Hi all,
Just bought a 2016 CX-5 Touring and while many reviews said the stereo was pretty poor, it's really not that bad to my ear. However, I've always been a fan of Bose and was wondering if upgrading to that system is worth the money? Also, how much money are we talking about?

 

You are correct that it's not that bad because Mazda has improved the stereo quality in the 2016 models. In this review of the 2016 MX-5 Mazda the company's VP tells Torque News "We improved audio quality." So I assume Mazda has improved the audio quality in all its models because it's the same infotainment technology.

 

True, Bose is not that bad but it's not that great either. For the most part Bose is overrated. You'll get the most boom for your buck spending it elsewhere.

 

Any recommendations? Mind you, this is the first automobile I've purchased in 15 years, so I'm quite a bit behind on the technology front. I like the mazda connect features, so if I were to upgrade my system, I imagine I'd lose that...the apps, I mean, particularly the fuel economy app that I like. I suppose there are replacements? All of this is new to me.

 

Crutchfield has speaker upgrades for most cars and their claim is that's a good place to start. Just a thought.

 

Thanks for the tip.

 

I agree with Chris! Start with the speakers and work from there.


While I don't love the Bose system in my CX-5 GT I sure like it. I wouldn't want to lose the integration with the other systems in the car either.


Do some reading in this thread for more recommendations.


https://www.mazdas247.com/forum/foru...473-CX-5-Audio

 

Upgrade the speakers
Fit a line out converter ( converts speaker wire output to RCA )
4 channel amp under the passengers seat running your new speakers.

I bought a 'Audio Control LC6i"
LC6i - AudioControl

Runs the 4 channel amp plus has sub output if you want some extra Doof Doof.

Maintains all the options & controls of your factory headunit, looks standard but greatly improves the sound.

 

Thanks so much to all the responses. I'll definitely investigate several of the options! Much appreciated! ZOOM! ZOOM!