How To Upgrade Sound System of Subaru Outback

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: October 28, 2023

For every Subaru Outback aficionado, there's an undeniable joy that comes from the rumble of its boxer engine and the feeling of the breeze as you traverse off the beaten path. But sometimes, even amidst such adventures, you might fancy a bit of Ed Sheeran or Led Zeppelin to keep you company.

Especially when you're setting course for an extended journey, trekking hundreds, if not thousands of miles. In such moments, a top-tier playlist becomes essential. And if there's a family involved, particularly the little ones, well, they might appreciate some cartoons on the Outback's infotainment system.

However, the stock audio system in the Outback doesn't always live up to our rock-and-roll dreams. It might lack that punch, or perhaps, let's be honest, sometimes sound like it's being played through a tin can. If you're nodding in agreement about your Subaru’s sound system, then, my friend, it’s high time for an upgrade. And this article will lead you through it.

Are you brave enough? Or should you leave it to those who know their watts from their ohms?

Tinkering with the Subaru Outback's audio system isn't child's play. It requires a bit of technical wizardry. You need to be familiar with not just connecting things, but also with the intricate wiring of the Outback.

Botch the wiring, and you might not just lose music, but you might also see some unexpected fireworks. So, if you're doubting your inner electrician, it's probably wise to hand the task over to the professionals. Not only will you save time, but you'll also have peace of mind knowing your beloved Outback's tunes are in safe hands.

First rule of electronics club: Disconnect the battery

Before even thinking of tweaking your Subaru Outback, ensure you've disconnected the negative battery terminal. It's not just about avoiding a jolt, but more about ensuring your Outback doesn't turn into a makeshift fireworks display.

What's in your toolbox?

Based on your audio aspirations, your toolkit might vary. However, here's a general list for your acoustic escapades:

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Essentials include:

• A trusty set of wrenches;
• Insulating tape (for those ‘oops’ moments);
• Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead, because who knows which one you'll need);
• Pliers (for when things need a gentle tug);
• Soldering iron;
• Specific wires for your chosen system;
• Your Outback's wiring diagram or Subaru Outback Owner's Manual;
• Multimeter (because guessing is for game shows, not car electronics).

The Speaker Situation

It's a simple truth: Your music is only as good as your speakers. Cheap ones might start strong, but they'll soon sound like they're phoning it in, literally.

When the day comes to upgrade, aim for the stars. Or at least a reputable brand. Expect to part with around $100-$200 per speaker, though if you're willing to stretch the budget, you'll get an audio experience that’s music to your ears.

Picking the perfect speaker for your Subaru Outback

Beyond sheer quality, you'll want to ensure the speakers you pick fit your Outback like a glove. Each model has its speaker sweet spot, in terms of size and placement.

Size does matter here – too big and they won’t fit, too small and they might just dance around. To avoid any awkward silences (or rattles), you'll want to check the speaker specifications for your Outback model here.

How to fit new speakers in your Subaru Outback?

Now, you've got your splendid Subaru Outback, and you fancy upgrading its speakers, right? It’s all “Plug and Play,” like one of those video games my children never let me win at. Here's how you do it:

First, find where Subaru’s wizards have hidden your speakers. Yes, that could be an adventure by itself.

Next, carefully remove any paneling obstructing those speakers. Don't wield a hammer; we're not cavemen!

Unscrew the speakers, gently. No, don't use brute force.

Now, disconnect the wires. Remember which is which, lest you find yourself summoning the smoke monster from your new speakers.

Slide in the new speaker. If it's the right fit, splendid! If not... well, it's probably back to the drawing board (or trimming some plastic).

Wire up the speaker, making sure to get those pesky + and - the right way round.

Make sure the speakers are snugly in place, like a well-fitted glove.

Put everything back together. Remember, your Outback should look as sleek as before, not like it’s had a minor surgery.

Lastly, test the sound. You know, crank it up and pretend you’re on a racetrack or perhaps just cruising in the countryside.

