Rydicule

I've owned a number of Maximas in my life, and the 4th gen had a much better Bose stereo system. The 5.5 gen system really stinks for me. I have to turn the volume up to 22-25 just to get a good cruising sound. Everything else seems real quiet. I wanted to know if other people have this problem too. When I first test drove the car (used), the dealer had not yet hooked the OEM stereo up (the previous owner used an after-market system). They promised me when I picked the car up the system would be in working order. However, I'm kind of thinking the dealer may have screwed it up when re-wiring the OEM system which is causing this volume problem, maybe they bypassed the preamps, but I wanted to get a feeling for what others use on their stock system. I have a 5.5 gen 6 disc changer (also, the skipping on the thing is atrocious)

zero2sixtyZ

iTrader: (30)

22+ Normal Radio and CDs

13-16 iPod w/ Tape Adapter. The iPod adds volume.

The OEM system is terrible. Next investment: Alpine or Eclipse Headunit.

Time2go!

I do not even turn on the HU. I use a JL Audio Interface CL441dsp
OEM Audio Interface with Automatic Digital EQ. 4-ch. IN / 4-ch. OUT / 1 AUX Input. Add 1 60 Gig ipod and forget about the HU.
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...hp?prod_id=369
The cure for factory sound no longer requires major surgery.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


If you own a newer vehicle, like the ones shown here, chances are that the head unit is not easily replaced due to cosmetic or functional concerns. This doesn't mean you have to settle for whatever audio quality your vehicle manufacturer decided was "good enough".
By accepting, processing and controlling the audio from almost any factory-installed head unit or amplifier, CleanSweep® makes virtually any modern vehicle a candidate for high-end sound, without costly fabrication, integration or radical surgery to the dashboard (and without needing to purchase an aftermarket head unit).
Think of it as freedom of choice wrapped in black sheet-metal.
I also run 1 JL 300/4 amp with all MB Quart Q-Line QSD 216
Component Speakers (1) 12 W 3 Sub and a Fusion 1200 mono block.......
Everything looks "Stock" but the car "Rocks"

707SE

iTrader: (2)

I too gotta get my sound up to 20+ before it begins to sound "kinda" loud. I have noticed that home made CD's quality are a bit more difficult to hear/muffled than store bought/original CD's. Maybe a setting on my CD burning software is responsible...

707SE

iTrader: (2)

that is sweet! One of my conundrums was that I didn't want to alter the dash with an aftermarket HU. Some folks make them look decent but for the most part I think it looks ****ty. This could be the answer though.

Out of curiousity what did your complete setup end up costing you? If you could break the cost down by each component that'd be nice, in particular this JL Audio Clean Sweep.

Rydicule

Not sure about that, because I experience the same thing. Maybe a high-powered music burning program like Nero would help, not sure it's just generic settings.

SEmy2K2go

iTrader: (10)

50 - but I ditched the OEM non-bose a LONG time ago.

Gotrice4

20-22 with that stupid SCV off.

infiniteecho

Around 22 to 24 is where it sounded best in my Maxima. The new Bose in the Infiniti sounds so much better.

MaximaGT-R

iTrader: (7)

mines is 40 i got the avic z1 i ditched the bose a very long time ago

Rydicule

I've heard that, but I know nothing about them. Are they compatible? If I could get my hands on one, perhaps a swap would help...

housecor

iTrader: (2)

How's the sound quality with this setup? I'm looking for a solution that still lets me use the factory Bose HU, but gives me as close to CD sound as possible from an iPod.

crispykid717

iTrader: (7)

Cruising on the highway I would have to turn it up over 22. But I quickly changed to an aftermarket HU. They don't call it BLOSE for nothing.

infiniteecho

The speakers and amp would probably fit... I have 1" tweeters, 6.5" mids front and rear doors and an 8" sub. I think they really upped the power from the Maxima. The sub doesn't get clipped down at high volumes, it just keeps pounding away. Sounds great for OE. Blows my mom's Volvo Prologic II setup away.

bigEL

Depending what I have on, I usually leave it around vol. 9-11, bass +1, treb +1, everything else default. Above 13 starts to hurt my ears (and I'm already partially deaf). Above 15, my passengers plug their ears. Above 19 all the panels and mirrors shake so bad that I can't see anything in them. I've taken it all the way to 25, but by then, the bass is so distorted that it's nothing but a bunch of teeth-chattering farting sounds.

LA02MAX

iTrader: (3)

holy crap some of ya'll are insane. I have the BOSE and if I turn it over 20 it's waaay too loud for me! I usually have it at around 12 but sometimes I turn it up to 16. I also have my speed sensitive volume control set to high which makes a pretty big difference at highway speeds.

infiniteecho

:haha: I often have my new Bose to 31. What an odd number for it to stop at? Bose designes their systems so that even at max volume, you won't blow out your speakers. I have to say, I came from having an 8,000 dollar stereo in my 96 Maxima, and while it doesn't have nearly the clearity and depth of sound, for what it is, it's not 1/2 bad. They really stepped it up in the Infiniti. I was quite surprised. I wish they had done the same in the Maxima. I was really let down in my 2003 Maxima.

meccanoble

iTrader: (22)

the stock system is the first thing on the car that should be replaced....aside from the garbage stock alarm. A cd player without mp3 capability is so 20th century

LA02MAX

iTrader: (3)

IMO performance comes first....lowering should be the first thing you spend money on with these cars as they come preset for off roading from the factory...

MaxBoost925

iTrader: (33)

Well, i had a Nissan stereo... weak sauce.

I slap now with my AVIC N1 and MTX sub and amp

Progress

iTrader: (26)

My factory Bose HU doesn't have a volume readout.

ericswanson

i just bought a 3rd gen maxima and the bose system is really really great one of the nicest stock speakers iv heard.

