My Bose HU has finally given out after 23 years in my 2003 Infiniti I35. I am looking for a Double DIN size HU to replace the dead Bose one. I don't want anything fancy like touch screen. I only use the bluetooth to play spotify off my iphone. I want a budget HU that is of decent quality. After doing some research, I know Boss is cheap and so is their quality.

So far, I've spoken to Crutchfield. They receommend the Kenwood DPX395MBT for $169

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DPX...DPX395MBT.html

I've searched on Amazon. and found the JVC KW-SX88BT for $129

Amazon.com: JVC KW-SX88BT Bluetooth Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo with Shallow Chassis, Variable Color Dsplay, Front USB and Aux, Powerful Amplifier, AM/FM Radio, Perfect OEM Replacement for Your Vehicle : Electronics

Amazon.com: JVC KW-SX88BT Bluetooth Double Din Digital Media Car Stereo with Shallow Chassis, Variable Color Dsplay, Front USB and Aux, Powerful Amplifier, AM/FM Radio, Perfect OEM Replacement for Your Vehicle : Electronics

What other options should I consider? Which one would you pick?

 

Are you still trying to keep the bose amp and speakers? If so, you'll want 2 pairs of pre outs. That JVC only has one.

 

I am going to upgrade in 2 phases. First, I am just going to replace my Bose head unit with aftermarket and keep my Bose amp and speakers. If it sounds OK, then I am done. If it sounds horrible, then I am going to replace the Bose speakers with aftermarket. I am then going to use the amp included in the aftermarket DIN radio. Given the age of my car, I am trying to keep it as simple and cheap as possible.

Why do I need 2 pre outs if I want to keep my Bose Amp & speakers?

 

i have a complete Blue Tooth Head Unit set up with all conversion from Bose and utlitize Bose Amps. i took it out of my 2002 before it went to the junk yard. i

doe the I35 have the same trim panel I have that too? I can DM you some pics and offer you a great deal. I got it all through Crutchfield.

Alpine UTE-73BT

 

If you use the speaker outputs then you will need to buy a line out converter to drop the speaker level to pre out level. I had Bose in my old 98. I connected a new HU with 2 different converters, one was very noisy. The other just didn't seem right or it broke. Instead, I used the RCA pre outs and made my own harness to feed the Bose amps. What I made looks just like the Metra 70-7551. Also, if you end up getting rid of the Bose amp and speakers you won't need the converter so that is a waste of money.

 

PM sent ! i have the RCA pre output parts Jsutter is mentioning, full kit.

i can't believe I didn't upgrade my Bose HU earlier, swaping to a new head unit was the best ! I honestly miss it , compared to my new cars stock bose hahahaa

 

Did you plug the 2 pairs of RCA's into 2 pairs of pre outs from the new HU? How does it sound? Now I understand your earlier message: "re you still trying to keep the bose amp and speakers? If so, you'll want 2 pairs of pre outs. That JVC only has one."

 

Yes, the bose amps were connected to the HU using both pairs of preouts.

Here's something I said way back on 2009 about it.

"Ive been running an Alpine HU, stock Bose amps/speakers, and a separate amp and sub for years. I have wired the Bose speakers a few different ways. The best sounding and most reliable was to use the RCA pre outs, sending the low level signal to the Bose amps. I had a converter but it sounded like *** no matter how much I adjusted the trim pots."