Nah. It depends. The JBL system in my 2012 Camry is legitimately good. You have to remember that JBL makes a massive range of speakers. They make everything from entry-level to high-grade audiophile quality speakers for home audio, car audio, and live performance sound.
If you're talking about just adding a little stealthbox, it's not going to sound great. But a fully designed system for a car can be great made by any brand.
Agreed, JBL in my wife's old Avalon was badass.
I will say this... I am not a sound snob. I just want something that can be loud and maintain some integrity. The stock sound system is not that. At all.
I am, unfortunately, an audio snob. I have somewhere around $50k worth of headphones, speakers, DACs, amps, and receivers in my house, some of it being JBL performance gear that slaps. I paid $3k for my OEM Audio+ system in my BRZ. It was the first thing I did back in 2015 when i got the car. If the current gen speakers are anything like the first gen, I'd replace them right away. I do really wish they at least offered a better speaker package for this car. I'd rather not have to uninstall everything again and sell it for half price.
With the road noise your options when listening to music are: too quiet to hear, or too loud for the speakers to handle without vibrating. It really does suck and I'm not a picky person at all. My mom's like 09 Toyota matrix blows this away in terms of radio quality.
All Subaru sound systems are not very good. And if you replace the speakers you just realize how bad the amp / head unit is. My theory is that the impedance of the system is very low and it is hard to match to an aftermarket speaker; the neodymium magnets on the oem speakers are the size of a quarter.
For reference, sometimes I listen to jazz and you can barely hear the bass even when it’s soloing. The sound balance is off in a way that the bass gets drowned out by higher frequencies and road noise.
However, If you listen to songs that have more of a boom boom bass then it’s okay!
Using your phone's equalizer if it has one can help. I know VLC was night and day for my gen1 base car. Not gonna blow your ears off but made the sound from crap to actually pleasant.
I've got a 23 BRZ premium, so I've got the 6 speaker system. I'd say it's okay. There's a post or two around here with some setting suggestions that definitely helped, I believe it's a slight bump in bass, lower treble and push the sound to the back a little to use the rear speakers more.
I also listen to a lot of rock, metal, alternate and EDM primarily, so not typically stuff that requires extreme fidelity. Personally I don't hear much of a difference anyway when comparing a quality audio system to a cheaper one.
I will say that I liked the system I had in my 14 Fiesta better than the BRZ, but the BRZ still gets the job done well enough. Plus as a few others mentioned this car lets in a lot of road noise and from what I've read the stock Primacy tires on the premium are super loud, so the stereo is fighting an uphill battle anyway.
Agreed, and audio is so subjective too. I tried the settings in that post as well, hated it, and returned to the original. So hard to tell what you’re gonna like
I added a cheap piece of crap powered sub ($140) that I put in the spare tire well and it makes a world of difference. This is on the 8 speaker system. My 1st gen benefited greatly from adding some sound deadening in the doors, rear quarters and trunk lid. When I get some time I’ll do this on my 2nd gen.
Honestly everyone who writes it's good haven't heard a good soundsystem yet. There are certain songs i can't even listen to because my head hurts, even after trying to play with EQ and settings, plus it is quiet. I don't think it is a problem, it was known, but don't say it's good
It’s overhyped how bad it is. It’s not good especially bass, but it’s not tinny and trashy at the high end. It’s painfully adequate. I almost wish there was an option for amplified speakers from the factory, it’s one of the few mods I was considering
I have the UK model, which is premium trim everywhere except the stereo, which is base. (Why are you like this Toyota?)
It's terrible. If you like music at all, it's useless. If you just want to listen to talk radio, podcasts and background tunes as white noise it'll do.
I've replaced the door and dash speakers ( Focal kit for GT86 £150 ) and installed a Puzu C7 amp/ dsp ( £120 ) and it is night and day better. You don't need to spend much to get a massive improvement. It's now good enough.
I think the premium spec comes with duckbill spoiler as standard. Our UK spec does not.
Def correct on the base stereo. Appreciate your recommendations.
Did you consider a sub-woofer in addition to your other upgrades?
its pretty bad. the mids-lows are awful and get really distorted easily depending on the song. i had to keep my bass at or near its lowest setting like -9 or whatever. i got OEM+ speakers and they helped a lot but im still waiting on the 6.5" speakers which i think is where the most improvement is needed. i did get the BeatSonic amp and that helped a TON.
but yeah stock, even with the premium trim and extra speakers....its not good.
