The BOSE Radio/Speaker Replacement thread
#801
Is anyone using the Axxess usb-cab for updating the ASWC?
I'm in the process of replacing the bose HU and CD changer (no nav) in my 2004 Maxima that decided to quit working. We're thinking about the Kenwood DDX419, with the Metra 70-7551, 40-ni10, and 95-7404s pieces. I'm also looking to use the Axxess ASWC to get the steering wheel controls functional, but I can't find any mention of people using the Axxess usb-cab cable to install the firmware updates. Is it worth the additional $50 or so for this, or is there a different/better way to get the f/w updates? Since the ddx419 is somewhat new, I'd like to plan for the future if any f/w updates are needed.
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
#802
I haven't updated an Axxess unit yet. The steering wheel control commands are pretty static and I can't foresee a firmware update would give you much more functionality.
But I think your best source of information for this would be Axxess themselves. Give them a call and ask what the benefits of updating the firmware would be - but be weary of a sales pitch.
But I think your best source of information for this would be Axxess themselves. Give them a call and ask what the benefits of updating the firmware would be - but be weary of a sales pitch.
#803
I can't see my steering wheel magically sprouting any new buttons any time soon, so no new functionality would become available. I was just wondering if anyone has run into any kind of issues with the f/w in their units.
I think I'll skip the usb-cab and save the money for other projects.
Thanks djfrestyl, you're truly a great source of wisdom and knowledge.
john
I think I'll skip the usb-cab and save the money for other projects.
Thanks djfrestyl, you're truly a great source of wisdom and knowledge.
john
#805
6 Gen, double din HU not enough room
What can you do if your HU won't fit through the dash kit hole? I got a 7" screen, but it still won't fit through.
Also, the harness that actually connects with the RCA jacks on the HU, does that harness make a big difference between the regular OEM one? (difference between the distortion, that is)
Also, the harness that actually connects with the RCA jacks on the HU, does that harness make a big difference between the regular OEM one? (difference between the distortion, that is)
#806
I'm in the process of replacing the bose HU and CD changer (no nav) in my 2004 Maxima that decided to quit working. We're thinking about the Kenwood DDX419, with the Metra 70-7551, 40-ni10, and 95-7404s pieces. I'm also looking to use the Axxess ASWC to get the steering wheel controls functional, but I can't find any mention of people using the Axxess usb-cab cable to install the firmware updates. Is it worth the additional $50 or so for this, or is there a different/better way to get the f/w updates? Since the ddx419 is somewhat new, I'd like to plan for the future if any f/w updates are needed.
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
I am currently installing a BOSS double-din HU, I got the PAC SWI-x for the steering controls. I have gotten it hooked up, but not programed yet. It is quite difficult and a pain.
#807
What can you do if your HU won't fit through the dash kit hole? I got a 7" screen, but it still won't fit through.
Also, the harness that actually connects with the RCA jacks on the HU, does that harness make a big difference between the regular OEM one? (difference between the distortion, that is)
Also, the harness that actually connects with the RCA jacks on the HU, does that harness make a big difference between the regular OEM one? (difference between the distortion, that is)
I don't understand which harness you're talking about? But if you're worried about distortion I wouldn't.
Return it and install the Axxess ASWC instead. MUCH easier to install, no programming necessary, and faster response time over the SWI-X. Just make sure it's compatible with your BOSS unit.
#808
Connecting the Axxess ASWC in a 2004 Maxima
I'm in the process of replacing the bose HU and CD changer (no nav) in my 2004 Maxima that decided to quit working. We're thinking about the Kenwood DDX419, with the Metra 70-7551, 40-ni10, and 95-7404s pieces. I'm also looking to use the Axxess ASWC to get the steering wheel controls functional, but I can't find any mention of people using the Axxess usb-cab cable to install the firmware updates. Is it worth the additional $50 or so for this, or is there a different/better way to get the f/w updates? Since the ddx419 is somewhat new, I'd like to plan for the future if any f/w updates are needed.