Now, Subaru Outback offers plenty of spots for you to unleash your creativity. You could place speakers just about anywhere! But remember, more speakers might mean more weight and, possibly, more rattling. We don’t want the Outback sounding like a mobile maraca band, do we?

Subwoofer: The rumble under the seat

In your Subaru Outback, the subwoofer isn't just about making the mirrors shake; it’s about feeling the music, from the softest note to the mightiest bass drop.

Subwoofers play those beats that regular car speakers shy away from. By adding one to your Outback, you’re essentially giving your music a depth, something more tangible.

On the market, you might find them for around 250-300 dollars, which, considering the grand orchestral experience it provides, isn't too shabby.

Choosing a subwoofer for the Subaru Outback: Not as easy as pie

It’s a bit of a minefield out there with subwoofers. You’ve got active, passive, and probably some I've forgotten about.

Benefits of Active Subwoofers

It comes with a pal: Active subs have their amplifier buddy built right in, so no need to hunt for an extra bit of kit.

They’re not space hogs: Designed to be compact, they snuggle right in, making them perfect for the versatile Subaru Outback.

Installation? Easy peasy: With everything in one neat package, you’re not left scratching your head. It's straightforward.

Tailor to your taste: Fancy a bit more boom or perhaps a softer touch? These active beauties allow for plenty of adjustments to get the sound just right for your Subaru Outback.

Active subwoofer disadvantages

Steeper price tag. You're paying for that built-in amplifier, so naturally, these active beasts come with a more eye-watering price than their passive cousins when you want them in a Subaru Outback.

Positioning Headaches. Being tethered to a power source (either the car's battery or some additional fancy ones) means your freedom to place it wherever you fancy in your Subaru is somewhat... curtailed.

Passive subwoofer, on the other hand, skips the whole amplifier shindig. You'll need to shop for an amplifier separately, and maybe even haggle a bit.

Passive subwoofer's high notes

Amplifier Freedom. With a passive subwoofer in your Subaru Outback, you can handpick an external amplifier that tickles your fancy and doesn't entirely deplete your wallet. This could mean a superior audio kick, depending on your choices.

Gentler on the purse. These don't come with an amplifier built-in, hence they're generally easier on the bank balance than their active counterparts.

More creative freedom. Without an inbuilt amplifier, you've got more leeway to position the subwoofer distinct from the amplifier, potentially optimizing every nook and cranny of your Subaru Outback.

The downsides of passive subwoofers

Extra Kit. A passive subwoofer in your Subaru will be crying out for an external power amplifier. That means more gear, a spaghetti of wiring, and potentially a more convoluted and pricier setup process.

Fewer knobs to fiddle with. Passive subwoofers aren't as tweak-friendly as their active siblings. You might be back and forth with external amplifier adjustments to nail that perfect bass resonance.

Bigger Footprint. You'll need more real estate in your Subaru Outback for the external amplifier, compared to the more compact active systems.

Power isn't just something to shout about when flooring it on a straight. When hunting for a subwoofer, consider:

• RMS power - the gauge of the speaker's stamina and quality over prolonged play;
• Peak power - how it performs in short bursts (a quick two-second belter) without turning your tunes into a distorted mess.

Sensitivity. It's not just about power consumption; it's about output. Think about the subwoofer's diffuser area and movement characteristics – it's a dance between "mighty" and "minuscule" subs.

Ramp up sensitivity by 3 decibels, and you're doubling your volume – lovely!

Resistance (or impedance if you're feeling fancy) is the ohm game. It clues you into the power the amplifier's flexing. Lower resistance? Expect a stronger punch from the amplifier but brace for more sound distortion. A resistance of 4 ohms is the Goldilocks zone for Subaru Outback subwoofers.

And before you go big and burly with the subwoofer size because, well, bigger usually means better, remember you've got to fit this behemoth somewhere in your Subaru Outback. Some planning and measuring might save you from a boot-full of regret.

