Fix the old Bose, or replace entire system?

Would sincerely appreciate advise / comments
from the wealth maxima experience on this site!!!

My story…

Just purchased a 96 GLE.
Great find: 45K miles, garaged, excellent cond.
Only known problem – Bose system doesn’t work.
Prior owner said prior to it starting to act up over the summer,
worked fine and sounded great.
What started late summer was first loss of front sound,
then over time the fronts came on and the backs went out.
Then finally totally dead.

The only thing it does is light up as part if turning the lights.
Power switch does nothing.

Of course I first the checked fuses and 12V at the fuse box – all OK.

I pulled unit out, and have 12V on the pink and blue leads
which matches what the Haynes wiring diagram shows.
So I’m certain I have power being delivered to the unit,
and therefore conclude the head unit is bad.

Per web searches, found a place in Florida that appears
to be a good operation (FCSR).
Per info on their site, the particular unit
I have, PN-20830, can be repaired for $185-195.
So I’m estimating $250 to get this unit fixed & shipped.
Includes a 1 year warranty.

I have no Idea if my existing Bose amplified speakers work?
Can I preamp out of any stereo to drive these speaks and test?
Per the wiring diagram, there’s a signal from the head unit
to a relay that turns on the Bose speaker amps.
Does anyone know if that’s simply just some voltage level?

And so…
Do I spend $250 to fix an 8 year old radio,
And roll the dice that the speakers work,
And hope it all continues to work for at least a couple of years?

Or

Should I replace the entire system my self.
I’m thinking a decent system for $400 ($200 alpine and $200 polks)
Yes, the Alpine won’t look factory with a faceplate kit and all,
But I can live with it given a system that sounds good and lasts.

Greatly appreciate any advice.

 

REPLACE THE SYSTEM. i didnt want to even touch my bose, but the bose hu are crap man almost everyone runs into problems with them. even my friends who do have bose that dont drive maximas have problems with them DITCH THE Bose thats best thing i could say. i got my self an alpine hu and the sound is so much better and clearer youll love. just save yourself the headache man. especially if your going to go alpine youll be very happy. even if u get the bose fixed itll still fawk up on u later. one

 

I have a bose headunit out of a 97 I30 make me an offer if u want it...

 

I would replace with aftermarket. In the long run, you'll be glad you did, especially if you plan to upgrade later down the line.

 

replacing it is probably the beter idea. it is not as hard as most places say it is either. the harness is a regular nissan harness. the only thing is at the speakers you will splice the original harness. if you want an original on though, i have one from my 96 i30 that i replaced with a nakamichi =)