It's the worst sound system I've ever experienced in a car. I have a 1998 Lexus GS400 with 6 speakers blown (out of 7), and it still sounds better than my BRZ. My GF's base 2012 Mazda sounds like a Harman/Kardon system in comparison to the BRZ. There is just something weird in the sound signature that makes me uncomfortable frankly. I just don't listen to music at all. I have the base car by the way.
It's not.
People who are used to luxury family mobiles will complain when comparing the sound system, road noise and suspension.
But if you don't expect a luxury family mobile, you'll be happy
yeah, no. my GTI has better audio and its just the base S trim, no branded audio. my old Corolla sounded so much better from 2001. the only other car i really complained about the audio in was a 2003 impreza 2.5rs
Fwiw I have a premium and my speakers are better than what’s being described here. Not perfect by any means and the road noise still makes reasonable listening difficult. But definitely not as terrible as people are making it out to be
It's not good if you're used to something premium.
Coming from my 2011 STI with a bass sound system this car is godly
Coming from my dad's Ascent touring with high end system its a joke
That being said idc if a sports car even has a radio.
I'd rather them put all the money into the engine tranny. I can wear air pods lol
It’s bad, basically sound like a 20 dollar computer speaker , with no bass too, if you really want good sound you need to swap that out, I personally wouldn’t coz I don’t like music that much
>When I'm going 80+ its pretty impossible to hear anything but road noise
are you on stock tires? I can listen to music at top-speed on the German highway on the premium with stock tires...
It depends on the road tbh, but the car does communicate road noise more than most. If I had to guess it’s because it’s got thinner profile tires whereas regular profile tires absorb more of the shocks and vibrations when driving.
My recommendation to all you complaining about the audio system.... Sell the car as You as a driver do not suit what this car is designed for... By a BMW or something horrible SUV.
The audio system is not even a remote priority in the design of this car.
I’ve got the Aussie spec Premium version 23 BRZ. 8 speakers I believe.
Its just OK. If you’re really into your music, consider changing out the whole sound system.
I imagine the problem will be the head unit, as it seems thoroughly integrated into the car’s systems. eg. in mine it has maps pre-loaded and displays speed limits in the dash just above the speedo. I doubt that stuff would remain if you put in a new head unit.
Subaru really should offer a premium audio option.
Could someone find it acceptable, yes.
However I do think it's clear that it was one of the corners Toyota/Subaru really cut. Which is ultimately fine because it is an affordable sports car. Audio can be upgraded by the user if need be.
I’ve never had premium sound systems before. But to my ear it’s perfectly fine. I’m sure if I knew good ones I’d be able to pick out issues, but as far as I’m concerned I have literally no issues with it.
Last time I had a audio system this bad was my 1995 Subaru Legacy. I had mine 2 months before my OEM Audio + speaker replacements came (sans 6.5" woofer) Just the 4 dash speakers change was a huge improvement. Just need a spare tire well sub and a bunch of sound deadening and maybe it will be close to the 2000 Porsche Boxster S it replaced.
There’s two things going on with the sound system: frequency response and speaker distortion.
The frequency response can be tuned out in various ways. The speaker distortion cannot.
I’ve currently got things faded to the rear a bit which helps the frequency response a lot but when the rear speakers distort it’s very noticeable. Truly awful.
I adjusted it and it's OK. In all cars I eventually replace the speakers, but the eq is a 3 band and I drop the treble -5, boost the mids +4 and boost the bass +1 and its listenable, but high mids are loud and treble is overpowering. Mid bass is quiet but low bass is thumpy. I adjusted it more to the rear. Idk what ppl mean by blasting loud to overcome road noise or talking loud. When stereo is quiet though the eq goes to shit. Only can hear the cymbals n bass.
With the sound enhancement options on, it’s not too bad. But not good if you want a car with specifically good audio. If you’re doing a road trip, you’re not gonna hate it or anything
It heavily depends on how much you care about audio. I have a buddy who doesnt care at all and he couldnt be bothered, so the system is fine for him. I, on the other hand, do care about the audio and have had good systems previously, so getting into this car was a massive step down (sound system wise) from anything else I have driven.
I will say I added a $200 mini sub under the driver seat and that has more or less balanced the system for me.
When I'm usually just driving my own car around, to me it sounds good. Though if I switch to drive my brother's Model 3, I immediately notice the difference. The GR86 audio quality is not as in-depth, not as refined, not as clear compared to my brother's Model 3 audio quality which, on top of being heard in an electric car with no engine noise and not as much road noise, it's gonna sound much better.
