I picked up my new Impreza this week. Before I bought the car, I debated about whether or not to get the Kicker subwoofer option. I couldn’t find pictures that gave me a clear idea of how the sub would be installed. How much space would it take up? Where would it mount? Another question that I should have also been asking…how would it sound?
Let’s start by answering the “how would it sound” question. Paired with the Subaru nav head unit as well as the factory upgraded speakers and tweeters, the Kicker sub is (to my ears) overwhelmingly too loud. As in, the bass threatened to shake the car apart. I tried dropping the 80Hz and 160Hz frequencies all the way to the bottom and all the other frequencies as high as they could go. That did make a difference, but not enough of one to balance the sound, although maybe that’s just me. I suppose other people with other ears might love it. If I might hazard a guess…young ears especially. I don’t have golden ears, but I listen to (among other things) a lot of classical & acoustic music, plus I grew up in the home of an audiophile. So, I have certain expectations of any stereo. Young ears with a different background might think the sub is amazing.
So…sound quality issues aside, how’s the Kicker subwoofer look in the back of 2012 Subaru Impreza 5-door? See for yourself. Note that this vehicle has the cargo tray and rear seatback protectors also installed.
The first mounting screw is revealed after folding the left-hand rear seat forward.
The second mounting screw goes into the interior wall behind the left seat. There’s a third mounting screw down below the seatback (not shown).
Detail of the harness that connects the subwoofer.
Looking back through the hatch to the sub after dropping the rear seat. The sub doesn’t move. You’re expected to remove the sub if you want to get at the spare tire.
Bass is supposed to be felt, not heard. And I’m older than you.
Yes…yes, you are.
Since I’m lacking some testosterone, I’d say I’d go for more cargo space…I don’t like anything you have to remove to get to anything…I’ve been damaged by having a 2000 Toyota Sienna (with removable seats) far too long. Plus, I might have a clinical diagnosis for this but, it makes the back “unsymmetrical”…but that’s just my estrogen opinion.
I’ve had it unplugged for the last couple of days, and things are fine. I’m good without it. The sub will be finding a new home, courtesy of the dealer.
in addition to my last comment: Killer subwoofer!!!
Killer indeed. Killed my ears, my nerves, small animals in the vicinity.
So that’s why you now carry one of those horns you stick in your ear with you…I was wondering about that….
Wipe that smile off your face! The poor, sweet, little innocent animals!!!
I had two 12″ Alpine’s in my Sonata. I really miss them. The Rockford Fosgate amp had controls so I could change the level of “thump” depending on whether I was listening to the Punch Brothers or Demon Hunter.
I’ve found an 8″ under seat sub that will work for me, and I’ve sorted out wiring harness issues. It won’t be anything like 2×12″ Alpines, but it will fill out the bottom end. Putting the pieces together now to place the order.
I have PT Cruiser now, not enough room for the 12′s so we put them in Brandon’s Volvo. I was looking for a solution for mine, without replacing the head unit I have to get one with a DSP, rather pricey. Didn’t think about under the seat, have to look into that. I saw some recommendations to not replace the head unit, will have to do some research. Going to start by replacing all the factory speakers, that will be enough of a challenge with the tweeters up in the dash. Hope you enjoy your 8″ and your new car!
I thought I was crazy when I started driving my new Impreza today and almost immediately got a headache from the overly aggressive subwoofer, but your blog post reassures me that I’m not the only one. I also tried to balance the sound with no success, and hope that the dealership will work with me to remove it (and maybe even sell it).
My dealer removed mine for me, and I don’t miss it at all. I am looking at under seat subwoofers now, and hoping that I can re-use the harness. Kicker makes the “Hideaway” that’s a little pricey. There’s other under seat choices I spotted on Crutchfield that could work.