In our German community our audio pro has checked on the toyobaru soundsystem. He is reporting that the speakers are in fact horrible. So adding an amplifier is actually a horrible decision. Swap the speakers in the dash and the doors :) KR
Amp can still improve bad speakers. I'm doing the amp with the OEM+ speaker upgrade. I don't want to add any more gear like a sub or more amps because I want to keep the car lightweight.
@@duffman2686 no they are not. You just have 2 more high note tweeters in the dash on the premium trim. Everything else is the same. BUT IN FACT European cars, all the trims on the twins have the exact same sound system in them.
I bought this because of your video :-) Your install process is spot on. (unlike the official video) - You are right, the sound quality difference is insane. I had just about given up on the audio in my GR86. Thank you for sharing!!
@@ORG8 For me, the value was in the simplicity and price point. The install in the 86 is pretty easy and you get much improved sound quality without replacing speakers or adding expensive, external amps/subs to the already tiny space. It brings out additional clarity the stock system should have had. For my needs, I would do it again. Hope it helps!
@@ORG8 I just did this install. I'm an audio guy - my other cars all have dedicated amps for the highs/mids, sub amps, etc. Since this is my track car, I didn't want to go nuts w/ the audio gear. But, the stock sound system is just so atrocious. I figured I'd give this a try. I'm truly blown away by how much better it sounds. It doesn't make any sense, as adding an amp alone shouldn't improve the sound of crappy oem speakers on an economy car like this, but it does indeed make a huge difference. Well worth the few hundred $.
The company was down the street. Watched the video at 1:00pm, went in person at 3:00pm, Installed at night within 15 minutes. The best way to put it is that the car audio sounds more clear and nicely toned in at louder volumes. Id suggest you have the front gain turned a little more than half and the rear turned a little more than the front, it balances out nicely.
Would be nice to know where the Premium amp is mounted. I wouldn't think having two in-line amps would give the best result. If the one featured in this video is indeed better, it's sprucing up the signal and then handing it off to another amp that does a worse job before the second amp outputs to your speakers. The second amp could potentially be degrading the end result and you wouldn't know.
Thanks for the great video Kevin - picked one up using your code and install was super easy following this guide. One note for anyone else attempting this, the double-sided tape that came with the amp didn’t stick for me, so you might want to get your own. I had to drill some holes through the trim and zip tie the amp down.
Yoo, is it better? Some people are saying that the speakers are so bad that the amp wont make it sound nicer but just louder and be worse when the volume is up. what is your thoughts? I was going to grab this until I read some comments. Idk if I want to save $1300 for speakers but I also dont like buying things that are a gimmick
@@ORG8 It's definitely louder... and IMO a little better at lower volumes. However after a while there was a pretty annoying buzzing / humming noise coming from the unit and I had to undo the installation. I guess you get what you pay for.
I would love to see if the OEM+ audio speakers still have any improvements after the amp upgrade. Btw, I love all your GR86 Videos. Please keep posting them, as a lot of new people should be getting the next years model, and hopefully I'm one of them.
Great video very detailed install steps. Makes me want to install. Your videos give people the confidence to push there car builds doing there mods without taking it to the shop. With the current changes of gas prices and food! the new trend is doing the work yourself and saving cost. Thank you PS i have been thinking about just changing the speakers soon. But to be honest nothing is better then a good sounding engine.
Thanks for showing install on this! I was already very interested in this but my biggest worry was install difficulty and taking apart the dash. After seeing how easy it is I will definitely be ordering one for myself!!
I tried to install mine, but surprisingly the socket adapters didn't fit into OEM wiring for my 2023 Subaru BRZ. I paid attention to your video and I have in my car the exact set of wires you have in yours. But my Beat Sonic came with large sockets with thinner pins 😢😢
Already did the speakers but this is going to give them the chonk they're missing with the stock stereo. this might actually save me a weekend of creating panels for larger rear speakers and give my Kickers some....kick 😎 YEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Awesome coming across your TikTok yesterday from my WidebodyGR86! Finally just subscribed to you here! Thank you Kevin for all of your inspiring awesomeness... you make this look effortless :D
I did the 6 front speakers upgrade from OEM audio+, sound deadening behind/around door woofers, sound deadened trunk floor/lid and a JBL bass pro hub. I would say it's decent now, but a bose system in a new Mazda 3 is still better. I'm not sure if the head unit just has a really shitty dac or amp, but the audio always has a shouty/sharper tonal balance to the vocals. I prefer a warmer richer sound in a car so it's less fatiguing to listen to on long drives.
Loving the video content you're uploading! small to large product content! Keep it going. Ordered some tail light overlays as a gift for a coworker who's waiting on his pearl white GR86! Then its off to the track. :) Will continue to support.
This should be a cheaper alternative to OEM Audio+, they're taking a long time for their R&D on this vehicle. This upgrade should probably be done alongside a speaker upgrade. I feel like the extra mid and mid bass are putting worse stress on the stock speakers, and then blow one out eventually.
