A client from Westminster, Maryland came to WSS Westminster Speed & Sound with his recently purchased 2004 Subaru Forester XT. We love this vehicle! It was the first year that Subaru put a de-tuned version of their STi engine in this car. It sure was fun to drive! But it was a 2004 so it was lacking in many areas from a technology perspective. We went out to the vehicle, sat in it, listened to the stereo system with the client, and scoped out everything for upgrade possibilities. The client explained that he wanted Bluetooth, USB audio input capability, SiriusXM Radio, a mount for his iPhone, and window tint. We also suggested a good set of front speakers as the sound system was very hollow and tinny. We agreed on a game plan and set him an appointment to get rockin’.
Radio replacement is basis of this Subaru stereo upgrade
We decided that it was in his best interest to replace the original radio in the dash. Sony makes a unit in their GS series called the MEXGS600BT that would give him all the technology he was looking for at a reasonable price. So now he had Bluetooth for hands-free calling and music streaming, USB input for audio, and full control of his iPhone for music and the Pandora Internet Radio App. A SiriusXM tuner was added to give him satellite radio.
Phone mount and dedicated USB input
We installed a custom ProClip mount to the right of the radio so he could dock his iPhone and immediately connect it to the Sony unit in the dash. We also installed a dedicated USB port so he could use things other than his iPhone if he wanted to. An example would be a FlashDrive with music loaded on it.
Any Subaru audio upgrade needs great speakers!
To improve the sound quality in the Forester we installed German Maestro CS6508 component speakers in the original locations in the door. Hushmat Wavebreaker was installed behind the door woofers to eliminate distortion caused by the sound waves coming from the back of the speaker that would reflect off the metal in the door and hit the back of the speaker. Wavebreaker is designed to absorb the sound and eliminate this distortion. Foam rings made especially for us were installed on the front side of the speaker coupling it to the door panel, which effectively ensures that all the sound created makes it out of the grill in the door panel, dramatically improving the sound quality. Now the stereo system sounded good and he had the modern technology that was previously lacking.
Dark Matter window film keeps Westminster client cool
But wait….. there’s more. This vehicle has a LOT of glass, so it gets hot in the summer. We installed Dark Matter window film to the vehicle. This is some of the highest technology film available with great clarity, heat rejection, and UV protection for the driver’s skin. It also looks fantastic.
Cold air intake rounds out awesome upgrade!
One last thing. Do you remember us telling you this model had a de-tuned STi engine under the hood? Yep. So for the icing on the cake we installed an Injen Cold Air intake system giving the vehicle better throttle response and even more power.
It was now time to deliver the vehicle to the client. He was ecstatic! He really liked the new look, and he was in love with the new technology and the sound. When we popped the hood and showed him the air intake system he looked like a kid getting a new toy. We love it when a client is pleased. The team at WSS Westminster Speed & Sound knocked another one out of the park. Again.
Stop in anytime or contact us to learn more about what WSS Westminster Speed and Sound has to offer.