Hi guys,

Its time to upgrade from the factory Clarion in my My08 wrx. I've narrowed it down to a few Pioneer HUs but I've got no clue when it comes to subs.

I'm tossing up between the Jaycar 8" active sub for $149 or going all out on a focal iBus and never having to worry about upgrading down the line.
I'm aware thats a stupidly big jump but I can get a focal from a mate 2nd hand for around $400.

I mostly listen to rock and a bit of the radio.

Cheers.

I'd be inclined to do it once and do it right.

Focal make very good gear as well. I run their splits and am very impressed.

using the Perth-WRX mobile app

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2005 WRX STI

Hey mate,

I'm running the Jaycar sub in my daily, and I think it sounds pretty decent. Even one of the guys at Westside car audio was impressed with it when I went in there to enquire about speakers.

Would be happy for you to have a listen if you want sometime.

EDIT: Just noticed you're not in Perth.

Sent from my Xiaomi Redmi Note 2 Prime

The best option that I have seen is the American design that fits in the recess behind the wheel arch. Bolts onto factory bolts and has the amp inside the enclosure.

Pricey though when you factor in fx and freight.

http://www.audiointegrations.net/PerfectFit.html

I've personally always stuck with Alpine gear. Can't go wrong, even the entry level stuff is good.

I had a double din HU, came with all the luxuries but it was like $1100. Was awesome though, never had a moment where I wanted something else. It literally did everything.

As for sub's, you need to work out how much space you're willing to sacrifice etc. My car has a custom enclosure built in which I will eventually remove as it looks f**king heavy, takes up space and even with dynamat it rattles like crazy.

A solid base is a decent HU with all the features, quality 4 channel amp, some dynamatting in door and a quality set of splits. You'll be happy with that...for a while anyway.

I would take advantage of the acoustic loading attributes of being able to put a sub in the boot / hatch area of the vehicle. Underseat woofers in my opinion are a last resort when vehicle restrictions dictate. The Focal underseat active woofer may be a very good unit when comparing it to other underseat options. There may be a good reason why your mate is selling his Focal iBus, and that may be that he was underwhelmed with it's performance compared to other subwoofer combinations.

Do yourself a favour and visit some reputable car audio shops in your state.

Oh, and for a headunit I would choose an Alpine over a Pioneer.

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