I was hoping someone did this already and could share their experience with me.

I'm looking to replace my radio unit because it's been dead for years. However, I do not want to invest into a new system all around.

I've looked into something that converts the bose signal to any aftermarket unit. I want to know if the sound quality is mostly preserved or sounds the same through the adapter and whether I can actually use anything with it.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-5qXDyvq...r.html?tp=3486


NOTE: I don't have much experience with audio products and sound quality, I am deaf and that's why it has been on the bottom of the priority list but it's come up further to the top now that I can afford it and my girlfriend needs her music!

 

I have an early C4, so things are a little different. I did use this GM Factory System Integration Adapter:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4GM...n-Adapter.html

to connect my new JVC receiver to the stock Bose speakers. It worked well for me and the sound is fine. Is the sound as good as using updated speakers and wires? No. Was it easier and cheaper with acceptable sound? Yes.

 

Use the search function, this comes up a lot.

The first thing I did to my Vette was swap my dead cassette deck with a CD player from Dr. Dons

http://www.doctordons.com/

But I didn't know about the MP3 jacks in modern car audio & might have gone another route if I had.

 

What year is you car?
I just did what you are talking about doing to my 94, it wasnt to hard and im really happy with the results. I can talk you through the whole process.

 

Thanks for the tip. I was looking at that adapter you showed me, and it seems to "not fit" my car but the other does. I'm okay with paying $10 more anyway, and it seems to have jacks already to make the job easier for me. And that's the kind of thing I'm looking for... good quality and nothing over the top.

I apologize, and I feared this but I wanted to see if I could get an accurate response rather than sift through search results and see if anyone did exactly what I was doing.
And i'm trying to get a mp3-capable aftermarket unit to work with my bose system.
And i wanted to avoid Dr. Don's. I know he has a great reputation but it is out of my price range. It would actually come close to paying for my stock unit to just be "repaired" but I would rather pay the same amount to have a modern unit with mp3 jack capabilities working with my car's system. That is what I want to accomplish because my girlfriend uses an ipod and i'd rather not use the old cassette adapter.


Mine is a '93. Hopefully it wouldn't be hard for me either. I just want to replace my stock unit and be done with it with acceptable quality

 

I replaced my 84 with a Kenwood deck (Aux input), 2 front speakers (6 inch round) and 2 rear speakers (6X9). I am going to have to do some work on the door speakers but the back ones went in and the original cover is fine.

Looking back, although it was a PIA to run wires to the new speakers, I like the sound. But, if I had my choice I would have preferred to simply use one of the converters to plug and play with a new deck.

I think Double D Mods has a kit that is reasonable.

 

Just my 2 cents - if you want a good quality sound system then I recommend you to replace the speakers along with a new stereo. When you hook up a new stereo with ~20 year old speakers then you won't be able to get the maximum quality and volume that your stereo is capable of.


Last summer I installed new speakers and wires and a new stereo, the difference between that and my old (working) system is NIGHT and DAY!

Doing this cost me about about $200 with brand new speakers from crutchfield and a stereo from a forum member.




I can walk you through everything I did if you opt to go this direction. Hope this helps

 

Try the Audio and Electronics section of the Forum for lots of information on C4 systems.

 

I have gone through this exercise twice in the last year in my 1990 and my son's 1991 (both Coupes with Bose systems) and I believe it should be applicable to your car if its 1990 or newer. I purchased the same radio for both cars (JVC-XR810). It is a double din and it fits perfectly into the dash. This radio has a USB port in the front and back and it is Iphone ready. It comes with a bluetooth adapter that I plugged into the rear USB port. The radio has a microphone and connects (via Bluetooth) to our Iphone 4 and Iphone 4s. I can play all the songs on my Iphone wirelessly and the sound is perfect only interrupted if I receive a phone call that I can answer hands free. I purchased and had the radios installed by Best Buy as they charge less when you buy the radio from them. Best Buy doesn't stock the installation kit (Metra Chevrolet Corvette 1990-1996 Turbo Pocket Kit - Metra 993051) or the Bose adapter harness (Metra 70-1857 Tuner Relocation and Bose Integration Harness for Select GM Vehicles), both of which are available at Amazon.com. I you buy them and bring them in they will use them in their install. You may also want to pick up two PAC SNI1 Noise Isolators as aftermarket radios (this one at least) picks up some high pitched engine noise. These are also available at Amazon. Installation cost was about $125 for each vehicle.

 

Thanks for the advice! I'll take your offer on that when the time comes.

My apologies, I didn't know that section existed. I don't come here very often lol


Good to know! I'll go ahead and get the adapter then I'll consult my local best buy about it or possibly other places and get the best options. I don't think I would actually mind paying that much for installation and parts. Easier than having to install it myself and testing it.