Upgrading Bose, keeping stock HU, new speakers... QUESTIONS!!!!!

[Hercules 10+ year member]

Hi all,

I have been rummaging through a lot of different sites for information, and I figured now that I am pretty full of the information, I would pose it to you and ask what you think. Keep in mind, my goal was for wiring to be as simple as possible, and to keep the cost down while maximizing the new system. So here it goes.

I have a 2004 RX-8 with the Bose system. I want to retain the head unit (it looks nice, and it's expensive to get a kit to replace it since the HVAC controls are there). And I'm fine with that head unit.

The goal is to replace all the speakers in the car. I have already bought them -- Alpine Type X 6.5 components for the front, and Alpine Type S 6x9s for the rear.

Based on this post: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=1101598#post1101598

I had come to the conclusion that there was enough signal to wire directly into my speaker level inputs. My amplifier accepts differential inputs as well, so I felt that I was matching the information in the post.

I have heard conflicting things though. Some people say I need a good AudioControl 6XS unit ($200+) in order for it to work right. I am just not sure why. I would appreciate any input you guys might have that would reference the information in the post above, and tell me what the best method is. I am not trying to spend a lot of money, and that's why I opted to get the amplifier with differential speaker level inputs (Kicker ZX700.5) instead of the AudioControl device that is quite pricey alone.

Thanks for any help! My install is this weekend so it would be helpful to know what I'm getting into! I figure I'll spend a lot of time laying out the amp, speakers, etc... so the wiring of the amp will be last.

THanks again!

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[forbidden 10+ year member]

Asked and answered already. This has nothing to do with the ability of the amp to take a differential input. Throw that part of the discussion out the window. What it has to do with is simple. In the 8, there is a huge difference in output voltages on the factory preamp lines from front to rear.

The 6XS allows you to easily integrate into the factory Bose preamp signal with relative ease. Take a simple but good rca cable, cut one end off. Separate the center + from the outside shield - . Attach these wires to the factory preamp lines. Repeat for all channels so that all front and rear lines are completed. This will allow you full fader control and balance. That is it, you are done with the interface.

The 6XS is a highly advanced LOC, capable of taking any type of input signal, hi or low level and giving you a platform to build a system upon. It is a far more advanced platform than a basic LOC of any type. Next the 6XS gives you a separate input gain control for the front and rear inputs. Time to balance out that signal difference on the factory Bose from front to rear. Next up, it throws a line driver into the picture, something that a basic LOC just cannot do. End result there is the ability to turn your gains way down on your amp.

Next it throws a dedicated sub output (with a supplied dash mounted level control) to allow you to expand the system yet again and use your sub independent of the bass control on your cd player. While some amplifiers come with this control, some do not, the 6XS adds it in as a standard item.

The end result is that this device does what it takes multiple others to do. Want to separate it out, buy a good LOC, actually make that two to do front and rear. Now add a line driver. Now if your amp does not come with a level control, add that in as well. Finally what about a crossover and noise isolation circuit? The 6XS has those internally as well.

This is about you being able to use your system to the very best of it's abilities. You have some great equipment going in your RX8, give the equipment the respect it deserves. Once again, my advice is based on real world conditions in a RX8 that my customer did not understand the importance of a proper interface adaptor. Today, he most certainly does.

The choice is yours, yes the basic inputs that come with your amp will indeed work, the question you need to answer is, how well do you want it to work knowing full well that it can indeed work far better?