MP3's with OEM head unit?

[racerdave]

Anyone know if the OEM head unit has that capability, or can be had as an option? I'm just talking mp3-capable cd player... at the very least.

[goneskiian]

Dave,
I'll venture to say that I believe it will play them. I'm pretty sure they do now anyway.

Of course, we'll have to wait and see for sure.

-Ian

[Th3Franz]

It might play burned audio CDs, but I find it unlikely that it will be able to play regular MP3s. I already have a Pioneer head unit with MP3 support, so it doesn't really matter to me. :D

[goneskiian]

OK, Maybe I'm confused, but to me an MP3 capable CD player is one that plays CD's burned with MP3's. Sorry if that wasn't what you were asking about.

-Ian

[SUBE555]

I highly doubt any of the conventional Subaru stereos, if any will be able to play them. Few mfgs actually install them.

[racerdave]

True, Sube.

At least Mazda dealers offered the JDM head unit for the RX-8 to get the CD MP3 capability. Also, with BMW 3-series you can use the stock head unit and therefore keep the steering-wheel controls stock and get an Alpine changer and an adapter and, bingo, you have a six-disc MP3 changer that is operated by the stock radio controls.

It'll also be interesting to see how/if the sound system will take to mods.

Of course, the Phatbox (that's the hard-drive based MP3 solution, right?) would be cool too.

But I'd be satistfied with a 6-disc MP3 changer... that's a lot of music there.

[SUBE555]

I'm still hesitant with perminantly sticking a hard drive in my car as there's a lot of jolting on rough roads and I just wouldn't want to challenge the longevity of a hard drive perminantly mounted just yet. If they had MP3 hookup capability like 1394 or USB2, I'd definitely flip for that and get an iPod. :cool: Since they don't, oh well, I'll get by.

[MSB]

I'm still hesitant with perminantly sticking a hard drive in my car as there's a lot of jolting on rough roads and I just wouldn't want to challenge the longevity of a hard drive perminantly mounted just yet. If they had MP3 hookup capability like 1394 or USB2, I'd definitely flip for that and get an iPod. :cool: Since they don't, oh well, I'll get by.

I'm gone a wait and see if there is a mod to use the line in for the CD changer and use it as a direct line from my iPod. I'm using an iTrip just now but the damn thing drops off intermittently. Either that or wait and change the head unit when I move and get Nav etc then.

[turboliberty]

The Outback 3.0R VDC Limited wagon is the only model that comes with 6-disc and MP3 player. I haven't seen this myself since none have been delivered around here. I'm just curios but I think this just means it's capable of playing MP3 CDs.

[racerdave]

I would think it would play MP3 CDs.

Which is all I'm looking for.

But... the good thing is that this could mean the head-unit upgrade could (should?) be pretty simple. The RX-8 did not do this in the US, but there was a Japanese option that did, and it was a direct swap... and could still use the steering wheel controls (which we won't have).

So we could probably just buy the head unit out of the 3.0R OB.

[turboliberty]

I was able to get an image of the head unit in the Outback Ltd 3.0R VDC. I think it looks the same as the non-MP3 except for the designation on the top corner.

http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=36290&img=05outbackMP3.jpg

[racerdave]

Thanks... that leads me to think this swap won't be too bad.

We'll see...

[Drift Monkey]

I still say the aftermarket has more to offer...

[turboliberty]

I still say the aftermarket has more to offer...

The aftermarket has many better audio choices in general. Except in the case of this radio it isn't an easy job to just remove it and replace it. That whole front panel is the radio face, the rear of the panel just has circuit boards and wires that plug into the car's harness. You'd have to do lots of cutting and splicing.

[racerdave]

And I'd rather just have it be plug-and-play to get me the MP3 CD capability. I'm no audiophile, just want a 6-disc MP3 changer.

[Drift Monkey]

I still say the aftermarket has more to offer...

The aftermarket has many better audio choices in general. Except in the case of this radio it isn't an easy job to just remove it and replace it. That whole front panel is the radio face, the rear of the panel just has circuit boards and wires that plug into the car's harness. You'd have to do lots of cutting and splicing.
They make the DIN panel.

[turboliberty]

I think there's a misunderstanding, I really doubt there's a DIN plate out for the '05 Legacy yet. The radio and climate controls are one circuit board that plugs into a large, double DIN sized unit. The pictures below show you the two control unit face plates, one is for manual climate and the other is for auto climate. I'm not sure how you'd go about removing and replacing the entire climate control and radio with an aftermarket unit.

Manual Climate
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=37341&img=05radio007f.jpg

Auto Climate
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=37342&img=05radio008f.jpg

Rear of face plate
http://www.directimagehost.com/is.php?i=37340&img=05radio006f.jpg

These are just test boards, you can only replace the radio by removing the complete double DIN unit. SOA doesn't sell just this face plate seperately but it's obvious this isn't an easy radio swap.

