markris77

I was initially going to just add a amp to power two JL Audio 10W3v2's subs. I wanted to do something for my insides as far as bass blocking. So I decided to add on a second amp to the project for both power/clarity and for the crossover benefits built into the amp. But looking at the schematics for the stereo it doesn't look as its that easy. the main problem i forsee seems to lay in the front speakers with the additional amps. Some people refer to them as crossovers like in a component type set up, but looking at the wiring diagrams, the tweeters are wired before the amp, not after, only the 8inch sub in the door is amplified again after the main amp. So if i could get any knowledgeable inputs, they would be most helpful. I'm just trying to get any bugs or work arounds figured out before i bring it to the install shop.
So basically...
keeping the stock deck. pulling the Bose amp and replacing it with an aftermarket amp, but keeping the stock speakers. forseen or known problems? advice or tips? TIA! --Mark

Oh, i have the Bose system, No Nav...if that helps

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

You'll likely have a lot more trouble than it's worth by trying to go this route.
As you said, the Bose system has two small amps in the front doors. Then, there is the amp under the rear parcel shelf for the rear speakers.
Replacing these with one amp is not trivial - especially since the Bose components don't play nice with aftermarket stuff and have very non-standard parameters. For instance, the door woofers have 0.5 Ohm impedance... try to find compatible aftermarket components... won't be easy.
If you want to improve on the sound of an RX-8 with a Bose system, there seem to be two possible ways to do that:
- add a subwoofer with it's own amp and extra tweeters for the front. This apparently worked for a few people, making the system sound clearer and better. Have no personal experience with this since I had the base stereo.
- or better yet: replace everything except for the head unit. This seems to be the best way to go if you want the ultimately better solution - certainly this will be more expensive.

markris77

Damnit Tamas! Not the answer I wanted...now Edit your post and tell me it's all going to be ok! Heh. I didn't know the impedance on those speakers were only .5 Ohms, that definitely poses a problem. And then a lack of a simple cross over. I originally was going to just add subs...and I may still go this route for now. But I was going to drop in the new Alpine Digital 5 Channel (not released yet) and pump up the insides and try to take a shot in the Rookie Class at IASCA. I think for now I'll add the subs and amp and just stick to showing. Then continue to ponder the aftermarket options. I'm sooner or later going to get fed up...gut the damn thing, deck and all and go all custom, ala fiberglass. Thanks for the reply...i knew I shoulda bought a Z, haha. --Mark

Tamas

iTrader: (1)

If you think that you'd have better luck with the Z's Bose system, you are mistaken :p

The 5-channel Alpine amp is a nice idea... I have a similar one in my car as well. But in my case, the job was easier because the base stereo is easier to work with.
I love the upgraded stereo in my car but I never had plans to compete with this system, so my standards are different than yours, probably

markris77

No, its a running joke with a buddy of mine. I was looking at both cars and went with the 8. Since then the Z has TONS more aftermarket options for performance and such, and JL Audio even makes a stealth box with the exact subs that I have now to go in the 8. Everywhere I look the Z has something that I want for my car. But as for the stereo, i wasn't refering to the Z's Bose...but I would be able to pull the deck and put in an aftermarket and go from there. It would have been easier. And I would have gotten the base stereo since they don't offer the Bose in the Track model anyway.
So for now I'm going to get my fiberglass box made and single JL Audio 500/1 amp installed, then go from there. Thanks for the input Tamas! And thanks to everybody else for all you inputs (yes, that's sarcasm! just kidding). --Mark

s2l

if you think you're having issues now..wait untill you try and replace the stock head unit with an aftermarket one..hehe.

markris77

I Ain't Scared! Don't push me, I'll do it...I'll do it I tell you. I'll gut the sum beach!

s2l

*pushing* do it!! gut the sum beach! :D

markris77

Haha, it's funny you say that, because the last few days I've been dealing with the stereo shop here, and debating what to do. I've been looking up prices they can offer and then matching it online. And I keep teetering on being cool about it, and just adding my subs...or going crazy with the cheese wiz. I keep looking at my stock stereo everyday and keep thinking...this wouldn't be that hard to change out, pull it, fiberglass molding, and finish it off. the only problem is, the deck that would go in is the Alpine pulse touch...so like 1000-1400 off the bat. then next is the 5.1 Digital amp from Alpine, about 700-800...when it's released. Then of course instead of the M501, i'd have to step up to the M1001, another 500 bucks. then the door speakers, which wouldn't be bad, already have JL's picked out. then Dynamating the whole sum beach. then changing my 10W3v2's over to some 10W7's, another like 700-800. so for now, its fiberglass with my subs and a JL Audio 500/1 (on the way) and waiting for the glass guy to finish the project he's on now. but i think i'm gonna go big in the long run, i already have it layed out in steps. we'll see what happens, but when i get my box done and all, i'll post some pics to show ya, it should look pretty sharp. --Mark

Nitrous88

sorry to run off some one elses post but im trying to put subs in my car and i am using a high level input thats connects to the speaker wires but i dont knwo what wires are speaker wires going into the bose amp. does anyone have a link to diagrams or any idea what wires are the speaker wires ?

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

I didn't read all the responses, so pardon if I repeat.

But I agree with this statement. Not worth your money, time, and trouble. I recommend just adding the subs/sub amp and replacing the factory tweeters with aftermarket. If you feel you still need more to build your front stage, you can try swapping out the center channel speaker for aftermarket too.

As for bass blocking, you *could* use bass blockers inline the factory 9" woofers.... or you could simply turn the bass down on the headunit and gain a little higher on the sub amp. That should cut the amount of low frequencies sent to the factory 9"s, but still allow those subwoofers to bump.

dondo

iTrader: (7)

dude, you're answering a question from 2004.

firebirdude

iTrader: (3)

Damn it. lol

Nitrous88, check the FAQ sticky thread at the top of the forum.