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Subaru Forester: Audio & Entertainment Systems

67 messages,  Last post on Nov 17, 2011 at 9:12 AM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 7

#1 of 67 Subaru Forester: Audio & Entertainment Systems by tidester

Jul 31, 2006 (1:50 pm)

Discuss them here!

#2 of 67 CD-Player AM/FM radio with in-dash 6 disc CD-changer? by kate5000

Jul 31, 2006 (2:04 pm)

Can anyone recommend an aftermarket system for Subaru Forester that plays CD, has AM/FM radio and integrated in-dash 6 disc cd changer?
 
This what I had in my old car:

 
and I'd like to get a similar unit (ok, less cassette) for a new car. Subaru OEM one is very expensive, so I'm looking at aftermarket first.

#3 of 67 Re: Subaru Forester: Audio & Entertainment Systems [tidester] by terry92270

Aug 01, 2006 (8:56 am)

Replying to: tidester (Jul 31, 2006 1:50 pm)
I would check out Crutchfield.com From my browsing, they seem to have an online tool that makes getting the right unit a snap.....

#4 of 67 Re: CD-Player AM/FM radio with in-dash 6 disc CD-changer? [kate5000] by ateixeira

Aug 01, 2006 (9:01 am)

Replying to: kate5000 (Jul 31, 2006 2:04 pm)
The size fitment is single-DIN or double-DIN, the latter requiring that you remove the storage box below your current radio. I did this with both my '98 Forester and my wife's '02 Legacy.
 
You can actually spring for NAV + CD changer, I've seen them for $1299 at Crutchfield. I know that's steep, but you're getting both, and all integrated. Search by model and they pop up.
 
-juice

#5 of 67 Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio by madhat53

Sep 22, 2006 (6:49 am)

I have a 2006 Subaru Forester 2.5X with a standard stereo system. I am getting XM Satellite Radio and have several questions.
 
1. Does the stereo have an auxillary port in the back that I can connect directly to the XM Satellite Radio?
2. Where is the best place to mount the XM Satellite Radio? Custom Mount between stereo and glove box, Cup Holder, Tape onto Dashboard?
3. Has anyone used the FM Transmitter and was it effective?

#6 of 67 Re: Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio [madhat53] by ateixeira

Sep 22, 2006 (6:55 am)

Replying to: madhat53 (Sep 22, 2006 6:49 am)
The 07 models will get an aux input, but 06 models don't, as far as I know.
 
07 models also get Sirius as a factory option, but you said XM.
 
I think Subaru folks have used in-line antennae plugs, ask the Legacy guys because they do that a lot.
 
-juice

#7 of 67 Re: Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio [madhat53] by terry92270

Sep 22, 2006 (7:04 am)

Replying to: madhat53 (Sep 22, 2006 6:49 am)
I own the same car, beautiful Gold Pearl one.
 
I beleive ateixeira is talking about the factory installed, integrated radios that come equiped for satellite, not after-market units.
 
I mounted the control in the middle of the console, just back from the parking brake. It covers one of the seat heater switches, however it is easy to tilt the unit and reach the switch when needed. My unit is the Delphi SkiFi2.
 
Before, when I had Sirrius, they placed the control unit inside the dash compartment, attached the slim unit with velcro to the back side of it. I just lifted the lid, and it was easy to see or grab (it had a long cord) or the passenger could use the remote. That worked well too.
 
I have not seen a unit with a port on the back, but that doesn't mean they don't have one. Check the XM site.
 
The sound is excellent. I have the woofer/tweeter package, and that sure helps, especially with CD's. They mount the woofer/amp under the drivers or passenger seat.

#8 of 67 Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio by madhat53

Sep 22, 2006 (8:51 pm)

Thanks for the feedback. I have had my Subaru for almost 2 months and it is a joy to drive.
 
I talked to the Subaru dealer (he gets this call several times a month) and there is no auxillary input in the standard Subaru radio. I am thinking about buying a satellite mount that goes into the cigarette lighter and that allows me to switch the satellite radio between cars. That way i do not put a sticky piece of tape on the dashboard or console.
 
I am now looking at adding the tweeter and subwoofer/amplifier at a cost of $475 installed by the Subaru dealer. Any opinions on whether this will significantly"> enhance my sound or am I wasting my money?

#9 of 67 Re: Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio [madhat53] by terry92270

Sep 22, 2006 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: madhat53 (Sep 22, 2006 8:51 pm)
Yes, it will. You do need to make sure to tell them to turn up the gain adjustments, more than half way. I didn't and had to unbolt the holding bracket, dig it out from under the seat, and use a small driver to adjust them.
 
If you do the mounting where I did, it will not be in your way, and those units, most of them I think, now unplug from their mounting, and you can take it inside and use them there, or in a boom box. This type you could also switch between cars. Mine is screwed down. It will make the cars resale better.

#10 of 67 Subaru Forester Stereo and Satellitte Radio by madhat53

Sep 23, 2006 (8:22 am)

Thanks for the advice on the tweeter/sub-woofer and mountng on the satellite radio. I definitely will have them put the gain more than half way on the sub-woofer.
 
My satellite radio is the Samsung Nexus 50 and the docking station has to be vertical. The mounting equipment included in the car kit will only work on the dash or vents. I really do not want to tape something to the car dash as I think it will spoil the look.
 
I was looking at using the cup holder mount, passenger seat mount, or the cigarette lighter mount. The cup holder mount does not give me a good view of the satellite radio and I lose a cup holder. The passenger seat mount bolts onto the passenger seat and is an option I'm still considering but I'm concerned if it will be in the way when someone is in the passenger seat. The cigarette lighter will sit below the radio but will block the various dials that control the heating/air conditioning.
 
Sorry I got so long winded. Thanks again for the feedback.

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