[racerdave]

Wouldn't it be an easy swap for the factory radios? Like the Mp3 unit for the stock one?

[turboliberty]

I may have to look into that further but I would think only if you already have auto climate control. The only '05 Legacy with manual controls is the 2.5i so if you have anything other then the swap should be easier.

[Drift Monkey]

http://www.legacysti.com/files/console.jpg
Thanks to MSB for finding it and brady for posting it :lol:

geez....

[brady_bunch]

Hey, DM... give credit where it's due! :)

The climate control circuit board is probably why the aftermarket unit dash plate piece is so expensive ($275). Now it's all starting to make sense.

Thanks, turboliberty for the pics!

[bemani]

http://www.legacysti.com/files/console.jpg
Thanks to brady for finding it. :lol:

Okay, can the hazard button be relocated to the left side?
If so, then we can use the Japan part? Just don't be pissed when the temperature is in celcius, I guess.

[brady_bunch]

Actually, DM, MSB found it in the JDM catalog, I just posted a pic of it.

bemani, I'm anticipating a USDM equivalent so we don't get no stinking celcius. :)

[Drift Monkey]

Metric System > English System no matter how used to the ES I am.

[racerdave]

Yeah, I wish the US would've had the stones to make the metric change back in the 70s when they were hyping it....

[brady_bunch]

Agreed... then I wouldn't be so used to it now. :) Write your Congressman! hehehe.

[Drift Monkey]

Agreed... then I wouldn't be so used to it now. :) Write your Congressman! hehehe.
Yeah, like that'll work. :roll: :lol:

[turboliberty]

DM- I wasn't aware you meant it was from the JDM catalog. I have a huge wish list of parts I want SOA to bring here if that's the case.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect that part to be offered here. It would be a change in the right direction if Subaru did it, except they've always remained very conservative about ICE upgrades for our market. The JDM models always get the cool stuff from Alpine (and others), while we get stuck with Panasonic and Clarion.

[turboliberty]

The climate control circuit board is probably why the aftermarket unit dash plate piece is so expensive ($275). Now it's all starting to make sense.

Thanks, turboliberty for the pics!

No problem, they do say a picture is worth... um something, something. :lol:

And that would be a good guess about the price with climate control since that thing is integrated. Maybe there will be a US conversion offered by a reputable aftemarket company. It's obviously not difficult, just expensive.

[Drift Monkey]

DM- I wasn't aware you meant it was from the JDM catalog. I have a huge wish list of parts I want SOA to bring here if that's the case.

Unfortunately, I wouldn't expect that part to be offered here. It would be a change in the right direction if Subaru did it, except they've always remained very conservative about ICE upgrades for our market. The JDM models always get the cool stuff from Alpine (and others), while we get stuck with Panasonic and Clarion.
I think it should and will be offered here. There is obviously a market here for it, so I don't see why dealers wouldn't offer it...

[turboliberty]

SOA won't offer it at all. They're extremely conservative when it comes to messing with vehicle electrical and electronics components. I know the accessory managers and this info is straight from them. Will not happen.

Keep your fingers crossed, maybe their brand managers will help them change their mind. :wink:

[brady_bunch]

If SOA won't make it, would there be any legal issues of ordering a JDM part, mirroring it (for the USDM model), and producing it and selling it as an aftermarket part?

I feel an early retirement opportunity approaching. :) Manufacturing and marketing aftermarket parts for GTs. :D

[Stasy]

Hi, been visiting the sight for a few weeks now, but I thought I could contribute a little.

Technically, if you had the wiring schematics for the board, your could convert the C to F. It probably wouldn't be too expensive, just a pain in the ass and you'd need the electronics understanding. (I'm going to school for my BS for Electical Engineering Tech.)

I remember I had to fabricate a radio faceplate (and other parts for the radio) for my 88 XT back in the day.

[bemani]

I don't know about that ... is the A/C screen 7 segment or dot matrix?
I doubt there's even a 'board'. Probably everything is integrated into a microcontroller. All you can do is interrupt the screen's control signals.
You'd also need very fast and high tolerance parts. It is in a car, afterall.
Then you'd need someplace to put it.

I know I'll be importing one as soon as I find out whether it fits! I grew up using C anyway.

[turboliberty]

If SOA won't make it, would there be any legal issues of ordering a JDM part, mirroring it (for the USDM model), and producing it and selling it as an aftermarket part?

I feel an early retirement opportunity approaching. :) Manufacturing and marketing aftermarket parts for GTs. :D

Producing and selling it as an aftermarket part shouldn't be a problem. Getting the original components and doing R & D is how accessory manufacturers do it all the time. I'm sure you can make a reproduction as long as you don't violate any registered trademarks, just apply for a patent.

Of course, that's if you have the cash to do it. :wink:

[Th3Franz]

I think I could get used to Celsius. :D

[CombatCQB]

I'm perfectly fine with Celsius too; 0 means catching a cold, 20 means nice, 40 means A/C, 100 means dead.