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
Any insight into this would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
john
Everything went fine until it came time to connect the 2 wires on the ASWC to the car harness. I looked at all of the connectors but the correct one. I searched but couldn't find any mention anywhere about which connector I was supposed to use. I left the ASWC disconnected for the time being, and called the Axxess tech support this morning to find out which connector to use.
For anyone else doing this, it's the connector that plugs into the back of the dash panel where the factory radio buttons are (just above the climate control buttons). Duh... talk about a 'brain fart'... I should of known that, but couldn't see the forest for the trees...
I spliced the 2 wires onto the correct wires on that connector, connected the ASWC box to its plug, turned on the key and followed the steps and everything was a piece of cake from there.
So now everything's connected and working like a champ. And I saved the $200 or so the audio stores were wanting to do just the install..
Thanks to everyone that posted info and installation steps (but forgot to remind which connector to use for the ASWC...). It's not that difficult to install one of these units, and it's definitely worth it. The wife wasn't too crazy about spending that kind of money on an audio setup, but now that it's in and she has a radio and CD/DVD player, she agrees it was worth the money.
Thanks again everyone...
john
Last edited by spbronze2004max; 02-29-2012 at 09:10 AM.
#809
You're going to have to get handy with a dremel to open up the hole. Which kit are you using?
I don't understand which harness you're talking about? But if you're worried about distortion I wouldn't.
Return it and install the Axxess ASWC instead. MUCH easier to install, no programming necessary, and faster response time over the SWI-X. Just make sure it's compatible with your BOSS unit.
I don't understand which harness you're talking about? But if you're worried about distortion I wouldn't.
Return it and install the Axxess ASWC instead. MUCH easier to install, no programming necessary, and faster response time over the SWI-X. Just make sure it's compatible with your BOSS unit.
The dash kit I am using is: Metra 95-7404S
My BOSS stereo is a 7 " screen, but I found that it has about an 1/8 of a inch on all sides bigger, so the hole is too small. I thought the dremel was going to be the answer. I have never used one...
Thanks again for all the help.
#811
djfrestyl, thanks for the info. The figured the harness issue out. As for the Axxess ASWC, I will have to look into that now. I have the PAC hooked up, but as many have already said, it doesn't work very well, and I haven't gotten it to work yet. I think I will just take your advice.
The dash kit I am using is: Metra 95-7404S
My BOSS stereo is a 7 " screen, but I found that it has about an 1/8 of a inch on all sides bigger, so the hole is too small. I thought the dremel was going to be the answer. I have never used one...
Thanks again for all the help.
The dash kit I am using is: Metra 95-7404S
My BOSS stereo is a 7 " screen, but I found that it has about an 1/8 of a inch on all sides bigger, so the hole is too small. I thought the dremel was going to be the answer. I have never used one...
Thanks again for all the help.
Hey - my pleasure, happy to help.
Alternatively you can also use a straight edge and a box cutter to trim the dash kit. Score it VERY lightly first to get a nice clean line, then make many passes increasing pressure to gradually get deeper until you're fully through. Use a fresh blade. It will probably be cleaner than a dremel, but regardless of which method you use, neither will look as good as it does right now. That must be a HUGE screen, I've never seen a DD that doesn't fit the Metra kit.
Also, You *should* have been able to locate the steering wheel control wires behind the head unit somewhere. Though it still works, you didn't have to run a wire from the steering wheel itself. The Bose deck is controlled by the steering wheel controls somehow, so there has to be a harness that plugs into the Bose deck that has those volume control signals. It's usually a small tertiary harness (not the main power one or the secondary rear speaker one). Just food for thought.
#812
Hey - my pleasure, happy to help.
Alternatively you can also use a straight edge and a box cutter to trim the dash kit. Score it VERY lightly first to get a nice clean line, then make many passes increasing pressure to gradually get deeper until you're fully through. Use a fresh blade. It will probably be cleaner than a dremel, but regardless of which method you use, neither will look as good as it does right now. That must be a HUGE screen, I've never seen a DD that doesn't fit the Metra kit.
