I'll be taking delivery on a 2002 Sterling Mist GLE early next week. I listened to the Bose system during the test drive, and like others here, was less than impressed. I'm sure that I'll be replacing it in due time - but I know SWMBO will have a hissy fit if we get this car next week, and, by the weekend I've got it torn apart replacing the stereo. So I'm thinking of at least (for now) replacing the front tweeters. Seems to be a simple task - on the surface that is. I'm pretty sure that I read here that the impeadance of the Bose tweets is ~4 ohms (unlike the ~1 ohm door speakers) and that they can be replaced directly - without any conversion/adapters. Is this true?? Has anyone replaced the tweeters - if so can you offer any advice? Also any recommendations so far as brands? Looking for more crispness but not ear piercing shrillness - if that makes sense. Also don't want to do any, or VERY little, modification to the current location.

BTW - this will be our first Maxima - and we're thrilled to death!

Thank You,
Carmen Salvatore

 

First of all congratulations on the purchase! You won't be disappointed

Anyhow, i'm not sure about the Bose tweeters but on mine i just replaced the entire speaker set-up with Infinity's. Components up front and 2-ways in the back.

I'd suggest the 605cs to you as well given it's not ear piercing. I've had Rockford's in the past as well as Cerwin Vega's - they're piercing to say the least but the mid's and low's are pretty good compared to the Infinity's.

I'd say the Infinity's give a more rounded, smoother sound (natural) while the other two gives a bit more of the opposite.

 

SoundMike - Thanks for the reply. Did you replace the speakers yourself? If so, how did you replace the tweeters? In other words, how does one get the trim piece off? BTW, I went and heard the Infinity's you mentioned - very nice sounding speakers.

Carmen

 

Carmen, i initially started doing it myself but i cut my fingers just trying to pry the door panel off (back door) so i gave up as my hand was pretty much sore after that.

I brought it to Cartoys. From what i've seen they took the A-Pillar panels off and unscrewed the entire stock tweeter from the frame. The Infinity's were then put in it's place without using any of the included brackets. The upside to this is it fit the stock location and you wouldn't notice just by looking that i already have aftermarket speakers.

The downside is the tweeters are no longer moveable, however before everything was put back in place i sat in the car to listen and had the tweets moved permanently in a direction that would make the soundstage better.

Hope that helps.

- mike

p.s. if you have it professionaly installed do scout around for prices. when i did that the range was between $100 for all four to over $300!

 

Mike - Thanks again. Your post was very helpful. I want to make sure that the 'stock' look is retained. This is one of the reasons I'm planning on replacing everthing BUT the HU - eventually that is. I'll have to try and find some info on door and A-pillar panel removal. Can you offer any advice - I don't want to cut up my hand nor ruin the panels in the process.

Carmen

 

Carmen, you're welcome

We have the same idea in mind. I'd rather keep the HU stock for as long as i can. That way the car looks just as stock as can be.

Try the sticky on the 5th gen forums. You should find a lot of How-to's for the 5th gen maxima's - including instructions on taking out the A-Pillar panel (easy) and the door panels (moderate-hard without the necessary tool - which is what i had to go through)

- Mike