But seriously, if you're going to do all that work on a JDM part, why not just cut up the stock faceplate and custom fit your DIN unit into it. The hazard button can be relocated to give more room for maybe a touchscreen too.

[Drift Monkey]

Celsius actually > Fahrenheit. I'm just used to F.

[CombatCQB]

Back to the title of this thread. I noticed that the JDM system has MD player built in and the round input selector switch has the MD option at the bottom. What are the chances that those inputs are still there and we can tap into them as an aux input?

Also, would the system have the signal wire that lowers the volume when a cell phone signals it to?

[bemani]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?

[Th3Franz]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?
The service manual is available online, but it costs a small fee to get access. That's the only thing I know of..

[turboliberty]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?

I think I have what you need, what's your e-mail addy? I just need to find that exact page in the manual and I can send a copy.

[Th3Franz]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?

I think I have what you need, what's your e-mail addy? I just need to find that exact page in the manual and I can send a copy.
Could you send me it too?
Th3Franz at yahoo dot com.

[gt_ltd]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?

I think I have what you need, what's your e-mail addy? I just need to find that exact page in the manual and I can send a copy.

Could you pls PM me a copy? :)

[bemani]

Does anyone have a link to instructions on how to remove the audio/climate control panel?

I think I have what you need, what's your e-mail addy? I just need to find that exact page in the manual and I can send a copy.

Please check your pm.

[bemani]

Oh, does anyone know the price of the VDC mp3 player, and if we need a new faceplate for that?

Even if it is expensive, I think I'll just save up some Subaru coupons for it, if I don't have to buy a new faceplate.

[racerdave]

That's the question I want to know too... hopefully someone will have an answer.

[axis008]

I, too, am wondering about the VDC Mp3 player. Also the audio controls on the steering wheels on the Outback can be swapped, right?

[turboliberty]

Price of the VDC stereo deck is currently $692.43, originally priced three months ago at $1,192.91. Part number is 86201AG63A.

It already comes with the face plate attached.

As for any one else requesting the removal instructions I have only sent Bemani his copies and just checking if this is what he needed. I can just resend the same e-mail to you if you PM me with your addy.

[Drift Monkey]

Price of the VDC stereo deck is currently $692.43.
:o

[racerdave]

Yowza!

That's ridiculously pricey. I recall the same type of deal with the RX-8, and the MP3 deck was only like ~$375, which is more like it.

[Drift Monkey]

Yowza!

That's ridiculously pricey. I recall the same type of deal with the RX-8, and the MP3 deck was only like ~$375, which is more like it.
Maybe get them privately sold would yield better prices?

[racerdave]

The RX8 prices were from a Mazda dealer in Alabama or something, so it wasn't anything unusual.

[bemani]

Price of the VDC stereo deck is currently $692.43, originally priced three months ago at $1,192.91. Part number is 86201AG63A.

It already comes with the face plate attached.

As for any one else requesting the removal instructions I have only sent Bemani his copies and just checking if this is what he needed. I can just resend the same e-mail to you if you PM me with your addy.

$700, that's not TOO bad, considering that the JDM faceplate is already around $300. Dont' know how good that VDC stereo is, but not TOO bad a price considering the other option. Since I bought from Santa Cruz Subaru, they give me 10% off on parts too.

turboliberty, thanks for the pages. I sent you another email. I guess the next question is whether the separate auto A/C control unit is the same for the VDC and the Legacy. If it is different, that might be trouble. I can't think of a reason why Subaru would need to design 2 separate control modules for essentially the same car, but that's something to check.

Having separate control unit not on the face plate might actually mean that you can display F on the JDM faceplate though :)

[bemani]

Oh, I was browsing through the owner's manual, it says the mp3 player doesn't support VBR. What kind of garbage is that???

[turboliberty]

I'll double check if it's exactly the same automatic climate control module, I'd agree with you and say that they most likely are the exact same units.

[axis008]

No VBR???? That's what all MP3's are being ripped to now! :(

[dimil]

Anyone has info on how to remove cubby hole part and remove stereo panel?
I'm at dimil(at)inbox(dot)ru

[crapy]

and anyone has installed a DVD-Nav or MP3 CD player yet??

[crapy]

having been searching through some websites just now, and found out that B4 seems to be the only one that doesnt have:
1. MP3 CD player
2. Nav
3. HIDs
4. fold down back seats

when comparing to it's competitors from 20K~30K! :D

[Goon3r]

Dimil,

The whole center heating vent will pull out in one piece, you have two connectors to reach in and unplug half way through the job, but...

Best way is to remove the gearbox surround, start by pinging up the edge nearest the center console.

That gives you access to two screws that hold in the 2 aluminium looking strips of plastic on either side of the gear shift.
Then just pull the two strips out towards you.

Then just the 6/8 screws holding the whole climate/stereo panel to remove it in one, I think there are 3 connectors to then unplug.