QuestionQUESTION: I purchased an 07 Maxima with the upgraded Bose system this past August. Immediately after picking it up, I noticed that there is a constant hissing noise emminating from all 8 speakers when the stereo is on and in any mode (CD, radio, satelite radio). It is a constant noise that does not variate with engine speed, etc. The noise is most noticeable if you toggle between mute and level 1 of the volume. It is a fairly low level noise, but is very distracting when listening to music that has quite areas in it. The noise kind of sounds like a "white noise" hiss. I have tried modifying every adjustment I can find- the balance, fade, bass, treble, speed sensitive settings- nothing helps. The noise is always constant and always there- from all eight speakers evenly. It even shows up when the stereo is turned off, although it is _much_ less noticeable. I have taken it to two different dealers for a diagnosis. Both concluded that it is normal for the system and let me sit in identical Maximas on the lot- indeed, they did have the same noise. Incidentally, one of them showed me a car with a base system that didn't have the noise. Needless to say, I am _very_ dissappointed in the performance of the system. I feel like I paid extra for an upgraded system that sounds worse then the base system. IMO, any decent stereo should be nearly silent unless there is music playing. I have also tried calling Nissan Costumer "Care" and Bose directly to try an remedy the problem- both avenues where a waiste of time as I can't even get anyone to return my repeated phone calls.
Has anyone else heard of or experienced this problem with their factory installed Bose system? Is there anyway to eliminate the noise I am hearing? Seems to me like a bad ground or something, but I don't know enough about how the system is installed to know how to check much of anything.
I can't say I am really impressed with the system otherwise either- its not very stronge and does not have the best bass in the world. As a last resort, how feasible is it to replace the system- or atleast upgrade a portion of it for better sound quality? I ask since the HU is interlaced with the climate control read-outs- its not like you can buy any aftermarket HU and just stick it in there. I guess I am wondering how to go about the whole process if I am wanting to improve the system. Is it incredibly difficult or expensive based on the current setup?
Thanks for any input.
ANSWER: Hi Brian.
On the experience that ive had i have never encountered with the same situation twice. The only thing i can think of is that it might be a factory defect and all the cars in the lot might have been on the same batch?. Now if the system was installed by the dealer, it might be a problem on the installation, problem seems to be on the amplifier itself or on the wiring of it.
You can always bypass the Bose system but it would be such a waste because like you said, you paid extra for a system and you expect it to function properly, dont let them fool you and make you think thats how the Bose system should be. If they dont wanna fix it for you, ask them to take the system off and leave the regular stock sound system, you are not a satisfied customer and you shouldn't be stuck with it, ask for a refund use that money and go buy an aftermarket sound system, and have it installed, this time by profesionals.
If you want i can put a good system togheter for you, just let me know what are your musical preferences, and also your budget.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Ed.
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QUESTION: Thanks Ed. I would be interested to here your ideas on a good sounding upgrade system. I really enjoy clear and full sound the most. I enjoy a good deep bass sound, but don't care about window shattering bass.
I really have no idea what kind of money it takes to obtain a decent aftermarket upgrade system as I have never ventured into aftermarket set ups like this. I really dont' want to break the bank on it and would be willing to use some existing components, if allowable. Is under $1,000 achievable? BTW, I currently have a 8 speaker setup.
I am thinking it would be best to keep the factory head unit since it is integrated into the climate control readout, steering wheel controls, satellite radio, and bluetooth connections. I am afraid of potential connection problems with all those systems and I would also like to keep the factor appearance.
I am very tempted to take it to a local car stereo dealer and see if they can track down the source of the noise. Maybe there is an inexpensive fix to it, like a cable upgrade or something. Anyways, I am curious to hear your ideas on upgrades to it. Thanks for the advice.
AnswerYes you can keep the factory radio, the only thing i would do its just bypass the factory amps and replace them for new aftermarket ones, you can also keep the stock speakers, and if you want add a 3rd amplifier and get a subwoofer, if you think factory sub its not enough. if you want quality sound as far as the subwoofer i would probably go with JBL or Diamond Audio subwoofers. But i would recommend you to go to a car audio shop and have them check it out and listen to the system mabe itll be cheaper then getting the whole thing brand new. Also have them show you different set ups and different brands and just let your ears decide at the end.
Cheers
Ed.
