Please don't flame for putting this here but electronic section seems to be for buy/sell. Quick question: is there any real difference in performance (power, channel separation, etc.) between the different Bose head units in fourth generation Max's...95/96, 97/98 and 99+?? I'm looking to replace my 95/96 and wonder if a later year model would be any upgrade. Thank You, Doug

 

No performance difference, but the 99's have a nicer interface and digital bass/treble controls. Also, given that EVERY unit eventually fails, you'd be wise to get the newest one that fits - so that you get the most use out of it. Getting another 95/96 unit and slapping it in would work - but it could go belly-up on you any day.

 

No performance differences...OK. Any visual differences between 95/96 and the 97/98's? I will see if I can eventually find a 99 but I will have a 97 available soon. Thanks!!

 

I think the buttons moved around slightly in the 97/98 and then again in 99...

 

Thank you for helping answer my questions, Njmodi!! Doug

 

If I'm going to swap in a aftermarket head unit into my original 97 Bose unit, do i need any extra wiring kits for it to work properly? I know my sister's old 90 max bose speakers blew after putting in a after market headunit into the bose lining. Sorry for posting here but it is the fastest way for a response.

 

does anybody know if you can run aftermarket speakers with the bose head unit?

if so, how would you do it? would you leave the bose mini-amps there or would you remove them? i'm wondering how because id like to upgrade my sound system even more...

 

get a after market bose sucks never can compared my jl audio system to bose.

 

well yeah thats all well and good but a.) JL doesnt make a head unit and b.) i really dont want to have to replace the stock head unit, just the speakers.

i was looking at component systems but i'm not sure if aftermarket speakers can be compatible. I've been hearing things about line output converters but i'm still not quite sure.

 

You CAN run aftermarket speakers with the Bose, but you need a line output level converter (Scoshe makes one, available at Walmart, etc) and amps. However, just about any quality aftermarket head unit will sound better than the Bose.

I replaced the Bose system in my 97 with an RF head unit, 6.5" Focal components all around, and JBL subs in the trunk, about 600 watts altogether. It sounds 100 times better. And amazingly I paid for the Focals with the money I got from selling the Bose head unit and speakers on eBay. Incredible how much people will spend on that stuff. IMO, the Bose systems are nice compared to stock, but for half of its $2000 sticker price you can get a custom aftermarket system that will humble the Bose system.

 

Oh, and the head unit is WAY easier to replace than the speakers. So if you've already taken apart the doors and rear deck to do the speakers, you've done 10x the work it takes to do the head unit.

 

Yea, The Bose System Is Nice, But I Have Replaced Evrything Except The 2 Front Door Bose Speakers. (tip: To Replace The Back Speakers, You Have To Remove The Back Seats.)

 

Id Go After Market...alpine, Pioneer