CAC F9SR3K3 9 Inch Fascia Kit Subaru Harman Kardon Premium Audio

Upgrade your Harman Kardon-equipped Subaru with a modern 9-inch headunit that preserves your premium audio system, steering wheel controls, and factory reverse camera.

Product Overview

The CAC F9SR3K3 is a vehicle-specific 9-inch fascia integration kit engineered for next-generation Subaru AWD models equipped with factory Harman Kardon premium audio systems including Forester (2013-2014), Impreza (2012-2014), WRX (2014-2015), and XV (2012-2015) in Dash 2 Harman Kardon configuration. This comprehensive installation solution connects aftermarket trapezoid-style 9-inch headunits to your factory wiring harness while preserving Harman Kardon amplifier compatibility, steering wheel control functionality, factory reverse camera integration, and maintaining proper antenna signal transfer, with compatibility for factory USB systems. The kit supports popular 9-inch headunits from Alpine (AW409S, AX809), Kenwood (DMX80AXS), Pioneer (DMH-AP6650BT), Nakamichi CANbus systems, and universal aftermarket Android units, delivering professional-grade integration specifically engineered for Dash 2 Harman Kardon configuration found on premium audio-equipped next-generation Subaru models.

Key Specifications

• Fitment: Subaru Forester 2013-2014 (Dash 2 Harman Kardon), Subaru Impreza 2012-2014 (Dash 2 Harman Kardon), Subaru WRX 2014-2015 (Dash 2 Harman Kardon), Subaru XV 2012-2015 (Dash 2 Harman Kardon)
• Screen size accommodation: Universal trapezoid 9-inch headunits only
• Included components: 9" fascia panel, steering wheel control harness, factory camera retention adapter, factory radio antenna adapter
• Feature retention: Steering wheel controls, factory reverse camera, Harman Kardon amplifier compatibility, factory USB compatibility
• Installation type: Plug-and-play with factory wiring (requires blue AMP control wire connection for amplifier activation)
• Compatible headunit brands: Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Nakamichi, aftermarket Android systems
• Platform: Subaru next-generation AWD platform (SJ Forester, GP Impreza/XV, GJ WRX, Dash 2 Harman Kardon)

Features & Benefits

Harman Kardon Premium Audio System Compatibility: Purpose-engineered to work seamlessly with factory-installed Harman Kardon premium audio systems, ensuring your upgraded headunit properly interfaces with the existing amplifier and premium speakers without signal loss or impedance mismatches. Preserves the investment in your factory premium sound system while gaining modern connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with audiophile-quality sound reproduction.

Factory Reverse Camera Retention: The integrated camera retention adapter preserves your existing reverse camera connection to the new headunit, maintaining critical parking safety features without the cost and complexity of installing a new camera system. Essential for premium Subaru models where the camera assists with urban parking, tight mountain trail navigation, and reversing in confined spaces.

Four-Vehicle Premium Audio Coverage: Engineered to fit four popular next-generation Subaru AWD models with Dash 2 Harman Kardon configuration—Forester (2013-2014), Impreza (2012-2014), WRX (2014-2015), and the XV crossover (2012-2015). Critical for professional installations where premium audio-equipped higher-specification Subaru models require specific components that maintain Harman Kardon amplifier functionality.

Complete Steering Wheel Control Retention: The included SWC harness preserves all steering wheel-mounted controls including volume, track selection, and phone functions. Essential for premium Subaru owners who value hands-on-wheel convenience during spirited driving, family adventures, or daily commuting where maintaining control inputs improves both safety and driving engagement.

Factory USB System Compatibility: Compatible with factory USB systems found on these premium Subaru models, maintaining connectivity for smartphone charging and data integration. Critical for supporting contemporary headunit features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through factory USB connections while enjoying Harman Kardon audio quality.

Premium Audio with Modern Features: Brings contemporary features including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and GPS navigation to these 2012-2015 Subaru models while retaining factory Harman Kardon premium audio, parking safety (camera), and steering wheel controls. Transforms premium AWD vehicles into fully connected, safety-enhanced platforms with audiophile-quality sound reproduction perfect for spirited driving, mountain adventures, and enthusiast-focused journeys.