@@MrSpamfriedrice, gotcha. I commented on another post that this makes sense for base cars, especially with upgraded speakers given they have no amp factory. But I'm not convinced there's any reason to add it to the upper trim car, upgraded speakers or not (given they have an amp).
The premium model is amplified but still isn't premium quality sound. I already have subs in the car but anything to take out distortion in the speakers and amplify the quality is a win in my book.@@DylanTK
@@rogue9775, preaching to the choir. I have the premium as well as the OEM Audio+ speaker set in mine. That upgrade removed nearly all distortion, added clarity and some more low-end, and requires less power to do so. But I guess if this can help with stock speakers then sure, but I'm not really seeing how adding the amp is going to change that much (but if it does awesome). Base cars have no amp, paper cones vs composite, and less speakers, so I can definitely see this helping more there especially with upgraded speakers.
It would probably be easier to install nee speakers altogether. It's definitely good having a new amp, but as an audiophile, id rather just get new speakers. Start there. Youll get a much bigger jump in aidio quality, and match the amo to you new speakers requirements if need be.
Depends which trim you have. On the Premium GR the speakers are decent but the head unit amp is dismal. Upgrading the amp alone makes a huge difference in that trim.
That is a very interesting statement as I was looking at OEM Audio + as an upgrade. I have the iDoing HU in my 2018 WRX and will be grabbing one of these to install.
Que the safety warriors telling you the airbag system has ben jeapordised now, blah blah. Good video but i personally am doing speakers first they make a much bigger difference. TBH the built in amp is strong enough for a decent set of splits that fit in the oem speaker wells.
I've seen this before, but what sort of tuning? I'm not great with these things, and my tweaking just gets me chunky sounding base, like it's hitting a wet paper sack.
I have built several Evos I Am new to the Toyota 86 not sure where to start. With all the electrical and modern tech not sure what to do with this car build without ruining the performance. This is is what I would like to see Taking it a off the lot 86 and increasing its power and also showing how to install the part for example cold air intake. What’s parts are risky how far can you push the car before it becomes risky. Turbo kit ? This car is amazing for the first time I feel like I bought a car that has it all. My goal aggressive personal and clean and just a little quicker acceleration. Love the channel some suggestions . Thank you
So, I've added the Rockville Ghost Active Powered Sub. It, too, is amplified and has made my system sound better. Do you think this unit will help it sound better? I've also added JBL's in the door. Wondering if this would just be too much, or EVEN BETTER. Thoughts...
a powered sub has its own internal amp and cross-over network. it uses either RCAs (low level) or speaker input (high level) for the signal. unless the amp does correction and restoration (think DSP), you are not going to hear much change. think good signal in, good signal out.
Well that definitely sounds so much better!! I think it's been asked already but is this just for the base trim or will this work with the premium trim as well? Keep up the great work and content Kev!👍
@@KevinVo that's awesome! Now I'm by no means an audio expert, just want a little better sound from the stock system. Having said that, safe to say having basically 2 amps won't mess up the system or sound it puts out? Your GR86 is a base trim, right? Has anyone that you know of installed this in a premium trim?
@@Joe_AvI'd like to see an answer to this question as well, I can't imagine having two in-line amplifiers could possibly be a good thing, lol. If the Premium indeed also adds an amp, it would be desirable to know where it is mounted, hopefully you can just swap it out.
I have a lot of experience in audio engineering and the speakers are the final check and balance for sound and sound quality. You can upgrade as much as you want before touching the speakers, I guarantee you won’t notice as much of a change as the speakers being upgraded.
I've only upgrade the speaker. And the sound quality is 100% better. The bass is more sharp. The mid and high was very crips. I swap my front speaker to Infinity Ref-3032cfx 3.5" and then my door panel into Audison prima AP 6.5". 2 hours job after watching how to remove all the panel. Easy peasy.
Well done video with a lot of attention to detail in case someone wants to do this. I will agree that the sound system is not the best compared to the system in our 2017 Impreza.
I noticed when I went to the Beat-Sonic website to look at the specs for the ENA-2S1 that Beat-Sonic also has a ENX-T106 for the 86 that states it's for the 8 speaker setup. It also says it has a DSP and USB port, which I imagine is for connecting to a PC to adjust settings? (Don't know for sure because they don't say) 6 RCA outputs as well for external amps. Doesn't state the amount of power it produces or other specs though. No electronic manual available either to look anything up. Wish there was more info because, if the ENX-T106 really is a DSP that I can adjust through my PC, that would be worth the extra cost. Also, seems like a bad idea to put an amp that probably gets really hot right under my airbag...
I installed this. It’s 100% better. Not by much but it is better. For $300 and not having to replace the speakers is worth it to me. Easily removable if you want to put it stock. This install video is better than the vendors…
To make the best sound system that's plug and play, get the OEM+ speakers for the front doors and the dashboard tweeters, get this amp, and add some high quality sound deadening to the doors and trunk area.
