DIY Upgrade CX-5 Bose tweeters

[Lanjiao]

Difficulty: Easy

Things you need:

1. Soldering iron
2. Audio grade MKP 6.8uf capacitors (matched pair)
3. Tesa tape (to prevent rattling)
4. Insulation tubing (for the capacitor’s lead)

Remove the A pillar and tweeter, desolder the original electrolytic capacitor (take note not to overheat it. You could melt the plastic).

Replace the capacitor with audio grade mkp capacitor. You get a more detailed high frequency and smoother sound.

Any mkp capacitor works. As for how much improvement depend on your choice of capacitor.

This mod is very low cost with a good result.

Careful of the size of capacitor you choose, if it’s too big you won’t be able to put the A pillar back.

The capacitor i used has 20mm diameter (there’s still extra room for bigger capacitor).

Enjoy the music.

 

[Nevada CX5]

Nice cap.

 

[dan25man]

What model years does this mod apply to? Can I do this on my 2014 w/ Bose?

 

[Lanjiao]

Any year and models work. The rule is simple. As long as you replace electrolytic capacitor to mkp capacitor will get a better result or no difference. You won’t make it sound worse for sure.

 

[SkunKAdeliC]

I think I may do this. Do you know if anyone has added tweeters in the rear doors?

 

[Lanjiao]

Not recommended unless you gonna change the whole bose system off. Check out your C pillar which is your 3rd window area. There should be a speaker for you to play with.

 

[SkunKAdeliC]

I have a set of RF separates that I never put in my last car. I was thinking of putting them in the rear doors and adding the tweeters. They come with crossovers as well.

Is the Bose system just the speakers or is there an amp as well? I was a little surprised to that these are paper speakers.

 

[Lanjiao]

The bose does have an amplifier. This is why i don’t recommend it. Im sure it wont be powerful enough to power RF. It doesn’t matter if its paper speakers. Many high end audio are still using paper cone. They don’t sound that bad.