Upgrading from the 4 speaker audio system

[PuroMexicano]

Guys, hope you can help me.

Here in Mexico the 9-speaker Bose Sound is not available.

I really don't know how good is the standard 4 speaker system (my CX-7 arrives in december), but at least I would like to add more speakers to the current system.

Can you tell me if the car itself has the standard places and the wiring to add more speakers without changing the current configuration or cutting anywhere?

Thanks for your responses.

 

[CX7nCali]

For the stock head unit and power, you'll want to get some efficient 5x7, 6x8, or 6x9 2-way coaxially mounted speakers.

If you want to step it up, the options are unlimited.

You can use the stock HU with an LOC (line-out convertor) to provide RCA pre-outs to send to an amp, then to better speakers.

Or you can replace the HU as well and get an Alpine, Eclipse, etc.

Bottom line, it comes down to:

Budget
Intended results
Who does the install

The CX-7 with the deep dash is perfect for a really kickass sound system. I won't list those options unless you want a full system.

 

[CX7nCali]

Oops, sorry, it looks like you want to keep it simple.

Check these out:

http://www.ikesound.com/product-product_id/2832
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-MMC5...ryZ14940QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[xavier]

I think the question was more or less geared to whether the CX7 equipped with 4 speakers manufactured like the CX7 equipped with 9 speakers. I.e same holes for both, just the one he has is just missing some of the 9 speakers. I dont really know the answer to the question though.

 

[PuroMexicano]

Thanks for the responses.

Yes Xavier, basically I just want to know if the 4sp system has the same amount of holes as the 9sp system, but obviously some are just holes, not speakers. I also want to know if the HU has wiring from it to the empty holes or at least if it has the capacity for more than the 4 standard speakers.

That way, the only thing I'd have to do is buy some speakers, install them in the empty holes and conect them to the HU.

Thanks!!

 

[CX7nCali]

Oh, sorry, I misunderstood the question.

No, it's a completely different system.

The Bose system has an amplifier behind the back seat under the cover. This amp drives the 9 speakers. (3x 3.25" in the dash, 9" in the front doors, 6.5" in the rear doors, and 3.25" in the rear d-pillars)

The base 4sp system does not have the dash holes or grilles, nor does it have the rear d-pillar holes and grilles.

You're limited to the 4 doors without any modification.

I was in between the Bose system or getting the 4sp base system and building my own; which would include pulling the dash and cutting holes for a fully active multiple amp setup.

It doesn't sound like you want to do any modifications, so you will only have the 4 doors.

 

[PuroMexicano]

Thanks CX7nCali, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

At first I wouldn't like to make modifications to the car itself, so I'm planning on buying an amplifier and MAYBE change the speakers.

I don't want a super-powerful sound, but I do want a good sound with power and fidelity.

Are the 4sp system speakers of good quality to just add the amplifier?
Or do you recommend amplifier and changing speakers?

What are the dimensions of the speakers of the 4sp system?

Recommendations on amplifier and speaker brands are welcome! Nakamichi is my first choice.

Sorry for bothering you guys with so many questions.

THANKS!!!

 

[CX7nCali]

You just missed out, I sold my Arc Audio 4150XXK sound quality 4ch amp.

Check around on the car audio forums and eBay for that one. It's an excellent amp, should fit in the space where the Bose amp is, and will be within $400 for a used one in good condition. (They were $800-$1,000 new.)

Specs:
http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/amplifiers/xxk_4150.htm

The older 4150CXL is the same amp in a different case.

If you can't find one, then find a used Alpine MRV-F345, ESX by Zed Audio, PPI Art Series, or JL Audio, for starters. The hard part is finding one that will fit in the hidden compartment behind the back seat. Take some measurements.

As for speakers, it really depends on your budget and what you plan. I'd definitely add some extra sound dampening material. See here: http://www.raamaudio.com

For 6.5" round components, Oz Audio 180CS are really good for the money at $299 shipped from http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAudio/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=15332 That's my review from Sherman Oaks.

For less money, I'd fit some 5x7, 6x8, or 6x9 2-way speakers.
Like these Polk MMC570 for $79 plus s/h from sonicelectronix:
http://cgi.ebay.com/POLK-AUDIO-MMC5...ryZ14940QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or
2-way 6x9 from the upper Polk, Alpine, JL Audio, or Diamond options.

