Anyone upgraded 14 Speaker BOSE sound system yet?

[ddynasty1120]

I am very disappointed with the 14 BOSE sound system.

Does anyone know how can I make it sound better with a little more bass without doing mods and keeping factory look and locations?

Anyone got pics and step by step DIY pictures?

[Carlito]

you try tweeking the settings, especially the center point & surround settings. for a factory system, i think it sounds prettty good. the bass isnt that deep but overall i think its good system

[DashingMax]

Absolutely positively no need to upgrade! This is the finest sound system I've ever heard...I call it "acoustic heaven". Blows away Audi's Bang & Olufsen, Lexus' Mark Levinson and Acura's 5.1 Bose Studio systems!

Only Hyundai Genesis (and Rolls Royce) Lexicon Discrete Surround comes close.

[M4T5]

Absolutely positively no need to upgrade! This is the finest sound system I've ever heard...I call it "acoustic heaven". Blows away Audi's Bang & Olufsen, Lexus' Mark Levinson and Acura's 5.1 Bose Studio systems!

Only Hyundai Genesis (and Rolls Royce) Lexicon Discrete Surround comes close.

Know one said it didn't sound good. It's just not all that loud. Maybe the 5.1 sounds good, but everything else is sub par (radio, XM, CD)...so what's the point.We want more: Highs, mids, and bass. I was thinking a speaker change alone would fix this, but everyone else is saying no due to the amp holding you back.

J

[palincal]

The main speakers can definitely be improved by replacing them with higher quality speakers and adding more padding in the door panels to avoid rattles.

Otherwise I find this system to be excellent. Yes, the FM, AM, XM suck big time but I love how the CDs, MP3s and Audio DVDs sound. The main reason I love this system is due to the two satellite speakers in the front seat. The effect is amazing. I have never felt my old CDs sound so good. Those extra speakers give an excellent spatial effect.

The only other 5.1 system I have carefully listened to is the ELS system on TL. I could hardly tell it was a 5.1 system.

[Bob24]

I have the 14 speaker system and I think it sucks. It may be the worst system I have had in any of my cars, even the lower end ones I had back in high school and college.

It may be my biggest issue with the M45. I went to an audio shop right away but it would be cost prohibitive to upgrade the system to my liking.

Not only is the system not very loud, but I have not found a way to rewind my CD's to re-play a certain part. I don't know about you, but with a lot of songs I really like a few lines or a guitar solo and with all my other CD systems, you could rewind the song back and listen to your favorite part again.

With the M Bose system, there doesn't seem to be any way to rewind it short of going back to the beginning of the song.

[Mark Linkous]

Hello,

I am in total agreement about the shortcomings of the Bose systems. Probably the easiest addition would be a subwoofer/amp. Adding quality bass often changes everything. And if only adding bass, your car will not be torn apart much as the installer can tap the rear speaker leads. As to a A-B repeat, I have not seen that on many car systems. Would be handy.Cheers,ML

[M4T5]

I agree with your statement about a higher powered amp and high quality sub changing things dramatically, but once you do add that much needed bass, then you start to drown out your mids and highs. Then your right back where you started at.....to a degree.

What is that other Infiniti/ Nissan website a lot of the guys use??I was told to visit there and the guys over there have figured out how to upgrade the 14 speaker Bose system.I think it is something alloy..... I forget.

J

[Mark Linkous]

I am witcha that only adding bass does not address the shortcomings present. I am just reticent to have most installers lay waste to my interior. I have seen way too many cars get trashed by poor installers. Now, if you have access to a top flight installer, money will be the only real limitation.There seems to be a bit of animosity between the site you are referring to. Fresh is the word missing.ML

[xxNite]

(for the Y34 '03-'04 M45)if you add more bass (aftermarket amp and additional subwoofer)set your crossover points and bass level correctly, you can gainstage the whole car to get more out of your current mids & highs.What you'll need to do is pull back on your BASS setting in the audio section (to +1 only, preferably) and raise the sound level of your aftermarket amped sub...viola'... you get more mids & highs because the factory speakers aren't struggling trying to produce power-robbing bass frequencies (which sucks-up all the Bose amps power).

[jbillion]

The 2nd gen models may be different, but on mine you can "rewind" a track partially by holding down the track forward or track back button. The one on the steering wheels does not do this, only the one in the middle console.

[lawman12]

I am witcha that only adding bass does not address the shortcomings present. I am just reticent to have most installers lay waste to my interior. I have seen way too many cars get trashed by poor installers. Now, if you have access to a top flight installer, money will be the only real limitation.There seems to be a bit of animosity between the site you are referring to. Fresh is the word missing.ML

I think that is a good point to make sure the intallers are good. Too many "I can do it for cheap" install and your cay may get messed up.

the other site seemed to be fans of the JL cleansweep which allowed you to keep your OEM head unit and either change out all the speakers and and amps, or just add the amp sub and channel all the low power to the sub and the highs to the interior speakers.

