[Mick Ch.]

Hi guys,

First of all I'm CX30 user from Thailand. Nice to meet you all.

I just recently received the car. My car come with Bose audio system (12 speakers, should be similar to US & Europe spec.)
After awhile of listening. I think the stock audio is a bit lack of detail especially mid and treble. On my preference I am a bit of detail, I'd love the hear the vocal and crispy instruments detail. Basically, i'm audio guy. My playlist is kindda Jazz, Funk, Blues.

So, I'm considering an upgrade only the front speakers (may be not center) Don't know if anybody has done an upgrade from factory Bose? I just would like to understand the implication? like would it ruin the factory audio set up especially on Bose centerpoint system (i turned it off, as it give me more stereo feeling) Or its microphone self tuning system. And how to install it, whether the speaker plug with audio cable or just a plug on wire.
I have browse to many websites but i could not find any.

Would you enlight me pls.?
Thank you

 

[MikeH]

I have the same system as you, but I actually wanted more bass and recently completed a DIY install of an underseat powered subwoofer. It was a major pain in the ass as 1) there's no information online about the wiring on the Bose amp used in our car and the current gen Mazda 3 (it's different than the one used in last generation Mazda 3, for which there is good info), and 2) it's incredibly difficult to run a dedicated power cable to the battery as the hole in the firewall where all the wiring passes through is hidden behind the cabin air filter which sits behind the glove box (it's much easier to access on left hand drive cars).

I've read that Bose often uses low impedance (1 - 2 ohm) speakers because of their low power amps so that could impact your ability to source appropriate after market speakers. Here's a post where they talk about that issue on the last gen Mazda 3: BOSE Audio Upgrade Help I have not tried to check whether that remains the case with our system, but it seems likely as the amp looks no larger than the last gen model.

Anyway, I'm also based in Thailand (Bangkok) so perhaps we can meetup sometime and I can share what I've done with the system. I'll send you a PM.

 

[20CX30JBM]

Bose markets to the general audio consumer, not the audiofile. I have read that Bose can use multiple amplifiers with odd resistance speakers in car audio systems. Some believe the only way to improve a Bose car system, is to replace it.
No highs, no lows, must be Bose...

 

[Drewmtb29]

I recently upgraded the left and right dashboard speakers on my Gen 3 Mazda3 with the Bose system. It massively improved the mid and highs. Of note, the specific speakers I replaced were rated at a very common 4 ohm, unlike the door woofers which were very low (2ohm). I’m not sure if this is anywhere close to what the 4th gen vehicles have, but it might be likely. for reference, the front dash speakers on my gen 3 were 3.5”, 4ohm. I used JL C2-350x speakers!

 

[Mick Ch.]

I recently upgraded the left and right dashboard speakers on my Gen 3 Mazda3 with the Bose system. It massively improved the mid and highs. Of note, the specific speakers I replaced were rated at a very common 4 ohm, unlike the door woofers which were very low (2ohm). I’m not sure if this is anywhere close to what the 4th gen vehicles have, but it might be likely. for reference, the front dash speakers on my gen 3 were 3.5”, 4ohm. I used JL C2-350x speakers!

Thanks for the sharing. Let me do a bit more research and before decide whether i should go on or not.