Advice on replacing the Bose audio system
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Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 46
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From: NY
Advice on replacing the Bose audio system
Greetings All,
I am looking into purchasing an aftermarket head unit for my C5 to replace my stock bose unit. Does anyone know of any good ones in the range of $150-$250?
Also, by replacing the head unit with a better one, will my speakers sound better? Im pretty happy with the current stock system now, I would just like a little more power and clarity at higher volume and some bells and whistles (bluetooth, ipod hookup, mp3 data cd's etc..)
Or is it worth replacing the stock speakers as well?
I was checking out this unit:
http://reviews.cnet.com/in-dash-car-...4.html?tag=txt
Any advice would be helpful
Thanks
I am looking into purchasing an aftermarket head unit for my C5 to replace my stock bose unit. Does anyone know of any good ones in the range of $150-$250?
Also, by replacing the head unit with a better one, will my speakers sound better? Im pretty happy with the current stock system now, I would just like a little more power and clarity at higher volume and some bells and whistles (bluetooth, ipod hookup, mp3 data cd's etc..)
Or is it worth replacing the stock speakers as well?
I was checking out this unit:
http://reviews.cnet.com/in-dash-car-...4.html?tag=txt
Any advice would be helpful
Thanks
Last edited by ITVetteGuy; Dec 14, 2007 at 11:32 AM.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Redsox, Pats, Celts & Bruins !!! Redsox Nation !!!
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If you are looking for better sound, and don't wanna spend more than $200. I'd keep the stock head unit and replace the front speakers. IMHO.
After you get the new head unit, you'll need to add an adapter, so the Bose speakers will work.
After you get the new head unit, you'll need to add an adapter, so the Bose speakers will work.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,149
Likes: 6
From: NCCO Oklahoma
ITVetteGuy,
Welcome to the Audio section! A lot of your questions will probably be answered in the C5 FAQ above, but I'll chime in on your question.
The C5 Bose system has a HU in the dash, an external EQ box tucked up under your right foot, front and rear speakers. The front speakers are actually a set of speakers; an 8" bass speaker with it's own amplifier, along with a 3.5" Twiddler. (A twiddler is basically a full range speaker... Mid-Tweeter kinda thing.)
The front 3.5" speakers and rear speakers are setup to NOT pass bass frequencies. (It protects the speakers from damage.) All of the bass in the C5 system comes from the front 8" speakers.
Here is the rub: The Bose system requires a certain type of interface to operate the speakers properly. If you wanted to put in a new head unit, you would need to buy a special adapter (about $100) to make it work with your Bose speakers.
Making the stock radio work with new speakers can be done... but it's not really worth a whole lot IMO.
Some people have had a good experience with replacing the front 3.5" speakers with aftermarket ones. Infinity makes a good set for under $100 that would wake your system up... but whether or not it's worth the investment is up to you.
In the end, most people end up replacing the system with a complete aftermarket system. You can get a decent HU for about $200 or so. A good set of 6.5" component speakers can be had for $100-500 depending on your budget. A lot of folks delete the rear speakers, but that's your call. An inexpensive amplifier can be had for $150, and you can get a better one as your budget increases.
At the $250 price point, and considering that you will need a $100 PAC adapter to make your Bose system work with it, it limits you on what HU will work for you. Add in a cheap install kit and you don't have much left to spend on the HU.
Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear... let us know what it is you are looking for, and maybe we can help you set something up.
Mark
Welcome to the Audio section! A lot of your questions will probably be answered in the C5 FAQ above, but I'll chime in on your question.
The C5 Bose system has a HU in the dash, an external EQ box tucked up under your right foot, front and rear speakers. The front speakers are actually a set of speakers; an 8" bass speaker with it's own amplifier, along with a 3.5" Twiddler. (A twiddler is basically a full range speaker... Mid-Tweeter kinda thing.)
The front 3.5" speakers and rear speakers are setup to NOT pass bass frequencies. (It protects the speakers from damage.) All of the bass in the C5 system comes from the front 8" speakers.
Here is the rub: The Bose system requires a certain type of interface to operate the speakers properly. If you wanted to put in a new head unit, you would need to buy a special adapter (about $100) to make it work with your Bose speakers.
Making the stock radio work with new speakers can be done... but it's not really worth a whole lot IMO.
Some people have had a good experience with replacing the front 3.5" speakers with aftermarket ones. Infinity makes a good set for under $100 that would wake your system up... but whether or not it's worth the investment is up to you.
In the end, most people end up replacing the system with a complete aftermarket system. You can get a decent HU for about $200 or so. A good set of 6.5" component speakers can be had for $100-500 depending on your budget. A lot of folks delete the rear speakers, but that's your call. An inexpensive amplifier can be had for $150, and you can get a better one as your budget increases.
At the $250 price point, and considering that you will need a $100 PAC adapter to make your Bose system work with it, it limits you on what HU will work for you. Add in a cheap install kit and you don't have much left to spend on the HU.
Sorry if that's not what you wanted to hear... let us know what it is you are looking for, and maybe we can help you set something up.
Mark
