I highly doubt its crisp and defined you're missing so many frequencies in your setup, you aren't actually hearing much at all, just the more prominent layers.

I designed a great lightweight system that combined a six channel amp, head unit, 2 sets of components and a small sub. Sounded fantastic..not quite hifi quality, but it was a real sound not noise like a headunit and speakers would give you.

I like quality thats all, sound quality is important, even the nine speaker BOSE system in my Audi isnt that great and thats top spec kit.

 

I know this is not a good suggestion but was considering wearing headphones when I wanted to listen to music in the car. I am aware of the issues and risks though so will not.

 

The main problem is sound-proofing in the Impreza – or rather the lack of it. There is bugger all in a Newage and probably even less in a Classic. It’s just a thin bit of carpet straight on the metal body.

The vast majority of road noise (tyres, engine, tranny, exhaust etc) is reflected off the road and through the floor, into the cabin. This is the area than needs to be dealt with.

Ideally, you want a 3 layer approach. Silent Coat/Dynamat to reduce the vibration and resonance of the metal floor, a thick decoupling layer (think carpet underlay) and finally a dense rubber layer on top. Any gaps in the top layer will reduce the impact. If you did this to the whole floor, it will make a massive difference. The roof is also an issue, as sounds entering the cabin bounces & echoes off it.

Obviously you need to remove the interior and spend some time and money fitting it all. It will add additional weight. Most people just go with the Silent Coat to reduce vibration. This will still make a noticeable difference. The doors don’t really benefit with regards to reducing road noise, it’s more to do with isolating vibrations causing by fitting better speakers/amp/volume. You do get a satisfactory thunk when you close the doors though.

Obviously you can easily drown out road noise by fitting a load stereo. I think that I’d rather have road noise than a poor quality, loud audio system. You don’t need massive amounts of speakers; a pair of 6.5 mids, a pair of tweeters and a sub is more than sufficient to have a very good sounding system. You won’t get this buying cheap from Halfords but you don’t have to spend a fortune, certainly not if you by second hand. Installation and quality peripherals (power, RCAs, speaker wire, earthing points etc) is vital though.

 

I have a 2011 WRX STi saloon and I can honestly say my stereo cannot keep up with the noise from the car at motorway speeds. A lot of noise from the back end, definitely I would concentrate on sound proofing under back seat and boot. And many will say this car is more refined than any previously