Great video but there’s a free-Way. If you have Spotify or Apple Music. Go on your equalizer and adjust to sound how you like it and increase the treble and bass there. Even better, if you have Spotify. Navigate to your Playback, then change your volume level from medium to loud. So these are handful of Options to improvise and increase the treble and bass.
Here is the absolute best sound config for stock until you can get a new system: AUDIO: Virtual bass: low (not off, 1st tick) Vocal settings/stage expander: low (not off. 1st tick) Dynamic beat enhancer: OFF Sound restore: ON EQ: Powerful: ON Bass: +1 Mid: -1 High: -1 most important setting: Fader: -2 to the back. This takes out a lot of distortion between lower frequencies that the stock system seems to want to cram into the stereo field of the front speakers. It won't increase your bass, but it will give you bass that doesn't sound like garbled dogshit. The back speakers are tiny and have almost zero low freq response but they do add surround so diverting the signal to the back in this case just cleans up the bass whereas in most cars you are fading to the back FOR bass. The front speakers have too much emphasis on bass in this stock system imo. Those speakers can't handle it. Hope this helps!
Dude, you are a genius! I have a 22 BRZ Limited, in which I thought the sound was pretty OK. But it did get pretty distorted and cluttered as the volume went up. I played with all the settings myself, but yours are superior. I think bumping it 2 notches back is key. Thanks so much.
How's that shift knob? looks a bit oversized. Look into the Toyota Urethane Black JDM Shift Knob. It's the one that comes with the RC JDM cars. Adds just a little bit of weight and keeps the same form factor as the factory one.
@@KevinVo Got mine using your code. Major improvement in sound on the Premium GR. The system sounds legit now and I couldn't say that before. Install was easy. Kevin's install steps are simpler and better than the official install video steps.
In one of your Sema videos, you talked about the DSP amp. Where do I get one? Also, where do I get, and what brand of carbon fiber add-ons are the best? Now, the steering wheel. Do they make one for the automatic with the paddle shifters? What brand is the bet and where do I get one?
You can get the DSP amp from Beatsonic: www.beatsonicusa.com/enx-t106.html As for the carbon fiber add-ons you can pick them up on my website! www.driven.media/shop/22-toyota-gr86subaru-brz The steering wheel is the same for the manual and the automatic. The shifter paddles will attach to the steering wheel just like OEM. You can email The Mod Garage to place your order for a steering wheel.
Hi Kevin. Thank you for all your informative videos. I have had a 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited for about 5 months. I had some questions about the audio upgrade with the Beat Sonic amplifier. I contacted Beat Sonic directly to see if they could recommend a dealer near me to install the amplifier. They graciously offered to install it for me but I live 80+ miles away from their shop. Would you or anyone else out there be able to recommend a Beat Sonic dealer in California-Ventura County? Thank you in advance for any help.
@kevinvo what trim do you have? I have the base model. I have a few questions if you don't mind. Is there a way to convert the built in laptimer to read your GPS location so you can really is it as a timer at the tracks? Do you have a video that shows how to do a big break upgrade and what to buy?
Does installing the amp on top of the airbag like that interfere with its operation when deployed? I am not sure how this one works exactly but the front of the dash is where the air bag deploys and probably fire up where you put the amp. I could be wrong though, but something to consider.
Yup interested to know if this works on the vb. It would be perfect for the base model. I might bite the bullet and try it out. It supposedly has the same connectors. I’ll comment back later lol
I installed this unit in my 2023 GR86 base. However, the radio comes on when the accessory mode, but the amplifier does not come on until the car is in ignition mode. Do you have the same experience?
Kevin were can I find OEM sport pedals for my 2023 sport pedals for my base model did not check the difference in each model except the obvious or any body else know can buy the three pedals but not the foot rest thanks.
I have a 2023 brz limited, which has the 8 speakers plus the 2 channel amp, im curious to know if you have the 8 speakers as well or the 6 speaker system
@Kevin Vo, I have a couple of questions; In the webpage it says it has additional RCA imputs but thats really strange or have no logic for me, for example I will install a real big amplifier with one big subwoofer using the whole space on the trunk and what I need are RCA outputs to connect the amplifier. They are are inputs or outputs ? it has no logic that they are called imputs but they are differentiated between front and rear. Can you confirm please ?
Nope, this was engineered to work perfectly with the OEM speaker setup without overworking them as long as you don't turn the gain up all the way, which is why I recommended the adjustment in the video.
Hey Kevin I bought one of these and my head unit crackles and pops even more after I installed the beatsonic amp. I might need to take this in for warranty work. Lol
@@KevinVo Yes for sure. I took your advice and tested everything while the unit was just loose. I have always had issues with the head unit in the car crackling and popping after extended high volume use. Seems like it heats up and has issues. The beatsonic unit gets great reviews so I am sure I'm a unique case. My friend works at the service dept at Toyota so I'll call him and get the head unit replaced under warranty to see if that helps.
