For all the audio gurus, I got a quick question:

I m planning to install a Rockford amp and 2 JL 10W3's. I will be keeping my factory bose setup. I also have a clarion EQ and I was wondering if I connected this eq would I have better control of leveling out my system. Also would it only need to be connected to the rockford amp or the bose amp too? I mean the rockford is gonna tap into the rear speakers so would the eq be able to gain signal for my interiors through there? I dunno but I need some help with answers. Thanks in advance.

-Vin

 

I'm not an audiophile or an audio guru, but I'll give you my answer. If you were to use your EQ to attempt to level out the system, you would want to place the EQ on the speaker outputs as they leave the Bose amp. The EQing occurs in the Bose amp, so in order to level it out, you would have to place your EQ "downstream" from the Bose amp. It also seems like if you did manage to level out the signals leaving the Bose amp, you'd want to use a pair of the leveled outputs leaving your EQ as your input into the sub amp (probably the rears).

That all being said, I don't think you can very easily, accurately or audibly manually level out the outputs leaving the Bose amp with a standard/manual EQ. What you are talking about doing is basically manually performing the job of a "JL CleanSweep" type device.

My question is, why are you talking about "leveling out" the system, when all you're doing is adding a sub amp + subs? The Bose speakers Blose... and undoing the EQing by the Bose amp only makes them sound worse.

 

Also, the clarion eq will not work correctly if you place it before the bose amp either. It doen't like the HU output, I have one and have tried it. But like amthar said, for just subs, you don't need it. Just grab the speaker level outs and drive the amp.

JH

 

I have the setup you are referring to. I took the signal from the stock sub output to the Bose sub, removed the stock sub amp and sub. I wired the sub output to my Rockford amp and replaced the sub on the rear deck with a Memphis 8". It it in the same location perfectly. If you have a coupe, this really won't help at all.

 

The OEM HU sends flat, unprocessed sound to the Bose amp using "balanced" signals. The Clarion is not compatible with these signals without some kind of balanced-to-single-ended RCA converter (like a Peripheral SVEN).

If you don't like how the Bose system sounds, do what many members have done, get rid of the Bose amp and the speakers, and keep the HU.

A set of DLS UP6 up front and a 2-channel amp will make you wonder why you hesitated.

 

Thanks fellas..the advice is greatly appreciated.

-Vin