How good (or bad) is the standard radio in the 2002 Maxima SE? It seems pretty decent from the limited descriptions I've seen, though the Nissan website (http://www.nissandriven.com) indicates, presumably incorrectly, that the standard radio comes with many of the same features as the $1k additional Bose tuned system, like a 6-disc changer. The standard radio does seem to be an upgrade from earlier years, just wondering if the Bose is that much better (especially for an old guy with the beginnings of high frequency limited hearing loss...). Nissan doesn't list the wattage for the standard radio, I think it's 200 for the Bose.

 

The standard unit is a FM/AM/tape/CD one. It is a single CD unit, not a changer. It looks almost identical to the 2-DIN 6-disc changer Bose unit though. Power is just 120W (versus 200W of the Bose) and there is no subwoofer (6 speakers, one midrange in each door, which have nearly no bass, and two tweeters, mounted in the A-pillar). It's loud enough but distorts pretty easily (changing the midrange woofers in the doors with aftermarket may do the trick) with bass-loaded music.
Not sure if the 120W are from a separate amp or from an amp integrated with the head unit.

 

I happen to think the Base system is OK and I compared quite extensively. Yes, the Bose has the 6 CD (nice), the bass is better and the highs are a little better. I've played at somewhat high volumes (interstate, windows down) and have yet to hear distortion. The Bose is nice but not $1100 worth - IMHO. I also think the base is just fine - its just not hard hitting bass.

 

Ditto. I have the base stereo package and it is good enough. However, coming from a SQ type of set-up in my previous car it's "crap" so to speak.

If gimmetorq's facts are straight that would mean your unit can pump out around (approximately) 10-15 watts rms, then changing the speakers will make a noticeable difference if you really want to keep the stock headunit (which is what i'm planning to do primarily for the fact that changing the headunit will mean disabling my trip computer and steering wheel mounted audio controls)

At this point, my complaint is not much on the radio but the door panels. Seems the longer i have the car the more annoying the rattling is on it.

I wanted to fix it myself but seeing i'm going in for a service in a couple hundred miles i might as well let them check it out first before i get my hands dirty

 

If you can't afford the BOSE radio, then don't get it. It will sound better later on when you upgrade speakers, put an amp on and maybe a sub. That would all probably cost less than $1100 and sound much better.

 

Would think that a trunk mounted 6/12 disc player and a updated set of front door speakers for $300>$400 would go a long way.

 

Don't get me wrong. The base system is ok for OEM, but it could use more clear, less muddy bass. I believe replacing the OEM door speakers with more efficient ones can get the job done. I agree with maxlast, $1100 is a steep pricetag for the Bose system.
soundmike, hope you can fix the rattles. Those can be really annoying.

 

I have a 2002 SE with the BOSE system, but replaced the head (the 6 CD changer skipped all the time) with a Kenwood head.

Does anyone know what the size of the tweeters are in the A-pillars? I was thinking of replacing those, but all the information I found on them was that they're not a standard size, so getting replacements might not fit.

I'm looking to replace all the speakers (tweeters, front and rear door speakers) and getting a sub box in the trunk for the low end bass. I already have the door speakers, and was looking at options for the tweeters (if it's even worth it).

Also, can a set of 6.5" speakers really fit in the rear doors? I thought only 5.25" speakers would fit there...

 

DUDE... this thread was almost 10 years old and you pulled it back from the grave...

do you have bose or base? I dont think you can fit 6.5" in the door. They are an odd size...it might take some cutting to fit them in.

If you have bose I wouldnt waste money replacing the tweets in the pillars

 

Seriously, bumping an 8 year old thread for this? Are you aware of the existence of the newbie thread, specifically to avoid crap like this?

Your question isn't even relevant to this thread.

Now, learn to search;

Tweeters:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...r-tweeter.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...revisited.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...-location.html

Rear speakers:
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...head-unit.html
http://forums.maxima.org/5th-generat...bout-rear.html

 

 

Burn...