Hey guys, I recently posted about the USA Spec ipod interface and whether or not if would work in my 02 se with factory stock non bose headunit. My current headunit LACKS the cd/chg button so I was informed this interface will not work with my existing setup.

I see a few guys in the classifieds selling bose headunits that offer the in dash 6cd changer. Question one, Can I swap my current unit out and replace one that offers the 6cd in dash?

Question 2: Will the USA Spec Ipod interface work with this setup?

Thank you for any input guys, enjoy the weekend.

 

Any input guys?

 

I don't think you can simply swap out the base HU with the Bose version without changing out everything.

My base HU is going out, the right side speakers (except for the tweeter in the A pillar) don't make a sound until my car has sat in the sun a while. Guess it is time to go aftermarket and get an iPod ready HU.

 

if you're planning on replacing it with a Bose unit, be prepared. The bose unit requires an amplifier to work (that is, the head unit only provides an audio signal, not a full powered useable output.) If you have access to a wiring diagram take a look. The base unit provides power directly to the speakers, whereas the bose unit supplies an input signal to the amplifier, which then provides sound to the speakers. In my opinion, if you're worried about having an ipod, why not just replace the head unit? I had the bose 6cd unit and I wasn't impressed. I replaced everything, from the head unit, to the amplifiers and all the speakers. The bose didn't hit the highs or the lows like I wanted it to. It's a bit more costly, but to me it was worth it. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you research it an don't jump into it

 

good luck

 

yeah i would suggest u swap everything out its not worth the hassle or if u wanna keep ur factory look simply add an amplifier some speakers and an eq with an aux input like the clarion ones offer, simple high low converter to get the rca jacks from the speaker wire from the base factory HU and u can have something that sounds good with a factory look, you can place the EQ in the glove box and no one will ever know.

 

Trust me, I held out as long as I could. I wanted to keep the bose deck and stay OEM. But the deck is what limits the sound of the entire system, no matter what you add. I just replaced my bose deck(after the cd stopped playing on the left side,and #3 button broke.) with a alpine deck. No cd but it plays sirius and hooks up to USB and Ipods. Night and day difference in sound quality and it made it a snap to add a new sub. (plugs into and controlled by the deck.) Plus with a few flash drives and sirius, road trips are so much nicer.

 

KJVA67, which alpine unit are you using? I have to agree with you, having a flash drive instead of cd's or even FM radio is incredible. No skipping, no having to change cd's, and no interference. jl7288 I'd really think about swapping out your head unit for something aftermarket. OEM is nice, but it's limited. Even with the bose unit, you're still limited (even with 6cd changer, and if you add an ipod input). Go with an alpine and you won't be disappointed, especially if you use an Ipod specific unit. You can control the ipod and charge it at the same time, all from the head unit. Plus, my cda-9886 came with a USB input, the ipod cable, AND a remote! So i can be very very lazy haha. Plus it has optional HD radio, satellite radio, bluetooth, etc. Alpine's are pretty expandable, so it wouldn't hurt to look into it.

 

My HU just took a **** and now I too am looking at replacing it. Anyone have any suggestions as to what I should possibly get? I have the Bose system and may end up changing out the speakers sometime down the line if that has any effect on what you suggest. Thanks

I was told this is pretty decent.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA1...5.html?tp=5684

They also offered to sell me this and I'm not sure if it's needed and I'm hoping someone with more experience with this stuff could let me know.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4NN...n-Adapter.html

 

I ended up getting a Pioneer DEH-5100UB head unit. Has a USB port for my iPod, definite improvement in sound.