Some of the last Nakamichi amps were designed and/or built by Zed Audio, worth $200-$300 if you can find one.

If you want to look forward to building a higher end system, then look into the Arc or DLS Ultimate amps, and Seas speakers.

If it were me, I'd install 8" or 9" woofers in the front doors.

 

[PuroMexicano]

thanks!, I'd definitely be looking for the brands you suggested, but I'll wait for my CX-7 before buying anything.

 

[CXRabbit]

CX7nCali,

Gonna jump in here and ask you a few questions since you seem to be knowledgeable in this area.

I'm purchasing a GT model and trying to decide between the Bose system (moonroof package version) or the stock system.

My intention is to pull out the radio and replace it with a new HU that does nav, ipod, bluetooth, rear-view cam, etc. My biggest question is what to do with the speakers.

How will the Bose speakers/amp work with another system and not a Bose radio?

How powerful is the amp?

The reason this is an issue at all is because I'm torn about giving up the moonroof, which is ONLY available as part of the Bose CD Changer/Speaker package (grrrrr). I typically like the way Bose stuff sounds so I don't want to go pitching the speakers & amp if they'll work fine enough with an aftermarket system (don't need boom boom bling bling loud, LOL), if I decide to go with the moonroof package. If I don't, obviously it's a no-brainer and I'll get rid of both the stock radio AND speakers and put in all new.

What do ya think?

 

[CX7nCali]

The Bose system is integrated to work together.

I'm not sure you could use the Bose amp with an aftermarket HU.
Then again, I'm not sure you'd want to.

The Bose system by itself is a good system.

As for upgrading, it's great the speakers and grilles are already installed with the Bose system, and the wires are already ran from the amp in the back to the speaker locations.

Having the Bose system gives you the moonroof, it sounds good, and it will give you easier options when you are ready to upgrade.

Even if you had to lose the Bose amp, you might be able to use a couple of low wattage amps and still use the Bose speakers...... only if you have crossover control with the new HU or the amp/s.

I'm nearly positive the crossover control for specific frequencies to be limited each speaker is controlled via the amp and/or the Bose HU.

For those reading: HU = Head Unit

Sorry, I'm thinking this through as I type.

I will live with the Bose system as long as possible, then do a complete revision when replacing it.

The biggest problem is the normal stereo doesn't have the dash speakers.... or the cutouts in the dash.

Back to one of your questions: The Bose amp is driving 18w to the 3.25" and 35w to the 9" front doors. I'm assuming 18w or less to the rear doors and rear d-pillars.

If your new HU has power, you can use that to drive the rear Bose speakers for low level rear fill. Then use a 4ch amp to drive the front Bose door and dash speakers. (forget the center speaker)

To work with the Bose speakers, you could use a small amp like:
Arc Audio 4050XXK or CXL
Elemental Designs Nine.4
JL Audio 300.4

or an Arc 5150XXK to add a small sub in the back. There's one on eBay currently at $200.

There are many many directions to go with the CX-7 layout.

1) do you want the moonroof?
2) do you need nav, b-tooth, cam, etc?
3) do you want pre-existing dash cutouts or do-it-yourself?
4) overall budget?

hope this rambling of random thoughts help LOL

 

[CXRabbit]

CX7nCali.

Things have gotten more complicated. I've got an e-mail in to the audio pro who's going to do the install, along with pictures of the car's dash and specs. There's conflicting info on what will fit and what won't, and whether all the controls will still work (like steering wheel and displays up on the dash). I'll get a definitive answer from the audio guy and then decide. Ultimately, if I decide to go aftermarket I've now decided that I'll skip the moonroof and just get the stock radio from Mazda.

Ultimately, I may end up with the Tech package after all because I don't want to risk being the guinea pig if the audio guy isn't 100% sure.

As for budget, I'm willing to spend several thousand to get what I want... at least the cost of the tech package

 

[Byrnie]

CX7nCali.

