I know there's a ton of people on the board who posted questions about 'how-to' and problem solving stuff for their Bose setup. I made this thread to get a general consensus on how you all are doing with an aftermarket head unit w/ factory Bose.

So how does it sound? Is there a noticable difference even though you are still using the factory Bose amp to power the speakers? Are you pleased with the results? Noticable improvements from the stock Bose HU?

I found an installer who could install a Pioneer 5000ub. Not only can he do it, but he can wire an external speaker (tweeter size) and mount it wherever so I can still hear the navigation voice. I'm very excited!

 

I replaced my Blose HU, with a Clarion DXZUSB775 and have been very pleased.

The only problem that I faced was the fact the the pre-outs were too low voltage for the Blose amps. Which, I think, is what STUDMAN experienced.

I ended up just soldering RCA's on the ends of the HU's harness and used a LOC and used the line out leads. Fixed my problem, right up.

Sound is much crisper, and, to be quite frank...more configurable. With the Blose, you have what? Treble, Balance, and Bass? Right.

I can only imagine how I could make it better with a 7 band PEQ. As is, this HU has a 3 band PEQ. Allowed me to 'perfectly' shape my sound. Have the mids high, in rears...have the mids toned down, in front, it's great. Only problem I face, after this, is that I know that I need to replace the entire speaker system and amps and deaden the doors. The midrange resonation, in the doors, is getting old.

 

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it. Did you initially use the Metra harness to connect the HU to the amp? I'm sure thats what the installer will be using, but not sure if I'll have the same issue with insufficient voltage. Nevertheless, its a very reputable shop and I'm sure they'll do whats best!

 

Yeah, I started out with the Metra. Kinda need it