Connecting the MS8 to factory Bose/Nav
 

This will likely be a lengthy post, I appreciate anyone taking the time to read and respond where they can.

First: I am changing up the audio in my Z. The system going in will be a JBL MS8 connected to a JL HD900/5, Front 2-Way components (Focal 165 KRX2), and the Wicked CAS corner box with a JL 10W3v3. No rear speakers.

What I am wondering is, where is the best place to tap into the signal from the factory nav headunit to feed the MS8? I was initially under the assumption that the factory nav would send an unprocessed, full range, low level signal to the bose amp, and there it would be processed, crossed over, and sent to the speakers. However, upon examining the bose amp connections in the FSM, it looks like the processing and crossover is being done in the HU?

If that is the case, then I would need as a minimum to wire the front tweeters, front door speakers, and subwoofer signals to the MS8 in order to achieve a full range signal, no? I have read that some people are simply taking the front L/R signal to feed a LOC, but if it is already crossed over than that LOC is missing a ton of the frequencies that it needs.

Second question is regardless of where the crossover is taking place in the factory system, how is it treating the speakers? Again, I assumed with tweeters in the front and a 6x9 in the door with 4" rear speakers, it must be using the system as a 3 way component setup. (As in not sending full signal to the rears, just treating them as mid bass drivers)

My end goal is obviously that the MS8 will give me a clean, 20-20 full range signal to send to the amp. Not a signal that has been reinterpreted to simulate a full range one, but the actual full range that the source is putting out just cleaned up. I have tried a RF 3SIXTY in the past, and I was not impressed when it was compared with an aftermarket source sending over RCA to the amp. I expect that for the price of the MS8 and all it is said to be able to do, that it will give me the same quality of sound from the factory head unit as I would be able to achieve with a high end aftermarket head unit.

The head unit sends full range out to the amp. xover duties are handled by the amplifier. You can use the inputs at the amp to feed your ms8.

Thanks, which connector at the amp is the input and which is the output? I can't tell from the FSM.


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http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...kers-bose.html
This post from another member may help.

Upon examination of that post and going back to the FSM, it makes sense now!
Thanks for the help! :tiphat:

Kudos to SuperDave for posting it. All I did was remember it, and link ya....

Fair enough, still helped out big time!

Now for the next question. For those running processors like the MS8 and component speakers, are you using the processor as an active crossover for all your channels? As in bypassing the HPF/LPF's on the amp, and not using the passive crossovers that came with your component speakers?

It seems that this would give the MS8 the best control over what your system sounded like, and I should have enough channels on the HD900/5 to achieve this. (use the front channels for the mid's and rear channels for the tweeters) The only thing this limits is my ability to bridge the fronts so i might be shy on power.

Thoughts?

Absolutely run active off the processor. The bump in power if you were to run your fronts bridged would only be from 100watts to 150watts. You would barely even notice that small of a difference.
The processing capabilities you gain from running active will make you glad you did.

Sounds good. I will set it up that way. Hopefully I can find someone that has used the 165KR2's active before and has a recommended crossover freq/slope between the woofers and tweeters. It's a shame they don't list what the passive crossovers are set to for freqs/slope.


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You need to look in the right places, my friend. Focal has the crossover network listed as crossed at 4.7k, and selectable at 12 or 18 db.:tiphat:

Thanks again! The amp is on the way, sub and MS8 are not far behind :excited:
The only thing that has yet to be ordered are the speakers, as I really would like to hear the Hertz 165XL's before I pull the trigger on the KRX2's, but I can't find anywhere local to listen to them.

Hertz Components = :happydance::happydance::happydance:

Having heard both, I decided to go with Focals. I got a good deal on the PS165 FX's. KRX2's would have been my first choice, but didn't quite fit into the budget.

I've found a place where I can hear them in a week or so, then I can decide. I see quite a few people have also opted for the 165XL mids with the Mille tweeters. Something else to consider. Lots of time for this build though, at least 5 months of winter left here!

Also heard both, as well as several other top models...Chose the hertz !! It's all good. Everyone has different tastes.:tiphat: