Some in comments complain you make it look too hard. But I have to say, I really appreciate your showing every step, every consideration, and every pondering. Someone who has never done this before is going to wonder all the stuff you showed, and be trying to think it out at the same pace your video is showing. Tearing apart a new car is not for everyone. So seeing you do it, the way you videoed it, is very helpful.
Thanks for the instructions as I just installed my kicker tweeters on my OBW. I also have the upgraded plug and play speakers but haven’t installed yet. Thanks again!
My install was considerably quicker but that is definitely thanks to your video! Great angles and shots of the situation and verifying that a ratchet was the way to go ;) Thanks for the upload man!
That is a Norwex Dusting mitt - its awesome. kiwemcguire.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/708003 Also check out their car products too - I use the car wash mitt to wash my car with just water, the tech cloth to clean my screen and I also use the 3 in 1 car mitt on the inside of my car for the mirrors and dash!
I suppose you need to take a look under the speaker cover and see if there are any cables tucked inside the hold? You may need to look down into the hole through the windshield.
@@rasterfixate i checked thoroughly and thre was no wires :/. I looked online and it seems that a new wire harness may be needed so now im just disappointed even more with my car lol
@@rasterfixatemy base 21 forester has the wire harness already there. Im debating on which tweeters to purchase. I like the kicker plug and play but not sure if there worth the cost
I think so? The upgraded trim would be the HK speaker system but I think the connectors would be the same. Don't know that for sure - but if you are replacing the HK tweeters then that's not the base trim.
Thanks for the video! Do you know if these tweeters work on a 2016 Outback? It's not listed as one of the compatible models but it has a similar connection. Maybe the connection is just slightly different, in which case, why?!
my obw came with hk stock. it sounds alright. you think putting these kicker tweeters would even be feasbile since i heard the hk system is kinda in its own ecosystem.
Good video. I ordered an OBW and I am just waiting for it. I already ordered the new tweeters like you installed. Did you disconnect the battery during the install ? Many say you don't need to.
Oh wow! Didn't even think of that. I had the car turned on even with the radio running the whole time, but on bluetooth and volume down. Seems to be okay. Probably should have turned off the radio during the upgrade part.
The audio in the outback wilderness sounds really bad. Is it worth it to install the replacement tweeters or better to find a complete solution? I'm guessing the replacement tweeters just make it sound less bad...any suggestions?
It is bad. No doubt. I have yet to install my door speakers, but the tweeters do help with the highs...but you need to also do the door speakers which is a massive improvement. Of course when it comes to audio - there are no limits to how far you can upgrade.
It needs a complete audio overhaul. I own a 2021 Crosstrek and a 2023 Outback wilderness. For my Crosstrek, I replaced everything and added an amp, so a new head unit, Kicker 6x9's coaxials upfront, 3.5 inches coaxial in the tweeter location, and 6.5 coaxials in the rear doors. I also added a JL RD/400 4-channel amp. It is kinda pointless to upgrade all of your speakers and not use an amp. Your speakers need power. I've only had the Outback a week, but I plan to do the exact same setup except for 6x9 components up front and 6.5 components in the rear. Also, because you can't really replace the Outback head unit, I am just getting a JL Audio factory integration unit with the digital sound processor (DSP). The factory head units in the new Subarus are terrible and have settings that include bass roll-off. You need an aftermarket digital sound processor (or head unit) to override the factory equalization settings. If you add an amp to a factory head unit, you will just be amplifying a terrible EQ curve. I spent about $2k on my Crosstrek audio upgrade, but I installed the speakers myself and had the amp and head unit professionally installed at a Crutchfield location. You'll also need something like the Maestro i-data link to keep the factory steering wheel controls and work around the Starlink module (this is an actual nightmare, have it professionally installed). There is no simple fix when it comes to an audio upgrade in these new Subarus. I would wait and replace everything at once, buy once, and cry once. It was a complete pain in the butt with my Crosstrek, but I enjoy amazing sound quality every single day. The Outback is my wife's daily driver, so I'm in no hurry to upgrade, and I want to do it right. My father has been a musician and sound engineer for over 30 years. He has the Harmon Kardon in his Subaru, and he admits my setup blows his out of the water by a lot; it's not even close. The JL amp with quality Kicker speakers sounds amazing. Just my 2 cents.
