Thinking about doing somthing to help this horrible Bose system. Did some research but a lot of it seems dated. Figured I'd re-ask.

Question is. What is needed to just change the headunit and make all the Bose speaker components work.

If I was to change all the speakers what is involved with that? Every other vehicle I've owned doing speakers and a stereo is no problem, but this car is not like every other car. Thanks in advance for any help and bash away at me if you must. 🇺🇸

 

Lots of great information here, it may be dated however still very relevant.
How big is your budget? What do want to achieve?
Would recommend contacting Dennis at Double D mods, a great vendor here on the forum.
A great DYI project, I had fun doing mine.

 

I'm waiting on my new unit from DD, the radio is not even on the market yet, and for now I'm using the Bose speakers

 

I personally don't understand why these Bose systems have such bad reputations. The system in my 2000 FRC is stock and sounds fantastic. I truly expected to pickup my FRC and be horribly disappointed. It has surpassed anything I could've expected. I'd like to have a modern head unit to play iTunes, but as far as sound goes, I'm very satisfied.

 

I put a new Pioneer unit in my GMC truck with the Bose and I am very happy with the sound

 

They aren't the worst but if you fancy yourself someone who appreciates versatility, these systems are horrible. Its like the line in Tommy Boy in relation to your speakers saying "Bose". "If you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed I will." These systems cannot truly be Bose. You don't have to be an audiophile to be disappointed

 

I'm Lookin to spend about 500 or so. im just looking to get a little more clarity and bass and somthing with an aux and xm capability. It's pretty bad when I get out of my 05 legacy and hop into my vette, turn on the radio and I'm hit with sheer disappointment. The quality is so off par.

 

I've got a new Kenwood coming from Dennis as well. I wanted to make the 02 a little more modern. Nac, bluetooth, Sirius...

Dennis has other options available and he's one of the truly great vendors on the forum!

 

I'm definitely not an audiphile. Is it primarily the head unit that makes for bad sound or is it the speakers? Would a new head unit with the existing speakers make for a big improvement?

 

I bought my car last year and spent $500 for a single din Kennwood just to be able to stream music,(bad choice). I have been in contact with Dennis at Double D Mods and have a new double din unit coming at the end of the month and I will be using the factory speakers.

 

Ill tell you a story I've told many times... here it goes...
I once had a 100 dollars stereo.. it was great...I then heard a 500 dollar stereo, and my 100 dollar stereo lost it charm. After buying a 600 dollars stereo, I heard a 7,000 dollar stereo. No I did not buy a 7000 dollar stereo, but I can appreciate that at one time I was very happy with my 100 dollar stereo.

I also use to be happy with an 8 dollar bottle of house wine, you know how this story goes...

Now we get to the C5 and the bose system... I can tell you, Dave Hill put most of the money into the drive train, leaving very little for seat quality, or audio quality, etc.

Now on to your thoughts on an upgrade. Do you want a better sounding stero, or do you want a 2016 heat unit, with turn by turn navigation, HD radio, Blue tooth, hands free phone , and texting, rear camera, etc. If this is the case, then you want a big screen sytem that will take your C5 into 2016. You need a budget of between 800 dollars and up for this project, you need to have your radio Bezel upgraded to a Double din. But most importantly, you want to deal with Dennis at Double D mods. He will work with you, and hold your hand through the whole process. It is the single one thing that will make you feel like you are driving a New car, when you sit inside. You can use the existing speakers or upgrade to better speakers , but the head unit will make your system sound better.

My C5 several years ago



My C5 today

 

Looks like I'll be talking to Dennis. I'm not looking to go over the top. I could care less For hands free, Bluetooth ,backup cameras and touch screens. I want somthing simple that offers xm and aux and that will offer a sound quality in level with a 2005 Subaru Legacy haha. I'm looming Into a single din setup.

 

Contact Dennis and he will give you several options, and ask you question that you may not have thought to ask. He is a great guy, and one of the best Vendors on this forum from a customer service point of view.. he is honest, has integrity and is a credit to his parents.
He is the expert in this field.
Bill aka ET

 

I'm in the same boat as you LMFD.... The factory stereo in FRC really isn't that bad but with the new cell phone laws here in Texas and the constant YAK, YAK, YAK on the radio stations and playing less music. I'm thinking I would like a new head unit with Sirius radio, Blue tooth, hands free phone..... BUT I really don't care for or want to spend all that cash for double din head unit, redone console plate, new speaker, amps... etc... (there's better things to spend money on). I would just like a more modern head unit, period.

 

I find myself using Pandora .... all music, and I can feel Beach boys today and their" good vibrations " one day, and then want a taste of The Eagles... Hotel California etc. the next day.

You don't need double din, but do NOT go for a flip up type screen. It will block you very necessary AC center vents.

 

Already did 👌 Thanks for teh help gentleman

 

Exactly! I'll let you know what I decide to do.

 

Basically adding on to everyone but IF you're doing a head unit only (retaining Bose) DD mods sells the module needed (PAC Audio Roem-Vet1), sourced my bezel from him and the head-unit from a friend and it turned out amazing. If you were planning on upgrading the speakers it'd be different lol.

 

Havnt heard back from Dennis yet, I'd imagine he is busy. In the meantime. What are the requirements of a headunit to work with the stock setup. I recall seeing something about having 4vol pre outs and rca ports?

 

You need a (PAC Audio Roem-Vet1 )
to retaining Bose speakers) DD mods sells the module needed
Dennis will set you up so that what ever you buy, and what ever you want to retain ( speakers )will be plug and play.
Give Dennis your budget, and your concerns and interests, he will set up a package specifically for your car, that will be plug and play. Take the old unit out and plug in the New one. Dennis is always available to help with any issue.
Good luck
Bill aka ET
here is a hint, write down your budget, and your questions.. so you have all your bases covered.. when you talk with Dennis take notes because he will offer you some options. I find that sometime you may have a budget but for a few extra dollars you can get a lot more product. Dennis will make it a painless experience, and wont push you into anything or, an immediate sale... you may want to take a day or two to make a final decision.