Let's face it, your Bose speakers are average and aren't the best. And for those of us TT cab owners you can't hear them when the top is down anyway. Some will say I don't listen to music because I like the sound of my exhaust, and that's okay too. But, I still enjoy listening to music, top up or top down.

My goal is to slowly mod and update my car but not make it obvious. So, I did a little homework and found that Focal ISN 100 Universal mount speakers (4) fit nicely in the door and dash cut-outs and behind the Bose speaker grills. The installation is almost plug-n-play but I had it done professionally because I'm not mechanically inclined - I know my limitations!

Anyway, the sound is substantially better and improved over my Bose speakers and I can hear my music with the top down at 70mph. So, if you want better sound and still want to retain your OEM look this might be the right solution for you. Oh, and another thing, make sure you shop for them on-line. The prices range from $660.00 from Focal to $200.00 on eBay so shop and compare wisely. JMO-

 

The Bose are OK for me, but I bet those high end Focals raise the bar. Are the
Focals the same impedance as the Bose?

 

can you elaborate on the "almost plug-n-play" part?

-Jose

 

Also curious about this.

 

May want to check out this thread: LINK HERE

Used Focal as well, and lots of pics and how to.

DC

 

I'm going to assume they are because my Bose amp doesn't seem to have any problem/s with my new Focals.

 

Thanks for posting. I didn't replace the rears, just the four fronts. I can't hear the rears anyway in a cab. I also used 6.5" speakers but your 8's I'm sure would make even my 6.5's sound bad! But, anything you do is a vast improvement over the OEM Bose speakers.

 

I'm extremely happy with the swap and definitely recommend checking-out that big thread if you are at all dissatisfied with the stock Bose. I did the 8" Focals with Dynamat and also did the rears and the sub drivers. Substantial, immediately noticeable improvement.

 

What exactly was the improvement? Better bass (stronger or tighter), better treble (eg. clearer), or louder?

 

Everything! Check out my thread.

 

I use the Surround Sound setting so in my case the tonal quality was crisper and less muddied and, there is much better separation between highs (treble) and lows (bass) at previous equivalent volume settings. IMO, a noticeable and enjoyable improvement over the Bose. However, the sound quality can be dramatically improved with a better amp but what I have now is okay for me.

It's amazing how small little unnoticeable improvements and upgrades make our cars soooo much better than OEM.

 

Hi 4ocious,

Did you swap only the mid range speakers out and left the bose woofers in the door?

Thanks
K.

 

Yes the two mid range speakers in the doors and the two tweeters in the dash. I did not replace the center dash speaker. The OEM woofers work fine in an open-air car and sound even better when the top is up. Of course I could spend a lot more but I'm more into sound quality and find that what I've done so far seems to be just about right.

 

Who did the install? I am nearby...thx!

 

Marina Del Rey Customs / Al and Eds Marina Del Rey. On Lincoln near the 90 fwy. Talk to Shane.