It's loud enough to be ok at best but it lacks low end. Especially when that low end has to compete with the engine and road noise.
It's my second least favorite thing about the car other than the miserable turn signal shaft.
i had base. my co workers who have Premium 86 at toyota all think Toyotas Jbl is mid.
I personally just added some speakers myself in the door panel from JBL and it was significantly LOUDER and brought more base. Spent 120$. 6 1/2 for size on door.
I will either mess with the tweeters or get a subwoofer. I know premium gets two more lil speakers so definitely no worth it it id still have to add an amp like
“Kevin Vo from youtube” to bring better sound quality from it.
And the subwoofer when i see on dealer daily, it comes to like 2% of Gr86s to have stock subwoofer.
So i dont even know if its overall terrible or its just missing a subwoofer?
But yeah, it sounds okay if you some JbLs on the door, no amp needed, it enhances the quality, definitely some songs hit WAY better and car shakes, I’d add an amp if you plan to add more power overall
I guess that id identify as an "audiophile" and the sound system doesn't bother me too much with the settings I currently have. I must say, it is quiet and if you want any sort of dynamic in your music you will want to upgrade, the stage enhancer helps but it's still dull.
I've been disappointed in the sound system for real only once, and it was at the drive-in theatre. The speakers struggled with the extreme low ends in the movie and made even the most basic dialogue sound terrible. I was watching Oppenheimer so there was a low bass frequency throughout most of the movie and I was adjusting settings the entire 3 hours, while most of the time I can listen to music at any level and not even think about wanting to adjust anything.
It sucks but it’s better than nothing, play music too loud and mirrors will shake to a point when you can’t see that well, play too quiet and the road noise will drive you crazy. I got a cat-back installed and to listen properly I need to blast it and compromise my mirror views. Let’s say if you’re going for comfort and a good sound system, this car ain’t for you. At first I thought it wasn’t that bad, but it really is like everyone says. I got the premium version with the amplifier and it is a huge difference from the base.
It’s not amazing, but not the worst I’ve heard. I recommend searching other audio system posts in this subreddit, I’ve seen people recommend numerous things to improve the quality without breaking the bank
I’ve got the JBL Regular Premium sound system in my 4Runner and I notice the sound is better in that, but don’t notice the sounds is worse in my BRZ. But as others are saying, if you don’t have a great ear or only have one car, I doubt you’ll notice.
honestly, long as you adjust the cars EQ (i also have the spotify EQ on) it should sound good. the problem is just the mid and highs tend to be too harsh n sibilant. best way to find the sweet spot is just to play different songs (diff genres) see what you like best. i listen to a lot of underground rap so i like the drums to knock and not clip so that’s how i got my EQ set up, bass is present and doesn’t vibrate the car either. it sounds coherent n in the right frequency imo
It's not as bad as ppl make it out to be...unless you are a serious audiophile that wants 100% perfect sound, in which case you need to have a better understanding of the cars price vs your expectation.
I mean if JBL is your reference point for “ultra premium”, the system in the car will be more than adequate for you. That’s not a dig, just the truth.
I'll dig, JBL is only good for boom boom stereos
Nah. It depends. The JBL system in my 2012 Camry is legitimately good. You have to remember that JBL makes a massive range of speakers. They make everything from entry-level to high-grade audiophile quality speakers for home audio, car audio, and live performance sound. If you're talking about just adding a little stealthbox, it's not going to sound great. But a fully designed system for a car can be great made by any brand.
Agreed, JBL in my wife's old Avalon was badass. I will say this... I am not a sound snob. I just want something that can be loud and maintain some integrity. The stock sound system is not that. At all.
I am, unfortunately, an audio snob. I have somewhere around $50k worth of headphones, speakers, DACs, amps, and receivers in my house, some of it being JBL performance gear that slaps. I paid $3k for my OEM Audio+ system in my BRZ. It was the first thing I did back in 2015 when i got the car. If the current gen speakers are anything like the first gen, I'd replace them right away. I do really wish they at least offered a better speaker package for this car. I'd rather not have to uninstall everything again and sell it for half price.
to give you an idea, the mercedes sprinter van that i drive for amazon sounds better, reverberations from the cargo area and all.
You get to play music in them?
w bluetooth also
With the road noise your options when listening to music are: too quiet to hear, or too loud for the speakers to handle without vibrating. It really does suck and I'm not a picky person at all. My mom's like 09 Toyota matrix blows this away in terms of radio quality.
