This is funny. I just traded in my STI for a new 2003 Z. When I test drove the car, it didn't have an antenna on it so I couldn't hear the radio. After the test drive I popped in a CD (Rush Vapor Trails which always sounds a little muddy) and it sounded ok consiering I didn't mess with the controls. More impressed by the rest of the car, I pulled the trigger and traded in the STI. Well, after driving the car for a day I couldn't believe how crappy the stereo sounded, especially now since I had the antenna hooked up and could listen to FM. Yuck! So much for this 200+ watt Bose stereo system! Who the heck at Nissan could let this Kmart sounding Bose system be put into their flagship car? I really would like to know who dropped the ball on this one.

Discouraged, I did a search on the forums here and found countless threads regarding this issue, and learned about a new amp replacement. I don't mean to bring this issue back because I'm sure it's been beat to death by many, but since this is my first experience with this NEW 2003 Z, I thought I'd share.

I went to the dealer today, with the information that I learned on these forums and told them I would like the replacement amp. Without hesitation, they ordered one and will call me for an installation appointment when it comes in. I guess my question goes out the people that have the upgraded amp, how happy they are and if most of them did that little "resistor" trick with the microphone option. Feedback appreciated!

 

I got it done a couple months ago. It sounded a little bit better, but now much of the bass is gone. first it was overboosted bass... iwith the new amp it underboosted bass... i just gave up on it. i'm pretty much used to it by now so it doesn't bother me anymore

 

What a bunch of crap. Is the assumption that the amp is actually to blame or is it the speakers? If it is the amp, someone should try to adapt a high quality amp and figure out a way to tie it into the existing harness. I for one do not want to tear my new car apart changing speakers, amps, wires etc.

 

I purchased my Z after the TSB on the amp came out so I had the new amp. I know what you mean, the Bose system sux *** regardless of which amp you have. I have the Touring upgraded Bose and it is complete crap. Swap everything out if you can afford to.

 

My newest plan is to throw an Infinity Basslink sub in the factory location, keeping everything else stock. I was going to replace everything, but even at cost (discount) still going to run over $700 for decent equipment where as the Basslink is $150 shipped. Hopefully this will take care of the lack of bass after the new amp fix. My car is getting its 2nd new amp today, 1st was defective and snapped and popped until it warmed up EVERY time the car was running whether the stereo was on or not. POS.

 

This is what my dad had suggested. Maybe we should try and swap the amp out. We did the fix on our Z because it was overboosted in bass. Now it sounds alot better (if you dont listen to music with heavy a$$ bass), and no resistor trick. But the highs are just not there.?. Our non bose Z sounds alot better in the highs.

 

I don't have the new amp installed yet, but it seems like out tweeters just don't do much. I tried covering them with my hand with the treble turned all the way up and there is minimal difference. I'm interested to see if there is any difference after the new amp.

 

When I meant replace amp, I was meaning aftermarket. Maybe the bose amps are crappy?

 

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. The bose unit can't be more than a four or maybe 5 channel amp. I'm surprised no one has bought a decent quality, high power amp and hooked it up to the factory wiring. I'm sure it could be done, I'm just not that great at the whole electrical install. I'd bet it would improve the performance a bunch!

 

Complain,complain,complain.

 

I'll be getting a Z roadster this thursday. The car I'm trading in has a nice JL audio set up, with a 150x4 amp powering the speakers, and a 250x2 powering 2 10" subs. I'll be keeping the deck, the amps, and the subs First thing that's happening to the Z is a stereo install. I'll be using the stock speakers, until they either blow out, or I decide they sound good. Eventually, I'll have JL audio component speakers installed. I'll let you guy know how it sounds