Performance of optional sub?

[WRXTom]

I know some of you Legacy GT owners have the optional sub installed under the driver's seat. I assume the specs on the sub are similar to the one used in the WRX. Any opinion from those that have used it on what it adds (or subtracts) from the performance of the audio system?

BTW, I did some quick measurements using a test CD and my Radio Shack Digital SPL meter and with the tone controls in the flat position the bass frequencies were heavily boosted. If I remember correctly (I can check when I get home), from 200 Hz down was 12-16 db higher than a test tone at 1 Khz. Lots of bass but not very accurate.

Tom

[Ken S]

If the sub is anything like previous models, it's not a true sub by playing back low frequencies. It's more of a mid-low frequency driver.

It might be a while to get a before-after comparison since the OE sub option comes pre-installed.

Ken

[gtguy]

You can turn the sub down, too. It usually comes from the factory turned up way too high.

Kevin

[WRXTom]

Thanks. I know how it works. I'm trying to get a review of how it performs and if it is worth the money. It is pretty dinky but I don't need or want a heavy-hittin' box in the back taking up space.

Tom

[QToo]

Under the left side of the sedan rear shelf, there is a circular cutout looking thingy (sorry I can't give a better description) where it would appear some speaker should/could be mounted. This is where I thought the optional sub would be placed. It has the solid shelf material above it which would have to be removed to install a sub.

Didn't know that the sub is mounted under the drivers seat. Not sure I need an ass massage but I'm sure the ladies would love it ;-)

[gtguy]

Thanks. I know how it works. I'm trying to get a review of how it performs and if it is worth the money. It is pretty dinky but I don't need or want a heavy-hittin' box in the back taking up space.

Tom

Aha. I think it is definitely worth it. It relaxes the other frequency spectrums, allowing the music to flow more smoothly and clearly.

Kevin

[dimil]

I have one and I like it fairly well. It delivers better overall sound than Bose in G35. Base needed to be turned down a little, it took me about 5 minutes to find good (for me) balance.
I actually like that there no speakers on back shelf and subwoofer is under driver seat, When going in the car with my daugther and wife(3-5 times a week) they always complained that it's too loud on the back seat, now I can leave music alone as it is comfortable all around.

[Rimfaxe]

I like the sub in my GT Ltd Sedan. It adds a little bottom w/o rattling windows three cars back! In terms of cost, size, and sound, its a decent value if you want a little more bottom. It is also matched to the OEM Head Unit, which we will be living with for quite some time.....

Rimfaxe

[agctr]

If u were going to install an optional UP-Spec sub, would it fit into the same space under the drivers seat and give the same BOOM as having a constructed box like normal subs have to?

[rao]

If u were going to install an optional UP-Spec sub, would it fit into the same space under the drivers seat and give the same BOOM as having a constructed box like normal subs have to?

Not even close on either count. The factory accessory sub is tiny. It adds a nice low midragnge punch but it won't shake the car (just the driver's seat :D )

[Rimfaxe]

Not even close on either count. The factory accessory sub is tiny. It adds a nice low midragnge punch but it won't shake the car (just the driver's seat :D )[/quote]

I agree, It just depends on what you're looking for. If you drop a big Sub in, I would think it would start to throw the whole system out of balance. For all the complaining etc. on these boards regarding the factory stereo (myself included :D ) It is really not a terrible system. Its just not what you would get with a $1500 after market install. The factory Sub does OK in that it provdes more mid and lows, but its not going to knock a flower pot off the window sill in the hood.

Rimfaxe

[Ken S]

Well, after three days of driving in my wagon, this non-audiophile is very satisfied with the performance of the sub. I previously had a 98 Forester with upgraded speakers and the sub and it sounded nowhere as good as the current setup.

Then again, I haven't compared one without the sub so I don't know how much of the better sound is attributable to just the standard speakers.

