Audio Question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite, The Republic of Texas
Audio Question
Has anyone changed out their Head Unit, used the adapter and kept the Bose speakers and factory Amp? How did it sound? Also did you have engine noise using the adapter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,898
Likes: 5
From: Plainfield, IL
Sound quality is ok but many will say you lose a lot of bass. I think the Bose system sounds best with the OEM headunit. There is also no switched accessory wire at the radio harness so you will have to pick that up in the passenger footwell just above the BCM there is an accessory wire. You will also lose the retained accessory power feature. If you have the Delco CD I would leave it IMO.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite, The Republic of Texas
I'm installing the Pioneer AVIC-N2, sound quality of the Head unit should not be compromised. The OEM does not have Navagation or voice command. But I would like to keep the Bose speakers and Amp.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 565
Likes: 13
From: Morris New Jersey
i installed a avic d1, and kept the stock speakers using the soundgate adapter. I personally think the sound is just as good as was with the stock head unit, I could not tell the difference, goodluck! 
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 532
Likes: 0
From: Mesquite, The Republic of Texas
Thanks Fourtrax250R, I will be getting the Soundgate today. mkiv808, I'm not sure if the Bose has an external Amp. But if I were to install aftermarket speakers I would install one. Thanks for your help. 
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Originally Posted by PEW01
Has anyone changed out their Head Unit, used the adapter and kept the Bose speakers and factory Amp? How did it sound? Also did you have engine noise using the adapter.
I think I lost a little bass but the unit has a custom setting and you can play with the equaliser to suit you taste. I'm no audio buff but its fine for me. There's no engine noise and I can't see why the adapter would give that problem as its merely an interface plus a potentiometer.
