Subwoofer Upgrade to Bose Touring Stereo
 

I’m not exactly pleased with the Bose Stereo included in the Touring package, but I don’t really want to replace the entire system. What I’m planning to do is install an IPod adaptor and an HD Radio tuner. I would also like to replace the subwoofer with something that has some more kick to it, but I don’t want to take up any trunk space. Is there anything on the market that directly replaces the bose sub? It would be great to be able to unplug it, remove it and put something better in its place.

Any ideas on this?

Any and all help will be most appreciated.

~Rob

i would get a better HU with more eq control and use the speakers you got.

Rob, you might try calling a few manufacturers directly after taking some dimensions of the Bose sub? Just a thought...good luck.

You are not going to be able to just change out the sub on the bose model. The bose amp is not strong enough to power a real sub. Also even if you did replace the sub, the bose system is still going to restrict the power going to it just as it does with the stock one. Your best bet is to replace the entire system or use a mtx re-q and install a new amp and a new sub. Or replace the head unit and when you do that you are going to have to replace the rest of the stuff.

I used to be big in to car audio. I sold most of my old equipment on eBay before I sold my last car, but I kept the three amps (Phoenix Gold M50 and two M25s). I don't have an issue installing one of the amps and a new sub, but I really don't want to change out the head unit. I will lose the steering wheel controls and the bluetooth connection.

Is it possible to just replace the stock amp and sub, but keep the OEM head unit?

As of right now there are no aftermarket wiring harnesses to integrate a new head unit in with the bose system. Also most of today's head units have built in blue tooth and there is a adapter so you can still use your streering wheel controls. I still say go with the base model and get an aftermarket head unit with the blue tooth and buy the streetlight wheel kit. I recommend the kenwood 6140 just a great unit also has biul in garmin gps.

I already have the 370z with the Touring package, so there's no going back now. I was hoping to do a cost effective upgrade and not have to take apart to much of the interior of the car. I guess that's out the window now.

^^ You got it sorry to give you the bad news. A lot of use try to warn people about the head aches with the bose system before they buy.

Well honestly I would have gotten it anyway. I like the touring package because of the power/heated seats, sport pedals and the other creature comforts. I'm sure some manufacturer will eventually come out with something to replace the sub and amp.

You can do a high output speaker level to RCA converter from the stock Bose subwoofer wires. I recommend using converterd from Soundgate. They are a bit costly but they are the best and they have one that will work for your needs. The unit is the LOC42

I like them because they are transformerless unlike the cheap ones. This unit will take 85watts input per channel.

LOC42 - SoundGate.com

I used one in my Landrover to add a subwoofer to the factory Harmon Kardon ICE system. I kept the factory deck and speakers as they were 3-ways in the doors and they sounded great for a stock system but I just wanted a sub for some bottom end.

Ok, that's part of the solution. Now I need to find something to replace the stock sub without to many modifications. Does anyone make something that will fit in it's place?

The stock sub is a 2 ohm load and probably only putting out 50 watts, by putting a new one in it would not only have to be 2 ohms but be very efficient. And you still have the problem of the bose system clipping the power to whatever sub because it still thinks it is the stock one and that is how bose makes there stuff. It is made for when you turn up the volume certain freq are cut and that will still be done so your new sub will not be able to work to it's full potential.

So it looks like I'm pretty much stuck with it. My choices are deal with it, or totally replace it. If it weren't for the cost, the steering wheel controls and the bluetooth, I would be fine with replacing it.

I'm going to go over to the local audio shop next week and talk to them. They do high end work, so I'll see what they have to say.

Where are you in Maryland?

I live about 20 minutes north of Annapolis.