@@TheeneFyou don't need this for that case. You should've got aftermarket amp and disconnect the stock amp in your trunk and connect your new amp to the pre-existing wiring from the stock amp. Also, if you do decide to go that route, getting better component speakers.
Thanks for the perfect install instructional video. I might do this. Adding a top notch sound system on this car seems like a waste of money, at least to me. Between the air noise, road noise, and engine noise, having something a bit better for not a lot of money seems more than good enough.
Somehow you manage to make any seemingly complex install look easy haha Love the attention to every step
I try my best! Haha
In our German community our audio pro has checked on the toyobaru soundsystem. He is reporting that the speakers are in fact horrible. So adding an amplifier is actually a horrible decision. Swap the speakers in the dash and the doors :) KR
Yeah speakers are trash.
Amp can still improve bad speakers. I'm doing the amp with the OEM+ speaker upgrade. I don't want to add any more gear like a sub or more amps because I want to keep the car lightweight.
The speakers on the premium trim are different (as well as having the two extras). Was he looking at the base trim?
@@duffman2686 no they are not. You just have 2 more high note tweeters in the dash on the premium trim. Everything else is the same. BUT IN FACT European cars, all the trims on the twins have the exact same sound system in them.
@@nn99nn99 there are good solutions via new lightweight speakers without an sub. Our audio pros solutions adds only like 2 kg more weight to the car 💪
I bought this because of your video :-) Your install process is spot on. (unlike the official video) - You are right, the sound quality difference is insane. I had just about given up on the audio in my GR86. Thank you for sharing!!
Glad I could help!
@@ORG8 For me, the value was in the simplicity and price point. The install in the 86 is pretty easy and you get much improved sound quality without replacing speakers or adding expensive, external amps/subs to the already tiny space. It brings out additional clarity the stock system should have had. For my needs, I would do it again. Hope it helps!
@@ORG8 I just did this install. I'm an audio guy - my other cars all have dedicated amps for the highs/mids, sub amps, etc. Since this is my track car, I didn't want to go nuts w/ the audio gear. But, the stock sound system is just so atrocious. I figured I'd give this a try. I'm truly blown away by how much better it sounds. It doesn't make any sense, as adding an amp alone shouldn't improve the sound of crappy oem speakers on an economy car like this, but it does indeed make a huge difference. Well worth the few hundred $.
Does it make the mirrors shake or vibrate, I suffer with that problem slightly and was wondering before purchasing if it increases or decreases it?
Is nice to see these install videos again. There is a difference for sure on the audio.
Hey Kev! I just want to thank you for your GR86 videos! I have decided to switch from a tesla model 3 to the GR86 and I've never been more excited!
Let us know how your build goes!
@@Rad1oD3mon definitely will! I haven't been this excited about a car in a very long time😂
Great decision
@@SpeedM3 ... does that mean the model-3 was not exciting (to drive); or that you weren't excited about going into a model-3?
The company was down the street. Watched the video at 1:00pm, went in person at 3:00pm, Installed at night within 15 minutes. The best way to put it is that the car audio sounds more clear and nicely toned in at louder volumes. Id suggest you have the front gain turned a little more than half and the rear turned a little more than the front, it balances out nicely.
How convenient! Haha
I used to live across the street from them. There’s boba place right next to them I used to go to almost daily
Installed this on a premium 22 GR86. Did way more for sound quality than I expected.
did you leave the stock amp ?
Glad to hear feedback from someone with a different trim.
@@namaD1 Yes, just did what Kevin did in the video. Nothing more, nothing less.
Would be nice to know where the Premium amp is mounted. I wouldn't think having two in-line amps would give the best result. If the one featured in this video is indeed better, it's sprucing up the signal and then handing it off to another amp that does a worse job before the second amp outputs to your speakers. The second amp could potentially be degrading the end result and you wouldn't know.
@@edwardmclean5373 the premium model amp is located in the trunk
Thanks for the great video Kevin - picked one up using your code and install was super easy following this guide.
One note for anyone else attempting this, the double-sided tape that came with the amp didn’t stick for me, so you might want to get your own. I had to drill some holes through the trim and zip tie the amp down.
Yoo, is it better? Some people are saying that the speakers are so bad that the amp wont make it sound nicer but just louder and be worse when the volume is up. what is your thoughts? I was going to grab this until I read some comments.
Idk if I want to save $1300 for speakers but I also dont like buying things that are a gimmick
@@ORG8 It's definitely louder... and IMO a little better at lower volumes. However after a while there was a pretty annoying buzzing / humming noise coming from the unit and I had to undo the installation. I guess you get what you pay for.
Was gonna say it's definitely more rich and more full. That's pretty awesome.
