Hey guys, I want to change my HU since it doesn't have any adaptors for my iPod. My question is should I change the whole system? or Just replace the HU and keep the speakers? I've heard some say the speakers are actually top-notch; it's the HU that makes the speakers seem crap. I've heard others say the speakers are crap and will blow with an Aftermarket HU, and I should just change the whole system. What do you guys think?

 

I actually enjoy the sound of the Bose speakers. But not the sub... Put in something bigger, like a single 12" at least.

 

change the whole thing you will regret it otherwise.

 

Not necessarily. As long as you either keep the volume low or use an OEM integration harness (check out Crutchfield's site), you won't damage your Bose speakers with an aftermarket HU. I'm using an Alpine HU and all the Bose speakers (sub is disconnected) and have yet to damage them. The best thing to do would be do pick up a new HU and see if you like the sound with the existing speakers. If not, upgrade.

 

i changed my HU and realized how good the bose actually were. my new HU gave the bose speakers a new life. they sound much better now, no need to upgrade.

 

I do agree that the bose factory speakers sound 'better' with the aftermarket head unit. I still have some tuning to do, with the head unit however. Haven't really had time to push they system yet. I'm still going to replace the amps/speakers/subs, either way.

 

Why did you disconnect the subs? Using aftermarket?

 

you guys are living in a dream world of bose, it honestly isnt that good its slightly better than oem there is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better out there.

 

The truth is the older bose in the 4th gens is BEYOND sub-par, the 5th gen is not all that much better as the same eq'uing is used to give the average listener a level of satisfaction in the bass response they hear, the bose also pulls MANY frequencies that the average listener would not notice. You would notice all of that as soon as you replace with an aftermarket HU.

Once you replace with an aftermarket head unit you will have a much better sounding system however the aftermarket does provide plenty of options that would put the bose to shame.

It all really boils down to personal preferences, the nice thing is you can do things in steps, get a HU that has hi voltage pre-outs to give the bose amp (s) a solid signal, run'em with the metra 70-7551, if it doesn't sound good to you simply get a metra 70-7550 and rewire it to run new speakers or keep the 70-7551 and add an amp and good quality components.

The beauty of car audio is that not all of it has to be done at once. You can take baby steps.



Unlike some of us..... who get 50 toys at one time.... (Cough) Don (Cough)

 

He can't help it he is surrounded with goodies, any man in his position would be tempted.

 

Well, my sub has always been cutting on and off... Usually off 95% of the time. I knew I was going to be putting in my 2 12's very soon, so I just waited a few weeks after I got the Max. I'm 99% sure it's the black box on the power connector to the sub's amp, I just never had the strength to pull the damn connectors out.

 

Swap the HU first and take it in stride afterwards. If your left unsatisfied, then upgrade. Otherwise leave it be.

 

Surely idunno what you speak of.

 

That is because Parag's estimate is too low.

 

hey Parag is a genius, I keep him around for that reason...lol

 

It's up to you. I put a Alpine unit in my dad's & kept the factory Bose speakers. Sounds fine to me. My dads 60 so it's not like he's going to be blasting the stereo.

 

Having same issue with my BOSE sub. Anyone know the culprit? I'm on a budget and can't afford swapping out any components at this point without trying quick fixes first.

While I know that there's better available, I'm ok with the BOSE for now.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

^ Disconnect the little black box... I finally got the clips to loosen themselves and the sub works 100% now (but I disconnect the amp since 2 12's > Bose Sub). Here's a photo, it's the loop on the far left (as per the orientation of the photo) under the gray foam.

 

I voted you swap it all out. Either a component at a time or the entire thing. It will all go eventually.

 

Okay. I pulled that set of wiring out and directly connected the sub. Obviously it's working now, but it doesn't sound as crisp. Anyone know what that set of wires and stuff is there for?