After much research, we came up with the following facts:
- The RF upgrade (Subaru on H630SAN000) is available until OBW 2021 in the Subaru parts list under accessories.
- We saw where people had successfully installed it on the 2022 OBW, although it is not specified in the Subaru parts list as being comparable.
- After closely comparing the 2021 to 2022 to 2023 Denso screen and head units, they looked physically similar and the 2022 and 2023 Denso unit part numbers were very close.
- We loved everything about the car except the stereo sound and couldn’t leave it stock.
With all of this in mind, we talked to a local audio store that came highly recommended by colleagues, and they quoted us a price for installation:
- RF enhancement that comes with RF amplifier and front RF speakers (kit comes with 6x9s for front only).
- Two (2) 6.5 inch Kicker KS series speakers for the rear doors.
- Two (2) Kicker 2.75 inch mid-range speakers/tweeters for the front dash.
- An additional X-series amplifier with optional base switch (neatly installed in the single button next to the fader wheel) and sub 11″ JBL bass and enclosure that fits inside the spare tire.
The installation took 2 days and they discovered a few interesting items, including the lack of wiring in the harness to power the factory front speakers (part of the reason there was almost no sound coming out), so they ran what they needed. They also found the 6.5 inch speakers in the 6×9 opening of the front door (literally it was a 6.5 inch speaker attached to a 6×9 bracket) and the weight of a binder clip. The front tweeters were incredibly small and weighed as much as a paper clip.
In the end, we are happy to report that the RF upgrade kit worked on our 2023 OBW, GOOD, the installer had to use an alternate power source as there was no power connector behind the dash going to Denso unit (likely a change in the 2023 model year). Apart from this minor work, the RF upgrade worked on our 2023 OBW.
The result of all this work is AMAZING. The sound quality is clear and powerful and is on par (if not slightly better) than the HK in my 2022 WRX Limited. We were about $500 for the RF upgrade plus $2200 for the installation and additional speakers and bass/ amp, as mentioned above. Not a small amount, but we got OBW to what we wanted it to sound like and we plan to keep it around for a long time.
All the same sound settings (base, treble, fade, etc) on the factory head unit and display still work with our setup as they did with the stock setup. If you are thinking of upgrading the stereo you can do what we did but without the sub/amp and you will likely get about $1k less overall and the sound will still be much better than stock. We hope this information helps those with the 2023 OBW who are considering the RF upgrade from previous years models.
