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Chris O's 2009 Nissan Maxima

audio machine

Items installed:


Installation Description

My goal was to have the best sounding system while retaining the factory interior look, and keeping the factory head unit because it contains a six-disc changer and is attached to a large display screen.

I chose to have all the equipment professionally installed, which turned out to be a wise decision because of the complexity of the installation. After removing the door panels it was discovered that the factory system had a very complicated configuration, and all the factory speaker wiring was the same color. After sorting the wiring, the installer connected the sound processor to the head unit, which then connected to the external components.

The factory setup included front and rear door speakers, as well as two rear deck woofers. I replaced the door speakers, and also put full range speakers in place of the woofers in the deck. The subs and amps were installed in the trunk. Four channels of the six channel amp were bridged to power the front door speakers, the remaining two channels power the rear deck speakers, and the head unit powers the rear door speakers.

The two amps were drilled into custom wooden risers, and the sub box was screwed into the trunk carpet. The hybrid capacitor was hidden under the trunk carpet in a compartment near the bumper. By keeping the factory head unit, I have full steering wheel controls and an OEM look with much improved sound.

Q&A Section

Why did you decide to upgrade your A/V system?

I wanted to be able to listen to my music as loud as my ears can stand it without distortion.


What's the first thing you show people about your installation?

The subs and amps in the trunk.


Why did you choose these products?

I chose the JL Audio hardware because of the reliability and quality, the AudioControl sound processor for the functionality, and the subs were from a previous installation.


What was the most difficult part of the installation?

The most difficut part of the installation by far was identifying the factory speaker wire. The head unit powered the front and rear door factory speakers, a separate amp powered the factory woofers, and all the speaker wire was the same color.


What plans, if any, do you have for future upgrades?

I'm very happy with the sound and don't plan on making any more upgrades in that department, but I would like to add HID headlights in the future.


Polk subs and JL Audio amps Polk subs and JL Audio amps
Speaker amp Six-channel speaker amp
Subwoofer amp Monoblock sub amp
Factory head unit The factory head unit lets me keep the large display and steering wheel controls
Power wire Monster 1/0 gauge power wire and fuse holder
Chris Proud owner
Chris Chris

Vehicles in the Customer Car Showroom are submitted by customers and fans, and edited by Crutchfield writing staff. You can find more of these articles on the Showroom main page.

Please share your thoughts below.

  • Brian S from St. Louis

    Posted on 9/23/2021

    Great looking car and that system looks amazing!

  • Tina from Phoenix

    Posted on 2/11/2021

    I don't want to keep the factory head unit why is there no suggestions as far as replacing a factory head unit with you guys with a Bluetooth six and a half touch screen

    Commenter image

    Robert Ferency-Viars from Crutchfield

    on 2/12/2021

    Tina, we didn't talk about the radio in this article because the owner chose to not replace his (his car had the 6-disc changer and large display screen). To find out which stereos will fit your car and what else you'll need to do it, enter your vehicle info in our vehicle selector or contact our advisors directly, and they'll help you out.
  • George Murrelli from Newyork

    Posted on 9/19/2020

    I would like to upgrade also and wanted to know how and I definitely have a better understanding of it thanks

  • Carlos from Albuquerque

    Posted on 6/14/2018

    Carlos 2013 Maxima, ( non bose or navigation ) LC2i (to retain factory head unit/steeering controls) pair of DIGITAL DESIGN 6 1/2s rear doors 1.Do I tap my inputs to the LC2i pre or post amp? 2.how do i properly id the speaker wire @ the speakers ? Any tricks or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

    Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    on 6/14/2018

    Carlos, check out this article on line output converters. You'll want to tap full-range signal after the factory amp if that's in play. If you bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.
  • Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    Posted on 7/13/2017

    Blake, if you need recommendations on equipment, give us a call. An advisor will help you select the right gear for the job. If you already bought your gear from Crutchfield, you can call Tech Support for free help troubleshooting your system. If you purchased your equipment elsewhere, you can still get expert Crutchfield Tech Support - 90 days-worth for only $30. Check out our tech support page for details.

  • Blake

    Posted on 7/12/2017

    How do I add 2 12s to my 2012 maxima SV and keep the stock head unit and door speakers? It's the Bose system.

  • Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    Posted on 1/11/2017

    Robert, an advisor will contact you soon to help you find the right package for your Maxima. In the meantime, you can use our vehicle selector to confirm which stereos fit your car and get some info on what else is needed for the installation.

  • Robert Jones from canton

    Posted on 1/8/2017

    I have a 2013 maxima without the tech package and I need to know what double din kit and radio would be the best fit for my car. To use navigation and Bluetooth audio from my phone. And the dash kit to keep it looking clean and neat. And can I also still use the screen that's in the car for my backup camera.

  • Richard from Sacramento

    Posted on 5/15/2016

    How did you get your power wire through the firewall?

  • Commenter image

    Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield

    Posted on 4/11/2016

    Edward, the 6"x9" speakers shown will fit in your front door openings as well as the rear deck without the need for speaker brackets. The rear deck speakers receive bass frequencies only from the factory amp, so those are your subs. The front doors, the rear doors, and the rear deck will accept the 6-1/2" and 5-1/4" speakers shown by using speaker brackets. Bose systems also feature a roughly 3" speaker in the center dash, and there are locations in the dash corners for tweeters if you opt for a component set. If you have any other questions, just give us a call and an advisor will help you find the right speakers for your vehicle.

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