Things have gotten more complicated. I've got an e-mail in to the audio pro who's going to do the install, along with pictures of the car's dash and specs. There's conflicting info on what will fit and what won't, and whether all the controls will still work (like steering wheel and displays up on the dash). I'll get a definitive answer from the audio guy and then decide. Ultimately, if I decide to go aftermarket I've now decided that I'll skip the moonroof and just get the stock radio from Mazda.

Ultimately, I may end up with the Tech package after all because I don't want to risk being the guinea pig if the audio guy isn't 100% sure.

As for budget, I'm willing to spend several thousand to get what I want... at least the cost of the tech package

Based on my bose experience from my last car (infiniti g35 coupe). Steering wheel controls won't work if you change the HU.

 

[CX7nCali]

The dash is the key for a killer system in the CX-7.
Well heck, here's something I'd consider........

Alpine IVA-W200: optical connection, processor control, touch screen, iPod control, navigation control, etc. Not sure about steering wheel control.
Alpine PXA-H701 processor for up to 8ch DSP
Alpine PMD-B100 navigation
DLS Ultimate A4 or Arc Audio 4150XXK for tweeters and midranges
DLS Ult A3 or Arc Audio 2500XXK for midbass, depends on mids used
Buwalda Hybrid Audio Legatia L3 midranges and L1 tweeters for the dash or
Seas Lotus 4" and RT27F tweeter, depends on dash setup
8" to 10" for midbass in the front doors, depends on mounting depth
Possible midbass: Seas, Morel, Dayton, Illusion Audio
If the mounting depth is there, then I'd consider Seas L22 or L26 if they will fit, with the 2500XXK to have plenty of power at 8 ohms. Yeehaw
Dampening and deadener in the dash and doors http://www.raamaudio.com
Well built spacer baffles for the midbass with plenty of birch or mdf
You can always add a sub later on if the midbass isn't enough
Buy my secret weapon if you want to play with L minus R rear fill for ambience. It's a PPI PSC-221 phase shifter. You'll need a small amp for the rear speakers and to use the PPI. Or you can just use the W200 power for light rear fill with the stock speakers. (low volume regardless)

Info:
http://www.arcaudio.com/arc-05/amplifiers/xxk_2500.htm
http://www.mobilesq.com for DLS amps and Seas Lotus
http://www.madisound.com for Seas midbass options
http://www.hybridaudio.com for Legatia speakers
http://www.diymobileaudio.com for a lot of DIY info
http://www.alpine-usa.com/en/products/product.php?model=IVA-W200

My opinion from lots of car audio experience:
If you don't do a new system right, then get the Bose and be happy.
It's cheaper, simpler, and you get the moonroof.
Not to mention a higher resale.

 

[CXRabbit]

CX7nCali,

The IVA-W200 is exactly what I've been looking at and my car stereo guy is supposed to call me back this morning after doing some research himself on the CX-7.

There are four big questions I need the answer to...

Will the unit fit?
Will the steering wheel controls work?
Will climate control be affected (guess on this one is no)
Will the display up on the dash still work?

I'm thinking 1-3 will be ultimately all be fine, but the last one might be a big no... and while it's not an essential part of any aftermarket system, I don't want things on the car to suddenly not work. I'm leaning more and more towards the tech package for now because I can always rip it out and replace it later if I really want to, and by that point there may be more knowledge out there about the car.

And the other problem is theft. Put in the IVA-W200 and I'm suddenly going to be a magnet for car stereo thieves, and considering I live in New York and go into Queens and NYC quite a bit, I can't ignore that possibility. Stock systems are much less at risk, even if they are the fancy tech package. It's something I have to at least think about when making this decision.

 

[CX7nCali]

Fit, yes
Controls, don't know
Climate, not affected (hazard yes, hopefully a new kit will address this)
Display will still show the clock, but not stereo

Take a few good quality CDs and go listen to the Bose system for awhile.
Bass set to 0 or -1, Treble set to 0, then turn it up, vol 14-20. (for CDs)
(Bass +1 for FM) Any higher, and it sounds bloated.

When I first got it, the dash speakers were distorting a little, now they seem to be fine. I didn't think speakers needed break-in, but maybe these do.

You might be satisfied with the Bose system.
(Don't use Centerpoint, it's not needed and actually hurts the soundstage.)