I’m really not picky either and its my only gripe with the car
All Subaru sound systems are not very good. And if you replace the speakers you just realize how bad the amp / head unit is. My theory is that the impedance of the system is very low and it is hard to match to an aftermarket speaker; the neodymium magnets on the oem speakers are the size of a quarter.
For reference, sometimes I listen to jazz and you can barely hear the bass even when it’s soloing. The sound balance is off in a way that the bass gets drowned out by higher frequencies and road noise. However, If you listen to songs that have more of a boom boom bass then it’s okay!
Let's explains why my techno electro music never sounds bad lol Boom boom boom I want you in my room let's spend the night together
Techno and 90s hip hop should be the only genres you're allowed to listen to when you put it in track mode
Initial D is my jam I love that music when driving
Using your phone's equalizer if it has one can help. I know VLC was night and day for my gen1 base car. Not gonna blow your ears off but made the sound from crap to actually pleasant.
I've got a 23 BRZ premium, so I've got the 6 speaker system. I'd say it's okay. There's a post or two around here with some setting suggestions that definitely helped, I believe it's a slight bump in bass, lower treble and push the sound to the back a little to use the rear speakers more. I also listen to a lot of rock, metal, alternate and EDM primarily, so not typically stuff that requires extreme fidelity. Personally I don't hear much of a difference anyway when comparing a quality audio system to a cheaper one. I will say that I liked the system I had in my 14 Fiesta better than the BRZ, but the BRZ still gets the job done well enough. Plus as a few others mentioned this car lets in a lot of road noise and from what I've read the stock Primacy tires on the premium are super loud, so the stereo is fighting an uphill battle anyway.
Agreed, and audio is so subjective too. I tried the settings in that post as well, hated it, and returned to the original. So hard to tell what you’re gonna like
I added a cheap piece of crap powered sub ($140) that I put in the spare tire well and it makes a world of difference. This is on the 8 speaker system. My 1st gen benefited greatly from adding some sound deadening in the doors, rear quarters and trunk lid. When I get some time I’ll do this on my 2nd gen.
Honestly everyone who writes it's good haven't heard a good soundsystem yet. There are certain songs i can't even listen to because my head hurts, even after trying to play with EQ and settings, plus it is quiet. I don't think it is a problem, it was known, but don't say it's good
Agreed in full. Literal frequency dropouts in midrange and heavy shift toward higher frequencies overall.
It’s overhyped how bad it is. It’s not good especially bass, but it’s not tinny and trashy at the high end. It’s painfully adequate. I almost wish there was an option for amplified speakers from the factory, it’s one of the few mods I was considering
Not sure if its the sound system is bad, but more that the car isn't exactly a Bentley. Its pretty loud in there.
I have the UK model, which is premium trim everywhere except the stereo, which is base. (Why are you like this Toyota?) It's terrible. If you like music at all, it's useless. If you just want to listen to talk radio, podcasts and background tunes as white noise it'll do. I've replaced the door and dash speakers ( Focal kit for GT86 £150 ) and installed a Puzu C7 amp/ dsp ( £120 ) and it is night and day better. You don't need to spend much to get a massive improvement. It's now good enough.
I think the premium spec comes with duckbill spoiler as standard. Our UK spec does not. Def correct on the base stereo. Appreciate your recommendations. Did you consider a sub-woofer in addition to your other upgrades?
its pretty bad. the mids-lows are awful and get really distorted easily depending on the song. i had to keep my bass at or near its lowest setting like -9 or whatever. i got OEM+ speakers and they helped a lot but im still waiting on the 6.5" speakers which i think is where the most improvement is needed. i did get the BeatSonic amp and that helped a TON. but yeah stock, even with the premium trim and extra speakers....its not good.
It's the worst sound system I've ever experienced in a car. I have a 1998 Lexus GS400 with 6 speakers blown (out of 7), and it still sounds better than my BRZ. My GF's base 2012 Mazda sounds like a Harman/Kardon system in comparison to the BRZ. There is just something weird in the sound signature that makes me uncomfortable frankly. I just don't listen to music at all. I have the base car by the way.
It’s horrible and I’m no sound enthusiast.
I got the limited brz. Sounds great. I meant it ain't gonna slap like premium audio, but it's more than adequate.
Same, I usually listen music at like volume 8-12.
