FocusCanada Forums

Found out the stereo and hvac assembly is all one the same circuit board in the new lagacy's so if stock stereo is unplugged the hvac stops working also.So if you want to install an aftermarket deck your screwed, you gotta have the stock one left there but put your aftermarket unit placed somewhere else :rolleyes: Good oll cost cutting right there.

This is on the dual zone climate control models but the others may have it to not sure. Kinda stupid though since stock stereo's usually blow ass.

http://www.focaljet.com/ubbthreads/showfla...&page=0&fpart=1

This is the post from focaljet

I've really been enjoying having a car again. The Legacy GT Limited is an awesome compromise (sport/luxury) car and has tons of modification potential, except when it comes to changing out the audio.

Yes, I knew when I saw it, (my original plan was to have a custom bezel made for the new radio and stock climate control system) that the radio and dual-zone climate control shared the same faceplate. What I didn't know before I bought it, is that the Limited models with the automatic dual-zone climate control (something I didn't even want) system shares the same circuit board with the radio and will not function if the stereo is not plugged in.

So if one wants to add an aftermarket stereo system to their Legacy/Outback Limited they must leave in their stock systems. So freaking stupid.

Subaru offers a DIN panel replacement (in Japan) for the cubby as well as a double din for the cubby, but this looks really classy:



So the only thing I can think of is have a fals face made to fit over the stock system and somehow integrate a boost guage and other gauges, but it would have to stick out so far to incorporate that stuff. Maybee the HKS Camp system will fit nicely over the stock stereo.

So much for buying a more mature looking automobile when I'm gonna have a hacked up interior just to get decent sound in my new car.

Australia and Japan get a 13 speaker McIntosh system, but no dual-zone climate control.

Subaru of America especially should know that their cars are modified frequently in terms of stereo and more so performance, why do something so stupid as to integrate the stereo with the HVAC so one won't work without the other?

I noticed Mazda and other manufacturers are starting to do this too, wonder if their circuitry are integrated too?

that's ok.. more money to spend on that 'detuned' STi motor right?

volkswagen did some changes to further integrate their stereo into the cars electronics, so did mazda, but in the end, somebody will find a way to get a working stereo in there.

Kinda like the Mazda 3... stupid really. Legacy's one of my favourite cars too... hopefully they'll change the system by the time I'm ready to upgrade

Is the mazda 3 stereo actually mated together with the hvac controls b/c in pics they seem to be 2 different peices.....

So you can't just relocate the stock radio? Just like you have to with some Cavaliers?

Apparently the 05 Focuses don't suffer this crippling joke just yet, but I wonde rhow long it will be? And further to that, why do they even bother doing this when they know audio enthusiasts at all levels do radio swaps at the drop of a hat?

Kool_ZX3,Oct 16 2005, 09:26 PM Wrote:Is the mazda 3 stereo actually mated together with the hvac controls b/c in pics they seem to be 2 different peices.....
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Theyre seperate... you gotta get a mounting plate. sorta like the 97-00 escorts and taurus

I don't think this is really an issue. The target market for the Legacy is not one that is going to put a massive stereo in it. They will be happy with what it came with (as in, factory stereos will satisfy 99.987% of their demographic). When the Legacy STI comes out, odds are it will have an easier changable stereo.

I agree with Naz also, rather spend the money on engine/handling than stereo anyways