Enable mp3 playback on 05 Legacy?

[Val Demar]

I'm trying to find out if the 6-disk changer/stereo installed in 05 non-VDC
models is a soft-downgraded version of the VDC's system. If so there should
be a way to hack it and enable mp3 functionality in it. My 05 Legacy GT
Limited seem not to reject mp3 disks but no sound is coming out and no file
info on display. Anybody knows if the 2 stereos are actually different?

 

[LB]

You are out of luck. Google on "mp3 subaru outback":
http://groups-beta.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&q=mp3+subaru+outback&qt_s=Search+Groups

It was discussed here on many occasions.

 

[Val Demar]

I did google before posting but nothing interesting came up. The best info I
found was on legacygt.com forums but the discussion didn't go beyond
swapping the head unit for the one from VDC which works but pricey. Anyone
actually compared chipsets and PCBs?

 

[jabario]

you got suckered by the integrated stereo crap subaru has pulled in
their misguided quest to be a luxury marque. I have an 04 pbw and this
will be my last subaru until they make the outback rugged looking again
and either give a great stereo or let me install one!!

 

[Val Demar]

The stereo works for me, it just would be nice if it also played mp3s.

 

[CompUser]

@twister.socal.rr.com>, (e-mail address removed)
says...

I did google before posting but nothing interesting came up. The best info I
found was on legacygt.com forums but the discussion didn't go beyond
swapping the head unit for the one from VDC which works but pricey. Anyone
actually compared chipsets and PCBs?

I'm on track with you...I've seen it done (price-
point functionality) in all kinds of PCB items--
scanners, FRS radios etc.

I hadn't thought of that angle with my 04 WRX
stock system, but it's worth a look...I had been
wondering about mounting a front panel jack, to
get a line level signal inject...for MP3 use,
tho...hmmm.

 

[Val Demar]

If it is the same system the "upgrade" may be as easy as putting a special
service CD and pressing a magic button combination, but most likely it is
not that easy.

 

[CompUser]

@twister.socal.rr.com>, (e-mail address removed)
says...

If it is the same system the "upgrade" may be as easy as putting a special
service CD and pressing a magic button combination, but most likely it is
not that easy.

That could well be true, if it's a DSP based
unit...is that how they are set up these days?

I'm thinking more in the old fashioned "hard
wired" mode, add a jumper here, or clip a jumper
there...that sort of stuff...<shrugs, again!>

Could be worth a look, either way..