All, just got a new 2021 grand touring cx-5 with the 10-speaker Bose stereo. I think it’s ok - but could use upgrading. However, in reading posts pre-2021, it sounds like there are challenges with Bose playing well w add-on speakers. It’s the quietest car I have ever owned, but is there value in additional insulation in the doors? I’d like to keep the head unit, but interested in options with or without additional amplification. Any initial thoughts?
2021 CX-5 Bose upgrade questions
- Thread starter Mazda1wisc
- Start date
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- 2019 CX-5 GTR
Spend the money on sound deadening your doors. Start there.
www.mazdas247.com
2017 CX-5 Touring w/ Bose System; Time to Upgrade!
Good morning everyone! I'm in the process of upgrading my 2017 CX-5 w/ Bose System and want to provide a sort of build log in case others feel the same way I do about the system. My biggest gripes are that the system sounds messy and the bass is sort of lacking in terms of clarity and oomph (of...
Like @CX5_Driver said, sound deaden the doors. To give more insight into why replacing the speakers with the Bose amp may cause problems, it's primarily two reasons, IMO:
1.) Speakers with odd impedances. Speakers are generally around 3.2-3.9 ohms. Woofers are like... 2.1 ohms according to a wiring sheet I have. The subwoofer is 1.9? Ish? Something like that.
2.) Bose amp does NOT push out a lot of power. An installer in the Pacific Northwest believes it to be about 20 something watts for the speakers and about 40-50 watts to the woofers and sub (lower impedance).
Sound dampening the doors will reduce a LOT of the muddy sounds from the front woofers bringing out the tweeters and center channel. You may end up liking the system. Personally, I do not think that replacing the speakers are necessary for the MAJORITY of people. A good sounding car does not require aftermarket speakers or high end ones. Most of the good sound comes from DSP work, to which, Bose actually does within the amplifier. Time alignment being the major one. I believe there may be some crossover work as well.
Sound dampen first to see if you like what the standard system does. I ended up being happy with the way the tweeters/center channel sound. Much clearer, as the muddy woofers were reduced as well as the door vibrations. Really helped. I'll be installing a DSP/Amp using the factory Bose amp as an upmixer (basically) to retain Bose's time alignment and the 5.1 effect. I feel a little bit more power and the ability to EQ each speaker is going to make me happy with the system. By standard, the tweeters are neutral sounding (which is my preference) and not tinny or bright.
1.) Speakers with odd impedances. Speakers are generally around 3.2-3.9 ohms. Woofers are like... 2.1 ohms according to a wiring sheet I have. The subwoofer is 1.9? Ish? Something like that.
2.) Bose amp does NOT push out a lot of power. An installer in the Pacific Northwest believes it to be about 20 something watts for the speakers and about 40-50 watts to the woofers and sub (lower impedance).
Sound dampening the doors will reduce a LOT of the muddy sounds from the front woofers bringing out the tweeters and center channel. You may end up liking the system. Personally, I do not think that replacing the speakers are necessary for the MAJORITY of people. A good sounding car does not require aftermarket speakers or high end ones. Most of the good sound comes from DSP work, to which, Bose actually does within the amplifier. Time alignment being the major one. I believe there may be some crossover work as well.
Sound dampen first to see if you like what the standard system does. I ended up being happy with the way the tweeters/center channel sound. Much clearer, as the muddy woofers were reduced as well as the door vibrations. Really helped. I'll be installing a DSP/Amp using the factory Bose amp as an upmixer (basically) to retain Bose's time alignment and the 5.1 effect. I feel a little bit more power and the ability to EQ each speaker is going to make me happy with the system. By standard, the tweeters are neutral sounding (which is my preference) and not tinny or bright.
Interesting. Everything I read or see on YouTube says get new speakers, but I guess that’s the natural response. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and nuanced responses. “Muddyness” is probably my biggest complaint, and your experiences point to a reasonable, and less costly, solution. Much appreciated!
If the muddy response is your biggest complaint (mine as well), then after dampening the doors, replace the woofers with better, efficient ones. Note to seek out high sensitivity (at minimum 91) and lower RMS rating. I can also suggest utilizing a 2ohm woofer to closely match factory specs for the amp. That's what I would recommend at least, if you want to purchase speakers. Without dampening though, I don't believe replacing the speakers are going to net a decent upgrade. Not enough power.
I'm hoping that adding an 80hz HPF will help the muddiness when I install my DSP/Amp. At the same time, I'm sure this is going to make me want more bass. xD