QX70 Upgraded OEM 6.5" Door Speakers

E

exocet1313

Member
Car
2017 QX70
Name
Mike
There is so little out there around the audio systems and replacing OEM stuff for the QX70, so I wanted to share what I ended up doing to upgrade my stock "Premium Bose" door speakers. I'm not one to go crazy and have a competition grade stereo, but I am an audiophile who spends a crapton of time in my car for commutes. I like a rich audio spectrum.

To preface, I bought my 2017 QX70 about a month ago. It only took me a day or two to realize that the "Bose premium sound" was a joke. I spent about a week looking around the internet only to run into roadblock after roadblock around anything aftermarket for audio for my new QX70.

It pissed me off to no extent that I could not stream bluetooth audio w/o the navigation package. (Dick move Nissan!) So I went old school and purchased an Anker FM transmitter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. (edit: There is not a 3.5mm aux jack available - again, WTF Nissan?) There's a bit of static from the OTA, but at least it's something for the short term. I plan on replacing the entire stereo with an android based Tesla-style RhinoRadio later this summer to alleviate this issue tho.

https://rhinoradios.com/products/infiniti-qx70-fx50-fx35-2009-2019-12-1-vertical-screen-android-radio-tesla-style

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Roav SmartCharge F2, by Anker
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719SNR5N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I went to crutchfield, who has always been the first place i head to for years and years. They have no QX70 data, you get the "we have no info on your vehicle" errors when you plug it in. I decided to gamble and plugged in a FX35 and hit the motherlode tho.

From using a FX35 profile, I was able to glean that I could use Metra 72-7401 adaptors to clip new door speakers into the existing harnesses. I also found that I could use the Metra 82-7400 Speaker Adapter to mount to the existing door screw holes. (These needed a bit of modification to fit properly, but it was just a matter of elongating the 3 screw cut outs in the plastic by 1/4 of an inch or so by using a drill.

I decided to go with 6.5" Infinity REF-6522EX Shallow-Mount speakers based of of their reputation, and my past history using Infinity speakers.

----------

2x 6.5" Infinity REF-6522EX Shallow-Mount Speakers (2-pack, $50 cheaper on amazon than crutchfield)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FUZV7ZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2x Metra 72-7401 Harness Clips (2-pack)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N03JC9O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2x Metra 82-7400 Speaker Mounts (2-pack)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194MS420/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

----------

Now I just had to find specs on how to get my door panels off and happened upon this gem off of another post on these forums:

http://www.pdf-archive.com/2015/09/23/int/

Complete instructions on how to remove the QX70 door panels. Thank you @MemoryLeak

So, with that in hand, once I received my packages from amazon and small prep time staging my speakers with the new spacers and harness clip it took me roughly 20 minutes per door to replace the old, bunk speakers. I also want to add that I secured a 7"x7" circle cut to the Metra mount's profile from some Dynamat to the back side of each speaker mount to create a nice seal to the door once the speakers were tightened into place.

After I was done, I flipped on my stereo and was blown away by the difference. The sound has gotten so much richer just from changing these 4 door speakers. It's like night and day.

Next on the agenda, I am going to replace the in-tire subwoofer with a 12" Cerwin-Vega in-tire powered sub. I may need to take it to a shop tho for install, as I cannot find a harness to properly adapt it in. I'm expecting a nice low end with this once installed to complete a rich-sounding upgrade.

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Cerwin-Vega Vega 12" Powered Active Subwoofer Spare Tire
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY9BPVR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I was also planning on changing out the in-dash tweeters and 3.5", but I don't think i need to now. I'll post back once the sub is in.
 
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Hey Mike thanks for that most valuable info! I agree the factory speakers are crap so i ordered the exact setup, minus the cerwin vega, for front and rear doors.
 
Definitely interested in doing the same in upgrading my bose speakers in my 2015. There is a lot to be desired from the stereo in it's stock form, and if this is plug and play (to a degree) I am in. I've done many stereo's in the past but didn't want to mess with the bose (1st one).
 
Or you can try this sub if you don't mind it's taking up a little trunk space
MTX Road Thunder RT8PT 8” 240 Watt Powered Vented/Ported Bass
Google Express
 
Ecocet is the sub you are looking at going to go in the OEM plastic container? Or is it going into a different box set up in the back
 
SGCqx70s said:
Ecocet is the sub you are looking at going to go in the OEM plastic container? Or is it going into a different box set up in the back
Click to expand...