Ken

[firedawgs]

Thanks. I know how it works. I'm trying to get a review of how it performs and if it is worth the money. It is pretty dinky but I don't need or want a heavy-hittin' box in the back taking up space.

Tom

I always thought about buying the sub, then putting something better in the box. Something like a rockford, polk, etc. I don't know if it would work?

[Ninjapimp]

2 questions:

1) Anyone know how big the sub actually is?
2) Doesn't it also come with an amplifier kit? Where does that mount?

[rao]

It is about the size of a large hardback book - no kidding, when you see one in person you will be amazed at how small it is. It has a built-in amp, such as it is. It makes a lot of sound from such a small enclosure.

[Ninjapimp]

It is about the size of a large hardback book - no kidding, when you see one in person you will be amazed at how small it is. It has a built-in amp, such as it is. It makes a lot of sound from such a small enclosure.

And it doesn't affect seat movements at all?

I guess I just assumed the amp was a system amp, not just sub amp, because the accessories guide suggests the "Installation of Premium speakers" with it.

[rao]

It dosen't in Kevin's car and it is a Subaru accessory so odds are pretty good that it will fit. Just relax :)

The dimensions of the sub are 7 1/8 X 8 5/8 X 2 1/2 (told you it was tiny) it mounts to one side of the seat bracket and has aseparate bracket that ges the long way to the toher side of the seat.

You can get them on Ebay all day for around $80, just make sure you get the wiring harness because that is NOT NOT NOT available as a separate part number from Subaru. The way it wires in is really simple - uplug the stock wiring harness to the receiver, plug it inot hte sub harness and plug the one end of the sub harness into the receiver and the other into the sub, it just takes the high level signals from the receiver and uses those.

They have been using the same one for years with no changes.

[WRXTom]

rao and others...thanks for the detail.

I almost bought the optional sub for my WRX. I'm just looking for something that will broaden the frequency spectrum and give me more adjustment flexibility. Looks like this might work.

Tom

[SC GT]

I wonder if you could just transfer your WRX sub to a Leg. The harness and wiring are probably the same, since they seem to be the same on all Subaru subs, but I know the WRX one mounts under the passenger seat, and the Leg one mounts under the driver's seat. Not sure if that makes any difference.

[agctr]

If u could just upSpec the standard sub, it would save a lot of time, energy, expense and room in the boot, unless you got one of those bass units that fit in the tyre well in the boot, but unsure how good they are either.

[-HEF-]

I wonder if you could just transfer your WRX sub to a Leg. The harness and wiring are probably the same, since they seem to be the same on all Subaru subs, but I know the WRX one mounts under the passenger seat, and the Leg one mounts under the driver's seat. Not sure if that makes any difference.


you are right, and there is a difference in the bracket. not a big deal though. slap some industrial strength velcro on the sub and stick it to the carpet under the seat. i guarantee that it won't move.

[QToo]

Concerning the sub wiring, has anyone checked to see if the car comes pre-wired? I was under the assumption that the sub was a dealer installed option. Can't imagine that the dealer would want to run a wire under carpet, from the engine bay, etc, in order to connect this sub. This would take quite a bit of time and really cut into their margin.

Just curious as I would like to add some more bottom end umph t round out the system.

[-HEF-]

Concerning the sub wiring, has anyone checked to see if the car comes pre-wired? I was under the assumption that the sub was a dealer installed option. Can't imagine that the dealer would want to run a wire under carpet, from the engine bay, etc, in order to connect this sub. This would take quite a bit of time and really cut into their margin.

Just curious as I would like to add some more bottom end umph t round out the system.

the car is not pre-wired. it is not only a dealer installed option either - you can get it installed from the factory too.

and that sub will not add much to the bottom end. it hits lowest at around 65Hz. you miss everything from 20-64. it is better than nothing though. that is about all i can say for it.

your best bet is to go to the subie dealer and sit in a car that has the sub installed and see if you like it. if you do decide to get it, def. buy from Ebay. they are about $80 on there, as rao said.

