Replacing stock audio system
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 8
From: Bucks County, PA
Replacing stock audio system
I am looking to replace the head unit in a 2005 Coupe. The current unit is the stock 6 CD-Changer, with no USB or Aux option and I would like to get something that supports CarPlay. All the options seem to include a PAC interface to work with the Bose amplifier and speakers. This is an attractive option for simplicity and matches my installation skills and budget.
The problem is that the current unit will work fine for some length of time, and then the distortion becomes unbearable...a lot of scratchy distortion, loss of bass, simply unlistenable. It does not matter if the source is radio or the CD player. Because it takes time to develop, my best guess is that it is related to heat from the engine compartment causing a problem somewhere between the source and the speakers, though the distortion sounds like it could be electrical interference, possibly a bad ground somewhere. If this is the case, replacing the head unit is not going to improve the sound, though it will add a level of convenience.
Is the distortion issue common? Are there things I should check first in the stock system? Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
The problem is that the current unit will work fine for some length of time, and then the distortion becomes unbearable...a lot of scratchy distortion, loss of bass, simply unlistenable. It does not matter if the source is radio or the CD player. Because it takes time to develop, my best guess is that it is related to heat from the engine compartment causing a problem somewhere between the source and the speakers, though the distortion sounds like it could be electrical interference, possibly a bad ground somewhere. If this is the case, replacing the head unit is not going to improve the sound, though it will add a level of convenience.
Is the distortion issue common? Are there things I should check first in the stock system? Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 454
From: New Brunswick, Canada
I am looking to replace the head unit in a 2005 Coupe. The current unit is the stock 6 CD-Changer, with no USB or Aux option and I would like to get something that supports CarPlay. All the options seem to include a PAC interface to work with the Bose amplifier and speakers. This is an attractive option for simplicity and matches my installation skills and budget.
The problem is that the current unit will work fine for some length of time, and then the distortion becomes unbearable...a lot of scratchy distortion, loss of bass, simply unlistenable. It does not matter if the source is radio or the CD player. Because it takes time to develop, my best guess is that it is related to heat from the engine compartment causing a problem somewhere between the source and the speakers, though the distortion sounds like it could be electrical interference, possibly a bad ground somewhere. If this is the case, replacing the head unit is not going to improve the sound, though it will add a level of convenience.
Is the distortion issue common? Are there things I should check first in the stock system? Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
The problem is that the current unit will work fine for some length of time, and then the distortion becomes unbearable...a lot of scratchy distortion, loss of bass, simply unlistenable. It does not matter if the source is radio or the CD player. Because it takes time to develop, my best guess is that it is related to heat from the engine compartment causing a problem somewhere between the source and the speakers, though the distortion sounds like it could be electrical interference, possibly a bad ground somewhere. If this is the case, replacing the head unit is not going to improve the sound, though it will add a level of convenience.
Is the distortion issue common? Are there things I should check first in the stock system? Any thoughts would be most appreciated.
I think I would try replacing the head unit and see what happens. If the problem is in the stock head unit, you will be fine. If not, you at least know where the problem isn't. It may well be that you will need to replace the factory amp with an aftermarket. This can lead you down the rabbit hole of constant stereo upgrades or may be as cheap as installing a small aftermarket amp in the passenger footwell and connecting it with the existing factory speaker wiring. Depending on how hands on you are, or are comfortable in being, you may also need to find a shop that you trust to do the work.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 8
From: Bucks County, PA
The problem still could be in your head unit, where a component is going bad and heating up causing the distortion in the signal that is sent to the amplifier. The amplifier is in the passenger footwell, covered by the carpet. I would be doubtful that it is seeing heat from the engine compartment to cause your issue, but I guess it could. I would check and possibly reseat all the connectors on the amplifier to ensure they have a good connection. I have heard of loose connectors causing issues when a passenger places pressure on the carpeting in the footwell area.
I think I would try replacing the head unit and see what happens. If the problem is in the stock head unit, you will be fine. If not, you at least know where the problem isn't. It may well be that you will need to replace the factory amp with an aftermarket. This can lead you down the rabbit hole of constant stereo upgrades or may be as cheap as installing a small aftermarket amp in the passenger footwell and connecting it with the existing factory speaker wiring. Depending on how hands on you are, or are comfortable in being, you may also need to find a shop that you trust to do the work.
I think I would try replacing the head unit and see what happens. If the problem is in the stock head unit, you will be fine. If not, you at least know where the problem isn't. It may well be that you will need to replace the factory amp with an aftermarket. This can lead you down the rabbit hole of constant stereo upgrades or may be as cheap as installing a small aftermarket amp in the passenger footwell and connecting it with the existing factory speaker wiring. Depending on how hands on you are, or are comfortable in being, you may also need to find a shop that you trust to do the work.
Just looked at the price for speakers and amp replacement. Yikes. Not just a rabbit hole, but a pricey one. There are other needs for that cash...tires should probably be replaced soon and there may be a H-B in my future.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 929
Likes: 454
From: New Brunswick, Canada
I am pretty confident that I can handle a new head unit and perhaps a backup camera as well. It has already been a bit of a rabbit hole trying to get my head around this "premium" Bose system. I have changed the head units in a Honda, an Acura, and a Toyota and there were no issues. I was not a fan of Bose for home audio, now I can say I don't like them for car audio either.
Just looked at the price for speakers and amp replacement. Yikes. Not just a rabbit hole, but a pricey one. There are other needs for that cash...tires should probably be replaced soon and there may be a H-B in my future.
Just looked at the price for speakers and amp replacement. Yikes. Not just a rabbit hole, but a pricey one. There are other needs for that cash...tires should probably be replaced soon and there may be a H-B in my future.
There are several people on this forum that have installed killer systems and used some less expensive equipment like @Pb82 Ronin for example.
