Is the Bose subwoofer much worse than aftermarket compact subwoofers?
 

So I'm in the process of replacing my 2014 Base + Sports double-DIN head unit with a Pioneer NEX 2330. I want to add a subwoofer but I don't want to modify the car in any way and don't want a visible subwoofer if possible, so my options are limited.

Now I have been looking at subwoofer threads (over 400 at this moment) and the more I research, the more I get frustrated. Apparently the OEM Bose subwoofer sucks, for all I've read. I'm open to buy a Pioneer TS-WH500A or similar; I think it would be neat to have all the speakers and head-end unit the same brand but it's not a religious thing for me. Now for all I've read in Car AV forums, all compact, self-powered subwoofers suck too. All of them.

I can grab an used Bose sub from eBay for around $75 shipped including the wiring harness, install it in the spare tire bay and call it a day (which I've almost done but not quite yet); I've reviewed the subwoofer connector pin-out and looks easy peasy: 1 ground, 1 positive, 1 remote power-on, 1 left and right channels and a common input ground which I can convert into 1 RCA and run the cable to the NEX subwoofer output together with the remote-on.

I don't expect the Bose sub to blow my windows out, but if I go through all the trouble to install it, turn it on for the first time and find out it's as terrible as portrayed in this sub-forum I'm going to be pissed. My wife has an R51 Pathfinder for the winter and it's pretty decent, not great but decent. My winter car is a MB ML320 and the Bose speakers sound great, but the subwoofer is okay (but only okay), so I have mixed feelings.

The TS-WH500A sells for around $160 so the price difference is not a deal breaker, but if it's going to suck as much as the Bose I would rather expend $75.

What would you do in my shoes? I don't want a big box in the trunk, could live with the Pioneer subwoofer installed behind the aluminum brace if it's significantly better than the Bose. Unfortunately I cannot compare them side by side.

Do NOT waste your money on an OEM Bose subwoofer :twocents:

I agree. I haven't used any self powered subwoofers, but I highly doubt they would be as bad as the OEM bose sub. A decent set of woofers will run circles around the bose sub.
If you were local, I'd give the Bose sub to you for free.

I don't know what your total budget is, but there are definitely options that will fit in the spare tire well. JL Audio is my go-to for subs; the TW3 and TW1 models are slim depth small box woofers that could do the trick in that area pretty easily. The only issue is you'd need a custom enclose and separate amp. This would blow the Bose sub out of the water, but definitely at a cost.

Wow, this bad uh? that's why I wanted to ask before doing anything.

Need to keep my spare tire. I live in a Metro Detroit suburb and if we change Detroit's nickname from "Motor City" to "Bent Wheel Capital of the World" nobody would bat an eye.

I'm thinking $700 total including the NEX.

"Is the Bose subwoofer much worse than aftermarket compact subwoofers?"


Yes.

there are small powered subwoofers that sound good, if accurate reproduction is what your after. If you want to rattle the doors off.......eh, not so much.
I have a pioneer model under the seat in my crosstrek that sounds pretty damn good. Low and accurate, just enough to let you know its there, like it should be.

This sounds like a winner; would it be too much to ask for the model number? I'm going to try to find a TS-WH500A in a shop hoping to hear how it sounds before pulling the trigger.

Ts wx120a

I have infinity version of this in my z, since size is close, Only thing I will say is doubt it will fit under our seats. Plenty of space of coarse if you mount under the hatch.