The headunit is not bad but I was a bit disappointed about the "audio/amplifier" part. This is why I also added a small dedicated Class-D amplifier (Pioneer). Moreover I am a bit disappointed about some noise audible at low volumes. I think there are some interferences and simply not enough high-quality audio processing. Despite this it serves the job. I was looking for something based on "standard" software and this is what I got. The unit is basically an Android 6 based 9-inch tablet with some added I/O ports. So now I can basically install any Android app or modify the OS according to my liking. Also I can use Torque using a Bluetooth OBDII interface. I am currently looking into some mods just for fun.
I think subispeed has a
similar unit which might even come with the correct cabling (Levorg requires 28-Pin, 6-Pin and 10-Pin cabling). I got mine from a chinese vendor who sent me a Subaru 20-Pin cable first. The replacement Cable (28-Pin) fitted but did not allow me to use the amplifier etc. Also got some problems with steering wheel controls I was able to solve using some custom circuit/cabling. For example the SWC2 button group did not work for me on the default cabling, fixed this by connecting SWC1 + SWC2 to the same sense line of the head unit adding an additional resistor to allow the head unit distinguish between the groups.
In addition I needed an adapter from Axxess to supply 6V to the rear view camera (or use a custom step-down converter simply) and 5V for the microphone amplifier (or just use the built-in unit mic). All-in-all it was not a plug-and-play installation and required some customizations. Some might be worked around by getting the package from subispeed. Not sure if they include out of the box converters for 5V and 6V as well as connections to illumination switches, parking brake signal etc. At least it looks subispeed offers those adapters and harnesses as an option.
Technically all those units are identical and called MTCA/MTCB/MTCD devices. My one is an MTCD device and I got the Android 6 upgrade with PX5 processor board. I didn't find any information on this on subisepeed. My chinese vendor by default sells this unit with outdated Android 5.1.1 on PX3 processor board.
Mechanically the device I got fits the Levorg quite nicely. Unfortunately the mounting rails do not work as the Levorg got its head unit screwed from left/right bay as well as from front. Using this unit the top vent cover is attached directly to the unit. So you can't mount the rails from front any more. Actually I screwed in the rails and just pushed in the unit. It's hold in place by plastic clips on top and bottom and hold in place without any screw. Works quite fine for me. To remove it I just need to pull.
The vent valve assembly needed some small modification to fit in too (not included).
Conclusion is: These head units are cheaply made. Much cheaper than "brand" units from Pioneer, Pumpkin, Kenwood etc. Some things might not work out of the box but for me it's worth it as the platform can be customized and I might even get newer software/OS versions in the future or compile one by myself. For example there is a section on XDA developers about
MTCD units covering also PX3/PX5 boards and custom ROMs.
The DAMD garnish is just fine for me. It looks classy. I also expected it to be a bit larger looking at the official pictures. However I am quite happy it does not look that bulky. Just gives some discreet custom touch. If you don't know the Levorg you might think it's stock. Mainly I disliked the pretty primitive looking STI diffusor "bar". It's also cheaper than the STI garnish. But comes unpainted so additional paint job charges need to be taken into account.
At the moment I consider the project "done" as everything I had in mind is working now. However I am sure I will have more ideas in the future.
Just taking into account this is my daily driver. So top priority is practical use and street legal equipment (which is not always easy given the regulations here in Switzerland).
btw. I was following your postings and especially pictures too
@Stumpvold. Awesome looking Levorg you have there. I am pretty jalous about some things you did. Quite many of them (like headlamp covers and changed front grill) would not be street legal here. But I really love the style of your car. Thought about changing the Subaru badges on front/back too but didn't find any classy looking ones yet.
