Bose Replacement
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh PA
Bose Replacement
My 90 convertable is in need of either a rebuild or replacement (AM/FM cassette and CD). One side (drivers side) does not work and I found an Audiovox something or other behind the passenger seat. (when disconnected there was no change to anything in the sound system) Should I send the system in to be rebuilt. BTW my speakers suck. Maybe I should replace the system with a new system. If so, I will start from scratch. Any suggestions. Thanks
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 506
Likes: 12
From: Savannah GA
I changed out the head unit in my 87 and went in the speaker units and bypassed the amps and just spliced directly to the speakers. This year I changed the speakers and to tell the truth I can't tell the sound is much better. The bose speakers were in good shape.
You might need the wiring diagram because the 87 has common ground negative wiring. When I followed the instructions using the adapter plugs I orginally got it sounded like mud. I changed the wiring in the plugs and didn't re-wire all the speakers.
The bose speakers are only 1.8ohms but my alpine head unit has been powering them for over 2 years now.
I didn't see the value in spending money on a 10+ year old radio.
JS
You might need the wiring diagram because the 87 has common ground negative wiring. When I followed the instructions using the adapter plugs I orginally got it sounded like mud. I changed the wiring in the plugs and didn't re-wire all the speakers.
The bose speakers are only 1.8ohms but my alpine head unit has been powering them for over 2 years now.
I didn't see the value in spending money on a 10+ year old radio.
JS
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,702
Likes: 254
From: Woodinville, WA
you have to be a little careful when rewiring using an adapter. The bose setup is kinda odd. I personally think the sound on my 95 bose are pretty good, and aside from replacing the HU, the only thing I might do now is add in a sub. The high end isnt crystal clear, but its pretty good, whats really muddy is the bass. Ill just turn down the bass on the speakers and turn up the sub
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
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From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by TA
Dump the entire Blose system and go aftermarket. You won't be sorry 
6x9's in the rear, 4x6's in the dash (or replace the doors if your shins like listening to music) and get a good head unit. If you are creative, you can reuse the stock wiring
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
I like Alpine car audio equipment. Never had a bad experience with this brand. JCV seems to be making better car audio equipment over the last few years. Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer are not at the top of my list. Also MB quartz makes excellent speakers. Remember you pay for what you get when it comes to car audio.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by RRT vette
I like Alpine car audio equipment. Never had a bad experience with this brand. JCV seems to be making better car audio equipment over the last few years. Sony, Kenwood, Pioneer are not at the top of my list. Also MB quartz makes excellent speakers. Remember you pay for what you get when it comes to car audio.
I've been using them for 15 years. Only on my 3rd head unit currently, the previous one I replaced is still running strong and going into another car of mine.I agree on MB Quartz though, excellent quality speakers, I own a pair of 6x9's.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Downers Grove IL
The Bose system in my 91 was toast and to save many dollars I put in an Alpine system, took a while to set it up, but now I have a system that sounds great and upgradable to the latest technology.
Good travels, Polo
Good travels, Polo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by GIJoe
Kenwood makes good headunits, don't hate I've been using them for 15 years. Only on my 3rd head unit currently, the previous one I replaced is still running strong and going into another car of mine.
I've been using them for 15 years. Only on my 3rd head unit currently, the previous one I replaced is still running strong and going into another car of mine.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 28
From: Baltimore MD
I just put in a Pioneer HU, with Jensen 6x9's in the rear, and Pioneer 4" rounds in the doors. The 6x9's bolted right in with the factory stuff totally removed. I couldn't figure out how to get the Bose amps out of the doors, so I simply removed the speakers only and the 4" replacements bolted right in. As for wiring, all I did was cut the speaker wires from the amp/speaker harness and spliced the speakers to them...simple and very easy upgrade IMO....no need for any "re-wiring" of speakers, just take the pink and black wire out of the picture, which takes the speaker amps out of the picture...After selling off the Bose speakers and rear amps, I have a total of $175 invested in the whole setup and couldn't be happier. Crutchfield is your friend.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,196
Likes: 0
From: Orlando FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by RRT vette
Not a problem, I just haven't had luck with there equipment in the past. I also want to mention Eclipes. I bought a CD head unit in '97 and it still works to this day...a little worn, but works.
I am not a fan of some of their other stuff (amps, speakers, home equipment, etc) I just like their car head units and their satellite equipment.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by GIJoe
Really? What kind of problems have you had? Sorry to hear you've had problems with Kennwood in the past, they really make some excellent head units.
I am not a fan of some of their other stuff (amps, speakers, home equipment, etc) I just like their car head units and their satellite equipment.
I am not a fan of some of their other stuff (amps, speakers, home equipment, etc) I just like their car head units and their satellite equipment.
I like the ALpine and Eclipse head units, Kicker or Alpine subs and amps, and MB quarts mids and highs. I have a JCV 7" DVD video monitor in the dash of my Ford truck and it worked good for about 10 months and then the motor for the screen gave me problems.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
From: Augusta GA
Originally Posted by TA
Dump the entire Blose system and go aftermarket. You won't be sorry
Originally Posted by RRT vette
While your at it add a small sub like a 10 or an 8 mid. It adds to the overall sound quality. Personnally I would either go with MB Quarts or Polk MOMOs for the fronts and a set of nice 6 X 9's in the back with a custom 10 inch sub. The whole system would be amplified too. IMO 
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
Originally Posted by red_johnny
While your at it add a small sub like a 10 or an 8 mid. It adds to the overall sound quality. Personnally I would either go with MB Quarts or Polk MOMOs for the fronts and a set of nice 6 X 9's in the back with a custom 10 inch sub. The whole system would be amplified too. IMO I bought some cardboard type material at home depot i'm using to make an adapter to bolt to the car and run a 6x9. It will be that odd semi rectangle shape to mount to the car, and offer a 6x9 hole with bolt patern. I bought enough material to make a few on the mill.
For the doors, I bought some bose to 4" adapters to run a normal 4" speaker in the door. I'm gonna drop wires down from the dash too, if I choose to run dash speakers. (6 speaker system would be great).
-- Joe
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: hamilton ontario
Repair Bose
Originally Posted by KeyWestJack
My 90 convertable is in need of either a rebuild or replacement (AM/FM cassette and CD). One side (drivers side) does not work and I found an Audiovox something or other behind the passenger seat. (when disconnected there was no change to anything in the sound system) Should I send the system in to be rebuilt. BTW my speakers suck. Maybe I should replace the system with a new system. If so, I will start from scratch. Any suggestions. Thanks
mike
Race Director
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 17,101
Likes: 4
From: No more yankee my wankee, the Donger is tired!
Originally Posted by GIJoe
4x6's in the dash
No provisions for speakers in the dash for a 90.
With a vert you will definately need a amp. I'd recomend no less than 50wpc. 6x9 in the rear, and then you can actually mount a component system in the stock location in the front. Either make a custom housing, or cut up the existing housing and mount the speakers in there.
Go to a shop, take a CD that you know every note and listen to several. Make sure you use the same amp & headunit that you are planning on buying for all, and also to have no sub driving it as well.
Buy what sounds good to your ears.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
I made adapters to run 6x9's in the rear. Recarpeted. I used Sony Xplod with the supplied face plates.
Heres the adapters i made next to the bose adapter.
http://members.cisdi.com/~anesthes/p...ker-plates.JPG
-- Joe
Heres the adapters i made next to the bose adapter.
http://members.cisdi.com/~anesthes/p...ker-plates.JPG
-- Joe