|
I finally got to go see my high-end audio guys today and made some major improvements to the factory audio system. I have the base model w/navi and the factory 6-CD changer under the passenger seat.
The base system has no external amp, so we converted the speaker level outputs to line level and fed into and Alpine F-300 4 channel amp T-500 2 channel amp (bridged to 300W mono). The amps mounted nicely in the storage compartment underneath the rear floor and there is still room to stow the rear-seat headrests.
We replaced the front door speakers with Infinity Kappa 6.5" components and put the tweeters into the stock locations. In the rear doors, we used Infinity Reference Series 5.25" components with a custom adapter plate. Although the factory rear speakers are 6.5", the aftermarkets wouldn't fit in the holes.
Finally, we replaced the sub with a 10" Kicker free-air unit and lined the inside of the fender well with Dynamat.
This thing sounds killer!
The best thing is that we were able to keep the voice on the navi since it ties directly into the head unit. If anyone wants to do major stereo improvements, it is much easier with the base than the Bose, There is no way to keep the navi voice with the Bose. |
|
|
|
SOUNDS KILLER !!! Wish I could do the same with my BOSE MDX.
Oh well......
Enjoy, ...... I'm jealous !
:D |
|
|
|
Hi kbm!! Your NEW stereo 'sounds' GREAT!! IF I DO get used to the uncomfortable drivers seat [see MY post!] I'd like to improve the sound of MY stereo. Like all MDX's in Canada - they only come one way. [which, I believe, is exactly the same as 'your' touring package without the navigation 'thing'] My question to you is... How does a Bose stereo 'work'? Is the head unit [the part we see] basically the same as every other non-powered stereo and the speakers themselves are powered?? IF that's the case - can a person with a Bose stereo [this applies to my NSX as well] remove everything beyond the head unit itself and start from scratch?? [with amps and different speakers]
Hope this makes sense!!
Thanks!!
Craig |
|
|
|
Bose stereos usually incorporate the amplifier, along with an equalizer, in with the speakers. This makes it more difficult to add an amp to the head unit. The Bose head unit doesn't put out standard low level signals either, and a special adapter is used for compatibility with an external amp. I had a professional stereo shop upgrade my Bose stereo in the NSX and it was expensive for these reasons.
As I understand it the navigation voice is mixed in at the speakers in MDX's with Touring. This makes it more difficult if not impossible to preserve the Nav voice when upgrading with an external amp. I ordered an MDX with Nav but no touring for this reason. I dislike the sound of Bose Stereos, but I have particular tastes in this area.
Regardless of the fact that Bose's president, Anwar Bose, has a PhD from MIT, Bose is a marketing focused company that uses adverstising, gimmicks and cheap components with very high markups as their strategy. You will never find an audiophile who likes Bose because their audio quality is poor. I do have regard for their success. Who else can sell a clock radio for $350. It is no mistake you can only buy their radio by mail or at special Bose stores where they can't be compared to a competitor. |
|
|
|
Unfortunately, the navi on the Bose-equipped vehicles is fed directly into the speakers. On an non-navi Bose, this would not be a big deal, but I would recommend geting a special adapter so you could keep the factory Bose head unit and just replace the speakers and amps. There are currently no dash kits available to fill the oddball space in the MDX's dash. You would have to get a double-din aftermarket head unit and fabricate something out of vinyl.
Interestingly enough, we hooked up the Kicker sub to the factory unit just to check fit initially and were amazed at the improvement of just replacing the subwoofer. This might be a good cheap upgrade for someone just looking for a little more bass.
|
|
|
|
Hey you, what about the tweeters!
I really like bass, so I see replacing the sub might be a good idea, but what about the tweeters? I want good highs.
So, does anyone know if you can simply replace the tweeters, and improve the sound quality, without messing with anything else?
Thanks!
Chris |
|
|
|
Bottom line is, if you have the Touring Package (BOSE) with the Navigation, you can not mess with the speakers. Especially replacing them. You'll lose the Navi voice.
Most high end stereo shops can not do stereo mods (on BOSE)and keep the voice from the Navi. Near impossible!!
Sucks, but true !
No Touring Package...go nuts !!
No Navi.....GO NUTS !!!!
If you got both you're f*cked !
817
|
|
|
|
| you guys seem to be very informed about stereo systems and I would like your comments on the following: I have a Blaupunkt cassete stereo w 10 disc cd changer system that I love. Is there any way to buy any sort of adapter to hook the Blau cd changer to the factory base stereo. I guess I could change the whole system but I would like to keep the original mdx radio as I dont want to change the look of the dash. Also, if it is possible, would the steering wheel controls work? Thank you |
|
|
|
Probably the only way to get the Balupunkt changer to work would be to add an RF modulator which would probably be expensive and greatly sacrifice the audio quality of CD. I would recommend getting an Alpine 6 CD changer from your least expensive local source along with the cable adapter for Honda/Acura head units that almost any audio shop will have. The changer mounts nicely under the driver's seat with either the brackets or super velcro. The entire combination can probably be had for around $300.
Good luck. |
|
|
|
kbm,
For those of us getting the Bose with the Touring Package, how much of an improvement do you get from the Dynamat? Is it worth having it applied to the rear sub well and to the four doors? Is it more for cutting out external noise or does it make the system sound fuller? Something I felt was missing, probably more do to speaker placement than the Bose system itself. |
|
|
|
| The main reason for the Dynamat was to keep the new sub from jarring the outside of the vehicle! The cavity for the sub is huge. I think that the main problem with Bose and non-Bose is speaker placement. I doubt that the Dynamat would help much. |
|
|
|
How does the single disc function work with the new 6 CD changer in your MDX?
Do you now have a 7 disc system?
How do you switch from the single disc player to the changer?
Just wondering since I am about to pick up my MDX and will be in the market for a changer to add to my base stereo system.
All I will need is an Alpine changer w/Honda cable adapter?
Thanks for any info,
John
|
|
|
|
jbilbo:
Please see my reply to your question under your topic: CD Changer and Towing Questions. |
|
|
|
Hola kbm...you mentioned the rear speakers were 6 1/2 but you were only able to install 5 1/4. Was this because of the infinities or the MDX speaker mount? I'm thinking about going with MB quart. 6 1/2 components in front, 5 1/4 (I guess) coaxial in back and a JL 2x10" kicker box in the way back. A couple of AG Zapco amps to power the whole thing.
Are there any suprises I should be aware of?
Thanks....Chris
Base (premium, ehem), no-nav, MDX black/saddle |
|
|
|
| anybody bought/installed the add on Alpine 6 disc cd changer? Can anybody post what model is it and what is a reasonable price for the changer and the adapter?Thank you. Peace. |
|
|
|
