[U4EA]

Has anyone else heard this?  I have never been a Mc home audio fan.  I feel it is over priced and a littel muddy.  But this Mc in the Subaru is the best car stereo I have ever heard.  Dang...it was sweet.

[ZooDog]

I haven't heard it but I wish that it was an option for the Impreza.  As far as I know it was only offered on some type of special edition Legacy.  I'd like to hear one of the Mark Levinson systems that are available on certain Lexus models.  Those must be pretty nice.

[Brad]

I've heard the McIntosh Car cd player - very nice.
I also own one of their 4x50 car amps - also very nice.

I was not impressed with their speakers...


Which Subaru is the stereo available in?
Might get my mind off the G35 6 speed coupe I've been fantasizing about

[DTH]

The unit that Subaru puts in their vehicles is not the same as the McIntosh units you can buy aftermarket. It is something made specifically for Subaru. McIntosh is owned by Clarion, who are pretty big in the car audio business.

This equipment is standard in the top of the line Outback VDC models. It may be an option in the other Outback models, but I do not think it is available in any of their other lines.

I was somewhat surprised to see Subaru get involved with the McIntosh name in this capacity. My impression of Subaru owners(I am one myself, my wife drives a WRX wagon) is that they are more interested in value than the buyers of other, more expensive, brands where a stereo with a fancy name would hold some cachet. Perhaps the association works better for Subaru in Japan.

[Johng316]

Yes, it is available as standard equipment on the VDC sedans and wagons (top of the line).  It sounds AWESOME, but I was expecting it to sound even better than it did.

It is not available as an option on any other Subaru model because the speakers, speaker positions, head units, sound damping materials (in the VDC), etc, were designed specifically with that car in mind.  Subaru loaned several VDC models to Macintosh engineers so they could conduct sound tests and measuring, suggest build materials that would enhance the sound to Subaru, etc.  The story is very good.

There was a brand new 2002 VDC sedan on e-bay for $25K, and I almost went for it.  Bought my Mitsubishi instead.

John G