Adding some bass to my stock BOSE system.

MuranoSE · February 11, 2004

Okay when I bought my Bravada I opted for the upgraded BOSE system, and now I want to add some subs to create a little more bass. Now what do I need for this? I've heard that I need some sort of converter, is this true? I don't want to replace the factory HU...

rhilton · February 11, 2004

The best thing to do, IMO, would be to buy a receiver with preamp plugs at the back. Those are specifically for subs. then you just plug them in and you have your subs hooked to your stereo. But that's probably NOT what you want to do money-wise.

Get the converter. It's not expensive. here's a link to one. Converter

Then you splice the speaker wires from the back speakers into the speaker cable clamp side. Then you just take the RCA patch cables and plug them into the amp.

Robert

ToeJam · February 11, 2004

My Acura had a Bose system in it and I took it to multiple stereo shops around town to inquire about adding a bass box. Everywhere I went recommended against adding any additional components without replacing the entire system.

If I remember correctly, Bose systems have the amps in the speakers, not in the receiver. So there is low power running from the stereo to the speakers. Splicing into these wires for a bass box runs a high risk of adding a lot of "noise" to the signal that will then get amplified at the speaker and sound horrible throughout the car.

rhilton · February 12, 2004

opps, I forgot a step.

Run an active lowpass crossover and you won't have crappy audio coming through the speakers.

However, I would definitely NOT question toejam because he HAD a bose system.

Sorry for any confusion.

SnakeEyeSS · February 12, 2004

A friend at scholl has a 98 maxima with bose system. He added a sub with no problems, but told me if he ever wants a different reciever or speaker's the whole system has to be coverted, b/c the wires require a certian ohm to work correctly.

MuranoSE · February 12, 2004

Well I was going to buy this alpine system with an amp, and two 12 inch TypeS subs. Now do I still need this convertor?

SnakeEyeSS · February 12, 2004

I'm pretty sure the guy with the maxima only got an amp and a sub. try calling a bose number, see if you can talk to a CS rep.

MuranoSE · February 12, 2004

Yeah I'll try call them tomorrow and see what they say. I talked to a couple install shops and they said that would just splice the rear speaker wires and go from there, but I heard that this is not the best way to do it, is this true?

rhilton · February 12, 2004

It's definitely not the BEST way to do it, but best is relative to who you're talking to. At a Car audio shop, they'll tell you everything in there is crap and you need to buy all new stuff from them. That's a bunch of baloney.

the converter just makes it a little less hectic (although it should be more hectic because you're adding more than one wire)

If you get an amp that has a lowpass crossover built into it, then you should not get any noticable noise. Granted you aren't going to make it sound like a $10,000 system either. But just splicing the wires is the most affordable way to do it.

Just don't get a cheap no-name brand. It's like a good brake system. There's a reason the six-piston calipers cost more than the standard calipers. They're better.

MuranoSE · February 17, 2004

Okay I've been reasearching and came across this:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/logjam/pa...acaoemgm24.html

Would this help me in my pursuit of having more bass?

MuranoSE · February 17, 2004

Also I'm not worried about cost really. I just want to have the cleanest sounding bass, so are there any alternatives to the converter and splicing the rear speaker wires?

lrymal · February 17, 2004

Also I'm not worried about cost really. I just want to have the cleanest sounding bass, so are there any alternatives to the converter and splicing the rear speaker wires?

This has been one of my favorite add-ons, the Infinity BassLink. Fits perfectly under the extended cab seat and easily allows the use of any OEM radio. Probably not what you are after, but others might be interested. Won't win a DB thumper contest, but will give some sub-level bass that will make a person smile, if all they want is some very low bass to the factory system.

http://www1.shopping.com/xPF-Infinity_BASSLINK