Weakest part of 2003 Bose audio system?
#1
Weakest part of 2003 Bose audio system?
I'm starting to have problems with my HVAC and stereo in my '03 G35 sedan. So it looks like I'm going to have to replace everything with a JDM DD kit, A/C controller, etc.
My question to those of you that have replaced their entire sytems,... What (in your opinion) is the weakest part of the Bose sound system? The HU? the Amp? the speakers?
The reason for my question. I was planning on replacing the HU, running the stock amp and speakers, and replacing the factory sub with a seperate amp (connected to the new HUs sub pre-amp outs) and a new 10" or 12" sub in a box. I assumed the premium Bose amp and speakers, given their reputation, would sound much better with an improved HU. But after reading a thread on replacing the speakers, I am questioning that logic.
I don't want to spend a ton of money but if I'm going to be shelling out close to $500 for the dash kit and HU, I want to make sure the thing sounds good. What's your take on the Bose Premium sound system?
My question to those of you that have replaced their entire sytems,... What (in your opinion) is the weakest part of the Bose sound system? The HU? the Amp? the speakers?
The reason for my question. I was planning on replacing the HU, running the stock amp and speakers, and replacing the factory sub with a seperate amp (connected to the new HUs sub pre-amp outs) and a new 10" or 12" sub in a box. I assumed the premium Bose amp and speakers, given their reputation, would sound much better with an improved HU. But after reading a thread on replacing the speakers, I am questioning that logic.
I don't want to spend a ton of money but if I'm going to be shelling out close to $500 for the dash kit and HU, I want to make sure the thing sounds good. What's your take on the Bose Premium sound system?
#3
I changed out my HU and amp and kept the stock bose speakers. I waited to swap out the bose speakers since I didn't want to spend any more money than i had to either.
Overall, the sound is much better than stock. IMO, the weakest part is the bose amp. Even the cheapest of all speakers can sound decent with a good amp.
I tried just upgrading just the HU and it didn't like the bose amp too well. It made noises, pops, and sound quality seemed more distorted. I also suggest running all new audio rca cables when installing the new amp. The stock low-level audio signal wires for the bose amp induced too much noise.
Overall, the sound is much better than stock. IMO, the weakest part is the bose amp. Even the cheapest of all speakers can sound decent with a good amp.
I tried just upgrading just the HU and it didn't like the bose amp too well. It made noises, pops, and sound quality seemed more distorted. I also suggest running all new audio rca cables when installing the new amp. The stock low-level audio signal wires for the bose amp induced too much noise.
Last edited by Deezflip; 07-02-2009 at 11:05 AM.
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I had both a Pioneer headunit and a kenwood headunit in the same car (2k6 Gx) and the sound was night and day from stock -- both units (ken and pio) sounded equally great... the system gets plenty loud and remains clear with the OEM bose amp and speakers.
oh, and when troy posts on this forum -- i listen, it's definitely worth my while
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The sticky in this section "Upgrading bose system while keeping stock HU " says the exact opposite. It states that changing the HU gives the least improvements compared to amp or speakers ????
#14
I will put my kappas and JL A6450 amp with the stock HU up against any HU on the planet using the stock speakers and the blose amp and I will win that battle.
#15
I originally replaced my HU with a Pioneer and kept the stock amp/speakers and was very unsatisfied. I’ve since replaced amp and speakers but if I were to do it all over again I would replace the amp and speakers first if I had to decide on one over the other. The amp is really a POS. I think someone above described it well, it really looks like a old HD.