So, have a good ponder, maybe even a cup of tea, and choose wisely.

The Sublime World of Subaru Outback Subwoofer Installation

So, you’ve taken the leap and got yourself a subwoofer for that Subaru Outback. Splendid choice! Now, let’s not dawdle and get it snug inside, shall we?

This guide's as close to universal as your grandma’s chicken soup recipe, but remember, installing in an Outback might throw you a curveball or two. Stumble upon a hiccup? Give us a ring. We live for this stuff.

Step one: Finding a home for the amplifier. The boot? Under the seat? Just think, it should be near the battery but far from places where it might decide to have a steamy affair with heat or moisture.

Got it all bolted down? Now, connect it to the battery, ensuring the wire is protected by a fuse near the battery – safety first!

If you've splashed out on an active subwoofer, lucky you! No amplifier faffing for you. Just wire it straight to the speakers.

For the others, ground the amplifier to a nice, bare bit of your Subaru Outback. Keep it short and sweet. Then, route those RCA cables from your music machine to the amplifier. Keep them far from the power wire to avoid them squabbling and causing interference.

Then, connect your subwoofer and amplifier with the speaker wire. Make sure you're not mixing your reds with your blacks. Basic stuff.

Next, get your subwoofer cozy in a well-fitted box. This isn’t just for looks - the box affects how it sounds. Once settled, find a spot in your Subaru where it feels most at home. Usually, that's the trunk.

Reconnect the battery, fire up the stereo, and fiddle with the settings on your amplifier. Get everything harmonising beautifully, and then maybe play around with the equalizer settings for that perfect pitch.

Last but not least, do a double-check on all those connections. A loose wire can be the difference between musical heaven and a very muted hell.

Choosing an Amplifier for the Musical Soul of Your Subaru Outback

Before you even think about picking an amplifier for your Outback, let's clear the air on a few things. The amplifier and speaker? They're like gin and tonic – meant to go hand in hand. Don't mismatch power and resistance, or you're in for a nasty surprise.

Watch that input impedance. No going below what the amplifier can handle!

Then there's the alphabet soup of amplifier classes: A, B, C, D, AB. AB's got superb output quality but can be a bit on the inefficient side. Meanwhile, D is all about power and efficiency, hitting marks as high as 95%.

If subwoofers are your thing, monoblocks might be your best bet. Two-channels offer a versatile touch, while three-channels are perfect if you're adding two speakers and a subwoofer.

Four-channels? Now you're talking about building an audio masterpiece in your Subaru Outback. And if you're looking to go all out, five-channels are there for the taking.

Power is crucial, but remember, with great power comes... a need to be careful with resistance. Stick within a good range for frequencies, usually between 20 - 20,000 Hz.

If you're an audiophile, the distortion factor and signal-to-noise ratio are your best mates. Keep them close.

How to Boost the Beating Heart of Your Subaru Outback with an Amplifier

First things first, you need to find the sweet spot in your Outback to fit the amplifier. Make sure it's somewhere cool and dry, away from any mid-journey tea spillage.

Once you've figured out where to nestle it, bolt that thing down, because you don’t want it sliding about when you're cornering like The Stig... or me.

Next, connect the power wire from the battery to the amplifier. But remember, it’s not just about making a connection, it’s an art. Be tidy, route the wire through the Outback’s protective shield to avoid the dreaded wire spaghetti monster scenario.

Now, let’s talk grounding. Locate a shiny metal bit near the amp. Strip the insulation from the end of the ground wire and bond with the metal like you're shaking hands with an old friend.

For the remote start wire, you'll find it lurking behind the car radio or perhaps hiding in the fuse box. This cheeky wire wakes up the amplifier when the Outback's sound system is singing.

If your Subaru stereo is fancy enough to have RCA outputs, connect them straight to the amplifier. If not, a line-out converter should do the trick, turning those speaker wires into something a bit more amp-friendly.

