2014 Rogue 6 speaker stereo terrible

Nissan Rogue forum - Includes Nissan Qashqai and Nissan Dualis as well.
Bass4ever
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Joined: Mon Mar 14, 2016 5:58 pm
Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue SV

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Hi all! Anyone notice that the stereo (6 speaker, Non-Bose) must be put to a fairly high volume to actually be able to hear it? I have mine constantly at 24-26 to actually be able to listenjoy to either music or talk radio.

Is it the factory head unit that's the restrictor or is it the speakers? Also, I don't have the bass or treble turned up high either and the speakers seem to distort fairlyrics easy and the tweeters I find to be quite harsh.

I have the non navigation head unit. Is it worth it to change? If like to retain my steering controls and backup camera.


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Rogue One
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1. Sounds like there's a problem with your system. Have you had it checked by the dealership? You may have a defective unit.
2. A search of this forum or looking at the Rogue main page would have turned up this 08-13-rogue-diy-repairs-maintenance-faq ... 07234.html Scroll down to Audio Upgrades.
3. Everyone complains the Rogue's audio system sucks, regardless of which version they've got. Even if the dealership figures out what's wrong with yours, you'll probably still want to replace it with something decent.

Bass4ever
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Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue SV

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Rogue One wrote:1. Sounds like there's a problem with your system. Have you had it checked by the dealership? You may have a defective unit.
2. A search of this forum or looking at the Rogue main page would have turned up this 08-13-rogue-diy-repairs-maintenance-faq ... 07234.html Scroll down to Audio Upgrades.
3. Everyone complains the Rogue's audio system sucks, regardless of which version they've got. Even if the dealership figures out what's wrong with yours, you'll probably still want to replace it with something decent.
I mean technically it sounds fine, but is just very poor quality.

are there any replacement units and what wiring harnesses would i need to keep all factory uses (backup camera, steering wheel controls, bluetooth, aux control, etc.

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Rogue One
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08-13-rogue-diy-repairs-maintenance-faq ... 07234.html Scroll down to Audio Upgrades.
Rogue One wrote: Re: 2011 Rogue Aftermarket Radio Suggestions
Actually I think there was a short thread awhile back. Really not necessary as most all double DIN radios will fit both gens. As for recommending a replacement head unit, it's more a matter of personal taste, and what features you really can't do without. Oh, and your budget as well. I'd recommend something from Pioneer, whereas someone else on here actually installed a no-name Chinese unit purchased off ebay.

If you want something you'll be happy with, don't let a stranger on the internet pick out something for you. Go to a local shop and listen to what's available, as there will be a difference between brands. Then there's the way they function. I'm old fashioned and like buttons and knobs. Others may prefer the slick look of a unit that is completely touch screen only. It's all a matter of personal choice.

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sprocket
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Location: Metro Detroit, MI

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I have the non navi unit, personally I think it's quite good and I don't have complaints with it. 6 speaker system as well. I leave my bass and treble centered (default). Audio preference is subjective so it's hard to find a one system fits all approach.

What is your audio source? That makes a huge difference.

Try with an audio CD first, it is the highest quality source.

Second might be a USB with high quality audio files with minimal compression.

AUX input has a lot of audio level variables, too low and it's not loud enough and too high causes distortion. There is an AUX equalization in the settings where you can "equalize" the level, try that if it's too soft.

SiriumXM has a lot of audio compression, google and you'll find people comment about the audio quality. I would not use that as the benchmark, I've heard the same song on satellite radio vs CD and the difference is noticeable.

Bass4ever
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Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue SV

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I completely agree that audio is subjective to the listener. Was looking to see if anyone felt the same way as me.

I've tried, CD (Flac), USB, AUX, bluetooth, radio, etc. All seem to have the same result at the end of the day. I swapped out the front speakers the other day and seems to be a little better, but still roughly the same end result. I've concluded that the head unit is the weakest link.

Comparing with other vehicles I've owned, the Rogue is by far the weakest. I find the mids are very hollow and the tweeters to be very fatiguing.

Was thinking of trying out the MXTRON unit, but waiting to hear/see feedback from another forum member before pulling the trigger. If not, a new head unit + the several wiring harnesses to keep factory accessories will be fairly expensive at the end of the day.

Stuey021
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Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:55 am
Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue

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Late response but I agree...I'm a HUGE audio guy and the factory system SUCKS! I have the 2014 with 6 speakers without the Bose system too. There are no EQ controls or presets and the settings you can only tweak so much and are still left unsatisfied...so with that said I have decided to go after market. Bought me a Pioneer 4200NEX, 4-6.5" kicker coax speakers and I'm installing two pioneer 12" shallow mount subs in the back. I'm also considering new tweeters but I'm not sure if the after market radio harness will connect the tweeters? Anywho, I like my rogue but the factory sound system is subpar at best...

outtolearn88
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Hello, Please share your experience with us all.... Show us all how you go about doing the upgrading.

Pictures are always welcomed.

Good luck and Thanks in advance.

Stuey021
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Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:55 am
Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue

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I'll document it all with pics, just gotta wait for the parts to get here... :biggrin:

XD1
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Stuey021 wrote:
Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:03 pm
I'll document it all with pics, just gotta wait for the parts to get here... :biggrin:

So.... what ever happened with this?

I'm looking to upgrade as well, just not willing to sacrifice the cargo space for subs at this point. Has anyone confirmed the suckage of the factory 6spkr non-bose head unit? I'm really not thrilled about messing with it, but it does feel like a weak link, and I don't want to upgrade the door speakers only to see little or no improvement. I'd kind of like a larger screen, I just haven't been impressed with the replacement options I've seen so far..

outtolearn88
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Sell ! You don't have to go thru the trouble of taking everything apart and being disappointed.

Stuey021
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Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2017 9:55 am
Car: 2014 Nissan Rogue

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XD1 wrote:
Thu Jul 13, 2017 1:56 am
Stuey021 wrote:
Sun Apr 30, 2017 1:03 pm
I'll document it all with pics, just gotta wait for the parts to get here... :biggrin:

So.... what ever happened with this?

I'm looking to upgrade as well, just not willing to sacrifice the cargo space for subs at this point. Has anyone confirmed the suckage of the factory 6spkr non-bose head unit? I'm really not thrilled about messing with it, but it does feel like a weak link, and I don't want to upgrade the door speakers only to see little or no improvement. I'd kind of like a larger screen, I just haven't been impressed with the replacement options I've seen so far..
I completely redid the entire sound system/radio. I put in a Pioneer dvd reciever, replaced door speakers with Kicker 6.5” 2-way speakers. Put 2 12” Pioneer shallow mount subs in the cargo area

I’m trying to figure out how to post pics here 😬


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