Originally posted by Toadster:
ok ok - my car is no longer an SVT...

But i'm trying to find specs on the Bose system in my Mazda6 to see what i could/should replace...

I search Bose's website and here's the answer i get!

3. Can I get a list of technical specifications?

Quote:


No, because our custom-engineered, complete system solutions largely supersede conventional audio measurements. Even some basic building blocks have been redefinedâ??including amplifiers, speakers and equalizers. But most importantly, our integrated systems deliver results significantly different from those of conventional systems with individual, unmatched components. With a Bose automotive sound system, the location and design of the speakers can be much more important factors in determining output than a wattage power rating. The bottom line? The best way to test a Bose system's sound quality is to use your ears, not a list of specifications.



can anyone say "dodge the answer?"

anyone know how to get/determine specs of a bose system? It's kinda cool how they put a free-air 9" subwoofer (100W) in the rear deck (I'll haveta take some pics)





I used my ears last time I heard a Bose system, I think they should change that to cover your ears I haven't heard the system in the 6, but if the one in Volvo's flagship sounds bad, I can't imagine the 6's being eny better.

The reason they refuse to reveal any specs is because they are likely very very unimpressive. Just like any other car stereo, bose plopped speakers into the doors of the 6. The 6 was not designed around the stereo, that's absolute horseshit. The Bose system is limited to whatever speaker locations the 6 has available, meaning door speakers and maybe tweeters in the a-pillar trim, and an ammount Mazda is willing to pay for it. If Bose really did do thier on placement you'd have speaker pods in the kickpanels, time alignment, and you'd sure as hell have better amplification.

Quote:

our integrated systems deliver results significantly different from those of conventional systems with individual, unmatched components.



The difference is, by mixing components, and taking the best parts to make the whole, you end up with a better end result. Most of Bose's car systems use the same components in each car.

Any audio company that won't even give thier own customers a list of specifications seems a bit shady to me. It would be like me asking for how much HP the car I just bought has and getting "We don't feel HP is an accurate reprsentation of power, we feel that the placement of individual components of the engine has a much more profound effect than the engine's actual output" Bose is a big name, but it's only because of advertising that caught on with peopel with too much $$$.

---------------
ranting is over
---------------

Although for a stock system it sounds decent I would look at replacing parts fairly soon if you are looking for an improvement.

By replacing that 9" and it's amplifier, you would gain alot of low end. I'm guessing that, being Bose, the system can't play anything under 50Hz at all. Even a 10" in a small enclosure hanging from the rear dash will be a drastic improvement. You'd most likely need new power cables as the Bose amp is likely using smaller wire than what I use for speaker cable. The 100W amplifier is probably only producing 100W when all the planets fall into alignment.

I would tackle the head unit, and replace it with something mid-line, like the stuff that we usually push around here. Chances are they will sound better than the bose unit. You lose certain things like speed sensitive volume, etc... but you gain so much more in the area of sound quality and flexibility with future expansion.

Your stock speakers should be alright for the time being, hopefully they aren't like the speakers in most other Mazda vehicles, which you could buy at PE for $1.23 each. Either way they should sound better powered by a new head unit. Eventually as they stop working you'll want to replace them as well. We'll be here

2003 Ford Focus ZX3 "Tarmac" http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2352003