AceofSpds

iTrader: (4)

LOUD ftw




+1 post count yay

steven88

iTrader: (28)

agreed...i dunno how ya'll are doing 20-25 to get a "decent" sound...my stock bose gets pretty loud for me after 18ish...i'm usually doing around 10-15 with vsc off and +5 treble and +2 bass...maybe im just gettin too old...

infiniteecho

It more depends on the music ... most music is around 10. But, if it's a song that I love, it'll go way up. So, I don't role around with my music @ 25 the entire time.

SilverGLE

iTrader: (21)

I agree... I can't remember what I kept the volume on my 02 GLE set to (probably around 15 with the iPod and a cassette adaptor), but in my dad's I35, 15-20 is about right with bass at +3 and treble at +5. Yeah, B(L)OSE was the first thing to get replaced in my Maxima, though...

Ruthless

Of I choose Bose was terrible, I got an aftermarket HU. Ok, this is a lie. Bose is some good stuff. Clarion MAX675VD + Boston acustics speakers + boston subs are better

Time2go!

"How's the sound quality with this setup? I'm looking for a solution that still lets me use the factory Bose HU, but gives me as close to CD sound as possible from an iPod."

I will tell you it It sounds better than any CD. I do not even have to turn on my HU to listen to my iPod. This is not a iTrip FM Mod or a Ipod to Cas. adpt. it is hard wired. My whole interior look stock except for one little button my the seat heaters switches.
If I turn on the HU (for Traffic or Weather) and switch to "Stock HU mode" on the JL clean sweap is now BOSE HU with 30 Chan DSP EQ before the Amps and MB Quarts. All Stearing wheel functions work like it was stock.
If I hit the button to Aux (iPod) mode I can turn the Factory HU off and run everything off the ipod with the JL Audio volume ****.

I also run 1 JL 300/4 amp with all MB Quart Q-Line QSD 216
Component Speakers (1) 12 W 3 Sub and a Fusion 1200 mono block.......
Everything looks "Stock" but the car "Rocks"

Time2go!

that is sweet! One of my conundrums was that I didn't want to alter the dash with an aftermarket HU. Some folks make them look decent but for the most part I think it looks ****ty. This could be the answer though.

Out of curiousity what did your complete setup end up costing you? If you could break the cost down by each component that'd be nice, in particular this JL Audio Clean Sweep.

*Note* I installed everything myself and remember good sound is like performance. You get what you pay for and cutting cost is not an option for me. I would much rather put out the cash one time then rplace cheep crap 5 time and end up with what I orig. wanted 500.00
(1)JL Clean Sweap...CL441dsp about $300.00
(1)JL AMP 300/4 Class A/B Four-Channel Full-Range Amp about $350.00
(2)MB Quart Q-Line QSD 216 Component Speakers $475.00
(1) JL 12 w 3 Sub $250.00
(1) Fusion Mono block Amp 1200 W @ 1 Ohm. 450.00 ( From Audio Buddy)

About 200 SQ FT of eDead Liek Dynamat but better.

Trurida18

iTrader: (4)

naw its not the burning software....Burning software is all the same, its the bitrate in which the music is transferrerd to the CD...if and when you can TRY AND USE A 192Kbps for your bitrate....IF THE ORIGINAL SONG WAS poorly encoded (less than 128 Kbps) then there is nothing you could do

AS FAR AS THE VOLUME...I SWAPPED TO AN AFTERMARKET HU THE 2ND WEEK I HAD MY CAR

housecor

iTrader: (2)

Wow, thanks for the response. This is exactly what I've been looking for then. I want a 100% factory look system that rocks. After having 2 $1500+ systems stolen out of previous cars, I'm sold on keeping the interior looking exactly like factory.

I'm surprised the Cleansweep isn't getting more attention - I've had a hard time finding any end user reviews online. Any forums w/ more users/info? I think you've sold me either way. Stupid question though - is there anyway to use the factory Bose amps and speaks? I'd like to interface an iPod first, add a sub second, and replace speaks & amps last.

03blackmaxse

I haven't had my max too long, and I'm looking to put in my system without changing the HU. I've got 2 12" Infiniti Subs and either a Rockford Fosgate amp or MTX. What I want to know is if it will sound any good. I've heard that it won't and bose BLOWS, but I like the look of the factory HU. If I do end up changing it, I'd rather just put in a screen, but right now that kinda cash isn't available. So basically, is it worth getting my system installed with my brand new amps with the factory HU? Or should I just stick with stock until I replace the HU..which won't be anytime soon..

03blackmaxse

Generally, with my stock system, I keep it at around 20, and with the speed sensitive control, it seems to do the trick unless I'm really enjoying the song.

CoolMax

iTrader: (7)

ask these guys: http://forums.maxima.org/forumdispla...aysprune=&f=25
imo you're better off waiting to replace the HU

Time2go!

The JL Clean Sweap unit works after the HU and before the AMPs / Speakers.
It takes speaker output and corrects it using ESP because a simple line level converters cannot correct for this equalization. THE JLCS USES esp.
Read this link dude. Trust me it sounds great. Also you get 2 pairs of digital balance lines to run to your Amps! with an AUX imput..(ie ipod hook up)
http://mobile.jlaudio.com/products_c...php?page_id=92

If you use after market amps you have to replace your BLOSE BOSE speakers anyhow they have Amps on them because they run at 1/2 Ohm or some crap like that.

gfxhil

iTrader: (2)

I have to turn my Bose HU to 22+ because only my passenger side speakers work. I tried Chris.s's Bose 6cd cutout fix yesterday but it doesn't seem like the ribbon cable was the problem. Maybe a loose connection somewhere.