[M4T5]

Is there a write up/ installation instructions showing how to do this for our cars?I'm guessing you cannot place an aftermarket amp in the place of the OEM one either. Right? I have never actually looked for it, where is it?Even if you decide to place the aftermarket unit in the trunk, how do you get past the rear firewall? We need some write ups on this, if it is worth the trouble that is.

J

[lawman12]

Is there a write up/ installation instructions showing how to do this for our cars?I'm guessing you cannot place an aftermarket amp in the place of the OEM one either. Right? I have never actually looked for it, where is it?Even if you decide to place the aftermarket unit in the trunk, how do you get past the rear firewall? We need some write ups on this, if it is worth the trouble that is.

J

I have not done it so I can't help you out personally, however that other site has a bunch of guys that did major overhauls...really good stuff and info over there.

They did replace the aftermarket amps. Basically that cleansweep allows you to rewire, add, etc all kinds of goodies while using your stock headunit. You can replace the speakers, amp, sub, etc. I originally just wanted to replace the OEM sub with a better sub where the current one is located - with a free air sub, but there is no room and costs would be too much to cram a sub there. It could be done, but not worth the effort.

if you read up over there, there is a heap load of info that may help.

[blazin_lo]

i upgraded all my interior speakers to treo the stock system was weak meant for old guys listening to jazz but had to keep the stock bose amp for the navi and ran another 2 amps for the interior speakers and my 12s

[Mark Linkous]

Nice. When I first purchased my M, I had a high end system from my previous car. This included a JL 12W7 Prowedge, JL 1000/1, JL 300/2 (2), Focal 165K2 Poly Kevlar Component set (2), caps, etc... I was tortured as to what to do. Posed many questions here and elsewhere. In the end, I decided to use none of it. The biggest reason was I had moved since I had gotten my old system and was less than excited about my local car stereo shops. That and, for me, my car system became an all consuming monster. I spent so much time tweaking the thing, I rarely simply enjoyed it. With my 2004 M system, it is so pathetically bad that I have reverted to being a Sports/Talk radio junky. Problem solved.

That and my home rig is pretty dorktastic giving me ample opportunity to tweak out. Electrostatic Speakers well might be the most position sensitive speakers imaginable. Amazing when dialed in.Cheers,ML

[xxNite]

Here's the best link I have ever found regarding upgrading the M45's audio system. It's a custom install with lots of pictures and painstaking details

Enjoy.

http://thegreenm45.itgo.com/M45stereo.htm

or...

the other best write-up for a SIMPLE install adding a single amp & aftermarket subwoofer is here:

zer...19356

[M4T5]

These are all for the 1st gen M45. We need a write up for the 06' & up M35/M45's that have the 14 speaker Bose system....hince the topic.

J

[xxNite]

These are all for the 1st gen M45. We need a write up for the 06' & up M35/M45's that have the 14 speaker Bose system....hince the topic.

J

"Doh!..."My bad...

Good luck.

[M4T5]

No problem! At least the 1st gen guys get the idea now.

J

[FndMspot]

have the 14 speaker Bose on 07 M. Both CD and DVD 5.1 audio sound great on this system. The car radio sound is subpar.

[M4T5]

It does sound good with the 5.1 and cd's , but I still want it louder. It just doesn't do it for me.

J

[digiboy]

Anyone try contacting Crutchfield to see what they recommend?

[M4T5]

Anyone try contacting Crutchfield to see what they recommend?

No, didn't really think of them as high end, but I'll give them a shout today and see what they have to say.

J

[exbmwdude]

Not to pick on you too much M4T5, but what exactly do you like about this car and why did you buy one ? You seem hell bent on looking for performance mods and now the audio system doesn't do it for you either?

Seriously, you should have bought an older CTS-V and spent the rest on a custom stereo. There are plenty of luxury sedans with an active after market but this is not one of them.

The whole appeal of the M for me at least was - after years and years of buying cars and trying to fix all the things the maker did wrong - it's pretty damn "right" out of the box !

And trust me on this, as "an old guy who listens to jazz", you'll wish you had turned it down a hair instead of making it so loud your hair moves. I spent years playing in rock bands and it does take a toll over time. Hearing damage is cumulative and does...not...heal.

exbmwdude2006 M35S

[M4T5]

Who are you to come out of the wood work and start drilling me??? Am I the "ONLY ONE" complaining about the stereo unit??

I'm sorry, but you don't know what your talking about some of the time. There are a lot of people here that want and are pursuing to make the M45 faster. It is not right out of the box ready. There are many things to improve on these cars. Do you honestly think just because it is an Infiniti that they didn't cut corners??Give me a break if you think they didn't.....The same engine design has been used for quite a while now. It is a little dated so to speak. There are upgrades to be done to enhance our cars, but you seem to think they are perfect.....Wake UP! They're not! The M's are refined, but that doesn't mean they cannot be refined even more.

Why don't you look through all the posts here..... I guess in your mind they are all complaints......but the majority of people here seem to want enhancements to various parts of the car. Why don't you post your comment to all of them as well.Maybe your loss of hearing is due to all of the drugs you ingested over your younger years...I don't know....I don't care.Sorry old man, but for an old school rocker, you sure are pretty lame....

