Car Stereos: Impreza factory speaker specs, stock speakers, factory speakers

Question
Hi,  I own a 2008 base model subaru impreza.  I bought a pioneer DEH-3200UB stereo,  in the directions it says that you need to use speakers with over 50 W output value and 4-8(weird looking symbol:) impedance value.  I can't find any info on factory speaker specs,  but would prefer to leave them in if they meet those requirements.  Thanx
Luke

Answer
Hi Luke,

I don't have any specs on the factory speakers either--most vehicle manufacturers don't bother to publish this type of information.  I'd be surprised if the stock speakers were lower than 4-ohm impedance, however.  The 4-ohm speaker is standard in car audio; some OEM systems use a higher impedance, but you don't usually find a lower impedance except when the speaker's used with a "premium" audio option, such as a Bose system.  This isn't likely in a base-model Impreza.  

The factory speakers probably don't carry a power rating at all--they're designed to work with the stock head unit, so there's no need to publish a power handling spec.  However, modern OEM head units are pretty comparable with after-market decks in terms of power output, so I'd be very surprised if the factory speakers couldn't handle the power of the new Pioneer deck.

In short, I think your stock speakers can be used with your new head unit without any problem at all.  You'll probably get better sound quality if you upgrade the speakers, particularly the front speakers; but there's no reason to think you'll endanger your stock speakers by using them with the new head unit.

Hope this helps!

Brian