Yeah, there is. Subaru's are all the same interchangeable on stuff like that. I have the same infotainment system as yours should be the same. I already have plug and play JBL door speakers picked out with correct Metra connections and adaptors. You can look it up on RUclips. It might work for yours.
2024-2025 outback Wilderness has Harmon Kardon standard speakers but they don't sound that great. The factory amp keeps the same frequency in and out so it won't be louder but maybe cleaner/crisper. U gotta set the balance more towards the rear.
I'm putting in some kickers. I don't have the exact model number. Once it cools down a bit here, I'll make another video of the install for the front and rear doors.
great camera work!, that has to be the ugliest phone holder I have ever seen. let me dial you in, Proclipsusa has the best Outback holder ever, will survive washboard roads with ease.
swapping the speakers are not necessary, ive had a "system" in every car and truck ive owned, $4k+ on speakers and amps on most... BUT... on the OBW a simple DSP install will save you from having to replace all the speakers AND is a 1/4th the cost. YES it does take crappy speakers and turns them into expensive high quality sounding speakers. - grest video BTW!
I'm learning but I did go to a car audio store and talk about my options for awhile, things definitely seem a lot more complicated than I thought. He as well suggested not replacing the speakers to start. I was told the first step to take (low hanging fruit) would be to get a Kicker Key, a quick Google just told me that's a 'DSP'. It seems interesting and I may try one, although with instalation its seems expensive for a first step. With these two speakers in the video shown side by side it is tempting, they are very cheap with an easy instal by the looks of it. At that price if they make a difference would that not be a good thing? Maybe the DSP overrides that advantage?
just adding a DSP to factory speakers is just adding a "Band-Aid" to the system. when you get good quality speakers and a good amp behind them it then takes it to another level with the DSP. @MoxieTom sound deading will greatly improve the sound in the car.
No. These were the stock Wilderness tweeters which are an unknown brand. They were terrible. The new one's sound better. I had to dial them back just a bit to balance with the other stock speakers. When I get the doors done, I'll balance them again with the stock radio EQ.
We have the Harmon Kardon system in our 2021 Outback Touring XT. The connector did not plug into the Kicker tweeters, it was smaller . How ever I did replace the front and rear door speakers with Morel Tempo Ultra Integra Series from Crutchfield.
Some in comments complain you make it look too hard. But I have to say, I really appreciate your showing every step, every consideration, and every pondering. Someone who has never done this before is going to wonder all the stuff you showed, and be trying to think it out at the same pace your video is showing. Tearing apart a new car is not for everyone. So seeing you do it, the way you videoed it, is very helpful.
Well thanks!
Very good tutorial! I have a wilderness myself and I can't wait to see how you tackle the door speakers, I am thinking of upgrading them myself
Thanks for the instructions as I just installed my kicker tweeters on my OBW.
I also have the upgraded plug and play speakers but haven’t installed yet. Thanks again!
Thanks! I was afraid of these but now I’ll do them in the morning.
Just changed tweeters to the Kicker In my 22 Outback Wilderness it sounds like a completely different system . Thx for the tips
Fantastic! I'm sure everyone is learning how NOT to do this install from my video. HAHAHA!
My install was considerably quicker but that is definitely thanks to your video! Great angles and shots of the situation and verifying that a ratchet was the way to go ;) Thanks for the upload man!
I'd recommend a mini ratchet with a 2 in bit and tape clear plastic on windshield with green masking tape to protect
You are correct!! I have since invested in some ratchets and more little lightweight car tools. Lordy - I'm still learning!!!
Great instructional, thank you, will be very helpful when I get mine.
Great? He didnt even screw them in well.
Great install video. I hope you upload videos on replacing the other speakers as well.
I'll be adding more than that. I have 'great plans' to try to record all the little tweaks and upgrades.
Following as my OBW gets delivered in Jan! Great job!
This was so entertaining to watch thank you
Can I ask you the exact dimensions of the kicker tweeters?
What’s that magic glove that you used to wipe the car? Looks like magic!