Go pester someone else!

J

[digiboy]

Let's calm down.

The M is an awesome car - but you know what? Some people like to mod just because it makes their car unique. Some people would mod a rolls-royce just because they like to tinker. It can be an addiction - but a much better one than say plastic surgery.

Infiniti spent a lot of money determining where the M would fit in the general marketplace. There is a cost-cap on bringing a car to market and making a profit on it. Take a look at Sony and their PS3 - it is floundering because they made it too luxurious for the market. Just because the M is powerful and luxurious and reliable doesn't mean that you might not want to make it more powerful or add touches just for you. Lets stop bashing people for wanting to make their own cars more to their liking.

[Bob24]

Who are you to come out of the wood work and start drilling me??? Am I the "ONLY ONE" complaining about the stereo unit??

I'm sorry, but you don't know what your talking about some of the time. There are a lot of people here that want and are pursuing to make the M45 faster. It is not right out of the box ready. There are many things to improve on these cars. Do you honestly think just because it is an Infiniti that they didn't cut corners??Give me a break if you think they didn't.....The same engine design has been used for quite a while now. It is a little dated so to speak. There are upgrades to be done to enhance our cars, but you seem to think they are perfect.....Wake UP! They're not! The M's are refined, but that doesn't mean they cannot be refined even more.

Why don't you look through all the posts here..... I guess in your mind they are all complaints......but the majority of people here seem to want enhancements to various parts of the car. Why don't you post your comment to all of them as well.Maybe your loss of hearing is due to all of the drugs you ingested over your younger years...I don't know....I don't care.Sorry old man, but for an old school rocker, you sure are pretty lame....

Go pester someone else!

J

Way to go M4T5! That is the spirit you need to use with the old lady next time she gets in your grill about upgrading the car! It is attidtude like that that gets me what I want in life. Blow a gasket and demand respect. I get the distinct impression that if the old guy showed up at your door you would drag him around back for a good round of fisticuffs!

The 14 speaker Bose system is lame. I would take the system I had in my 1991 Geo Storm over it. It might be refined for the audiophile, but I like my music to kick a little butt.

[M4T5]

Here's Crutchfield's response to upgrading the factory 14 spk Bose system:

I'll be happy to help with your question on upgrading the factory system in your Infiniti M45. Unfortunately, I'm afraid upgrading the factory speakers will not be a simple task. We do have speakers that will fit the front and rear doors with only minor modifications. You can see all the speakers that will fit with our "Outfit my car" feature:



http://www.crutchfield.com/whatfits



To install new speakers in the doors, you'll need to use the adapter brackets we furnish and drill new mounting holes in the doors to mount the brackets.



The center dash speaker is not a standard size speaker so replacing it will require custom installation and fabrication of a bracket to hold the new speaker in place. The same is true of the tweeters in the front doors.



The subwoofer in the rear deck is a 10-inch woofer. We have several 10-inch woofers that will fit, but the carpeted cardboard trunk linker will have to be cut out to gain enough depth. In addition, new screw holes will have to be drilled to mount the subwoofer. I don't have any power specifications on the factory sub amplifier, but I doubt if it is powerful enough to drive an aftermarket subwoofer. Factory amps almost never are. That means an aftermarket amplifier will be needed if the factory sub is replaced.



Unfortunately, the rear deck corner speakers and the speakers mounted on the front seat backs have not been researched so I don't know if those can be replaced or not.



Overall, replacing any of the speakers will require minor modifications at the very least, and custom installation with major modifications in most cases. Since we have no specifications on the factory amplifiers, I don't know if the new speakers will give you the performance you want with the factory system. In many cases, the components in complex factory audio systems such as this one are designed specifically to work together so replacing part of the components in the system will actually degrade the sound quality rather than improve it. Unless you want to have a professional installer replace the whole system, I really don't recommend replacing just some of the speakers.



If you want some extra punch in the system, you might consider adding an additional subwoofer to the system rather than replacing any of the factory components. One way to do this is with a powered sub such as the Infinity BassLink:



http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...sslin



The BassLink doesn't take up a lot of cargo space and gives you plenty of bass. It has speaker level inputs so it can be added to a factory system. However, since your factory system probably has its own crossover points, I recommend using a processor such as the MTX Re-Q to add bass back into the system and improve the performance of an aftermarket sub:



http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...36req



The BassLink does not include all the wiring necessary to hook it up. We recommend a 10-gauge kit such as this one:



http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi...2pa10



I know that isn't exactly the news you wanted to hear, but I hope that helps. When you're ready to make a purchase, just visit our web site at http://www.crutchfield.com. Thanks again for your e-mail. Please let me know whenever you need anything else.

J

[kmilbrad94]

I was wondering if anyone acctually did what Crutchfield recumended? And is the MTX re-Q that they mentioned is really worth it or should someone just use the JBL CleanSweep instead?