Replacing BOSE speakers
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: State College PA
Replacing BOSE speakers
First, just want to say Hi as I am new to the forum. Just bought a 1988 Corvette last year am I have been fixing it up.
I have the Bose speaker system in my Vette, and have read a lot about all the problems associated with the speakers and amps as they age.
I found a guy that fixes and resells both the speakers and the amps at a reasonable price, but I am not sure if that is the best route to take.
My question comes down to: I am thinking about replacing the speakers with modern speakers. Is this a good idea? My concerns are 2 fold: 1) If I just replace the speakers, will the head unit be strong enough to power them as modern speakers won't have a dedicated amp. 2) If I replace the head unit too, are the wires at a proper gauge that they can handle the power. Or should I just buy the original speakers and amps and replace them?
Thanks a lot for any insight!
I have the Bose speaker system in my Vette, and have read a lot about all the problems associated with the speakers and amps as they age.
I found a guy that fixes and resells both the speakers and the amps at a reasonable price, but I am not sure if that is the best route to take.
My question comes down to: I am thinking about replacing the speakers with modern speakers. Is this a good idea? My concerns are 2 fold: 1) If I just replace the speakers, will the head unit be strong enough to power them as modern speakers won't have a dedicated amp. 2) If I replace the head unit too, are the wires at a proper gauge that they can handle the power. Or should I just buy the original speakers and amps and replace them?
Thanks a lot for any insight!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
I put a Pioneer Premier head unit in with a wiring adapter kit, easy as can be. I then replaced all 4 Bose speakers with 6.5 Boston Acoustics. The difference in sound quality is unbelieveable and well worth the time & money. JMO but this is the only way to go unless you are a purist and don't want to change the factory pieces.
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 346
Likes: 3
1.) The bose head unit makes no power. It has a small amp on each speaker.
2.) Yes wiring will be fine you can buy an adaptor to plug into the OEM harness with the headunit then just swap the speakers. The door speakers are a total PITA the rears are simple.
2.) Yes wiring will be fine you can buy an adaptor to plug into the OEM harness with the headunit then just swap the speakers. The door speakers are a total PITA the rears are simple.
Slingshot
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,817
Likes: 24
From: Charlotte NC
Have your original BOSE speakers repaired.
These guys are very knowledgeable about original Corvette Bose stereo equipment, do very good work and have reasonable prices.
http://www.carstereohelp.com/corvette.htm
These guys are very knowledgeable about original Corvette Bose stereo equipment, do very good work and have reasonable prices.
http://www.carstereohelp.com/corvette.htm
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
I say bring the Vettes sound system to the 21st century. 
I love my music, so upgrading was on the list very quickly. I have a Kenwood DVD flip out with NAV, 6 1/2" components, 8" subs and a 600 RMS amp in the Vette. Love it !!
Just finished the sound system in the Tahoe and picked up a Kenwood KIV-BT900 for the head unit(175 Ebay). This thing is awesome. Have an 80Gig Ipod stuffed into the center console, endless choices of music at the touch of a finger. Even has bluetooth hands free and connectivity to bluetooth music devices
With the adapter mentioned in other posts and a newer digital head unit, you could be into the present, for a reasonable price.
I love my music, so upgrading was on the list very quickly. I have a Kenwood DVD flip out with NAV, 6 1/2" components, 8" subs and a 600 RMS amp in the Vette. Love it !!
Just finished the sound system in the Tahoe and picked up a Kenwood KIV-BT900 for the head unit(175 Ebay). This thing is awesome. Have an 80Gig Ipod stuffed into the center console, endless choices of music at the touch of a finger. Even has bluetooth hands free and connectivity to bluetooth music devices
With the adapter mentioned in other posts and a newer digital head unit, you could be into the present, for a reasonable price.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: State College PA
Thanks for all the advice and opinions. I am not too concerned about keeping her stock, already messed that up by tinkering with the exhaust and brakes.
I think I am going to go modern. Probably nothing too fancy though, it is a convertible and the wind has a tendency to muffle some of the sound quality, so it doesn't have to be perfect, its just that 3 speakers are done right now, and the 4th hisses.
I am really digging your setup AGENT 86. I may have to spec something like that out. If nothing, the GPS would be great to have. Does that system also control the antenna? I have thought about adding an antenna inside the bumper that is always "extended" if I can't find a system that has antenna controls (kill 2 birds, the antenna will always be "up" and nobody could see it).
I think I am going to go modern. Probably nothing too fancy though, it is a convertible and the wind has a tendency to muffle some of the sound quality, so it doesn't have to be perfect, its just that 3 speakers are done right now, and the 4th hisses.
I am really digging your setup AGENT 86. I may have to spec something like that out. If nothing, the GPS would be great to have. Does that system also control the antenna? I have thought about adding an antenna inside the bumper that is always "extended" if I can't find a system that has antenna controls (kill 2 birds, the antenna will always be "up" and nobody could see it).
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,322
Likes: 248
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
They pretty much all have antenna control, these days.
I put an in-line switch in the antenna circuit, so I control when it's allowed out. I think it's seen daylight twice in 6 years.
I put an in-line switch in the antenna circuit, so I control when it's allowed out. I think it's seen daylight twice in 6 years.
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