but for a nearly-brand new Subie is something that anyone else has experienced?!!

My ex had some issues with her 06 Outback. It would randomly do something similar.

 

I'd suggest posting over on http://www.legacygt.com/forums as there are more people over there with the newer legacy/outback.

I think you may be correct about the amplifier idea, especially if it is seperate. I would suspect a bad power connection to it.

There seem to be a run of issues with this headunit.

 

nipper

Its a warranty item. Most factory amplifiers don't get discrete power in the same way as aftermarket amps. So its kinda hard to say its a power connection problem. Even if it is a power problem, it comes back to a warranty issue. Any competent stereo shop could troubleshoot it, but you'd be spending a bunch of money for a troubleshoot only to learn that the problem is either somewhere in the factory wiring harness (warranty item) or in the amp itself (warranty item). So take it back to the dealership and make them take care of it. There's a fair chance it will end up at a competent stereo shop anyway, but at least that way it will still be covered under warranty.

Had a problem with 05 OB where the entire radio/hvac (combined unit) would lose power. Replaced under warranty. I was told it was a power connector problem.