I think so too!
I hope some audio company will make a slick screen with all the things necessary soon and compatible with oem head unit factions
In Australia I doubt we'll ever be able to change the head unit because half the settings for the car have been built into it.
I would love to see if the OEM+ audio speakers still have any improvements after the amp upgrade. Btw, I love all your GR86 Videos. Please keep posting them, as a lot of new people should be getting the next years model, and hopefully I'm one of them.
Should pair up great with OEM audio +
Great video very detailed install steps. Makes me want to install. Your videos give people the confidence to push there car builds doing there mods without taking it to the shop.
With the current changes of gas prices and food! the new trend is doing the work yourself and saving cost. Thank you
PS i have been thinking about just changing the speakers soon. But to be honest nothing is better then a good sounding engine.
Thanks for showing install on this! I was already very interested in this but my biggest worry was install difficulty and taking apart the dash. After seeing how easy it is I will definitely be ordering one for myself!!
Glad I could help!
Got it. Plugged in and testing. Amp gets really hot. Sounds great
I ordered the model for my 2020 86. I'm stoked!
I tried to install mine, but surprisingly the socket adapters didn't fit into OEM wiring for my 2023 Subaru BRZ. I paid attention to your video and I have in my car the exact set of wires you have in yours. But my Beat Sonic came with large sockets with thinner pins 😢😢
Already did the speakers but this is going to give them the chonk they're missing with the stock stereo. this might actually save me a weekend of creating panels for larger rear speakers and give my Kickers some....kick 😎 YEEEEAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Awesome coming across your TikTok yesterday from my WidebodyGR86! Finally just subscribed to you here! Thank you Kevin for all of your inspiring awesomeness... you make this look effortless :D
Thanks for deciding my next mod Kevin
😉
I did the 6 front speakers upgrade from OEM audio+, sound deadening behind/around door woofers, sound deadened trunk floor/lid and a JBL bass pro hub. I would say it's decent now, but a bose system in a new Mazda 3 is still better. I'm not sure if the head unit just has a really shitty dac or amp, but the audio always has a shouty/sharper tonal balance to the vocals. I prefer a warmer richer sound in a car so it's less fatiguing to listen to on long drives.
My eurobeat playlist is gonna turn a lot more heads now 😁
Loving the video content you're uploading! small to large product content! Keep it going. Ordered some tail light overlays as a gift for a coworker who's waiting on his pearl white GR86! Then its off to the track. :) Will continue to support.
Great video Kevin thanks for sharing. I’m thinking of adding this along with the OEM audio speakers as the original speakers are not the best.
That's a great idea!
Heck yeah been waiting for this to drop, thank you for your hard work my good sir 🫡
Enjoy! Thanks for watching!
This should be a cheaper alternative to OEM Audio+, they're taking a long time for their R&D on this vehicle. This upgrade should probably be done alongside a speaker upgrade. I feel like the extra mid and mid bass are putting worse stress on the stock speakers, and then blow one out eventually.
I'm using this with the OEM Audio+ speakers. Sounds great.
@@MrSpamfriedrice, upper trim level?
I would love to see this upgrade enhanced by swapping stock speakers as well.
Nope, just the base level@@DylanTK
@@MrSpamfriedrice, gotcha. I commented on another post that this makes sense for base cars, especially with upgraded speakers given they have no amp factory. But I'm not convinced there's any reason to add it to the upper trim car, upgraded speakers or not (given they have an amp).
Do you think the OEM speakers will tear themselves up with the boost?
Prob worth upgrading them as well
Would this work on the premium model or just the base? Since the premium model is amplified already.
It's compatible with both, but yeah I'm not sure why you'd add this to the Premium.
Yes it does!
The premium model is amplified but still isn't premium quality sound. I already have subs in the car but anything to take out distortion in the speakers and amplify the quality is a win in my book.@@DylanTK
Thank you!@@KevinVo
@@rogue9775, preaching to the choir. I have the premium as well as the OEM Audio+ speaker set in mine. That upgrade removed nearly all distortion, added clarity and some more low-end, and requires less power to do so. But I guess if this can help with stock speakers then sure, but I'm not really seeing how adding the amp is going to change that much (but if it does awesome). Base cars have no amp, paper cones vs composite, and less speakers, so I can definitely see this helping more there especially with upgraded speakers.
Would also like to know if this works with the premium stereo system
It does!
It would probably be easier to install nee speakers altogether. It's definitely good having a new amp, but as an audiophile, id rather just get new speakers. Start there. Youll get a much bigger jump in aidio quality, and match the amo to you new speakers requirements if need be.
Depends which trim you have. On the Premium GR the speakers are decent but the head unit amp is dismal. Upgrading the amp alone makes a huge difference in that trim.
are you swapping the factory speakers with the oem audio + ones next ?
To be honest, for me it would be a waste because I don't play music much when I drive the car.
