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About Brian
Expertise
I can answer questions about car audio installation, including head units, amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, mobile video systems, GPS navigation, hands-free kits, alarm/remote start, troubleshooting, OEM integration, installation tools and methods, and more.
Experience
I have been a professional car audio installer for several years.
Education/Credentials
I currently hold a Master Installer certificate from the Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) program. This is the highest level of certification. I have been MECP-certified at various levels since 2001.
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You are here: Experts > Autos > Auto Parts > Car Stereos > will this work
Expert: Brian - 11/7/2009
Question
QUESTION: i have a 2003 Nissan maxima with a bose stereo system in it please tell me if a Jensen 250 watt amp will work if i hooked it up to a bose subwoofer that came with the car. thanks Justin
ANSWER: Hi Justin,
I'm not quite clear on what you want to do. Are you planning to use the Jensen amplifier to drive the Bose sub, instead of the existing Bose amplifier; or are you planning to use the Jensen amplifier to drive an after-market subwoofer, using the Bose sub as a source signal?
If you're adding an after-market sub and amp, and using the Bose sub wiring as a signal source, it should work fine provided that the amplifier has a high-level input feature. I'm pretty sure most Jensen amps are equipped with the input. You'll want to connect the input wiring to the Bose speaker wiring between the amplifier and the subwoofer. The amplifier's power wire should be connected to the battery--don't try to share the Bose amplifier power.
If you're trying to use the Jensen amp to replace the Bose amp and drive the sub, then it might be an acceptable replacement if your Bose amp isn't working. I wouldn't expect it to be an upgrade from the Bose amplifier in this type of situation, though.
If you'd like to follow up and clarify your plans a bit, I can try to give you more specific advice.
Hope this helps!
Brian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: no i want to take out the old bose amplifier and replace it with a gently used jenson 250 watt amplifier and i was just wondering if it would work thanks Justin
Answer
Justin,
It could be made to work, but I wouldn't do it if the Bose amplifier is working. The Bose amp is matched to the subwoofer, so you're not likely to get improved performance by switching to an after-market amp.
The factory sub has its own amplifier attached, so if it's not working the problem might be the amp, or it might be the sub. Personally, if you're not getting any sound, I'd be more inclined to suspect a blown sub than a blown amp.
If you do have a bad Bose sub amplifier, and you want to replace it with the Jensen, you can do this by finding the white and black signal wires running to the amplifier. You can wire in an RCA plug and splitter to connect them directly to the Jensen amplifier's RCA input jacks. The remote terminal on the Jensen amplifier can be connected to the green/white wire at the subwoofer amp or main amp (mounted under the rear deck); this is the factory head unit's remote output. You'll need to connect the Jensen amplifier's power wire directly to the battery; don't try to use the factory amp power wiring.
Hope this helps!
Brian
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