[Deer Killer]

I expect the 6.5" speakers in the door to go down to 65Hz, forget the sub :)

[SC GT]

For some reason, I like the idea of the sub being under the passenger seat rather than the driver's seat.

[Ninjapimp]

your best bet is to go to the subie dealer and sit in a car that has the sub installed and see if you like it. if you do decide to get it, def. buy from Ebay. they are about $80 on there, as rao said.

Where the heck are they? I took a look on the weekend and couldn't find such a beast....?

[-HEF-]

I expect the 6.5" speakers in the door to go down to 65Hz, forget the sub :)

excellent point. please note that the sub is also a 6.5 speaker. i wouldn't doubt for a second that it is almost the same speaker that they drop in the doors.

[cncgimenez]

Under the left side of the sedan rear shelf, there is a circular cutout looking thingy (sorry I can't give a better description) where it would appear some speaker should/could be mounted. This is where I thought the optional sub would be placed. It has the solid shelf material above it which would have to be removed to install a sub.

Didn't know that the sub is mounted under the drivers seat. Not sure I need an ass massage but I'm sure the ladies would love it ;-)

This is the rear deck sub picture that I found. It is out there, I don't have any info on it though..

[-HEF-]

your best bet is to go to the subie dealer and sit in a car that has the sub installed and see if you like it. if you do decide to get it, def. buy from Ebay. they are about $80 on there, as rao said.

Where the heck are they? I took a look on the weekend and couldn't find such a beast....?

not sure what you mean: where are all the new cars with the subs installed, or where can you get the sub on ebay? if you mean the former, sit in a wrx that has one, i am certain they will have that on the lot. if you mean the latter: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=32808&item=5709605 735&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

[Deer Killer]

Under the left side of the sedan rear shelf, there is a circular cutout looking thingy (sorry I can't give a better description) where it would appear some speaker should/could be mounted. This is where I thought the optional sub would be placed. It has the solid shelf material above it which would have to be removed to install a sub.

Didn't know that the sub is mounted under the drivers seat. Not sure I need an ass massage but I'm sure the ladies would love it ;-)

This is the rear deck sub picture that I found. It is out there, I don't have any info on it though..

Looks like more JDM parts to import :) Probably the McIntosh 13th speaker.

[Ninjapimp]

Thanks Hef (I did mean the 2nd one).
What would be the difference between this sub and the correct one? Wiring harness issues or just mounting bracket?

[agctr]

Deer that is correct, that is the 13th Speaker location, this only comes standard with the premium edition which has climate control, leather and the McIntosh System. Curious to know if this a good unit or not.

Does this mean that the JDM system has two base units? 1. Under the Drivers Seat 2. On the parcel shelf?

[-HEF-]

Thanks Hef (I did mean the 2nd one).
What would be the difference between this sub and the correct one? Wiring harness issues or just mounting bracket?

wiring harness should be the same. the difference will be with the mounting bracket.

[sdgarber]

I believe the Legacy GT head unit offers 120W of total power. Does anyone know how much additional power is added by the sub/amp :?:

[c_hunter]

The Legacy/OB sub is smaller than the unit in the WRX. I took the sub out of my WRX and it is too large to fit under the Legacy/OB seats. Otherwise it would work.

CRaig

[mccorry]

Concerning the sub wiring, has anyone checked to see if the car comes pre-wired? I was under the assumption that the sub was a dealer installed option. Can't imagine that the dealer would want to run a wire under carpet, from the engine bay, etc, in order to connect this sub. This would take quite a bit of time and really cut into their margin.

Just curious as I would like to add some more bottom end umph t round out the system.

the car is not pre-wired. it is not only a dealer installed option either - you can get it installed from the factory too.

and that sub will not add much to the bottom end. it hits lowest at around 65Hz. you miss everything from 20-64. it is better than nothing though. that is about all i can say for it.

your best bet is to go to the subie dealer and sit in a car that has the sub installed and see if you like it. if you do decide to get it, def. buy from Ebay. they are about $80 on there, as rao said.

