Factory Bose Door Speakers and Amplifier, Options for Upgrade

[ForcedInductionFL5]

Aright so I got my FL5 earlier this month, and first place I took it was the stereo shop. They actually managed to stuff a huge ported box running 2x 12" Alpine Type R subs (fittingly) that I took out of my Jeep SRT. Also installed a bass knob in one of the factory blanks and it's working out great, although at some point I will, in an effort to regain at least some of my trunk, I'll be swapping with a smaller box, possibly even downgrade to 10s.

But In the meantime, the door speakers and amp just aren't keeping up now. At lower volume, they put in decent work and even show some depth, but at higher volumes start to sound real high, and then even maxed out they just don't have that much volume in the first place.

So I am wondering, what do you guys think l the best option to fix this would be, without going crazy. I've got too much other stuff on the list that I want to get done first so don't want to spend a fortune on stereo, at least not anytime soon. But, is there perhaps an option to replace just the factory amp and get a little more out of stock speakers? Or vice versa? Let me know what you guys have come up with and this department or if you just agree that the stock Bose just doesn't really cut it..

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[Clark_Kent]

I'm no audiophile, but I'm fine with the Bose system. I also don't think it's the best audio system out there. It's directionally consistent with what I would expect in a $45K car. You will not find the likes of Burmester, AKG, or Naim in a car like this. So, no audio upgrades for me but look forward to what you and other audiophiles come up with.

 

[TypeRD]

I think @Icehawk has some experience with very reasonably priced, but MUCH better, speakers to swap out for the stock Blose.

 

[Icehawk]

CDT 2ohm. I think I'm going to do those sometime this winter.

 

[TypeRD]

If I recall correctly, it’s the 2 ohm version of these, right? @Icehawk
https://www.cdtaudio.com/coaxials/cl6ex.php

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

Got pics?

-Josh

 

[ForcedInductionFL5]

CDT 2ohm. I think I'm going to do those sometime this winter.

These look like good quality, and certainly reasonable. Now, is your idea to run these with the factory amp? Or do you plan on also swapping out the amp? Thanks for the info.

 

[ForcedInductionFL5]

Got pics?

-Josh

No but I can take a couple and post them here later today.

 

[Icehawk]

If I recall correctly, it’s the 2 ohm version of these, right? @Icehawk
https://www.cdtaudio.com/coaxials/cl6ex.php

Those are the coaxial version, I went with their factory 2nds version which does not have a mounted tweeter:

https://cdtaudio.com/shop/viewitem.php?productid=169

I wasn't going to order them yet... but seeing as this specific version might not be made anymore I dropped $150.

These look like good quality, and certainly reasonable. Now, is your idea to run these with the factory amp? Or do you plan on also swapping out the amp? Thanks for the info.

This is for those that want to retain the underlying Bose system, I ran CDTs along with upgraded JL C1 tweeters in my ND Miata with Bose and they were a noticeable improvement particularly as volume goes up.

Not as good as a true standalone setup but well worth the ~$250 and couple hours of my time. To really improve on that would be about 10x the cost and a ton more work, it's just not worth it to me.

 

[TypeRD]

Yeah, just getting better drivers that are compatible with the factory head unit’s power rating is always a great bang for the buck upgrade. I’m willing to bet the factory Bose drivers are very basic (cheap).

 

[Icehawk]

The ones from my MIata are comical (for some reason I have them in a box) - they are made entirely of plastic, have paper cones, and the magnet is laughably light. They are probably 1/4 the weight of the CDTs overall, they feel like $5 speakers.

Anyone have a handy link to how to take apart the door? No idea on plugs either! Not in a real rush for this job anyway since it's still crazy hot here.

 

[ForcedInductionFL5]

Those are the coaxial version, I went with their factory 2nds version which does not have a mounted tweeter:

https://cdtaudio.com/shop/viewitem.php?productid=169

I wasn't going to order them yet... but seeing as this specific version might not be made anymore I dropped $150.




This is for those that want to retain the underlying Bose system, I ran CDTs along with upgraded JL C1 tweeters in my ND Miata with Bose and they were a noticeable improvement particularly as volume goes up.

Not as good as a true standalone setup but well worth the ~$250 and couple hours of my time. To really improve on that would be about 10x the cost and a ton more work, it's just not worth it to me.

This is exactly the type of solution I was after. Also, I'm not 100% certain but I remember reading somewhere that the Honda Bose system actually uses the same factory Honda speakers as any other model, however, since powered by a Bose amp, sound much better than they do in any vehicle not equipped with "Bose system". I could be mistaken, but it certainly makes sense.

 

[ForcedInductionFL5]

Got pics?

-Josh

I included pics of how it first sat in the trunk. Absolutely no useable space remaining. So, until I get a setup with a smaller box, I did manage to get a few more inches of space by propping it up on the ledge just behind the back seats. This of course required strapping it down to keep it in place. I also installed a quick disconnect plug so that it'd be a little easier to pull the entire box out with the amp mounted on the back of it if I ever need the space, or want to cut the weight... speaking of which, this setup is not light. If I had to guess, I'd put it at just a little over 100 lbs.

 

[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

Oh thats huge! haha

-Josh

 

[ForcedInductionFL5]

Oh thats huge! haha

-Josh

Yeah, it sure is. This was in the back of my Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and even in that it took up a lot of the space. Planning to downgrade to 2 10" Type R's, possibly in a sealed box, though vented sounds so much better for the music I listen to. The other option would be keep the 12's but put them in a sealed box which would be quite a bit smaller. Got a couple other priorities for the car first though, mainly window tint. Anyways, I am a basshead if you hadn't noticed, lol.

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