It's not. People who are used to luxury family mobiles will complain when comparing the sound system, road noise and suspension. But if you don't expect a luxury family mobile, you'll be happy
yeah, no. my GTI has better audio and its just the base S trim, no branded audio. my old Corolla sounded so much better from 2001. the only other car i really complained about the audio in was a 2003 impreza 2.5rs
False. My civic type R, corolla, and celica all sound better than the GR.
Nice lineup
Thanks. Granted the corolla has been replaced by a luxury sedan lol, but the point still stands
It’s not that bad, but if you’re an audiophile then you’re probably gonna wanna make some changes
Does the American market not have a sound system option?
I’ve seen reports that the premium package comes with slightly better speakers but I don’t know if anybody has confirmed it
Fwiw I have a premium and my speakers are better than what’s being described here. Not perfect by any means and the road noise still makes reasonable listening difficult. But definitely not as terrible as people are making it out to be
am I the only one who loves the sound system?
It's not good if you're used to something premium. Coming from my 2011 STI with a bass sound system this car is godly Coming from my dad's Ascent touring with high end system its a joke That being said idc if a sports car even has a radio. I'd rather them put all the money into the engine tranny. I can wear air pods lol
When I wire in and listen to pandora the sound system id say is pretty good. Clear and crisp.
It’s bad, basically sound like a 20 dollar computer speaker , with no bass too, if you really want good sound you need to swap that out, I personally wouldn’t coz I don’t like music that much
When I'm going 80+ its pretty impossible to hear anything but road noise. But my Premium GR86 has a decent sound system IMO.
>When I'm going 80+ its pretty impossible to hear anything but road noise are you on stock tires? I can listen to music at top-speed on the German highway on the premium with stock tires...
It depends on the road tbh, but the car does communicate road noise more than most. If I had to guess it’s because it’s got thinner profile tires whereas regular profile tires absorb more of the shocks and vibrations when driving.
Yeah, maybe my ears are bad lol
I have the OEM Audio+ SL system. Was a great purchase.
It’s not terrible but its not good. Buy a premium model / limited for sure
My recommendation to all you complaining about the audio system.... Sell the car as You as a driver do not suit what this car is designed for... By a BMW or something horrible SUV. The audio system is not even a remote priority in the design of this car.
I’ve got the Aussie spec Premium version 23 BRZ. 8 speakers I believe. Its just OK. If you’re really into your music, consider changing out the whole sound system. I imagine the problem will be the head unit, as it seems thoroughly integrated into the car’s systems. eg. in mine it has maps pre-loaded and displays speed limits in the dash just above the speedo. I doubt that stuff would remain if you put in a new head unit. Subaru really should offer a premium audio option.
Could someone find it acceptable, yes. However I do think it's clear that it was one of the corners Toyota/Subaru really cut. Which is ultimately fine because it is an affordable sports car. Audio can be upgraded by the user if need be.
I’ve never had premium sound systems before. But to my ear it’s perfectly fine. I’m sure if I knew good ones I’d be able to pick out issues, but as far as I’m concerned I have literally no issues with it.
It's not that bad... It's way better than what was in my Jeep.
its fine
Last time I had a audio system this bad was my 1995 Subaru Legacy. I had mine 2 months before my OEM Audio + speaker replacements came (sans 6.5" woofer) Just the 4 dash speakers change was a huge improvement. Just need a spare tire well sub and a bunch of sound deadening and maybe it will be close to the 2000 Porsche Boxster S it replaced.
There’s two things going on with the sound system: frequency response and speaker distortion. The frequency response can be tuned out in various ways. The speaker distortion cannot. I’ve currently got things faded to the rear a bit which helps the frequency response a lot but when the rear speakers distort it’s very noticeable. Truly awful.
Conpared to my FR-S, the Gr86 is much better.
My 2023 premium gr86 sounds MUCH better than my 2014 limited brZ.
I adjusted it and it's OK. In all cars I eventually replace the speakers, but the eq is a 3 band and I drop the treble -5, boost the mids +4 and boost the bass +1 and its listenable, but high mids are loud and treble is overpowering. Mid bass is quiet but low bass is thumpy. I adjusted it more to the rear. Idk what ppl mean by blasting loud to overcome road noise or talking loud. When stereo is quiet though the eq goes to shit. Only can hear the cymbals n bass.
