Reddit reviews Kicker 11HS8 8" 150W Hideaway Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub Enclosure HS8

The primary issue with the OEM subwoofers is the price. You can pay $3-500 for a new one, and they definitely aren't worth that unless you can find one used.

I installed a Kicker 11HS8 in my 2015 WRX under the passenger seat and it worked great! That car had the base audio system and just adding that sub made a big difference (although I later upgraded the other speakers too).

I'm rolling on a 2017 STI base and from all the research I did when I was looking into making my sound system not sound like garbage in my car, seems the general consensus has been that these cars all have terrible head units, the stock speakers actually aren't bad (the head unit is just that bad that it makes them sound bad), and that the subaru kicker speakers are far too much money for what they deliver.

Oem audio plus even keeps the stock speakers in their solution. They do replace the tweeters though and obviously add a sub.

A simple under seat subwoofer seems a far better value to get bass into the system. You can even get a kicker for $200.

I'd ultimately suggest replacing the head unit along with getting a simple under seat subwoofer for an more even and overall solution.

I went with the Pioneer 4200NEX and a Cerwin-Vega under seat subwoofer.

Sounds pretty damn good and I now have android auto (and apple carplay if you're into that).

NEW KICKER 11HS8 8" 150W Hideaway Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub Enclosure HS8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007LQWSYC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GQ.zzb4CFS7S5

This is the one I got and it's a combo, it won't blast your ears off but it gives it a more full sound.

I have this in my Navara, it's mounted behind the rear seats and has a bit of punch. You'll be able to wire directly to your head unit.

http://www.amazon.com/Kicker-Hideaway-Compact-Powered-Sub/dp/B007LQWSYC/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1396440666&sr=8-15&keywords=kicker+subwoofer+8%22

I installed a Kicker Hideaway powered sub under the seat in my girlfriend's car about a month ago and I have to say I'm rather impressed with it for the size/cost of the thing. Installation was the same as pretty much any amp.

They're only about $230 on Amazon right now. https://www.amazon.com/Hideaway-Powered-Subwoofer-Enclosure-HS8/dp/B007LQWSYC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468463503&sr=8-1&keywords=kicker+hideaway

Depending on your head unit you might need a separate RCA cable thing they sell (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I4EBOYK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1), or a line level converter if you don't have sub-out RCAs on your head unit.

You don't need a wiring kit though. The amp comes with all the cabling you need, except for an RCA cable I believe.

Its a all in one unit.

https://www.amazon.com/Hideaway-Powered-Subwoofer-Enclosure-HS8/dp/B007LQWSYC/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1482809725&sr=8-4&keywords=kicker+8+inch+subwoofer

Have you considered an under seat sub?

NEW KICKER 11HS8 8" 150W Hideaway Car Audio Powered Subwoofer Sub Enclosure HS8 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007LQWSYC

Might work?


Alternatively... if you only need the whole trunk 25% of the time maybe a small removable with a quick disconnect harness?

I don't know how easy it is to install because I had a audio shop do mine but I replaced my front speakers with Kicker 6x9 & tweeters, backs with Kicker 6.5" speakers & installed a Kicker 11HS8 8" hideaway sub under the rear seat. It's all run by the factory head unit with a Alpine KTP-445U 4-channel Power Pack Amplifier & a AudioController LC2i to power everything & even out the sound. Sounds a lot better than the Bose system imo. Here's a couple links to some of the products I used although there's some other similar options made by other manufactures as well. I couldn't stand the regular stock stereo, you can hardly even hear the rear speakers & bass is nonexistent.

https://www.amazon.com/Kicker-11HS8-Hideaway-Subwoofer-Enclosure/dp/B007LQWSYC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14ZVDXCI9A4A5&keywords=kicker+hideaway+11hs8&qid=1566757560&s=gateway&sprefix=kicker+hideaway%2Caps%2C408&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/Alpine-KTP-445U-4-channel-Power-Amplifier/dp/B003VVYL46/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Alpine+KTP-445U&qid=1566757860&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/AudioControl-Channel-Converter-AccuBASS-Subwoofer/dp/B00IIL0LW0/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?keywords=audio+controller+lc2i&qid=1566757904&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmr1