Nissan 370Z Forum  

What to know about Bose

Well it is that time again boys and girls. Time for more information. This time around I want to inform you about your choices when you buy your car and

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Audio & Video


Like Tree54Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-05-2011, 04:38 PM   #1 (permalink)
Car Audio Installer
 
bigaudiofanat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Magnolia DE
Posts: 8,342
Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x
Rep Power: 852
bigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Yahoo to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Skype™ to bigaudiofanat
Arrow What to know about Bose

Well it is that time again boys and girls. Time for more information.
This time around I want to inform you about your choices when you buy your car and upgrade it as well. We will cover:

Should I get the Bose system?
Should I get the OEM Nav system?
What are my options for upgrading from bose?
What obstacles do I have to overcome when upgrading the bose system?
Why is bose bad?
__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/
bigaudiofanat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2011, 04:38 PM   #2 (permalink)
Car Audio Installer
 
bigaudiofanat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Magnolia DE
Posts: 8,342
Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x
Rep Power: 852
bigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Yahoo to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Skype™ to bigaudiofanat
Default

Should I get the Bose system?

The very first thing you need to ask yourself is this. Am I going to upgrade? Simply put many of you go and drive the Z and do not either bother listening to the stereo or at low volumes. You need to listen to the system how you really would!! Bring cd's, ipods or other media to test your music on the system. Sit in the car and really listen, even if you're not an audiophile, you will know wether or not you will be happy with the system after a few songs. If you are read no more the bose maybe for you. If you think you will be upgrading or even adding a sub read on.

Should I get the OEM Nav system?
if you feel like replacing the system because you want more features it would be easier if you simply got a non Bose system. However it is replaceable see here.
NAV System Successfully Removed

What are my options for upgrading from bose?
This is where it can get interesting. You can add new audio to your bose system but you have to do some things in order to do so.
If you have the regular non nav bose system you can upgrade the head unit and use this dash kit and adapter to run it with the rest of the bose system still in tack.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1207075...s.html?tp=2977

http://www.metraonline.com/part/Niss...h_kit_99-7607B

To keep your steering wheel controls
http://www.amazon.com/Axxess-ASWC-1-.../dp/B00B4PJC9K

Base speaker brackets or make them yourself:
http://i483.photobucket.com/albums/r...e/IMG_6601.jpg


If you want to do a complete overhaul you can just as long as you have the regular bose system and not with the nav. And make sure to run new speaker wires

Speakers
If you want to upgrade your speakers it is not as simple as plugging in new speakers and your set. The bose system has odd ohms levels for it's speakers and on top of this they have build in crossovers on the bose amp. You will first have to use a LOC such as the mtx-req5, Alpine imprint, JBL MS8, and so on. These devices connect to the bose system wires, before or after the factory amp and allow you to connect new amps to power your new speakers. Yes you will need not only a LOC but a new amp to install new speakers. Also you will want to run new speaker wires as well.

You can put a 6X9 in the door however 6.5 is recommended with a spacer ring. Component set is also recommended

LOC
As mentioned this device allows you to install a new sub and/or speaker amp to power your new sub or speakers. The high end ones are the JBL MS8 and Audison Bitone right now. There are other such as the MTX re-q5 and so on. The only one I do not recommend is the JL cleansweep this one will make you use a small volume knob it comes with to control the volume and you will not longer be able to use your factory volume knob.

The bad about these are ground loops. Bose system are notorious for having already present alternator winning in the system that when you upgrade you may bring out. The higher end LOC's are not as sensitive to this as the lower end ones. I personally encountered this problem doing a install in california. This can sometimes be fixed by using a ground loop isolator.

Why is bose bad?
Simply put the bose system is nothing more than upgraded paper woofers just like the base system below are some pictures of some base speakers and some bose speakers. Other than the size the only differences are ohms and the bose had the brand name on them. take a look. More information about the bose system can be found under Car Audio 101

Speakers Bose


Base


Base tweeter


Bose tweeter

__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 12-06-2015 at 08:13 AM.
bigaudiofanat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2011, 05:44 PM   #3 (permalink)
Track Member
 
haitech's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Austin/Dallas
Posts: 922
Drives: 11' 370z Magnetic M6
Rep Power: 14
haitech is on a distinguished road
Default

Sticky this!
haitech is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2011, 06:32 PM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
eastwest2300's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South FL
Posts: 90,799
Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0
Rep Power: 2684549
eastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by haitech View Post
Sticky this!
Thanks Matt.
__________________
Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
eastwest2300 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 12:02 AM   #5 (permalink)
Base Member
 
krUnizZLE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Parsons, Kansas
Posts: 10
Drives: BicycLe
Rep Power: 13
krUnizZLE is on a distinguished road
Default

Nice... This Cleared a Couple Things Up But Im Still Stuck...

I Want Navi But I Dont Want Bose So i Guess When i Do Add Speakerz, Subs, Ampz, ETC. (Im A Audiophile) Ill Just Use The JBL MS8..

Also, What Is The BEST LOC (Price Is Not A Problem) You Can Get That Will Make The Bose Sound Like A AfterMarket?
krUnizZLE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 12:26 AM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
eastwest2300's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South FL
Posts: 90,799
Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0
Rep Power: 2684549
eastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by krUnizZLE View Post
Nice... This Cleared a Couple Things Up But Im Still Stuck...

I Want Navi But I Dont Want Bose So i Guess When i Do Add Speakerz, Subs, Ampz, ETC. (Im A Audiophile) Ill Just Use The JBL MS8..

Also, What Is The BEST LOC (Price Is Not A Problem) You Can Get That Will Make The Bose Sound Like A AfterMarket?
Nice Avatar.. I use to ride too.
joes40th likes this.
__________________
Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
eastwest2300 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 10:43 AM   #7 (permalink)
Base Member
 
krUnizZLE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Parsons, Kansas
Posts: 10
Drives: BicycLe
Rep Power: 13
krUnizZLE is on a distinguished road
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by eastwest2300 View Post
Nice Avatar.. I use to ride too.

Awesome!


krUnizZLE is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 11:27 AM   #8 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
90 ST's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 1,861
Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra
Rep Power: 420
90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute90 ST has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by krUnizZLE View Post
Nice... This Cleared a Couple Things Up But Im Still Stuck...

I Want Navi But I Dont Want Bose So i Guess When i Do Add Speakerz, Subs, Ampz, ETC. (Im A Audiophile) Ill Just Use The JBL MS8..

Also, What Is The BEST LOC (Price Is Not A Problem) You Can Get That Will Make The Bose Sound Like A AfterMarket?
IMO the best to just add a sub would be the Audio Control LC2i. I know some people push the ReQ, but as i worked for the company that designed it and owns it, i would still not use it. It has now been disco'd the failure rate was just to high.
The best no holds barred would be IMO would be the Rockford 3sixty, it does everything, not to mention it was just awarded the patent for this type of thing. The Bit one, MS-8, etc are currently infringing on a patented piece…
DeepSouth likes this.

Last edited by 90 ST; 12-06-2011 at 11:29 AM.
90 ST is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 11:43 AM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Posts: 1,027
Drives: Lexus CT
Rep Power: 15
anthonyy will become famous soon enough
Default

repped
anthonyy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 12:44 PM   #10 (permalink)
Car Audio Installer
 
bigaudiofanat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Magnolia DE
Posts: 8,342
Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x
Rep Power: 852
bigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Yahoo to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Skype™ to bigaudiofanat
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by krUnizZLE View Post
Nice... This Cleared a Couple Things Up But Im Still Stuck...

I Want Navi But I Dont Want Bose So i Guess When i Do Add Speakerz, Subs, Ampz, ETC. (Im A Audiophile) Ill Just Use The JBL MS8..

Also, What Is The BEST LOC (Price Is Not A Problem) You Can Get That Will Make The Bose Sound Like A AfterMarket?
As long as you have the bose system and not the nav you can pull the whole thing out. There is still hope!!
__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/
bigaudiofanat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 12:45 PM   #11 (permalink)
Car Audio Installer
 
bigaudiofanat's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Magnolia DE
Posts: 8,342
Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x
Rep Power: 852
bigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond reputebigaudiofanat has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Yahoo to bigaudiofanat Send a message via Skype™ to bigaudiofanat
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 90 ST View Post
IMO the best to just add a sub would be the Audio Control LC2i. I know some people push the ReQ, but as i worked for the company that designed it and owns it, i would still not use it. It has now been disco'd the failure rate was just to high.
The best no holds barred would be IMO would be the Rockford 3sixty, it does everything, not to mention it was just awarded the patent for this type of thing. The Bit one, MS-8, etc are currently infringing on a patented piece…
The req is good but as I mentioned in the write up there are muh better and higher end options out there. I have used the MS8 in two installs and they word very well. the new alpine imprint should be out soon and that looks promising as well.
__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/
bigaudiofanat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 01:08 PM   #12 (permalink)
Administrator
 
Trips's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Disneyland, Ca
Posts: 8,727
Drives: 🔰
Rep Power: 10
Trips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond reputeTrips has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Nice write-up Matt

I'll sticky it so its easy for other members with questions to find.
Jarye likes this.
__________________


http://www.the370z.com/payments.php
Trips is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2011, 02:17 PM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
eastwest2300's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South FL
Posts: 90,799
Drives: '16QX70/'21 Supra3.0
Rep Power: 2684549
eastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond reputeeastwest2300 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Triple's View Post
Nice write-up Matt

I'll sticky it so its easy for other members with questions to find.
Thanks Mod.
__________________
Infiniti QX70 & Toyota Supra 3.0 Premium
eastwest2300 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2011, 01:08 PM   #14 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
Fly1 Motorsports's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 1,094
Drives: PW 370Z 7AT/Tr/Sp/Nv
Rep Power: 18
Fly1 Motorsports is a glorious beacon of lightFly1 Motorsports is a glorious beacon of lightFly1 Motorsports is a glorious beacon of lightFly1 Motorsports is a glorious beacon of lightFly1 Motorsports is a glorious beacon of light
Default My Factory Nav/Bose System Install

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to add my to Matt's write up so it's part of this thread for people that may be thinking about upgrading the factory bose setup with navigation. I had a slightly bumpy road, but ultimately was able to upgrade successfully - and want to share how I got there.

I was part of Matt's "California Builds" recently - and wanted better quality audio all around, while retaining my factory nav/head unit. I quickly found out that I didn't have any options w/ swapping the head unit for reasons noted above.

So I opted for an MTX LOC which was reasonably priced (MTX RE-Q5) as the interface between my Bose head unit and new amplifier (Alpine PDX-5). We bypassed the factory amp and went straight to the RE-Q5 and then to the Alpine. We DID encounter problems w/ the MTX unit (faulty harness) - so I had to get another one mid-install. Definitely not fun scrambling to find one locally, but I was able to. The alpine amp was powering Image Dynamics components (door speakers/tweeters), and an Image Dynamics Sub.

This is where the problems began - alternator/engine whine. If you've never had to deal w/ this - it's a gnarly constant whine that persists whether the stereo is on or off...and amplifies as you accelerate. It can quickly drive you up the wall!

Matt double checked all grounds, but that was not the problem. Upon research, we found that many MTX RE-Q5 users experienced the same thing. Whether a higher end unit (JBL MS-8; Rockford Fosgate Three-60) would have avoided the whine - I can't say for sure. I would, however, recommend one of those higher end units as they would be MUCH easier to tune the system...but more on that later.

So finally, I had to use trial and error to find/resolve the source of the engine whine. I initially tried an inline power noise filter at the battery terminal (the MTX was fed directly from the battery). That didn't work. Next, I tried an inline power noise filter near the MTX; along with a ground loop isolator. I also separated any power and audio cabling w/ simple ducting. VOILA - engine whine gone!

I was happy at that point, but still a little unsettled w/ the overall tuning of the system (didn't feel the bump in the sub and front speakers were too loud relatively). I increased gains at the amp, played with the crossover frequencies and gains on the RE-Q5, and fine tuned w/ the factory audio controls - and FINALLY, I felt very happy w/ the result. As mentioned earlier, a higher-end LOC would have probably made the final audio adjustments easier (MTX has simple/cheap knobs you adjust w/ a screwdriver). That said, I have a hunch I would have still had to deal w/ eliminating engine noise which stems from having to amplify the factory Bose levels, which as Matt mentioned, are output at odd levels.

Matt and I ventured into this knowing we were entering uncharted waters...but I'm thrilled to finally have an upgraded system w/ the factory nav/Bose system. Significantly better clarity, imaging and bump . Hope this helps anyone looking to upgrade...

-Lohit
Fly1 Motorsports is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-08-2011, 01:12 PM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
jpritche's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Cartersville, Ga
Age: 32
Posts: 2,571
Drives: '15 RR, '14 IS250
Rep Power: 30
jpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond reputejpritche has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I have also upgraded my factory nav with bose. I did not have near the problems you did thank goodness. I just used a simple LOC and it works great. I used the wires that were going into the factory sub and hooked the LOC there and then ran my RCA from there to my amp. It has worked great for around a year now.

Currently I have a JL 12w3 in a Zenclosure box



By the way congrats on the new audio build.
jpritche is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Stock Bose/Nav+new sub/amp onefastz Audio & Video 14 08-24-2013 05:50 PM
Bose w/nav SonnyC Audio & Video 5 08-15-2011 08:09 PM
Bose w/Nav slammiam Nissan 370Z General Discussions 12 12-20-2010 06:22 AM
Why do I have a Bose amp? Guard Dad Audio & Video 38 11-03-2010 12:33 AM
Bose experts scrap Exterior & Interior 17 04-23-2010 07:27 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:17 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2