That is a Norwex Dusting mitt - its awesome. kiwemcguire.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/708003 Also check out their car products too - I use the car wash mitt to wash my car with just water, the tech cloth to clean my screen and I also use the 3 in 1 car mitt on the inside of my car for the mirrors and dash!
what do i do if my base model does not have the tweeters installed prior?
I suppose you need to take a look under the speaker cover and see if there are any cables tucked inside the hold? You may need to look down into the hole through the windshield.
@@rasterfixate i checked thoroughly and thre was no wires :/. I looked online and it seems that a new wire harness may be needed so now im just disappointed even more with my car lol
@@LicPlate8VPL158 It may take a little sniffing around or maybe a post. But try on the forums : www.subaruoutback.org/
@@rasterfixate it's actually a crosstrek base :(
@@rasterfixatemy base 21 forester has the wire harness already there. Im debating on which tweeters to purchase. I like the kicker plug and play but not sure if there worth the cost
Is this plug and play with the base trim?? Great video
I think so? The upgraded trim would be the HK speaker system but I think the connectors would be the same. Don't know that for sure - but if you are replacing the HK tweeters then that's not the base trim.
Should I disconnect the car battery? This part is "plug in and play" so Im assuming no need to disconnect the battery?
No need to unplug the car battery. Plug and play is the word of the day!!!
Thanks for the video! Do you know if these tweeters work on a 2016 Outback? It's not listed as one of the compatible models but it has a similar connection. Maybe the connection is just slightly different, in which case, why?!
my obw came with hk stock. it sounds alright. you think putting these kicker tweeters would even be feasbile since i heard the hk system is kinda in its own ecosystem.
Personally, I would leave the HK in there. I haven't really hear anyone report on them being terrible. But the NON HK are pure garbage.
what phone mount do you have for the lower phone? the one playing the music.
Good video. I ordered an OBW and I am just waiting for it. I already ordered the new tweeters like you installed. Did you disconnect the battery during the install ? Many say you don't need to.
Oh wow! Didn't even think of that. I had the car turned on even with the radio running the whole time, but on bluetooth and volume down. Seems to be okay. Probably should have turned off the radio during the upgrade part.
I did mine while listening to the radio...lol...I got Harman Kardons with center speaker
The audio in the outback wilderness sounds really bad. Is it worth it to install the replacement tweeters or better to find a complete solution? I'm guessing the replacement tweeters just make it sound less bad...any suggestions?
It is bad. No doubt. I have yet to install my door speakers, but the tweeters do help with the highs...but you need to also do the door speakers which is a massive improvement. Of course when it comes to audio - there are no limits to how far you can upgrade.
It needs a complete audio overhaul. I own a 2021 Crosstrek and a 2023 Outback wilderness. For my Crosstrek, I replaced everything and added an amp, so a new head unit, Kicker 6x9's coaxials upfront, 3.5 inches coaxial in the tweeter location, and 6.5 coaxials in the rear doors. I also added a JL RD/400 4-channel amp. It is kinda pointless to upgrade all of your speakers and not use an amp. Your speakers need power. I've only had the Outback a week, but I plan to do the exact same setup except for 6x9 components up front and 6.5 components in the rear. Also, because you can't really replace the Outback head unit, I am just getting a JL Audio factory integration unit with the digital sound processor (DSP). The factory head units in the new Subarus are terrible and have settings that include bass roll-off. You need an aftermarket digital sound processor (or head unit) to override the factory equalization settings. If you add an amp to a factory head unit, you will just be amplifying a terrible EQ curve. I spent about $2k on my Crosstrek audio upgrade, but I installed the speakers myself and had the amp and head unit professionally installed at a Crutchfield location. You'll also need something like the Maestro i-data link to keep the factory steering wheel controls and work around the Starlink module (this is an actual nightmare, have it professionally installed). There is no simple fix when it comes to an audio upgrade in these new Subarus. I would wait and replace everything at once, buy once, and cry once. It was a complete pain in the butt with my Crosstrek, but I enjoy amazing sound quality every single day. The Outback is my wife's daily driver, so I'm in no hurry to upgrade, and I want to do it right. My father has been a musician and sound engineer for over 30 years. He has the Harmon Kardon in his Subaru, and he admits my setup blows his out of the water by a lot; it's not even close. The JL amp with quality Kicker speakers sounds amazing. Just my 2 cents.
