The Dude Posted September 1, 2009 Share Posted September 1, 2009 This an observation, not a complaint. I'm on my second Forester, and my GF just bought an 09 Impreza. So, I like Subarus. The base speakers on Subarus have always been absolute junk, but the base radios were "OK". Based on my GF's 09 Impreza, I would say that the base radios are absolute junk as well. It's no big thing, I'd much rather have a car with a really cheap sound system than a car with a really cheap engine or transmission. A few hundred bucks, and couple of hours of labor, and the problem is solved for the life of the car. Just be aware that if you buy a Suby with the base sound system, chances are that you'll be replacing it sooner than later, much sooner. It really hurts your ears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ericem Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Ya I heard one definitely not that great of quality, but consistently crappy sound to max lol. My 94 legacy definitely has a cleaner sounding radio stock, just when you crank it really loud can get a bit distorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valvestem Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Seeing as I seldom listen to the sound system anymore, the poor sound quality does not bother me too much right now. It may as I get more comfortable with my new Forester. In the past I've had built systems ranging from 2-12's & 200amps on down, and I admit the stock sytem in the Forester is marginal at best. I did not amp up my last vehicle when I owned that one for 5 years, I just had other things to spend my money on like gasoline and home heating oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EVOthis Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Some of the 09' head units are clarion, personally I view them as a pretty good brand... I will say this... we don't get many complaints about them... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
valvestem Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Some of the 09' head units are clarion, personally I view them as a pretty good brand... I will say this... we don't get many complaints about them... Clarion, good brand for sure. Maybe it's the speakers responsible for the poor quality sound reproduction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted September 3, 2009 Author Share Posted September 3, 2009 Clarion, good brand for sure. Maybe it's the speakers responsible for the poor quality sound reproduction. I put a new pair of Alpine speakers in my GF's '09 Impreza. If you have ever seen the base Subaru speakers you know that they are a joke. If SOME of the '09 base head units are made by Clarion, then SOME are not. Maybe the head unit in her car is not a Clarion. I have spent quite a bit for a good sound system in my house. But I'm not all that picky about car audio. I would rather be water boarded than take a six hour trip in her Impreza with the base audio set up. The head unit is being replaced this weekend. If I smoked, I would use it for an ashtray. In my garage. Towards the back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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