Thanks for the great content as always K-Vo !!! I will be picking this up for sure! I bet it would sound even better with OEM+ Audio speakers 🤔🤔
That is a very interesting statement as I was looking at OEM Audio + as an upgrade. I have the iDoing HU in my 2018 WRX and will be grabbing one of these to install.
Que the safety warriors telling you the airbag system has ben jeapordised now, blah blah. Good video but i personally am doing speakers first they make a much bigger difference. TBH the built in amp is strong enough for a decent set of splits that fit in the oem speaker wells.
Definitely sounds a lot better!
The audio on the premium is really not that bad after some tuning
Agreed, at least far better than the base and even better with OEM Audio+ speaker upgrades.
I've seen this before, but what sort of tuning? I'm not great with these things, and my tweaking just gets me chunky sounding base, like it's hitting a wet paper sack.
i was waiting for you to make this videos before buying it 😂
Happy to help!
Huge difference!!
I have built several Evos I Am new to the Toyota 86 not sure where to start. With all the electrical and modern tech not sure what to do with this car build without ruining the performance.
This is is what I would like to see
Taking it a off the lot 86 and increasing its power and also showing how to install the part for example cold air intake.
What’s parts are risky how far can you push the car before it becomes risky.
Turbo kit ?
This car is amazing for the first time I feel like I bought a car that has it all.
My goal aggressive personal and clean and just a little quicker acceleration.
Love the channel some suggestions .
Thank you
So, I've added the Rockville Ghost Active Powered Sub. It, too, is amplified and has made my system sound better. Do you think this unit will help it sound better? I've also added JBL's in the door. Wondering if this would just be too much, or EVEN BETTER. Thoughts...
a powered sub has its own internal amp and cross-over network. it uses either RCAs (low level) or speaker input (high level) for the signal. unless the amp does correction and restoration (think DSP), you are not going to hear much change. think good signal in, good signal out.
I was messing around and building new cars like I do sometimes, and noticed that A LOT of new cars don't have a "permium audio" option any more.
There are A LOT of things that aren't added to newer cars lately, audio being one of them.
Well that definitely sounds so much better!! I think it's been asked already but is this just for the base trim or will this work with the premium trim as well? Keep up the great work and content Kev!👍
Doesnt the premium trim come with an amplifier already?
@@itsspooky960 yes it does but it doesn't sound that good to me. If this unit will work on the premium then I'm in.
Yes it does work on all trims!
@@KevinVo that's awesome! Now I'm by no means an audio expert, just want a little better sound from the stock system. Having said that, safe to say having basically 2 amps won't mess up the system or sound it puts out? Your GR86 is a base trim, right? Has anyone that you know of installed this in a premium trim?
@@Joe_AvI'd like to see an answer to this question as well, I can't imagine having two in-line amplifiers could possibly be a good thing, lol. If the Premium indeed also adds an amp, it would be desirable to know where it is mounted, hopefully you can just swap it out.
Very noticable diffrance, thank you for everything you are doing, its a lot of effort.
The mosquitos are pretty savage
I have a lot of experience in audio engineering and the speakers are the final check and balance for sound and sound quality. You can upgrade as much as you want before touching the speakers, I guarantee you won’t notice as much of a change as the speakers being upgraded.
I've only upgrade the speaker. And the sound quality is 100% better. The bass is more sharp. The mid and high was very crips. I swap my front speaker to Infinity Ref-3032cfx 3.5" and then my door panel into Audison prima AP 6.5".
2 hours job after watching how to remove all the panel. Easy peasy.
does this have any affect on the rattling of the door panels from bass driven music ??
Love these vids, very informative :)
Glad you like them!
Well done video with a lot of attention to detail in case someone wants to do this. I will agree that the sound system is not the best compared to the system in our 2017 Impreza.
I noticed when I went to the Beat-Sonic website to look at the specs for the ENA-2S1 that Beat-Sonic also has a ENX-T106 for the 86 that states it's for the 8 speaker setup. It also says it has a DSP and USB port, which I imagine is for connecting to a PC to adjust settings? (Don't know for sure because they don't say) 6 RCA outputs as well for external amps. Doesn't state the amount of power it produces or other specs though. No electronic manual available either to look anything up.
Wish there was more info because, if the ENX-T106 really is a DSP that I can adjust through my PC, that would be worth the extra cost.
Also, seems like a bad idea to put an amp that probably gets really hot right under my airbag...
6:43 I've never seen a person's forehead grow from smiling.
Need someone to review this for the higher level trim that is already amplified somewhat!
I installed this. It’s 100% better. Not by much but it is better. For $300 and not having to replace the speakers is worth it to me. Easily removable if you want to put it stock.
This install video is better than the vendors…
100%, then "not by much"? Lol. 100% better should mean twice as good 😂
@@yusuf8938 Twice as good would be 200%. I meant there a one hundred percent chance that there is an audible difference.