Wonder if the 2022 WRX had the same tweets? Can't find any info on them.
You may need to try to pop-off the cover? Not sure if there is even a cover.
Yeah, there is. Subaru's are all the same interchangeable on stuff like that. I have the same infotainment system as yours should be the same. I already have plug and play JBL door speakers picked out with correct Metra connections and adaptors. You can look it up on RUclips. It might work for yours.
2024-2025 outback Wilderness has Harmon Kardon standard speakers but they don't sound that great. The factory amp keeps the same frequency in and out so it won't be louder but maybe cleaner/crisper. U gotta set the balance more towards the rear.
Thanks for a great tutorial! Maybe I missed it in your video, but have you decided which speakers you plan to use in the doors?
I'm putting in some kickers. I don't have the exact model number. Once it cools down a bit here, I'll make another video of the install for the front and rear doors.
@@rasterfixate Very cool! I’ll look forward to the next video.
@@rasterfixate Still waiting for that next video; hope you still plan to do it. Thanks!
@@syr1964 I am def doing a speaker video. It all it's fumbling glory! I'm hopeful the speakers show up under the tree in a couple of weeks!
You still going to do another video about upgrading the speakers?
Yes! Buuuuut ~~~ It's pollen season here in TX and I don't dare spend any more time than necessary outside! Soon!
@@rasterfixate awesome awesome can't wait
Would theses work on a 23 outback?
great camera work!, that has to be the ugliest phone holder I have ever seen. let me dial you in, Proclipsusa has the best Outback holder ever, will survive washboard roads with ease.
swapping the speakers are not necessary, ive had a "system" in every car and truck ive owned, $4k+ on speakers and amps on most... BUT... on the OBW a simple DSP install will save you from having to replace all the speakers AND is a 1/4th the cost. YES it does take crappy speakers and turns them into expensive high quality sounding speakers. - grest video BTW!
Do you have an example install video of a DSP in a OB/W or particular link to a product you could share?
I'm learning but I did go to a car audio store and talk about my options for awhile, things definitely seem a lot more complicated than I thought. He as well suggested not replacing the speakers to start.
I was told the first step to take (low hanging fruit) would be to get a Kicker Key, a quick Google just told me that's a 'DSP'.
It seems interesting and I may try one, although with instalation its seems expensive for a first step.
With these two speakers in the video shown side by side it is tempting, they are very cheap with an easy instal by the looks of it. At that price if they make a difference would that not be a good thing? Maybe the DSP overrides that advantage?
No it doesn't .
Moronic statement
just adding a DSP to factory speakers is just adding a "Band-Aid" to the system. when you get good quality speakers and a good amp behind them it then takes it to another level with the DSP. @MoxieTom sound deading will greatly improve the sound in the car.
You can pop the cover off with a credit card.
Where did you get the white tool to pop the speaker grate up with?
The tool is from Amazon. But it's not really a tool - it's a butter knife!! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TBS67B1
Crutchfield has panel tools. THey are just basically small plastic prybars that have various tips and angles to remove body panels without scratching.
Used a scraper just put duct tape on majority for no scratches worked great . Very easy to do ….
Did you upgrade from the Harmon Kardon teeeters?
No. These were the stock Wilderness tweeters which are an unknown brand. They were terrible. The new one's sound better. I had to dial them back just a bit to balance with the other stock speakers. When I get the doors done, I'll balance them again with the stock radio EQ.
We have the Harmon Kardon system in our 2021 Outback Touring XT. The connector did not plug into the Kicker tweeters, it was smaller . How ever I did replace the front and rear door speakers with Morel Tempo Ultra Integra Series from Crutchfield.
Where did you get your tweeters at
It's in the video description. These are the tweeters I used: amzn.to/3plrfrD
DS18 ProST tweeter speaker will NOT fit the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness.
💚💚💚💚
Fresh tortilla vs stale. Worst analogy for audiophile ever.
Deserved for somebody who identifies as an audiophile.
That was painful to watch. You have a knack of making things up here harder than they are
Ratchets are pretty cheap dude...