RX8 R3 bose amplifier replacement
 

Hi guys,

My rear bose amplifier on my '09 RX8 R3 recently kicked out and I'm looking for an aftermarket replacement. Mazda wants something around $800 for a new one, and I'm not too keen on paying the much just to get my system working again...I've taken my car to a auto-sound repair shop, but they're having trouble finding a compatible amp other than the stock part.

Can anyone point in the right direction on where to get a replacement. Also, if someone could provide the specs for the amp (watt/rms, impedance, channels etc. that would be a big help, because I cannot find that information anywhere on the amp.

thanks a lot in advance

Check the for sale section. IIRC there was a guy parting out an R3 after it was in a collision. Might still have the amp left.

I'm not sure about the rear one but I recently fixed one of the ones in my door. It involved soldering in a new relay and is pretty common. If anyone would know I think firebirdude would be the person to ask.

Check this thread: https://www.rx8club.com/interior-aud...-first-226065/ and then next time search a bit before starting new threads.

Can people stop with the ''Search more before you ask question'' its not because you dont know the anwser that you need to be arrogant!

on subject, you would be best too find the wiring schematic first of the car, it has to be 4 channel and Id say anywhere from 600-800W would be a good choise, impedence would be 4 ohms by guess but easiest way to know is to check at a speaker directly wich is his resistance, some amps will work with 4-8ohm without a problem 2ohms usualy is for Subwoofers only.

heres a good start. let us know if your stereo shop can find a good replacement.

IT'S ALL IN THIS STICKY!
https://www.rx8club.com/interior-aud...-first-226065/

Please read!

You can't just put any ole amp in a Bose system, the head sends a nasty distorted badly equalized signal to it's own nasty amp - you change the head OR replace the amp with another Bose.

OP you can buy new OEM On-line in USA for $680...+ Shipping
I need your VIN for correct Mazda Part Number (Bose)

BTW: Series 1 REAR AMPS are NOT the same as S2.

@paimon.soror thanks for the heads up, I found his thread and waiting to hear back if the amp is still available.

I should hear back today from the shop if there are any updates finding a replacement, and thanks for all info provided guys.

How did this work out for you?

I have a 2009 GT, Bose system. I think the amp just blew out but will double check that it's the amp. Sound kept going in and out this morning, switched the radio off, ran an errand and then when I came back started it up, heard a crackle and then all was silent. Everything in the console is still working, just no sound whatsoever.

I would like to have my sound system working but $800 is too much.

Hi there,

Sorry I had forgotten to provide an update from wayyy back when.

But from what I remember, none of the amps the shop had were compatible with Mazda's bose system. So I just looked around, and eventually found the amp on ebay for around ~$200-$250? (don't remember exactly). It didn't take long to find one; about a week. But then again that was a while back...Look around for people parting out their S2 rex's, it'll pop up.

Best of luck

Any certain way to keep the factory head unit, but remove the rest of the Bose system and run all new speakers?

I have an 2009 rx8 and my bose rear amp also blew up. No sound what so ever. I bought a clarion 4 channel amp 640w and have new pioneer avh4300p dvd radio. I was able to connect rear speakers to new amp but i dont know how to connect front speakers. Does anyone know if i can connect the the harness of the bose amp? Rear speakers colours where left pink/violet and right rear speaker is blue/white and blue/black. But i cant figure it out how to connect the front soeakers. I still have 2 channels of the amp left and only rear speakers are working. Please help. I looked everywhere in the forum but information is almost only on series 1 rx8

I'm not sure if those speakers will be compatible with the amp. I originally planned on getting a new aftermarket amp as well when mine blew, but was told that much of the system wouldn't work without the oem amp. I would have had to get new speakers, head unit, etc. with an aftermarket amp.

I already had an aftermarket head unit. Pioneer avh 4300p dvd. I like touch screens. I bought an aftermarket amp also and i installed it. I only got to wire the rear speakers and they are functioning well. But i still dont know wish output wire is for the front speakers.

Does anyone know what the 5 pins are on the door woofer amp? I know there will be Batt+/- obviously, a switch on cable and the 2 speaker wires(input)

What I don't know is which is which and it is impossible to tell without ruining the speaker as you'd have to drill out the rivets etc to get the cover off.

I have the speakers from an S2 here (I drive an S1) for a project but need to know which pin does what!

Any help appreciated as searching and Google have been no help :(

Replacement Bose sub on Ebay
 

I couldn't find any RX-8 Bose door subs on Ebay, but there are plenty of ones for the 05-11 Cadillac STS. Used they are pretty cheap, and will fit in the RX-8 with minimal changes.

The Cadillac version has the following differences you need to fix: a plastic mounting bracket and a metal tab. Remove the plastic bracket, and bend or snip the tab. You should then carefully peel the foam surround from the Mazda unit and super glue it to the replacement. This surround helps keep water off of it, so it should be moved to the replacement.

Your best bet is to get a head unit with 3 pairs of pre outs and a 2 channel amplifier (4 channel if you want to replace both factory amps) and connect them. Then connect the speakers to the amp. Should run no more than 500$ US including the amp wiring kit and metra dash kit

FYI, my 09 RX8 Bose amp recently went to crap (cracking and popping sounds and no actual stereo sound). I looked at various options available and ended up using a service on ebay based in Scotland. Around 270$ and 3 weeks later my amp is now back to normal and the services offers an unlimited warranty on the repairs. I will keep you posted if the amp goes bad again.

Did the Amp ever go bad again?

I just sent mine off to get repaired. Supposed to have a lifetime warranty.