100% better means original 100% plus additional 100% equals 200%, i.e. twice as good.
hey Kevin! thanks for making this video. im curious what the name of the second song you tested is
To make the best sound system that's plug and play, get the OEM+ speakers for the front doors and the dashboard tweeters, get this amp, and add some high quality sound deadening to the doors and trunk area.
Can't do that anymore. OEM+ stopped selling separate speakers. You have to get the whole kit for $1700! NOT!
Have one on the GR86!
Love it!!!
It's a great upgrade!
Would you say upgrade the original audio system before installing this? Or its okay with OEM audio system?
This works perfectly with the OEM audio system.
Great video but there’s a free-Way.
If you have Spotify or Apple Music. Go on your equalizer and adjust to sound how you like it and increase the treble and bass there. Even better, if you have Spotify. Navigate to your Playback, then change your volume level from medium to loud. So these are handful of
Options to improvise and increase the treble and bass.
Here is the absolute best sound config for stock until you can get a new system:
AUDIO:
Virtual bass: low (not off, 1st tick)
Vocal settings/stage expander: low (not off. 1st tick)
Dynamic beat enhancer: OFF
Sound restore: ON
EQ:
Powerful: ON
Bass: +1
Mid: -1
High: -1
most important setting: Fader: -2 to the back. This takes out a lot of distortion between lower frequencies that the stock system seems to want to cram into the stereo field of the front speakers. It won't increase your bass, but it will give you bass that doesn't sound like garbled dogshit. The back speakers are tiny and have almost zero low freq response but they do add surround so diverting the signal to the back in this case just cleans up the bass whereas in most cars you are fading to the back FOR bass. The front speakers have too much emphasis on bass in this stock system imo. Those speakers can't handle it.
Hope this helps!
definitely helpful, thanks!
Dude, you are a genius! I have a 22 BRZ Limited, in which I thought the sound was pretty OK. But it did get pretty distorted and cluttered as the volume went up. I played with all the settings myself, but yours are superior. I think bumping it 2 notches back is key. Thanks so much.
does having the bride bucket seats give you more space for passengers in the back ?
Nice upgrade!
Is this a good first mod? Are your speakers still working well?
Video Title: Easy Audio Upgrade
**Proceeds to rip apart the entire interior of the car**
Kevin please make an install on interior symphony lighting 😭 I NEED HELP
How's that shift knob? looks a bit oversized. Look into the Toyota Urethane Black JDM Shift Knob. It's the one that comes with the RC JDM cars. Adds just a little bit of weight and keeps the same form factor as the factory one.
I enjoy it personally, but I've had the knob you're talking about in my FRS and liked it.
@@KevinVo Might jump on it. Yes, I like the urathane.
Is there one for the GT.? 🙏
I want to get this but was worried the install would be a pain in the bunhole. Looks easy enough I guess. Any install comments/complications?
Not at all, was super straight forward!
@@KevinVo Got mine using your code. Major improvement in sound on the Premium GR. The system sounds legit now and I couldn't say that before. Install was easy. Kevin's install steps are simpler and better than the official install video steps.
This will be my next investment.. thanks!!!
I don't even listen to music in the car, but this is good
In one of your Sema videos, you talked about the DSP amp. Where do I get one? Also, where do I get, and what brand of carbon fiber add-ons are the best? Now, the steering wheel. Do they make one for the automatic with the paddle shifters? What brand is the bet and where do I get one?
You can get the DSP amp from Beatsonic: www.beatsonicusa.com/enx-t106.html
As for the carbon fiber add-ons you can pick them up on my website! www.driven.media/shop/22-toyota-gr86subaru-brz
The steering wheel is the same for the manual and the automatic. The shifter paddles will attach to the steering wheel just like OEM. You can email The Mod Garage to place your order for a steering wheel.
you would probably notice an even bigger difference if pairing with some aftermarket speakers that can use more power
would this work coupled with the oem audio+ speaker system?
Yes!
Hi Kevin. Thank you for all your informative videos. I have had a 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited for about 5 months. I had some questions about the audio upgrade with the Beat Sonic amplifier. I contacted Beat Sonic directly to see if they could recommend a dealer near me to install the amplifier. They graciously offered to install it for me but I live 80+ miles away from their shop. Would you or anyone else out there be able to recommend a Beat Sonic dealer in California-Ventura County? Thank you in advance for any help.
@kevinvo what trim do you have? I have the base model. I have a few questions if you don't mind. Is there a way to convert the built in laptimer to read your GPS location so you can really is it as a timer at the tracks? Do you have a video that shows how to do a big break upgrade and what to buy?
I have a base. Not a way to do that that I know of. As for the big brake kit you can watch the video on my frs it's essentially the same process.
Before and after comparison would’ve been nice
Does installing the amp on top of the airbag like that interfere with its operation when deployed? I am not sure how this one works exactly but the front of the dash is where the air bag deploys and probably fire up where you put the amp. I could be wrong though, but something to consider.
