2010 FX35 Cerwin Vega VPAS12ST Install

-I replace the factory Bose spare tire subwoofer in an Infiniti FX35 with the Cerwin Vega VPAS12ST.
I show which wires to use on the factory Bose plug to connect the VPAS12ST, as well as a quick size comparison to the factory Bose sub.
Extras you'll need:
(Amplifier install kit) OR,
*Enough power wire (at least 10 gauge) to run from battery to the spare tire;
* 2 to 3 ft of ground wire (at least 10 gauge);
* Fuse holder;
* 30 amp fuse for fuse holder;
* Hook terminal for power wire at battery;
* Hook terminal for ground wire;
* Self tapping screw(s) for ground;
* Butt connectors for power wire, ground, remote wire [switched 12v], and the 2 high level input wires; (optional: soldering iron, shrink tubing)
* Wire crimpers
* At least 1-2ft of speaker wire (for high level input) and 1-2ft of basic primary wire (for remote wire)
* At least 3 wire taps (extras are always better in case one fails)
TIMESTAMP
0:09 - Factory Bose sub vs Cerwin Vega VPAS12ST size comparison
0:32 - Using high level inputs (low level for aftermarket radio with RCAs - high level for factory radio with no RCAs
1:03 - FX35 factory wire colors
2:01 - Cerwin Vega manual - wiring instructions
3:02 - Cerwin Vega sub mounting bolt vs factory sub mounting bolt
3:38 - If you don't have extra wire - temporary suggestion
4:07 - The installation
7:30 - Under the hood at the battery
8:10 - Point to run wire through firewall on 2010 FX35

[@Haze121201]

I bought an used bose for a 2017 Murano. I ordered an Skar 350d amp and placed it underneath the console. Just ran the speaker wire from the radio back door speakers. That think sounds nice.

[@nexus2lexus]

Interesting. So the used Bose was not active? Meaning it didn't have a built in amplifier?

[@Haze121201]

@@nexus2lexus The one I bought didnt have one. I believe 2017 and up Muranos Bose amp is on the driver side rear panel

[@nexus2lexus]

@@Haze121201 oh gotcha. Thanks for the info.

[@alexjones9941]

You said the cerwin vega vpas12st is much taller than the bose. Does the spare tire cover stick up?

[@nexus2lexus]

Yes it does. The spare tire cover on this '10 fx35 sticks up about an inch. If i press down on the cover, the cover will pop up at one of the hinges.

[@alexjones9941]

@@nexus2lexusstupid question I'm sure you had your reasons but why didn't you buy the cerwin vega VPSTX12? It's nearly the same height as the bose.

[@nexus2lexus]

@@alexjones9941 this version was cheaper on Amazon right before Christmas lol

[@alexjones9941]

@@nexus2lexus I guess no harm done. I've also got an Infiniti QX70. How does this sound compared to the factory bose subwoofer? Does it have much more punch? Do you recommend it?

[@nexus2lexus]

@@alexjones9941 it's night and day difference. The factory Bose sub is meant to add low frequency for a fuller sound. The Cerwin Vega hits hard, violently shakes the mirror, can be felt in your chest and rattles things in the back (not the lid because I sat on it with the hatch closed and it was still rattling something. Highly recommended if you want more bass. Matter of fact, my wife asked if I could turn down the gain of the Cerwin Vega.

[@Tuck_Frump]

You didn't have to connect the remote turn on if you were using speaker connections. The instructions say so.

[@nexus2lexus]

Good to know. I rarely read instructions. Thanks

[@nexus2lexus]

Okay now that I have a few more minutes to follow up.... when installing amplifiers, it's best to stick with traditional means of amplifier connections - 12V constant, ground, remote signal and RCAs. The less you can rely on adapters and electronic connections, the better. Cerwin Vega more than likely incorporates a Line Output Converter with a trigger. This means that when the amp detects speaker input, the circuit board activates a trigger from the 12v power wire to turn on the amp. Basically, a switched 12v signal that is a an alternative where no remote wire is available. It's better to stick with physical connections if they're available. In this case, the remote wire since it's already accessible in the FX35. However this may not be the case with other vehicles. It's not likely to happen, but LOCs with triggers can fail. If that happens, the electronic trigger can fail and keep the amp turned on and discharge a vehicle battery by keeping the amp turned on. With the remote wire connected, the amp defaults to the remote signal instead of the LOC trigger.

[@Tuck_Frump]

@@nexus2lexus Most self powered subwoofers now have "auto power circuit" for high level or speaker level connections. I don't plan on having after market amps and subwoofer enclosures. In the 90s I was pretty big with all that stuff. However, my experience with self powered speakers in the early 2000s was a big deal. I used to DJ and self powered speakers was an awesome thing. When that came to the car market - forget about it! Life became better. Many newer cars come with decent sound systems. They just lack bass. That is the beuaty of cerwin vega. My first love of self powered subwoofer for cars was cruthfields sound ordinance isobaric self powered subwoofer. For a hundred dollars that self powered subwoofer was pure joy. I saw the other day that it made a come back after not having it for 5 years. That self powered speaker now has "auto power circuit" for high level connections. To answer your question - it doesn't matter which way you go. Just enjoy the sound. If for some reason you aren't happy with the cerwin vega spare tire subwoofer, go ahead and try the sound ordinace self powered subwoofer from crutchfield. I loved it for the money but now it is under $200 rather than $100.

[@nexus2lexus]

@@Tuck_Frump cool story ya got there! Thanks for sharing. Yea, I managed a car audio shop for several years. In the 90s amplified subs were a joke and were not 'cool.' Regularly competing in SPL and SQL competitions, the only way to be competitive was with high powered systems that were registering at least 155dB with the decibel meter. Now that I'm older and my wife's FX35 needs the space, this Cerwin Vega fits the bill. We still enjoy great sounding audio being audiophiles, but nowadays, we don't need much to please us and this sub is just fine.

[@Tuck_Frump]

@@nexus2lexus 90s were good times but today's tech is awesome. This CV spare tire is proof. Could you imagine rocking that in the 90s? You would get so much hate and envy all at once.