rcoaster

I'm perfectly happy with my 2016. I'll wait for the 2026 model, which by then will have "self-steering" available.

I'm perfectly happy with my 2016. I'll wait for the 2026 model, which by then will have "self-steering" available.

I know this thread is old, but I'd like to mention that I've successfully used a 128GB USB drive. It was even formatted FAT 32 by default. I suspect that the 256GB drives will work as well. I read online that newer Windows versions don't allow you to format FAT 32, and will require a separate application to do that. Best to leave the format done by the manufacturer alone.

When you export a playlist from a music library app, such as iTunes, it exports it to an .m3u file. The head unit plays the songs in alphabetical order, so the app that reads the m3u file will rename the files by adding a number before the filename, so they are listed in the order in the playlist. I've been doing this for a long time, ever since there was a single DIN headunit that could read MP3's on a CD. Had a unit in my 1996 Outback, then my 2004. No need for my (whenver it arrives) '16 since it already supports USB drives. I have a SanDisk Cruzer ready to use in my '16.

The head unit does not support m3u playlists. The maximum number of files on a USB device is 8000, the maximum number of folders on the USB is 512 folders, and the maximum number of files per folder is 255. Folders up to 8 levels deep can be used, however it can cause a lag, so Subaru recommends folders no more than 2 levels deep.

 

The head unit does recognize playlists from an iPod. If you don't have an iPod, then there are special export applications online that allows you to build a playlist within a folder and have the mp3 files renamed so that they play in order based on an m3u file.

So, that's why it's expensive. Probably 80% of the price goes to labor costs.

I think I'll just stick with the factory HU and get a separate navigation unit with lifetime map updates.

Would be nice to see the instructions for the install to see what kind of connection it uses and then create your own. The techinfo site doesn't list the install instructions yet.

Or, you could just buy the official Subaru kit. (cars101.com announced the kit on July 30th.)

I guess I have the oldest Outback here... a 1996 Outback! Just paid it off, now saving up for a 2005 or a 2006.. I'm leaning towards the 3.0 Wagon which is the LL Bean Edition. Wish they had standard Outback with the H6 engine like they did in 2004.