When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just learning about the Bose system. So I an unable to upgrade the speakers without adding an amp first? Plan was to do this first (speakers) and then later install a new head unit. I am thinking of not adding an amp, just upgrade the head unit/speakers. Thanks
Just learning about the Bose system. So I an unable to upgrade the speakers without adding an amp first? Plan was to do this first (speakers) and then later install a new head unit. I am thinking of not adding an amp, just upgrade the head unit/speakers. Thanks
Do the amp........you will not regret it!
From my research and trying to mix Bose with after market..... it really does not work out well.
Just learning about the Bose system. So I an unable to upgrade the speakers without adding an amp first? Plan was to do this first (speakers) and then later install a new head unit. I am thinking of not adding an amp, just upgrade the head unit/speakers. Thanks
I just went through this on mine and learned a lot along the way. The factory head unit directly drives the small speaker in the door as well as the rear speakers. The larger front speaker is driven by an amp that has an "unholy relationship" with the factory radio. I was able to replace the small speaker up front (easily unscrews from from the Bose integrated unit) as well as the rears - leaving in-place the factory radio, amplifier, and Bose woofer. The sound is better - but a bit tinny - fiddling with the audio controls does help.
If you want to replace the head unit and woofer - then you are all-in on a completely new system....
Just learning about the Bose system. So I am unable to upgrade the speakers without adding an amp first? Plan was to do this first (speakers) and then later install a new head unit. I am thinking of not adding an amp, just upgrade the head unit/speakers. Thanks
Your plan is perfectly feasible. Whoever told you otherwise, didn't provide you with accurate information.
These are basically the main options available:
Replace just the headunit, leaving the rest of the system intact using
Replace just the 4 twiddlers with 2-way coaxial speakers leaving the rest of the system intact
Combine 1 and 3
Take everything out and replace all from scratch
That being said, without a doubt, the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade the system with the more bang for your buck is new speakers that can be bolted on in place of the factory ones, keeping the rest of the system intact.
The C5 OEM speakers do not include any real tweeter. Bose used 4 plain-cone (paper) speakers to handle high and mid frequencies and called them "twiddlers". That's why you can make a big improvement by replacing them with a 2-way coaxial design.
I replaced the Bose w/ JBL speakers, no amp and they worked great. Took about an hour and sound much better. There was a thread stated in January of 2019 that gave speaker models although you do need to reverse polarity as I remember.
OP sounds like a good plan you have. Keep in mind that you will only get so much volume/clarity without adding an aftermarket amp, and revamping the entire system. Which you can still do as step "3" in your plan, however, I believe and from what I understand about the factory woofers and amp, you will have to ditch them then.
Replace just the 4 twiddlers with 2-way coaxial speakers leaving the rest of the system intact
Combine 1 and 3
Take everything out and replace all from scratch
That being said, without a doubt, the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade the system with the more bang for your buck is new speakers that can be bolted on in place of the factory ones, keeping the rest of the system intact.
The C5 OEM speakers do not include any real tweeter. Bose used 4 plain-cone (paper) speakers to handle high and mid frequencies and called them "twiddlers". That's why you can make a big improvement by replacing them with a 2-way coaxial design.
bro you are a GOD. thank you so much for posting this. just ordered some 3.5s and 5.25s to go with the system. THANKS !!!
You're very welcome!
@slothman Just something installation tips: it is very important to make sure the new speakers are in phase with each other, and more importantly, in phase with the door subwoofers. Otherwise, you might experience sound cancellation, resulting in tinny sound and lack of presence.
Using the above mentioned adapter harness to install new rear speakers should take care of this for you, however, the factory connectors for the "front" OEM Bose 3½" twiddlers are "spade" ones and they do follow Bose's standard, which is the opposite of what aftermarket manufacturers use.
To properly connect your new front speakers, you will need to cut the factory spade connectors and crimp new ones following the "normal" standard (reversed in relation to Bose), or create your own adapter harnesses if you don't want to cut and crimp the front OEM wires
Take a look at this Post for more details and tips on how to proceed.
That whole Bose system is not very good. So if like your system clean and loud consider the total upgrade,I did the entire upgrade,head unit all speakers 4 channel amp and sub. Alpine all the way and trouble free.
That whole Bose system is not very good. So if like your system clean and loud consider the total upgrade,I did the entire upgrade,head unit all speakers 4 channel amp and sub. Alpine all the way and trouble free.
Could consider a 5-channel amp,[ 4x plus 1x] for subwoofer, vs [4x plus another amp] for subwoofer, but in the end it makes no difference as the substantially cleaner power will sound better, the same with either.
Speaker upgrade
You're very welcome! 
