Genuine stereo replacement for MY04 GT

[mdman]

Hi all, new to forum first post.

I’ve had a problem with stereo display in my 04 Lib GT for some time. It’s the standard unit (not McIntosh) still continues to work fine in all aspects expect the stereo display is blank. Subaru said it’s a fault within the unit itself.

It’s an early MY04 so the unit has a cassette deck which allows you to use a tape adapter to plug in mp3 players (average sound but ok). I can get a replacement unit for around 650 second hand without the cassette which leaves me without an input method.

I am just wondering if those in the know have had any experience or heard of anyone getting later model genuine units that play mp3 cds & have aux in (either standard or McIntosh) and installing them in MY04 (03/04) GTs?

Have read bits and pieces about McIntosh maybe having 2 amps which would make things more complicated would be satisfied with the standard unit, just wondering if all the aircon connections ect are the same between the different models and the systems would be compatible?

If this is possible any ideas on the best place to source a unit?

Thanks for your help; any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers

Tim.

[04GT]

Here you go Tim, some ideas for the replacement of your stock unit,

http://forum.liberty.asn.au/viewtopic.php?t=1624

[SkoobyGT]

I thought all 04GT's had the Mcintosh as standard?

[04GT]

Premium's did, don't think the others did

[mdman]

yeah the premiums came with mc but the standard libs had same stereo as the non turbos.

[mdman]

Thanks for the link 04GT thats a great install probably a bit out of my price range.

I was hoping to install a standard subaru head unit thats can play mp3 cds. I saw one in a Lib Spec B that plays mp3, dvd & decodes DTS audio but that may have been to play movies through nav screen.

I havn't heard of anyone putting a newer unit in (similar to link below from 06), I've asked subaru & they couldn't really tell me one way or another. If anyone knows if the 06 units are compatible with the 04's wiring and functionality please let me know.

http://www.drive.com.au/common/imageuti ... dex=2&pt=1

cheers

[swingn]

Personally I'd try to steer clear of the standard MC unit.

I've had mine replaced twice because it has random hissy fits & skips etc. Anyone else had this problem?

If you've got the opportunity, I'd save & get something a little more out standing then a standard unit.

[04GT]

Mine is beginning to skip, but mine is out of warranty so i'm just gonna save up and replace it with a double din

[swingn]

Mine is beginning to skip, but mine is out of warranty so i'm just gonna save up and replace it with a double din

That's what I'll be doing if it happens again outside of warranty.

I'm currently waiting for Subaru to get a replacement for me. Hopefully will be installed in 2-3 weeks

Honestly, I think the head units that are going into cars these days are rubbish. I had a Mazda SP23 before I got my GT & it had the Bose system in it. Turns out only the amps & speakers were made my Bose, the head unit was made by Panasonic & was crap! Had that replace 3 times I think because it would eat my CDs, skip etc etc etc.

Would actually be interesting to see how many people have suffered the same problems in not just Liberty's, but new cars in general.

[Ric]

Interesting. My Mac has never missed a beat!

Is your car garaged at night? I've heard some problems are caused by condensation on the lens inside the head unit...

[04GT]

you for real, condensation in the lens?
mine's parked outside.
i heard they don't like burnt cds

[swingn]

Interesting. My Mac has never missed a beat!

Is your car garaged at night? I've heard some problems are caused by condensation on the lens inside the head unit...

Used to be parked outside, but not its garaged.

That's a pretty wild theory you've got there. Well I'll be putting it to the test once the new dead unit gets put in. I'll obviously keep you all posted, but it might be some time considering the other one has lasted over 12 months.

Just for general info, as the Mac is classed as a fairly top end brand / systemm the top end systems are known to be a little picky. Just for instance, if you buy a 5k + high end DVD player, if a disc has surfaced scratches or dust, it won't play. Suspect a similar thing happens with the Mac, especially with burnt CD's having fairly poor layer quality.

[Ric]

Have read bits and pieces about McIntosh maybe having 2 amps ...

No, there is only one amp, but it is under the passenger seat.
All the speaker wiring goes to that amp, it does NOT go to behind the head unit in McIntosh equipped models.

[mdman]

Ok, sounds like if it was going to be a Subaru unit would be a standard non mc one, does anyone one know if the 06 standard lib units that play mp3 cds fit into MY04 cars? Id probably prefer to sick with a factory model to make things easier when its time to sell.

I haven’t been able to find much info on the compatibility between units and year models. Given the climate control panel is also attached it to would have to be compatible with car.

Thanks