Alright, I've had enough...

[marlin29311]

I can't take the stock speakers anymore with the Bose/NAV system. I'm tired of the muddy mid-range and the choppy high.

Note I do not want to add subs.

I want to replace the stock speakers with a set that doesn't suck. I remember doing this on my old Ford Focus, I bought 4 Pioneer 6x9's and simply mounted them in the doors and all was good (just needed a wiring harness and I was fine). The world was good.

This car I have the feeling is a little different. I see that I can drop 6x9's in the rear deck with no issues. The front door panels seem to be a 6.5" diameter, but what about the front soundstage, in the dashboard? What can I use up in there? Also, how can I even get in there?

[Infantry1327]

Are u going to run a aftet-market amp.

I have heard and read great things about hybrid component speakers

[AppleBonker]

I can't take the stock speakers anymore with the Bose/NAV system. I'm tired of the muddy mid-range and the choppy high.

Amazing how this happened shortly after the home theater upgrade. You wont have an easy time matching that quality audio on a reasonable budget. The mobile environment is less conducive to quality audio.

Having said that, there are a number of options that can be explored. It all depends on your budget. With the Bose HU/amp, it's a lot harder than just dropping new speakers in because of the odd-ball impedance and crazy tuning (can't fault them for trying, but you can't polish a turd).

[marlin29311]

Amazing how this happened shortly after the home theater upgrade. You wont have an easy time matching that quality audio on a reasonable budget. The mobile environment is less conducive to quality audio.

Having said that, there are a number of options that can be explored. It all depends on your budget. With the Bose HU/amp, it's a lot harder than just dropping new speakers in because of the odd-ball impedance and crazy tuning (can't fault them for trying, but you can't polish a turd).

I'm not really looking to match my HT, but at least get better than what's there now. I mean, my computer speakers sound better...

I was also afraid that you were going to say something about the impedence being dumb. What would be the most reasonable way of going about doing this change?

[AppleBonker]

I'm not really looking to match my HT, but at least get better than what's there now. I mean, my computer speakers sound better...

Good thing. I've dumped tons of money into my mobile audio setup and it still doesn't come close.

I was also afraid that you were going to say something about the impedence being dumb. What would be the most reasonable way of going about doing this change?

Well, you could try to match the stock impedance. But, with the tuning that goes on throughout the stock Bose system, I don't know that the improvement would be worth the investment. Best bet is to replace the stock HU and run an aftermarket amp. Next best option would be to run an aftermarket amp off the stock head unit. If it were me, I wouldn't waste the money on just swapping stock speakers (but your opinion might be different). Either way it's a tough call because of the financial investment and if it doesn't work out to your liking, you're either out the money or looking to invest more.

[marlin29311]

Well, you could try to match the stock impedance. But, with the tuning that goes on throughout the stock Bose system, I don't know that the improvement would be worth the investment. Best bet is to replace the stock HU and run an aftermarket amp. Next best option would be to run an aftermarket amp off the stock head unit. If it were me, I wouldn't waste the money on just swapping stock speakers (but your opinion might be different). Either way it's a tough call because of the financial investment and if it doesn't work out to your liking, you're either out the money or looking to invest more.

That makes a lot of sense...I didn't realize how much "behind the scenes" was really going on with the Bose system....is that all headunit driven? Or is that amp driven?

Like, if I were to dump the Bose amp and then pick up new speakers, would that do anything for me? Or is the HU so restricted that I wouldn't be able to wire it properly?

[AppleBonker]

I think there's processing taking place in both the head unit and the amp, but I can't be certain. Unfortunately, Bose doesn't let information like this out. I swapped my head unit before I replaced the amp and speakers and the sound changed. But that could be because my head unit was providing more current (built in amp) than the Bose head unit.

The wiring isn't really the issue. It's getting around the Bose tuning that is complicated. Depending on how much processing is occurring at the head unit, you might be able to dial it out. If all the processing happens there, you wont really have any way around it other than an aftermarket audio processor (which will certainly get pricey).

[Infantry1327]

The head unit is garbage. No sub inputs, and minimal tuneing. If on a budget, I would go with speakers and amp, then save a bit and swap the yes# unit. U should get a little better sound with the amp route, but much better sound. With the amp head unit combo. No point to buying nice after market components if u. Can't power them and tune them to there full potential.. just think how much worse ur HA if u swapped your reciever with some cheap wallmart brand reciever