I wasn't expecting much after hooking up my aftermarket amps (JL 500.1 and 300.4, which fit perfectly in the spare tire well), my aftermarkets speakers (Boston Z's upfront, 10 inch Elemental Design 10.A sub-woofie), as well as my XM satellite to my stock non-bose headunit via P.I.E.

I had tried the same with the stock HU in my Mazda6 and found the sound shrill and thin. I ended up putting an Alpine in the Maz6 glove box, and used the steering wheel controls. The disadvantage was you couldn't see the radio, and you needed to open the glove box to change the CD's.

Not bad AT ALL in the RX-8. Might be losing a little clarity an Alpine might offer, but otherwise pretty sweet. There are a lack of controls in the HU, but my amps are pretty flexible. The sub-woof gets the signal from the rear channel (back speakers disconnected) so the fader control can be used as a crude volume control for the sub.

You also end up with a totally stealth install.

 

Get the Non Bose 8 and the add your amps and new speakers. you will be very happy.

 

This is encouraging. I hate to have to replace the factory head unit, as it integrates so well into the car, but will eventually if need be. Glad to know I might not have to!

 

Too late, I already have the Bose.

 

hehe the bose is good to its just that the bose system has no pre amp system since it uses its own amps. the non bose system has its own preamp system so its a bit louder.