I'm thinking of just adding a sub/amp to my bose stock setup. Is this a smart idea?

Also.. would I be able to control the bass output to the sub(s) with my stock HU? I'm thinking of getting best buy or Circuit City to buy the stuff from, and having them install for free.

Thanks,
Dan

 

It can be done, and you can control your sub level 2 ways.
1.) Set your bass setting 1 or 2 up from the lowest it will go, and adjust your amp gain so your subs sound clear. You can then adjust your bass setting up, and increase the level of your subs at the same time.

Downside: you loose alot of mids using this method. But with enough bass, mids are pointless. I.E. click on my cardomain link and take a look at my truck. Pointless to have mids with the subs that close

2.) Get a amp that has a remote gain control. Still allows you to keep your mids.

Downside: some remote gain controls are notorious for having crummy response to increase. Also you have to keep the gain levels down, so you don't have any distortion.

 

i did this in my 00 max.

i got a mtx 801d amp and a kicker L5 15" in a ported enclosure.

compared to the all stock bose system it kicks major a$$.

but compared to a same setup with a aftermarket HU, totally different.

My system is set up with a high to low pass, i can control bass output from my bose hu, but the sound is not all that, either too much bass, or too little bass.

i suggest you also get a aftermarket headunit that has a subwoofer output, a preamp.

i myself planning to get a pioneer 7600 mp3 headunit.