Help Upgrading Third Gen Forester Sound System

[DanDanMan]

Hey everyone!

I have a 2011 Forester, and up until now, I've been using the stock sound system that came with the car, which I'm sure you can imagine is pretty fantastic. (It's actually pretty awful.)

I'm in need of some advice regarding upgrading it. If any of you all have experience or ideas as to what I could do to get some better sound out of it, I would appreciate it. I've looked into it, and it looks like I need a signal processor, alongside new speakers and subs (and maybe an amp). Where should I start?

If you guys could point me to some guides or information, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!

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[Kai Winters 10+ year member]

Start with figuring out what you want as the end result.

What is your budget? Now double it if you want quality.

Are you keeping the stock head unit? If so you will need a sound processor of some sort to overcome weaknesses of the factory system.

Using the stock head unit you may need...sound processor, amp(how powerful/channels depends on your wants), front speakers and sub.

Using an aftermarket head unit you may need...head unit, amp(maybe/maybe not depending on what you want), front speakers, sub, harnesses, etc. perhaps battery depending on age and power of current battery.

Don't cheap out...cheap stuff is just that...cheap, generally doesn't work as advertised, won't last and usually sounds lousy.

Do your homework...use sites such as Cruthfiled, etc. to get an idea on what costs, etc. are involved. Read reviews. Go to local shops and listen to a variety of speakers, amps, etc. Try out different head units to see what they offer and how they match what you want/need.

Going inexpensively begins with some very efficient front speakers only...you may get a bit of a better sound but that's it. When you raise the volume you will get noise more than sound and it will be lacking bass levels.

Who is going to install? You? Better do your homework...some may say it is easy but it is not if you are clueless, have no appropriate tools, etc.

If you have $1000 you have a start on a nice system that will sound great, be reliable and last. You are really looking at $1500 or a bit more for a really nice system.

Do your homework and come back with more knowledgeable questions and we can make better suggestions.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[cthedinger 10+ year member]

Depends on your budget.

If you have the money I would start with a new head unit, new door speakers, a subwoofer or two (if you are looking to add some bass), and subwooofer amp.

For the head unit I would suggest a Pioneer NEX unit. They are by far my favorite.

https://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Car/NEX

For the Speakers I would suggest looking here

https://www.ct-sounds.com/products/speakers.html

For subwoofers I would check here. They have everything from 6.5" to 18".

https://www.ct-sounds.com/products/subwoofers.html

For amps go here

https://www.ct-sounds.com/products/amplifiers.html

Also check out this cool video CT Sounds did on a 2008 Forester Sport