I'm confused why we replied the way we do about looking through the FAQ. We have a tendency to think the FAQ section has all the answers. It doesn't. And the answer may be there but not in the form the question is presented. I myself have looked for answers in FAQ but have not found them but I see my forum peers will still direct me to the FAQ. Maybe if we could direct to a thread or link or something but when I see a reference to FAQ I'm thinking the responder probably doesn't know the answer anyway.
While I'm on my soapbox I have tried using the search function to find my answers but not always successful. So I post a new tread. I see this forum as a very important tool for me for learning, repairing, sharing and sometimes for entertainment.
While I'm here I'll ask the question of replacing my 96 LT1 Bose with an aftermarket. I have seen some pictures but they don't appear to match my LT1 dash layout. Any recommendations for my 96 LT1?
Now I'll step back, put on my falme retardent suit and await the flames...

 

we usually don't flame in the audio section so you can take the suit off

usually when i post 'read the faq' it is because i know that it's in there. I generally only do that for the c5 questions though. anything to do with a c4 i leave to bogus (and others) since he's the expert.

I think a lot of answers are found in the faq's and it does get a little old repeating the same answers, though i think we; as a group, generally repeat the answers anyways. That is why i usually am quick to post the 'read the faq'.


as far as your question though... you should start a new thread with that since it is definately going to get overlooked in this thread.

oh...did you read the faq yet?

 

"oh...did you read the faq yet? "

Now that's entertaining. Thanks for the reply.

 

What exactly is your question? What are you looking to replace? just the head unit? speakers? everything? add a sub?

 

woops.... ^^^^^ is an expert too

 

yea, I am just the guy that put the FAQ together... it wasn't all me, not by any stretch.

However, the reason I direct folks to the C4 FAQ - I have no idea if someone has read it yet. I like people to read it first, so we have a certian baseline understanding. It also helps folks ask more relavent questions.

It would be nice if people would tell us if they have checked their respective FAQ first, then we know what their baseline happens to be.

 

Ah Ha, Specific and to the point. I want to install a head unit with a CD player that will hook up to the existing amplifier/speakers. I was reading where PAC had a "black box" that connected inline with the wiring going to the amp that would allow you to switch between the radio/cassette and a MP3/iPod. However it didn't support a '96. AT least that what it appeared. Anyway, my existing Bose system appears to be intact with no complaints with the exception of a CD. I've tried the cassette interface but in my opinion the motor noise is too loud. I've look a DLO FM transmitter and it looks promising over the BestBuys, Ckt City, etc. That's why I have another thread about cassette or FM adapters. I was more curious if someone tried a higher end FM adapter such as a DLO. By the way I did read the C4 FAQ section and the "what to you have" type section. Didn't see anything specific to what I'm looking for which is the head unit itself.

 

The interesting problem with the C4 Bose, there are not any 2 way converters (that I am aware of). There are speaker converters, but I don't think there is anything that will convert the output to work with aftermarket speakers/amps.

 

You can send a line-level signal to the Bose speaker/amps, but it's not a very good idea because the speaker/amps are what is crap about the system, especially after they've deteriorated for 10+ years. In particular they are intended to receive a Bose-processed signal which helps compensate for their inherent weaknesses, so if you send them a clean signal from an aftermarket HU they will sound even worse.

Spend the extra $150 to get aftermarket speakers and run them off the aftermarket HU.

BTW, this info can be found by reading the FAQ and doing a search...

 

In regards to buying aftermarket HU & speakers... that's what I've been asking. Can someone tell me a brand/model that will work in my 96 LT1.

BTW, this info can be found by reading the FAQ and doing a search...

Please point me to this information and show me the errors of my way. I have search and did not have any success. Again I need 96 LT1 specific info since I'm not versed enough to know if any of the other year/models will cross...

I do appreicate the feedback however. I know there is a solution.

 

Basically I think what most people are eluding to papa, is that with a 10 year old stock bose system the amount of trouble it would take to modify/add to the existing system in stock form just to add CD capability is NOT worth it.

You would be better served spending $150-200 on the aftermarket headunit of your choice, picking up some nice 2 way coaxial speakers that will drop in for the most part in to stock locations ($100-200) and eliminating the stock blose system entirely. The wiring, the HU, the speakers, all of it. I can personally guarantee an improved sound and response from this solution alone and you have not even PICKED what you are using yet.

If you would like to get more advanced there are several c4 guys of late who have put together a system consisting of a single 4 channel amp, a new Headunit, 2 6.5" or 8" subs, and a set of component speakers for the front. This would give you a system capable of bringing out the quality of a CD recording and one that will actually PLAY the intended range (20hz to 20k hz). Something that your current blose system CANNOT do. This system could be had for as little as say $900.

Let us know if you want options on well regarded equipment to fill your needs should you choose the replace route.

Fej

 

If you want the Easiest way to connect a CD player to play through the existing Bose speakers, a universal FM CD changer could be mounted in the cargo area and be controlled with a remote display unit for as little as $150.

If you're happy with the sound from your Bose system you'll probably be happy with this compromise. Go to www.crutchfield.com for general information on these units.

But, as others have mentioned, you could buy an Alpine MP3 head unit $150, a Metra Install kit $20 or so, and some high quality coaxial speakers $60 up, all for under $250 which will sound a lot better and can be upgraded in the future with an amp and subwoofer.

It all depends on how much of the install you can do yourself and your budget.

 

All of this is from the C4 FAQ. It pretty much covers what you are asking specific to a 96. Brands and equipment are personal preference, they have nothing to do with your specific car as long as they fit (and the guidelines of what will fit are in the FAQ). Go to a car audio store and listen to some speakers and play with some decks. Find the ones YOU like the most and then research their reliability online to make sure you are not buying crap or a problematic model.

 

:o

Thank you...