Growing tired of the bose speakers, think of taking on the winter project of replacing the audio system. First - what are the size of the speakers? any suggestions on replacement? I am a huge fan of the MB Quart Q series. Second - I'm assuming each one of the Bose is amplified individually so I will need an aftermarket amp? any suggestions? Third - Can I use the factory unit and cd changer and still get aftermarket sound. If not suggestions. And most importantly, is this a task that a simple layman can handle or should I take it to an installation shop? Thanks
:withstupid:

 

Humm, Interesting... OK here's the scoop - I did exactly what you are asking about - I currently have the the stock Bose head unit and CD changer and front speakers - But I replaced the rear speakers with a set of Q Series speakers along with an Eclipse Amp, - the Q Series ROCK! - Now there are a few things you need to know A) Bose line outs are not standard, you need a set of adapters to convert the signal prior to the amp. B) The Bose Line outs for the rear channel are freq limited, meaning they do not span the normal full range of the signal, so you cannot treat the front and rears as a normal set of outputs - In my case I had to use the front pair from the head unit for the signal for all four speakers (meaning no fader!, which of course sucks) C) you cannot turn off the aftermarket amp with the stereo because of the way bose wires their system into the car, I've had two stereo shops look at it, I've looked at it and nobody can figure it out. - So this means that if the head unit is off, you can still hear a slight hiss from the Eclipse amp. Not a big deal but it bugs the crap out of me.
- - - One other thing you should know - I also added an 8 inch sub (Eclipse again) - Now I have no desire to bounce down the road so an 8 inch sub works just fine for me. It is mounted in one of the rear storage units and in conjunction with the Q series it turned out to be a really good move! - Having said all of that, next week my car goes in to replace the head unit and the front speaks and hence the entire Bose setup will have been replaced. - Frankly the sound from the set up I have today is really not bad (and I'm a musician so I think I have a pretty good ear), but it's a car! It really depends on how much it's worth to ya. The replacement of the rear speakers along with the sub is a huge improvement from stock. :party: If you have questions I'd be happy to help out - And I can shoot some photos if you need. Good Luck

Eric

PS - If you know your stereo stuff you can do it yourself, The speaker line out wireing from the head unit is a bit tricky but it can be figured out (It is not standard and it is not intuative!) I had mine done at a shop and was only marginally happy with the work.

[Modified by esch, 10:46 PM 11/3/2003]


[Modified by esch, 10:50 PM 11/3/2003]

 

IMO you are on the right path. I too like MB Quart and the fronts are the ones to replace, forget the rears. Yes you will need an amp to get the potential output of the Quarts. Do not make the mistake of getting the cheap adaptor, I've read many times they cause noise in the system.
Contact Tuan, he will help you out there.

 

Thanks Esch. In my naivety, I thought I was the only one that thought the C5 Bose sucks. Whats funny, have Bose in a 03 Escalade and it sounds awesome! I think I'm going to dump the Bose in the vert. After all the threads I've read, I'm coming to agree with knewblew.....the fronts are the ones to change, Which way is better though....2 way components 5 1/4, tweeter and rear sub or three ways, i.e. 8", 5 1/4 and the tweeter???. I like a solid thumping bass but i think it is obnoxious to share it with everyone else at the stop light.....

 

IMO, go with the bigger speakers up front. That way you don't lose any space in back. Another idea, still buy those 5WS woofers and install them in place of the factory rear speakers, best of both worlds. :D
Make sure they put some sound deadening material on the doors, like dynomat.