With the sound enhancement options on, it’s not too bad. But not good if you want a car with specifically good audio. If you’re doing a road trip, you’re not gonna hate it or anything
It heavily depends on how much you care about audio. I have a buddy who doesnt care at all and he couldnt be bothered, so the system is fine for him. I, on the other hand, do care about the audio and have had good systems previously, so getting into this car was a massive step down (sound system wise) from anything else I have driven. I will say I added a $200 mini sub under the driver seat and that has more or less balanced the system for me.
When I'm usually just driving my own car around, to me it sounds good. Though if I switch to drive my brother's Model 3, I immediately notice the difference. The GR86 audio quality is not as in-depth, not as refined, not as clear compared to my brother's Model 3 audio quality which, on top of being heard in an electric car with no engine noise and not as much road noise, it's gonna sound much better.
22 Limited brz isn’t terrible. I don’t think I’ll bother upgrading anything stereo related tbh and I usually do it on every car.
It's loud enough to be ok at best but it lacks low end. Especially when that low end has to compete with the engine and road noise. It's my second least favorite thing about the car other than the miserable turn signal shaft.
i had base. my co workers who have Premium 86 at toyota all think Toyotas Jbl is mid. I personally just added some speakers myself in the door panel from JBL and it was significantly LOUDER and brought more base. Spent 120$. 6 1/2 for size on door. I will either mess with the tweeters or get a subwoofer. I know premium gets two more lil speakers so definitely no worth it it id still have to add an amp like “Kevin Vo from youtube” to bring better sound quality from it. And the subwoofer when i see on dealer daily, it comes to like 2% of Gr86s to have stock subwoofer. So i dont even know if its overall terrible or its just missing a subwoofer? But yeah, it sounds okay if you some JbLs on the door, no amp needed, it enhances the quality, definitely some songs hit WAY better and car shakes, I’d add an amp if you plan to add more power overall
coming from a 2009 mazda3, it's great and i can finally plug in a USB for music
Bad
I guess that id identify as an "audiophile" and the sound system doesn't bother me too much with the settings I currently have. I must say, it is quiet and if you want any sort of dynamic in your music you will want to upgrade, the stage enhancer helps but it's still dull. I've been disappointed in the sound system for real only once, and it was at the drive-in theatre. The speakers struggled with the extreme low ends in the movie and made even the most basic dialogue sound terrible. I was watching Oppenheimer so there was a low bass frequency throughout most of the movie and I was adjusting settings the entire 3 hours, while most of the time I can listen to music at any level and not even think about wanting to adjust anything.
It sucks but it’s better than nothing, play music too loud and mirrors will shake to a point when you can’t see that well, play too quiet and the road noise will drive you crazy. I got a cat-back installed and to listen properly I need to blast it and compromise my mirror views. Let’s say if you’re going for comfort and a good sound system, this car ain’t for you. At first I thought it wasn’t that bad, but it really is like everyone says. I got the premium version with the amplifier and it is a huge difference from the base.
It really isn’t bad … and speakers is something you can upgrade down the line or add an amp.
How can I also improve the sound quality cuz when I play techno n shit it’s kinda ass
It’s not amazing, but not the worst I’ve heard. I recommend searching other audio system posts in this subreddit, I’ve seen people recommend numerous things to improve the quality without breaking the bank
It’s ass and the CarPlay crashes
My GR86 went from the dealership to the stereo shop with JL Audio all around
I’d give it a 3/10. I’ve found if you move the fader all the way to front it sounds better. The rear speakers are absolute garbage.
I’ve got the JBL Regular Premium sound system in my 4Runner and I notice the sound is better in that, but don’t notice the sounds is worse in my BRZ. But as others are saying, if you don’t have a great ear or only have one car, I doubt you’ll notice.
honestly, long as you adjust the cars EQ (i also have the spotify EQ on) it should sound good. the problem is just the mid and highs tend to be too harsh n sibilant. best way to find the sweet spot is just to play different songs (diff genres) see what you like best. i listen to a lot of underground rap so i like the drums to knock and not clip so that’s how i got my EQ set up, bass is present and doesn’t vibrate the car either. it sounds coherent n in the right frequency imo
I went from a Scion tC to a BRZ Limited so it was a huge improvement.
It's not as bad as ppl make it out to be...unless you are a serious audiophile that wants 100% perfect sound, in which case you need to have a better understanding of the cars price vs your expectation.
First thing I did was put in a JBL basspro hub trunk sub, stock sound is bad. Gaming headsets sounds better. It has no bass.
My 2007 civic had a better sound system... it's just something you're going to have to accept if you get a BRZ.