Also, You *should* have been able to locate the steering wheel control wires behind the head unit somewhere. Though it still works, you didn't have to run a wire from the steering wheel itself. The Bose deck is controlled by the steering wheel controls somehow, so there has to be a harness that plugs into the Bose deck that has those volume control signals. It's usually a small tertiary harness (not the main power one or the secondary rear speaker one). Just food for thought.
Alternatively you can also use a straight edge and a box cutter to trim the dash kit. Score it VERY lightly first to get a nice clean line, then make many passes increasing pressure to gradually get deeper until you're fully through. Use a fresh blade. It will probably be cleaner than a dremel, but regardless of which method you use, neither will look as good as it does right now. That must be a HUGE screen, I've never seen a DD that doesn't fit the Metra kit.
Also, You *should* have been able to locate the steering wheel control wires behind the head unit somewhere. Though it still works, you didn't have to run a wire from the steering wheel itself. The Bose deck is controlled by the steering wheel controls somehow, so there has to be a harness that plugs into the Bose deck that has those volume control signals. It's usually a small tertiary harness (not the main power one or the secondary rear speaker one). Just food for thought.
I am going to post pics as soon as my camera charges up. Thanks again for help...
#814
Thanks a lot for putting this together and everyone who posted tips. I just finished my HU installation and this was a big help!
One more thing I ran into in case it helps anyone. I had no power to my HU and was beating my head against the wall. Finally figured out that my metra harness had the yellow (12V constant) wire in the wrong spot. It was one over from where it should be. I was able to pop out that terminal and put it in the correct place. That was real fun to figure out. So don't assume your harness is correct if you are having issues.
One more thing I ran into in case it helps anyone. I had no power to my HU and was beating my head against the wall. Finally figured out that my metra harness had the yellow (12V constant) wire in the wrong spot. It was one over from where it should be. I was able to pop out that terminal and put it in the correct place. That was real fun to figure out. So don't assume your harness is correct if you are having issues.
#816
I thought about that. Then I was actually thinking I was lucky it was the constant power wire. I had no power to the HU so I could guess where to start looking (plus that is the easiest one to test with a multimeter). I think if it was one of the other wires like ant/amp turn on I would have had a hard time finding this for sure.
#817
Hello, I have a 2001 I30 with the Bose system. What are the ohm ratings for the amp and speakers and can I run regular aftermarket speakers in this car? Where is the crossover for the component speakers in this chain?
Thanks.
Thanks.
#819
Wow, thanks for the welcome. After searching for 2001 and scanning the thread I see little info on this specific year and the sticky is for other years. Earlier posts even said 1 ohm and you are saying 2. I'm just trying to understand this.
Last edited by laststop; 03-23-2012 at 01:33 AM.
#820
The information about impedance is identical for all Maximus from 95 through 08 for sure, and probably through the current model years, though I haven't confirmed. 2ohm.
What is the reason you want to change your speakers?
What is the reason you want to change your speakers?
#821
I want better sound. I'm a big home audio guy and find these lacking in midrange and high end clarity. My Sentra's factory Rockford Fosgate system is much better, for instance.
#822
My recommendation to you is to replace your source unit first. It will make your Bose speakers sound better. You'll gain additional functionality like iPod or aux in as well. Plus its the most logical starting point for any car system.
Last edited by djfrestyl; 03-23-2012 at 09:53 AM.
#823
If I get a new head unit and still use the bose amp, it can't be that different. The Bose HU is just acting as a cd player. Unless the Bose is just that terrible.
If it weren't for the impedance problem I'd try some speakers first.
If it weren't for the impedance problem I'd try some speakers first.
#826
All components of a system make equal differences. If you're sending fantastic speakers a crappy signal, the sound will not be great. If you're sending a fantastic signal to crappy speakers, same result.