The amp was installed underneath the airbag which deploys up through the top of the dash so doesn't interfere.
Yup interested to know if this works on the vb. It would be perfect for the base model. I might bite the bullet and try it out. It supposedly has the same connectors. I’ll comment back later lol
I installed this unit in my 2023 GR86 base. However, the radio comes on when the accessory mode, but the amplifier does not come on until the car is in ignition mode. Do you have the same experience?
Does the amp obstruct the passenger airbag at all? Like, even by a little bit?
Not at all! The passenger airbag goes through the top of the dash.
@kevin vo. Is the discount code still good?
Iv'e been awaiting almost 1 year for you to continue taking off the interior AC system off from your FRS
It broke and unfortunately I had to part it out 😞
do you think your videos would apply to my 2016 BRZ or is it more suited to 2022+?
A lot of the 2022+ GR86/BRZ videos work for the previous gen as well. This one in particular is a great mod for either generation.
Love the content Kevin! Do you know if there's anything like this for the GT86 besides oemaudio+?
If you click on his link in the description, you can choose GT86 (or even FRS) as your car model
@@johhnnn aha yes! thank you!
They've got you covered!
Kevin were can I find OEM sport pedals for my 2023 sport pedals for my base model did not check the difference in each model except the obvious or any body else know can buy the three pedals but not the foot rest thanks.
Upgraded the door speakers to oemaudio+, wondering if it would play well together?
They will!
I have a 2023 brz limited, which has the 8 speakers plus the 2 channel amp, im curious to know if you have the 8 speakers as well or the 6 speaker system
I have a base.
more gr86 products please!!
@Kevin Vo,
I have a couple of questions;
In the webpage it says it has additional RCA imputs but thats really strange or have no logic for me, for example I will install a real big amplifier with one big subwoofer using the whole space on the trunk and what I need are RCA outputs to connect the amplifier. They are are inputs or outputs ? it has no logic that they are called imputs but they are differentiated between front and rear.
Can you confirm please ?
Buckey is so shy today, he doesn’t want to appear on camera :(
Awesome video as always Kevin! ❤
He took a break today 😅
@@KevinVo well deserved, that little boy doing such a great job like his father do
You gotta change the speakers a lil amp isn’t gonna do much by itself
Not necessarily, sometimes you're not always getting the most out of the stock speakers.
Maybe another video of just before and afters with non-copyright songs?
Video suggestion: buy one and install it in the gen 1 cars 👀 these wouldnt work with an aftermarket headunit, would it?
I'm honestly not sure.
@@KevinVo nvm, I realized that I could just plug it into the adapter that let's me plug the OEM cables into the aftermarket head unit 😂😅
Won't that overload the speakers and have them go bad quicker?
Nope, this was engineered to work perfectly with the OEM speaker setup without overworking them as long as you don't turn the gain up all the way, which is why I recommended the adjustment in the video.
Pretty cool product to stay OEM+
Do you have issues with apple car play? Sometimes, my apple car play disconnects during long drives in the GR
I use Android Auto and haven't had issues.
throwing "codes"; making ppl spend money. will this box, or one similar to it, also work on the VA WRX/STI non-HK 6-speaker system?
Works with 22 BRZ?
Hey Kevin I bought one of these and my head unit crackles and pops even more after I installed the beatsonic amp. I might need to take this in for warranty work. Lol
That definitely is not good 😅 did you double check the gain on the unit to make sure it's not turned all the way up?
@@KevinVo Yes for sure. I took your advice and tested everything while the unit was just loose. I have always had issues with the head unit in the car crackling and popping after extended high volume use. Seems like it heats up and has issues. The beatsonic unit gets great reviews so I am sure I'm a unique case. My friend works at the service dept at Toyota so I'll call him and get the head unit replaced under warranty to see if that helps.
@@KevinVo P.S. mine is the premium trim with the extra amp in the back rewired to the front speakers. Maybe that's the issue?
Nonetheless thank you for all you do online! You're videos and your garage are phenomenal
@@TheeneFyou don't need this for that case. You should've got aftermarket amp and disconnect the stock amp in your trunk and connect your new amp to the pre-existing wiring from the stock amp. Also, if you do decide to go that route, getting better component speakers.
can I use that in my 2015 ForesterXT Kevin?
I'm not certain if it's compatible with your car. You may need to reach out to them.
thanks Pal@@KevinVo
!!!! i need thisss!!!!!!
good stuff!
Glad you liked it!
Thanks for the perfect install instructional video. I might do this. Adding a top notch sound system on this car seems like a waste of money, at least to me. Between the air noise, road noise, and engine noise, having something a bit better for not a lot of money seems more than good enough.
Yeah, I feel the same as my exhaust will likely drown out the audio system, but it'll be nice for longer trips.
is there for the 1st gen?
Yes