Changing BOSE factory Stereo 2nd Gen Mazda 6

[hesley67]

I am wondering if it is at all possible to change the factory stereo on my 2nd Generation Mazda 6. I have read on other posts that it will totally mess up the sound due to amp under the drivers seat being specifically tuned to the BOSE stereo.

Any advance?

[6er]

QUOTE (hesley67 @ Feb 21 2009, 09:14 AM)

I am wondering if it is at all possible to change the factory stereo on my 2nd Generation Mazda 6. I have read on other posts that it will totally mess up the sound due to amp under the drivers seat being specifically tuned to the BOSE stereo.

Any advance?[/b]

I had a friend with a Maxima with Bose that was told something similiar: if you replace one thing and it's not Bose, you have to replace EVERYTHING.

[gdavis]

Most Bose systems are that way. Plan on replacing it all if you replace the Bose

[vance836]

If the only thing you are doing is changing the head unit, then you will be fine. I have an 08 M6 w/Bose. I changed out the head unit for a flip screen and put a JL Audio sub in the trunk with a JL amp and it sounds incredible. All you need to do is pull out the factory head unit, get the Metra Kit, and install the new head unit using all the same wiring. I did that and when I play a DVD, it sounds like a movie theater in my car. Sound quality is awesome. Also, I have not changed out the stock Bose door speakers.

[andythilo]

QUOTE (vance836 @ Mar 4 2009, 08:52 PM)

If the only thing you are doing is changing the head unit, then you will be fine. I have an 08 M6 w/Bose. I changed out the head unit for a flip screen and put a JL Audio sub in the trunk with a JL amp and it sounds incredible. All you need to do is pull out the factory head unit, get the Metra Kit, and install the new head unit using all the same wiring. I did that and when I play a DVD, it sounds like a movie theater in my car. Sound quality is awesome. Also, I have not changed out the stock Bose door speakers.[/b]

Are you saying you can use a different head unit WITH the factory Bose amp and speakers?

[vance836]

That is correct. Reason is that the radio does not push the Bose speakers, the amp does.

I have a Kenwood KVT-717DVD head unit, the factory Bose amp pushing the factory Bose door speakers, and a JL Audio 500/1 amp pushing my 10W6v2 in the trunk. I disconnected the Bose sub in the trunk (sounded muddy). My car sounds phenomenal. I also have the RBC-1 volume control for my sub as well (do not control the sub through the head unit at all). My girlfriend was extremely impressed when I popped in Dark Knight for the first time.

[andythilo]

QUOTE (vance836 @ Mar 18 2009, 04:49 PM)

That is correct. Reason is that the radio does not push the Bose speakers, the amp does.

I have a Kenwood KVT-717DVD head unit, the factory Bose amp pushing the factory Bose door speakers, and a JL Audio 500/1 amp pushing my 10W6v2 in the trunk. I disconnected the Bose sub in the trunk (sounded muddy). My car sounds phenomenal. I also have the RBC-1 volume control for my sub as well (do not control the sub through the head unit at all). My girlfriend was extremely impressed when I popped in Dark Knight for the first time.[/b]

What about the new steering wheel controls? They control the audio/heating and trip now.

[vance836]

QUOTE (AndyThilo @ Mar 18 2009, 03:51 PM)

What about the new steering wheel controls? They control the audio/heating and trip now.[/b]

I do not have any controls with the steering wheel. I have a remote for the head unit and the RBC bass control for the sub. The metra kit customizes the display. I have "Zoomin' 6" on my display. Unfortunately, you are only allowed up to 10 characters on the display.