Which is why I plan to put a pair of 6.5" SAS Bazooka amplified tubes in the trunk.... to get the rest....

Sounds linke wiring these might be a little tricky....

[Mindflayer]

I have one and I like it fairly well. It delivers better overall sound than Bose in G35. Base needed to be turned down a little, it took me about 5 minutes to find good (for me) balance.

Thanks for the comparison. I'll drive up to Rockville and check it out tomorrow or Friday.

[gtguy]

I believe the Legacy GT head unit offers 120W of total power. Does anyone know how much additional power is added by the sub/amp :?:

80 watts, says the literature.

Kevin

[Deer Killer]

I believe the Legacy GT head unit offers 120W of total power. Does anyone know how much additional power is added by the sub/amp :?:

eh? I thought it as 160w??

BTW does it use a seperate amp? That would make it easy to replace with a better one.

[-HEF-]

Concerning the sub wiring, has anyone checked to see if the car comes pre-wired? I was under the assumption that the sub was a dealer installed option. Can't imagine that the dealer would want to run a wire under carpet, from the engine bay, etc, in order to connect this sub. This would take quite a bit of time and really cut into their margin.

Just curious as I would like to add some more bottom end umph t round out the system.

the car is not pre-wired. it is not only a dealer installed option either - you can get it installed from the factory too.

and that sub will not add much to the bottom end. it hits lowest at around 65Hz. you miss everything from 20-64. it is better than nothing though. that is about all i can say for it.

your best bet is to go to the subie dealer and sit in a car that has the sub installed and see if you like it. if you do decide to get it, def. buy from Ebay. they are about $80 on there, as rao said.

Sounds linke wiring these might be a little tricky....

not in the least. well, if you have some stereo install knowledge, it is easy. the hardest part was fishing the wire through the firewall. the longest part is wiring up the speaker level inputs, i.e. splicing into your speaker wires to get sound to the amp. i'd say that i could do the whole thing in about 3 hours, knowing what i know now.

[gtguy]

I believe the Legacy GT head unit offers 120W of total power. Does anyone know how much additional power is added by the sub/amp :?:

eh? I thought it as 160w??

BTW does it use a seperate amp? That would make it easy to replace with a better one.

Nope. It's a powered sub, which makes sense in the cramped environs of 'neath the driver's buttocks. I actually preferred the old locale of under the passenger seat. It would be easy to relocate, I suppose, but that would involve actual bother. :lol:

Kevin

[Deer Killer]

I believe the Legacy GT head unit offers 120W of total power. Does anyone know how much additional power is added by the sub/amp :?:

eh? I thought it as 160w??

BTW does it use a seperate amp? That would make it easy to replace with a better one.

Nope. It's a powered sub, which makes sense in the cramped environs of 'neath the driver's buttocks. I actually preferred the old locale of under the passenger seat. It would be easy to relocate, I suppose, but that would involve actual bother. :lol:

Kevin

I was talking about the HU, sorry.

[IwannaSportSedan]

Anybody know what diameter the McIntosh sub is in the rear deck, or if the USDM car has a cutout for it (or room to cut out for it.)

I am thinking about, when I get a legacy, re-creating the McIntosh system from aftermarket parts, McIntosh Amp, McIntosh head and watt gauges or Pioneer double din unit (if the US ever gets the flippin adapter plate for the dash)

Perhaps a Polk/Momo sub (to match the steering wheel :-) ) Maybe Boston Acoustics or Infinity Pro separates/Coaxials in the front and rear doors respectively. Maybe those new Blaupunkt Overdrive thin-depth speakers.

Something with superb quality, XM upgradeability, and with a hardline in for an iPod.