In the case of the Bose system, the speakers are capable of outputting better sound quality, if that source is provided to it - thus my recommendation persists - replace the HU, enjoy the result, and then replace the amp/speakers if the SQ is still not up to par. The amount of work needed to replace the HU is much less than what's needed to replace the speakers and rewire the car.
In the case of the Bose system, the speakers are capable of outputting better sound quality, if that source is provided to it - thus my recommendation persists - replace the HU, enjoy the result, and then replace the amp/speakers if the SQ is still not up to par. The amount of work needed to replace the HU is much less than what's needed to replace the speakers and rewire the car.
#827
My old Pioneer only has one set of RCAs, and they are only 2.2v. Does the factory wiring use rca's so I can just try it out that way? I realize the volume will be less but it should give me an idea before I get a kit.
#828
Would speakers like these work well with the Bose amp? They are listed as 2 ohms.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C0HWFC/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C0HWFC/
#829
If your HU had a higher voltage, I'd recommend using Metra 70-7551 which converts the RCA to standard wire, however since it doesn't, I recommend using the standard speaker level outputs on the Pioneer HU, coupled with an LOC (line output converter)
#830
Would speakers like these work well with the Bose amp? They are listed as 2 ohms.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C0HWFC/
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002C0HWFC/
#831
I've read through this thread and have seen a few mention that you need an LOC such as the Scosche SLC-4 for any HU with pre-amp outs less than 4V.
Well I just installed a JVC KD-HDR61 using the 7551 harness and am getting very respectable volume WITHOUT the LOC. (This install is in a 2000 Maxima GLE with the factory Bose unit). This JVC HU puts out only 2.5V at the rear RCA's. It's certainly NOT a blaster. But I can't turn the volume all the way up without it being uncomfortable. And the sound quality is excellent (no noticeable distortion even at the higher levels).
The next JVC model up is the KD-AHD65 that's essentially identical to the HDR61 except that it has a 4.8V pre-amp out. But the HDR61 worked just fine for me.
Well I just installed a JVC KD-HDR61 using the 7551 harness and am getting very respectable volume WITHOUT the LOC. (This install is in a 2000 Maxima GLE with the factory Bose unit). This JVC HU puts out only 2.5V at the rear RCA's. It's certainly NOT a blaster. But I can't turn the volume all the way up without it being uncomfortable. And the sound quality is excellent (no noticeable distortion even at the higher levels).
The next JVC model up is the KD-AHD65 that's essentially identical to the HDR61 except that it has a 4.8V pre-amp out. But the HDR61 worked just fine for me.
#833
I installed a 4th gen double DIN Bose in my 3rd gen SE. When I turn on my headlights, the display on my HU turns off or maybe it's really dim it's almost no display. If I disconnect the dimmer wire, will it damage anything?
#834
So here is my issue...
My 97 Maxima has the Bose system and the HU that i'm using is the Pioneer Avic-D3. With that HU, I'm using the Scosche wiring harness I got from Crutchfield. I recently took my car to a audio shop and they rewired my radio. When they did, they took out the Scosche harness and used a regular wiring harness(as if I didnt have the Bose system).
Since then, my entire system sounds horrible. You cant turn the radio up past 15 becasue its blasting at you(use to be I could turn it up to about 25-30 and that was just right). The door and rear deck speakers play louder than my tweeters and subwoofers which are Kicker CVRs in a pro box. Before my system sounded perfect.
My question now is should I go back with the Scosche or switch to the Metra 70-7551. I've called around to a couple audio shops here in town and they only use the Metra, but dont carry it in stock. From reading in this thread, I see it really depends on the output of your radio. The output on mine is a 2.2v.
Please any advice would help. Just want to get my system back to normal.
Thanks!
My 97 Maxima has the Bose system and the HU that i'm using is the Pioneer Avic-D3. With that HU, I'm using the Scosche wiring harness I got from Crutchfield. I recently took my car to a audio shop and they rewired my radio. When they did, they took out the Scosche harness and used a regular wiring harness(as if I didnt have the Bose system).