It's an entirely new enclosure, same concept but an entirely different sound, as it's a 12" speaker as opposed to 2 smaller 6.5" in the OEM sub. It's being delivered today, excited to see what it's got.
 
exocet1313 said:
It's an entirely new enclosure, same concept but an entirely different sound, as it's a 12" speaker as opposed to 2 smaller 6.5" in the OEM sub. It's being delivered today, excited to see what it's got.
Click to expand...
Please keep us posted, especially the setup since I am planning on replacing all 4 door speakers and most likely the sub as well on my 15.
 
S3R3BR0 said:
Please keep us posted, especially the setup since I am planning on replacing all 4 door speakers and most likely the sub as well on my 15.
Click to expand...

@S3R3BR0 It looks like i'm going to have to get the sub professionally installed. I'm afraid to go snipping wires... I'll keep you in loop tho!
 
exocet1313 said:
There is so little out there around the audio systems and replacing OEM stuff for the QX70, so I wanted to share what I ended up doing to upgrade my stock "Premium Bose" door speakers. I'm not one to go crazy and have a competition grade stereo, but I am an audiophile who spends a crapton of time in my car for commutes. I like a rich audio spectrum.

To preface, I bought my 2017 QX70 about a month ago. It only took me a day or two to realize that the "Bose premium sound" was a joke. I spent about a week looking around the internet only to run into roadblock after roadblock around anything aftermarket for audio for my new QX70.

It pissed me off to no extent that I could not stream bluetooth audio w/o the navigation package. (Dick move Nissan!) So I went old school and purchased an Anker FM transmitter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. (edit: There is not a 3.5mm aux jack available - again, WTF Nissan?) There's a bit of static from the OTA, but at least it's something for the short term. I plan on replacing the entire stereo with an android based Tesla-style RhinoRadio later this summer to alleviate this issue tho.

https://rhinoradios.com/products/infiniti-qx70-fx50-fx35-2009-2019-12-1-vertical-screen-android-radio-tesla-style

-----------

Roav SmartCharge F2, by Anker
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0719SNR5N/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

-----------

I went to crutchfield, who has always been the first place i head to for years and years. They have no QX70 data, you get the "we have no info on your vehicle" errors when you plug it in. I decided to gamble and plugged in a FX35 and hit the motherlode tho.

From using a FX35 profile, I was able to glean that I could use Metra 72-7401 adaptors to clip new door speakers into the existing harnesses. I also found that I could use the Metra 82-7400 Speaker Adapter to mount to the existing door screw holes. (These needed a bit of modification to fit properly, but it was just a matter of elongating the 3 screw cut outs in the plastic by 1/4 of an inch or so by using a drill.

I decided to go with 6.5" Infinity REF-6522EX Shallow-Mount speakers based of of their reputation, and my past history using Infinity speakers.

----------

2x 6.5" Infinity REF-6522EX Shallow-Mount Speakers (2-pack, $50 cheaper on amazon than crutchfield)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FUZV7ZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2x Metra 72-7401 Harness Clips (2-pack)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N03JC9O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

2x Metra 82-7400 Speaker Mounts (2-pack)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194MS420/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

----------

Now I just had to find specs on how to get my door panels off and happened upon this gem off of another post on these forums:

http://www.pdf-archive.com/2015/09/23/int/

Complete instructions on how to remove the QX70 door panels. Thank you @MemoryLeak

So, with that in hand, once I received my packages from amazon and small prep time staging my speakers with the new spacers and harness clip it took me roughly 20 minutes per door to replace the old, bunk speakers. I also want to add that I secured a 7"x7" circle cut to the Metra mount's profile from some Dynamat to the back side of each speaker mount to create a nice seal to the door once the speakers were tightened into place.

After I was done, I flipped on my stereo and was blown away by the difference. The sound has gotten so much richer just from changing these 4 door speakers. It's like night and day.

Next on the agenda, I am going to replace the in-tire subwoofer with a 12" Cerwin-Vega in-tire powered sub. I may need to take it to a shop tho for install, as I cannot find a harness to properly adapt it in. I'm expecting a nice low end with this once installed to complete a rich-sounding upgrade.

----------

Cerwin-Vega Vega 12" Powered Active Subwoofer Spare Tire
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FY9BPVR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

----------

I was also planning on changing out the in-dash tweeters and 3.5", but I don't think i need to now. I'll post back once the sub is in.
Click to expand...

Awesome write up, this helped me out allot. Did you upgrade the sub?
 
QX70lvr305 said:
Awesome write up, this helped me out allot. Did you upgrade the sub?
Click to expand...
Hi. Took your advice and changed the front door speakers on my qx70 with the infinity ref-6532ix speakers you mentioned.. Don't know but the sound his horrible and muffled compared to the factory bose ones.. Don't know what I did wrong
 
Alex J said:
Hi. Took your advice and changed the front door speakers on my qx70 with the infinity ref-6532ix speakers you mentioned.. Don't know but the sound his horrible and muffled compared to the factory bose ones.. Don't know what I did wrong
Click to expand...
I’m not surprised if you kept the factory radio and amplification, Bose designed that system to work perfectly together, there’s a lot that goes into a speaker as far as frequency response, wattage, impedance...just changing the speaker won’t necessarily improve the sound/performance of the system, if you want to keep the factory radio but upgrade your sound you should invest in an amplifier that can accept a speaker level input, AudioControl makes some really nice amps just for this. Hope this helps you out some.
 
QX70lvr305 said:
I’m not surprised if you kept the factory radio and amplification, Bose designed that system to work perfectly together, there’s a lot that goes into a speaker as far as frequency response, wattage, impedance...just changing the speaker won’t necessarily improve the sound/performance of the system, if you want to keep the factory radio but upgrade your sound you should invest in an amplifier that can accept a speaker level input, AudioControl makes some really nice amps just for this. Hope this helps you out some.
Click to expand...
Just went down the same road exocet1313 posted. He didn't seem to mention any stereo or amplifier upgrade I'll be going back to the installers tomorrow to check if I they got the wiring of the speakers wrong.. If not I'm putting my bose speakers back..
 
I did the same install as the OP - Infiniti 6.5" Speakers in all 4 doors, with the same connectors and adapter rings, and I did not have any issues or negative effects. The sound quality was better than with the Bose speakers.
 
A little update guys.. First of all thanks to exocet1313 for getting this thread started or otherwise I wouldn't even have thought about changing my door speakers. After doing some caveman style experiments which means just putting my ears to the door speaker grills and listening to dire straits your latest trick, I understood that the front door speakers are not set up by the bose system to give high frequencies or treble.. They work like subwoofers. the job of the rear door speakers is to produce all frequencies.. Try it yourself.. So I just moved my Infiniti
Ref6532ix speakers to the rear doors and the sound blew me away!! I reinstalled the bose factory speakers in the front doors.. So the conclusion is the guys who are using the 2way infinti speakers in their front doors think the Soundstage has improved just because the rear door speakers are playing better. I'll be installing dedicated 6.5 subwoofers in the front doors soon.
 
Alex J said:
A little update guys.. First of all thanks to exocet1313 for getting this thread started or otherwise I wouldn't even have thought about changing my door speakers. After doing some caveman style experiments which means just putting my ears to the door speaker grills and listening to dire straits your latest trick, I understood that the front door speakers are not set up by the bose system to give high frequencies or treble.. They work like subwoofers. the job of the rear door speakers is to produce all frequencies.. Try it yourself.. So I just moved my Infiniti
Ref6532ix speakers to the rear doors and the sound blew me away!! I reinstalled the bose factory speakers in the front doors.. So the conclusion is the guys who are using the 2way infinti speakers in their front doors think the Soundstage has improved just because the rear door speakers are playing better. I'll be installing dedicated 6.5 subwoofers in the front doors soon.
Click to expand...
Wow thank you ALL for this invaluable information. I just got my 2017 QX70 Limited and the premium BOSE 11 speaker system does seem like it could use some improvement. If I understand you, the speakers you ordered (Ref6532ix ?) are a different # than the ones Ecocet installed (ref-6522 EX)in his four doors? And you only put them in the end in the rear doors correct? Please help me understand so I do the right thing. I am so impressed with connection everyone has hee and its making my ownership experience richer by the articles I read.
 
Looks like OP fell off a cliff months ago. Damn shame. I would've appreciated the feedback, especially on the replacement head unit.
What has been done regarding the dash speakers or replacing the FRONT door speakers? It seems like component speakers with crossovers are the way to go. I'd like to ditch the center channel and replace the other 2 3.5's without getting too involved with replacing amps and adding crossovers. I'm not interested in louder sound, just better sound.
Anyone with feedback on the Tesla style head unit?
 
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