I've read all the subwoofer talk (e.g. it's easy to install into the stock Bose unit, or add an Infinity Basslink system, or forget the Bose and spend $600 on a new system, etc.). Anyway, I went to Circuit City and talked to the install manager. He DID NOT recommend the Infinity Basslink because he said it would distort at volume at 5-7 in the RX-8.

My question: Has ANYONE installed a POWERED Subwoofer into the stock Bose amp? Specifically, does their system give them enough "push" to accentuate the lows, and what sub did you choose? I don't think any of us are looking to thump the block, so we're looking for a cheap "plug-and-play" solution to enrich the lows. Please, share your thoughts!

 

WTF??? It's almost one of those "stupid things your dealer told you" thread.. :D

Seriously, I got the Basslink installed and my bass rocks! I got it all the way to 25 on the volume dial without distortion (it could go higher volume but my front stock speakers might not take it). I would be very wary of somebody telling you otherwise, with so many 8 owners very touchy with their cars you think you'll see a lot of bad posts about basslink here if its junk?

 

Well, it just seems curious that the Install Manager talked me out of purchasing a $300 subwoofer. If you installed the Basslink, how did you connect to the stock Bose amp?

 

The Basslink has high input connections, meaning you can do the hookup on the speaker wires.
(They are in the rear of the car at the Bose amp)
Only other wires are ground, power, and remote turn on.

 

The Basslink has worked great for me. I tapped off the wires on the connector of the Bose amplifier in the trunk. All of the speaker wires (both front and rear) come from that amplifier. I also tapped off the wire that the front door speakers use to turn on their amplifiers.

One great thing, the Basslink comes with a wired remote control, which I've got positioned between the driver's seat and the center console. So, as I'm driving I can adjust the bass to suit the song I'm listening to. It really fills in the low end.

 

I don't have the Basslink in my 8, but I do have it in my '92 Miata's trunk. I can tell you that driving my car top down around 60MPH I can still hear and feel it. No distortion. It did take a lot of adjusting to get all the settings and such right, but once I did it was a great choice! Especially since it is pretty easy removal for gaining extra trunk space and such!

 

this is not curious at all he works at Circuit City...he makes a low salary and probably gets no commission per job he does...and if he does get commission it is very low...him trying to figure out a car he has never worked on before, well hell he'll probably talk you out of anything. Esp. considering the Infinity Basslink is the most installed sub for the RX-8.

BTW NEVER trust Circuit City or Best Buy to do anything involving your car.

Good luck...and find a reputable local audio installer.

 

The local Circuit city did my sub install, and i got to watch the whole thing. They actually did a really good job.

 

Thanks for all the great info. Thus, based upon this information, I shouldn't purchase the $89.99 800 watt Subwoofer at Checker Auto Parts? :D

 

Either you go to a dedicated car audio shop or buy your stuff online from various website (I got my Basslink from onlinecarstereo.com for $269 with free shipping) and install it yourself or have it done. I found a local shop to do it for me for $65 including all wirings and filter.

BTW, onlinecarstereo.com will send you the latest basslink, the one with the clear plastic casing (real cool!)