Finally, connect your speakers, but remember, it’s not a jigsaw puzzle. Positive to positive, negative to negative. Secure everything and wrap up any naked wires. No one wants an accidental light show.

The Brain of the Outback: The Head Unit

All Subaru Outbacks come with a nifty little audio system as standard. Most are equipped with a dandy radio unit in the heart of the console. Perfect for belting out your favorite tunes on a Sunday drive.

Picking the Right Brain for Your Subaru Outback

Now, if you’re looking to switch things up, remember it's not just about the flash and bang. Take into account the size of your current unit: single din, 1.5 din, or double din. If you want a seamless fit, get one that matches. But if you're feeling adventurous and fancy a larger screen for all those...maps, be prepared for a bit of fettling.

Fitting the New Genius in Your Subaru Outback

If you’ve gone for a like-for-like replacement, it should slot in like a dream. If you’ve opted for something bigger, you might need to play a bit of car Tetris. Always read the manual – yes, even I do sometimes. It’ll tell you where everything is.

Once you’ve removed the old unit without resorting to a hammer, connect your new system's wires to the Outback's wires. Remember, if your radio requires an adapter, don't skimp. Use it.

Slide the new unit in, make sure it’s snug, and then fire it up. Enjoy the sweet sound of success – and hopefully some good tunes, too.

When the Outback's Sound Isn’t Roaring Enough

The Subaru Outback, with its gutsy engine and all-terrain prowess, is engineered brilliantly. It feeds power to things like the engine, lights, seat warmers, and yes, that little device which lets you play endless ABBA songs. But even the mighty Outback has its limits.

Now, whilst you can charge your phone, run the heaters, and enjoy that symphony in concert quality, you might be pushing your Outback's electrical patience. Too many gadgets and you might find yourself with a whimpering sound system, rather than a roaring one.

Particularly, your attempt to recreate that concert hall feeling, can result in a voltage hiccup, which, in layman terms, is like giving your Subaru too much pudding.

How do you know you've angered the electrical gods?

• The car suddenly thinks it's a disco with all lights flashing;
• The engine starts a rhythmical jitterbug;
• Headlights looking as tired as you feel on a Monday morning;
• The music experiences occasional "hiccups", especially during a good bass;
• Other in-car systems throw a tantrum.

If your Outback starts showing these signs after a sound system upgrade:

• Start the engine and pretend you're a DJ – lights, AC, wipers, and, of course, the tunes;
• Find the battery - usually under the bonnet;
• Play electrician with a multimeter – red to positive, black to negative;
• If the numbers on the multimeter aren't between 14.2–15 - 15 Volts, you’ve overdone it.

So, solutions for those who can't resist their electric toys:

Supercharge with a meatier alternator: Sometimes, the factory-fitted alternator is just too tame. Upgrade to something with more oomph.

For instance, if your Outback’s alternator is a timid 80 A chap, consider bringing in its beefier 120 A cousin.

Double up with a second battery: If messing with the alternator isn't your tea, add another battery. It’s like giving your Subaru a sidekick!

Note: Remember, when connecting batteries, parallel is the way. Else, you'll be getting fireworks you didn't ask for.

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Additional Razzmatazz for the Outback

Beyond making Beethoven proud, why not elevate the Outback experience with more tech?

Multimedia touchscreen

If you're beefing up the Subaru’s sounds, consider screens for the kids or the occasionally bored adult at the back. Cartoons, movies, or perhaps a Clarkson motoring special? Makes those long drives a tad less long.

Navigation system

Embarking on adventures in unknown terrains? A navigation system ensures your Outback doesn't end up on Mars. Well, not literally, but you get the point.

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The Sound and the Fury

Enhancing your Subaru Outback's auditory experience can elevate your journey from mundane to melodious. The roar of the engine complemented by your favorite tunes? Absolutely sublime!

Choose your tech wisely, and if in doubt, remember there’s no shame in consulting a professional. Or at least someone who won't turn your Outback into a disco ball on wheels.