Confusion on installing JBL Basspro hub in 2025 CX-5 w/Bose

[Dank Mids]

I'm looking to make the upgrade to the JBL basspro hub from the non-existent 6" factory Bose spare tire sub, but during my research I've become completely overwhelmed by how to properly install this. There is much more detailed info on how to install with non-Bose systems and the info I can find on Bose system is from older years. This is coming from someone with basically 0 knowledge about car AV.

Where I get most confused is where to tap the factory speaker lines, whether I need a LOC/DSP, and where I should tap those if needed. I'm thinking of installing a LOC (LC2i) by tapping the high-level (sub?) line from the Bose factory amp, then running RCA's from Sub to LOC. However, I see some folks mentioning tapping the signal pre-amp instead?

I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can let me know if this would work and if not, where I'm going wrong. I really want it to be as easy of an install as possible, but it sounds like the Bose system makes things more challenging and I don't know enough to understand the best way to approach it.

 

[propflux01]

I am installing the same sub. Where I’m tapping mine (without a LOC) is the connector at the original sub. Pink and purple wire, then splitting that so it feeds into both speaker level inputs in the sub. You can do the same at the LOC. A male connector can be bought on eBay if you don’t want to cut the plug from the OEM sub.

 

[N7turbo]

I am installing the same sub. Where I’m tapping mine (without a LOC) is the connector at the original sub. Pink and purple wire, then splitting that so it feeds into both speaker level inputs in the sub. You can do the same at the LOC. A male connector can be bought on eBay if you don’t want to cut the plug from the OEM sub.

Only thing is, knowing Bose, I bet the sub is receiving a compensated signal.

 

[Dank Mids]

I am installing the same sub. Where I’m tapping mine (without a LOC) is the connector at the original sub. Pink and purple wire, then splitting that so it feeds into both speaker level inputs in the sub. You can do the same at the LOC. A male connector can be bought on eBay if you don’t want to cut the plug from the OEM sub.

I ended up installing yesterday (no LOC yet) and just combined L+/R+ and L-/R- to military splice into those existing sub wires. Sounds like tapping pre-amp isn't possible on 2025's since that signal is now digital through a MOST bus.
Overall sounds pretty good, didn't get much time to dial things in or test the integrity of the signal. Will eventually try a LOC to see if there's much improvement in the sound quality.

 

[propflux01]

I ended up installing yesterday (no LOC yet) and just combined L+/R+ and L-/R- to military splice into those existing sub wires. Sounds like tapping pre-amp isn't possible on 2025's since that signal is now digital through a MOST bus.
Overall sounds pretty good, didn't get much time to dial things in or test the integrity of the signal. Will eventually try a LOC to see if there's much improvement in the sound quality.

If I remember correctly, the Bose system cuts off bass at 40hz. A LOC will help with that, but if you’re happy with how it sounds, then great

 

[a69mach1377]

FYI, I was not impressed with the bose 'sub' that comes with the top sound system. When I removed the spare tire I was surprised how small and light the sub was as compared to the cerwin vega one I installed in my stang spare tire...

 

[chickdr]

I recommend the sound dampening be done to your Bose sub before you buy a replacement. I thought it made the sound much tighter.

DIY Thread '2nd Generation CX-9: Bose subwoofer improvement'

Sep 17, 2019

This is a DIY guide that details how to reduce the "muddy" bass from the Bose subwoofer mounted in the spare tire. This fix has been done by many others on this forum (originally jgriffter, followed by PTguy, jmeitz, Zoom49, greggmischenko, and others). I recently did the same mod, and I just thought I'd document and organize it to show how easy it is to do.

This process was photographed by myself, using my cellphone camera, my old DSLR and my 2018 Mazda CX-9 Signature as the "demo" vehicle. While the instructions are written by me, many references will be made to the various posts...

• sm1ke
• Replies: 52
• Forum: CX-9 Tech & Infotainment

• 

 

[Dank Mids]

I recommend the sound dampening be done to your Bose sub before you buy a replacement. I thought it made the sound much tighter.

DIY Thread '2nd Generation CX-9: Bose subwoofer improvement'

Sep 17, 2019

This is a DIY guide that details how to reduce the "muddy" bass from the Bose subwoofer mounted in the spare tire. This fix has been done by many others on this forum (originally jgriffter, followed by PTguy, jmeitz, Zoom49, greggmischenko, and others). I recently did the same mod, and I just thought I'd document and organize it to show how easy it is to do.

This process was photographed by myself, using my cellphone camera, my old DSLR and my 2018 Mazda CX-9 Signature as the "demo" vehicle. While the instructions are written by me, many references will be made to the various posts...

• sm1ke
• Replies: 52
• Forum: CX-9 Tech & Infotainment

• 

I did try this but I still was not satisfied. The Bose "subwoofer" isn't a real subwoofer. The little 6" speaker is powered by the speaker level inputs so there isn't any significant power going to it and I was looking for bass you can feel.

The JBL is a night and day difference and I think truly makes the sound system shine.

 

[Dank Mids]

FYI, I was not impressed with the bose 'sub' that comes with the top sound system. When I removed the spare tire I was surprised how small and light the sub was as compared to the cerwin vega one I installed in my stang spare tire...

Yeah it's a 6" speaker that just supplements the other speakers with a bit more low end. Bold of Bose to call it a "sub" lol.

 

[chickdr]

To be fair, it is a sub. Most OEM systems don't use premium materials and amps in their systems.

 

[N7turbo]

Has anyone measured the response of the "sub"?

 

[edouble]

Here’s the full signal measured on a 2024 CX-5 with Bose audio with no adjustments.

 

[N7turbo]

Here’s the full signal measured on a 2024 CX-5 with Bose audio with no adjustments.
View attachment 382718

How did you measure the full range?

 

[edouble]

How did you measure the full range?

Simple RTA setup using a Kicker KISLOC

https://www.kicker.com/app/misc/support/tech/tech_papers/docs/SimpleRTAForTestingSignalOnPoweredOutputsAndHowToUseIt.pdf