| Consultant |
Having spoken to about a dozen auto sound installers, all suggested a 5 channel amp solution for the MDX. I installed the Infinity 2002's in all four the doors in less than an hour, with a big improvement over the stock BOZO system. I have the 2 ohm Polk sub that everyone is buying but it needs a custom flange to fit the opening. I decided to have a shop install the sub along with a 5 channel amp. I noticed that many shops in the NY area quote a price without wires and then hit you with a (surprise) extra $100-200 for cables and connectors.
One shop suggested the best amp (and cleanest) for the money for the MDX is the Eclipse EA3532 (40W X 4 + 120W at 4 ohms). I couldn't find any reviews of this unit but the reviews of other Eclipse amps are positive. I don't know if you really need more power than this. The shop quoted $400 for the amp and install, including the sub.
Someone noted that the connections in the console were accessable without disassembly. Does anyone have a photo of the console panel that pops opens? I'd prefer that the installers remove as few parts as possible. |
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| ron@se |
Did they say what they will be using to interface the amp with the factory headunit? This is crucial in getting the best signal so your amp can perform optimally
As far as the $100 - $200 for cables, I hope they are using something good. A BASIC amp install we charge $85 with the wiring. This includes the power and ground wires, remote wire, rca cables, connectors, and fuse holder w/fuse. The wires are entry level, and we do offer upgraded packages (mainly an upgrade on the RCA cables which is the most important part of the wiring....you don't want to have to use "noise suppressors" as they decrease overall sound quality....a GOOD pair of RCA cables will eliminate any noise anyway) |
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| csimo |
On the side of the console you will see the carpeted sections. Start toward the front and just pull them off. One on each side of the console (drivers and passengers). No other parts of the console need to be removed. They just pop back on.
The front Bose amp is accessed on the passengers side. Looks real tight, but it's not... all you need to do is disconnect the one connector. You don't need to access the head unit or anything else other than that one connector.
You need to have a good wiring diagram of the front Bose amplifier connector for the installer or they will have no idea which wires to use. They are not marked and you will not use all the wires.
You will need to disconnect the rear Bose amp as well. You can do this through the sub opening with a mirror. If you dont you will get popping thru the twiddler due to the feedback loop when the front Bose amp is disconnected from the head unit. |
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| clb4life |
hey ron,
what do you suggest we use to interface with the factory amp? something for radio shack? or something else made by say like stinger or something? |
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| Consultant |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
You need to have a good wiring diagram of the front Bose amplifier connector for the installer or they will have no idea which wires to use. They are not marked and you will not use all the wires.
Thanks csimo
Do you have one that you can post? |
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| csimo |
| Here ya go. This should do it. |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
Thanks for the diagram, csimo; I needed it too. A couple clarifications, please.
Are the leads labelled "Audio Unit" the outputs from the Bose head unit? If so, what's the best way to interface those outputs to the replacement amp? Are these outputs low-level? Splice to RCA?
I am about ready to purchase the parts for my Bose speaker/amp swap. Thinking of going with the following:
- BA PRO 6.5, front doors
- Infinity 6002i, rear doors (too cheap to blow $400+ for those flying coach)
- JL Audio 10W3v2 Sub
- Alpine MRV-F450 5ch. Amp, run in 3ch. mode.
Anyone have one of these or know if this will fit under driver's seat?)
As someone else here had mentioned, tie front & rear door speakers together to gain sub control with Bose fader. This is just my best guess after perusing posts and doing own research. Comments encouraged. |
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| Skewbeedeaux |
~ bump ~
Help appreciated. |
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| csimo |
I used an Alpine amp and put it under the driver's seat. Yes, you need to use the RCA inputs... low level.
The bottom front panel of the seat comes off, but its difficult to remove (just pulls off toward the front). Once removed you have more room to work with. |
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| Consultant |
quote:
Originally posted by csimo
I used an Alpine amp and put it under the driver's seat.
Some of the installers suggested an Eclipse EA3532 (Fujitsu Ten) five channel. However, the installer I'm working with doesn't know if it will fit. The dimensions are 15.5" X 2.04" X 10.82". What do you think? The Eclipse amps seem to get rave reviews and have a three year warantee. This unit is 40W X4 + 120W, all at 4 ohms. |
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