Can you change the Bose head unit but still use all the factory speakers or do you need to change them as well? I was looking at getting a new system but someone told my husband that if I changed the stereo I had to change all the speakers too-- that BOSE speakers would not work with any other system---is this true? It doesn't sound normal to me but then again I don't know anything on this subject.

Yes I would put it in the audio section but they are not so great at answering questions over there the way you guys do over here.

Thanks
Lori

 

I'm no expert when it comes to audio - but it's my understanding that you have to run some additional "box" between the head unit and the speakers in order for it to work. It might be some kind of powered amp - but I really don't that much about it, I'm still running a GE AM transistor radio that I've hung from the rear view mirror. I can't firgure out how to turn on this new fangled radio in my car.....

 

Lori, the short answer is yes. You'll get some fairly dismissive views on the quality of the Bose speakers in the audio Forum but thats a separate issue.

I'm not sure if individual aftermarket head units have different requirements but I fitted an AVIC N1 (latest model is the N3 I think). I think it's a fairly generic solution.

You need a Soundgate GMCRV1 interface which were about $100+ when I got mine.

The description from the instructions says:
The GMCRV1 is a high performance electronic interface consisting of high-pass crossover networks for the factory front speakers, an electronic interface with low-pass crossover networks for the factory sub woofer and a wiring harness with factory match connectors that allow for a true plug and play installation"

Good eh?

The paperwork also says "the new receiver must be equipped with high power speaker level outputs".

The good news is the wires are color coded and hook up to the equivalent wires on the HU using normal electrical connectors. Theres a potentiometer on the harness that allows you to set an output level to suit your taste. I found it fairly straightforward. You just need to identify a hot wire, an ACC wire and a ground on the car.

I have a soft copy of the manual if you would like one. PM me with your E Mail address and I'll send it on.

Metra make a similar product. Do a search on the net and you'll come up with places to buy the adaptor.

Hope that helps

 

I don't think the C5 is like the C4 (I have both). The C4 system includes a power relay in the dash and each speaker has its own built in amp. These amps had problems in that they used electrolytic caps which dry out. These are filters and when they no longer function well you get the bad whine in the speakers. I put a new head in the C4 but the relay still sometimes will not engage and that means no speakers. I cannot find the relay!! Be thankful the C5 is different.

I think DeeGee has the useful scoop.

 

Hey lori some of the responses are not clear YES U can just change the head unit, call crutchfield and order the harness from them...

 

Randy---you are very sweet and quite funny. Once I figure it out I'll have to show you to but you have to leave your blow gun at home..

Lori

 

Yes it does and I greatly thank you. My email is lori.cierkowski@harpercollins.com and I would really appreciate a copy.

Now---will this work with ANY head unit or must it be somthing as sophisticated as what you installed? I am not looking for nav and all that---just iPod and bluetooth so I am a bit more simple.

Looks like I will actually be attempting this one on my own---huddy is color blind I wouls really like ti hooked up right the first time

Sounds like you got yourself one sweet system..

Thanks
Lori

 

See just one more reason for me to find someone to buy my husbands C4 and get him into a nice C5 (which deep inside he is dying to get into)

Thanks
Lori

 

Fantastic..

This is one big reason why I do not visit any of the other links here for answers. They are slow to answer if anyone answers at all where over here I get answers whether I like them or not---I love it here and you guys are all great help and I sooooooooooooo appreciate it..


Lori

BTW--Jets/Patriots---I'll take the Patriots

Giants/Eagles---Sorry Giants fan since I was 5---Go Giants

 

Lori,

The new head unit will come with installation instructions. If it's like the AVIC the majority of the wires are the same color coding so it's a straight hook up. The only extra ones were the two hot and the ground which come from the car.

Just got the vert back on the road in England. The navigation system fired up first time like a champ

 

Thank You very much DeeGee---you were a great help..

Glad you finally got your car back too..

Lori