Since then, my entire system sounds horrible. You cant turn the radio up past 15 becasue its blasting at you(use to be I could turn it up to about 25-30 and that was just right). The door and rear deck speakers play louder than my tweeters and subwoofers which are Kicker CVRs in a pro box. Before my system sounded perfect.
My question now is should I go back with the Scosche or switch to the Metra 70-7551. I've called around to a couple audio shops here in town and they only use the Metra, but dont carry it in stock. From reading in this thread, I see it really depends on the output of your radio. The output on mine is a 2.2v.
Please any advice would help. Just want to get my system back to normal.
Thanks!
#835
The illumination however, you should connect.
So here is my issue...
My 97 Maxima has the Bose system and the HU that i'm using is the Pioneer Avic-D3. With that HU, I'm using the Scosche wiring harness I got from Crutchfield. I recently took my car to a audio shop and they rewired my radio. When they did, they took out the Scosche harness and used a regular wiring harness(as if I didnt have the Bose system).
Since then, my entire system sounds horrible. You cant turn the radio up past 15 becasue its blasting at you(use to be I could turn it up to about 25-30 and that was just right). The door and rear deck speakers play louder than my tweeters and subwoofers which are Kicker CVRs in a pro box. Before my system sounded perfect.
My question now is should I go back with the Scosche or switch to the Metra 70-7551. I've called around to a couple audio shops here in town and they only use the Metra, but dont carry it in stock. From reading in this thread, I see it really depends on the output of your radio. The output on mine is a 2.2v.
Please any advice would help. Just want to get my system back to normal.
Thanks!
My 97 Maxima has the Bose system and the HU that i'm using is the Pioneer Avic-D3. With that HU, I'm using the Scosche wiring harness I got from Crutchfield. I recently took my car to a audio shop and they rewired my radio. When they did, they took out the Scosche harness and used a regular wiring harness(as if I didnt have the Bose system).
Since then, my entire system sounds horrible. You cant turn the radio up past 15 becasue its blasting at you(use to be I could turn it up to about 25-30 and that was just right). The door and rear deck speakers play louder than my tweeters and subwoofers which are Kicker CVRs in a pro box. Before my system sounded perfect.
My question now is should I go back with the Scosche or switch to the Metra 70-7551. I've called around to a couple audio shops here in town and they only use the Metra, but dont carry it in stock. From reading in this thread, I see it really depends on the output of your radio. The output on mine is a 2.2v.
Please any advice would help. Just want to get my system back to normal.
Thanks!
2.2v is not sufficient for 70-7551. Put the Scosche back in. And find a shop that actually understands how a Bose system works.
#836
No, in fact I leave the dimmer wire disconnected in every install.
The illumination however, you should connect.
Why did they rewire your radio?
2.2v is not sufficient for 70-7551. Put the Scosche back in. And find a shop that actually understands how a Bose system works.
The illumination however, you should connect.
Why did they rewire your radio?
2.2v is not sufficient for 70-7551. Put the Scosche back in. And find a shop that actually understands how a Bose system works.
I adjusted all my sound setting back to the way I had it cause they unhooked the battery, still sounds way off.
#838
low sound
i am sorry if this was discussed billion of time but i gone through the thread and i didnt get a clear answer
..
my setup
2k2 stock Bose speaker-amp-sub
new head unit ken wood dpx3080u 2.0v preamp
the problem is the sound is not loud and bass is terrible
i am using the metra 70-7551 what i been reading is it,s designed for 4vpreamp for it to work properly..
will the 70-7500 do a better job with lower voltage
anyother adapter u recommend
i am desperate
..
my setup
2k2 stock Bose speaker-amp-sub
new head unit ken wood dpx3080u 2.0v preamp
the problem is the sound is not loud and bass is terrible
i am using the metra 70-7551 what i been reading is it,s designed for 4vpreamp for it to work properly..
will the 70-7500 do a better job with lower voltage
anyother adapter u recommend
i am desperate