Hello everyone. I have searched the forum for an answer to the following question and have not found it.

A little background first. I am in Texas and have a 2015 CX-5 in Costa Rica that I am selling. The speakers do not operate, but the head unit does. From research, I have deducted that the problem is the amp (Bose system). There are two amp part numbers for the bose system, KD46-66-A20A and KE68-66-A20. Would anyone here know if those amps are interchangeable? If they are, it would save me a headache.

Thanks,
BMR

 

If and if the connectors output are the same and also have the same number of active terminal leads, then they can be interchanged. BOSE does not give engineering specification for FACTORY designed systems. You can also bench test the output leads, but this requires a little more amplifier experience. You might try contacting one a many better high end auto stereo shops in your state that may be willing to help you or bench test both your amp and the one you want to replace it with.
I would at least consider having the amp you suspect as bad tested before you start replacing the BOSE system parts.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Thanks for the input and welcoming. The problem is I am in Texas and the car is in Costa Rica. I am trying to find someone down there that can get the information on the amp so that I can send a new one down with a friend.

 

If you get the wrong amp you could damage the BOSE factory installed speakers and the control system integrated in the Mazda screen.
As I said BOSE does not give engineering specification's and to attempt what you want needs to do the ground work for testing.

 

I understand what you are saying and appreciate your help. Back to my original question, do you know if those two part numbers are interchangeable in my 2015 CX-5? If the answer is no or I don't know, that is fine.

Thank you,
BMR

 

You are not reading my information and advice...
No one knows that except BOSE or someone that has checked as I described.
I have worked with the latest BOSE systems, and they are not to technically be altered or tampered and that included using BOSE part numbers that are not system designed specific.
I am sure and if you have not contacted BOSE they are likely not going to answer what I am sure to you is a simple question.
You could contact MAZDA and see if the BOSE/MAZDA had a superseding number and the BOSE number you are looking for of interest to use is within that superseded number.
ON this as well most MAZDA forums their are few *audiophiles as members and even a couple that owned Auto stereo shops to some degree and their answer is going to be the same regarding BOSE factory design system. Even on other platforms.

Good Luck...you have been *advised and warned about misuse and using miss applicated BOSE componets. .

 

I have read and comprehended your information and advice. Again, thank you. I have spoken with Bose (the gentleman told me they don't have customer service for automobile systems) and two Mazda dealers (the car is not USA spec) and neither could answer my question. I guess I am looking for the "someone that has checked as I described" and that person may not be on this forum.

So, to heed your advise and warning, I shall wait for my guy in CR to get in touch with me with the current part number or wait for another person that knows the answer. It is quite apparent that you don't know for sure, and that's OK.

Cheers,
BMR

 

So for other reading....* BOSE does have technical assistance for vehicle audio systems.
What they do not have is specifically designed system platforms and the part number for those platforms for superseded or interchange numbers.
That is part of the contract agreement between BOSE and Mazda .
*I use to use them frequently when installing and building custom audio stereo systems. And in fact, in 2019 it took several months to partially attempt to circumvent the MAZDA/BOSE designed and installed factory system. In the end it was not possible. Mainly because of the specific amplifier and how it was linked into MAZDA system. This was not only me but several other people in the USA that were experienced in factory (BOSE and Harmon Kardon) and custom systems and even with BOSE components specifically.
MAZDA contracted agreement for MAZDA /BOSE stereo system was NOT country separated with different designed systems. This means that the BSOE designed systems for MAZDA factory-built models are all the same regardless of country.

Someone that may have done what was asked would also need to compare ALL the features of the MAZDA and they "must" be exactly the same when using none applicated BOSE components.
BOSE components do not always work well or at all if mixed and matched from their original systems designed and even in some cases the speakers on systems with 3 or more output channels. The use of the wrong amp can cause super heating of the amp which at the very least will destroy the amp.

However because you are working on a MAZDA and asked here I will give you yet another research tip...
Don't use vehicle forums for your question having to do with BOSE but rather Audio forums specifically those that are audio forums specifically for vehicle's in general!

LOL but if I see you on them done be surprised if I cut and paste some of what I have already said in this thread.


If you are successful and the interchanged none applicated BOSE amp runs more then 8 hours total or at least 2 hour constant without destroying itself or burning down the MAZDA it would be nice to have you post the answer and results here!

 

So for other reading....* BOSE does have technical assistance for vehicle audio systems.
The gentleman from Bose with the british accent told me they did not.
What they do not have is specifically designed system platforms and the part number for those platforms for superseded or interchange numbers.
That is part of the contract agreement between BOSE and Mazda .
*I use to use them frequently when installing and building custom audio stereo systems. And in fact, in 2019 it took several months to partially attempt to circumvent the MAZDA/BOSE designed and installed factory system. In the end it was not possible. Mainly because of the specific amplifier and how it was linked into MAZDA system. This was not only me but several other people in the USA that were experienced in factory (BOSE and Harmon Kardon) and custom systems and even with BOSE components specifically.
That all makes sense and is understood that the agreement protects both parties.
MAZDA contracted agreement for MAZDA /BOSE stereo system was NOT country separated with different designed systems. This means that the BSOE designed systems for MAZDA factory-built models are all the same regardless of country.
I find this to be true for most vehicles that import/export out of the original point of manufacture. The Mazda dealers I spoke with were just covering their backs since the car isn't USA spec.
Someone that may have done what was asked would also need to compare ALL the features of the MAZDA and they "must" be exactly the same when using none applicated BOSE components.
BOSE components do not always work well or at all if mixed and matched from their original systems designed and even in some cases the speakers on systems with 3 or more output channels. The use of the wrong amp can cause super heating of the amp which at the very least will destroy the amp.
There may be someone that has done all of the comparisons and testing and has an answer. Probably not, but this is the first place I have posted.
However because you are working on a MAZDA and asked here I will give you yet another research tip...
Don't use vehicle forums for your question having to do with BOSE but rather Audio forums specifically those that are audio forums specifically for vehicle's in general!
Ummm, OK.
LOL but if I see you on them done be surprised if I cut and paste some of what I have already said in this thread.
Why in the world would you look for me on other forums and then repeat yourself? My reading comprehension is fine.
If you are successful and the interchanged none applicated BOSE amp runs more then 8 hours total or at least 2 hour constant without destroying itself or burning down the MAZDA it would be nice to have you post the answer and results here!
As said in above post, I will wait to get the proper part number from my guy in CR. If, by chance, I start re-wiring audio in the Mazda, I will post results with you in mind.

From your replies, you seem to have vast knowledge of car audio etc. My ignorance of this subject brought me here with a question that could be answered with a yes or no. It appears that your answer is no or you don't know. I have learned a couple of things today, so my ignorance is not as vast as it was this morning. If you happen to run across someone with the answer to my original question, please let me know, as it will save me some time, money, and a headache.
Cheers,
BMR