Technical Specs

• Product code: F9SR3K3
• Manufacturer: Car Audio Connect (CAC)
• Fascia dimensions: 9-inch trapezoid opening (universal 9" aftermarket headunit standard)
• Harness type: Vehicle-specific plug-and-play wiring harness with SWC adapter
• SWC compatibility: Full steering wheel control retention
• Camera adapter: Factory reverse camera retention (analog video passthrough)
• Audio system compatibility: Harman Kardon premium audio amplifier integration (requires blue AMP control wire connection)
• USB compatibility: Factory USB system compatible
• Antenna adapter: Factory radio antenna to aftermarket headunit (standard antenna connection)
• Materials: ABS plastic fascia panel
• Colour: Black (OEM-matched texture)
• Installation difficulty: Moderate to advanced (requires dash panel removal, camera connection, amplifier wire connection, and basic electrical connection)
• Compatible model years: Forester 2013-2014, Impreza 2012-2014, WRX 2014-2015, XV 2012-2015
• Platform generation: SJ (Forester), GP (Impreza/XV), GJ (WRX), Dash 2 Harman Kardon
• Warranty: Refer to manufacturer warranty terms

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Subaru has Harman Kardon audio?

Check for Harman Kardon badging on your door speakers or factory headunit. Alternatively, contact us with your VIN and trim level for confirmation. This kit will not work correctly with standard audio systems—use the F9SR3K2 kit for standard audio models.

What is the blue AMP control wire and why is it important?

The blue AMP control wire activates the factory Harman Kardon amplifier when the new headunit is turned on. This wire must be connected during installation for the Harman Kardon system to function properly. Without this connection, you'll have no sound from the premium speakers.

What's the difference between this and the F9SR3K2 kit?

The F9SR3K2 is for Dash 2 Standard audio configuration. The F9SR3K3 is exclusively for Dash 2 Harman Kardon premium audio configuration. If your Subaru has Harman Kardon, you must use this kit (F9SR3K3) to maintain proper amplifier functionality.

Will I lose audio quality when upgrading the headunit?

No, the kit is specifically engineered to maintain proper signal levels and impedance matching with the factory Harman Kardon amplifier. However, final audio quality depends on the headunit model you choose and its output specifications. Choose a high-quality headunit to fully leverage the premium speaker system.

What additional parts might I need for installation?

The kit includes the fascia, SWC harness, camera adapter, and antenna adapter. Ensure your chosen headunit has a blue AMP control wire output for amplifier activation. You may also need additional items such as a GPS antenna adapter or specific CANbus interface for optimal functionality.

Compatible With / Goes Well With

Confirmed Compatible Vehicles:

• Subaru Forester 2013-2014 (SJ generation, Dash 2 Harman Kardon with factory reverse camera)
• Subaru Impreza 2012-2014 (GP generation, Dash 2 Harman Kardon with factory reverse camera)
• Subaru WRX 2014-2015 (GJ generation, Dash 2 Harman Kardon with factory reverse camera)
• Subaru XV 2012-2015 (GP generation, Dash 2 Harman Kardon with factory reverse camera)

Confirmed Compatible Headunits:

• Alpine AW409S, Alpine AX809
• Kenwood DMX80AXS
• Pioneer DMH-AP6650BT
• Nakamichi Android stereos with CANbus integration
• Universal aftermarket Android headunits (9" trapezoid form factor with SWC, camera input, and AMP control wire output)

Installation Note: This kit is exclusively for Dash 2 Harman Kardon configuration found on premium audio-equipped next-generation Subaru models. If your vehicle has standard audio (no Harman Kardon), you'll need the F9SR3K2 kit instead. The blue AMP control wire MUST be connected during installation to activate the Harman Kardon amplifier. Always verify your vehicle's audio system and dash configuration before purchasing. Contact us with your VIN if uncertain.