Speaker Help 2004
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Chicago NW Suburbs
Speaker Help 2004
Looking for your help. I am interested in upgrading my existing Bose speaker system but need it to be DIY friendly (limited electrical/stereo knowledge, time, etc.). My thought was to purchase the Metra front speaker adapter system and replace the 8” sub and 3-1/2” tweeter with a 6-1/2” 2-way speaker (using the same for the rear). Knowing the 3-1/2” is powered by the radio and the 8” has a built-in amp, I planned to simply use the 3-1/2” wiring for the new speaker and dead-head the 8” wire. However, after talking to an on-line retailer I was told this will not work as the existing 3-1/2” wire carries mid and high frequencies/tones only and the 8” carries the low. Is this correct and if so other suggestions? Thanks everyone!
Account disabled 22 DEC 2025
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 28
From: Pensacola FL
I did the simplest update possible, I kept the Bose head unit. I changed the two front door 3 1/2 speakers with JBL 2 ohm. I changed the polarity when I wired them up per forum members instructions. I kept the Bose subwoofers in the doors did not have too touch. I changed out the two back speakers 6 1/2 also JBL
I have a 2004 coupe with cd player.
For me night and day on sound alone, much more clearer. This is my stop gap measure for awhile until I go all out with the double din new head unit, adding all the new tech, blue tooth, back up camera etc.
On this forum there is all sorts of how to do anything you need write ups, how to do it, what brands, models ,pricing etc. (RADIO/SPEAKERS)
I looked at all the post, options I wanted to do right now, and went with forum members instructions, recommendations.
I have a 2004 coupe with cd player.
For me night and day on sound alone, much more clearer. This is my stop gap measure for awhile until I go all out with the double din new head unit, adding all the new tech, blue tooth, back up camera etc.
On this forum there is all sorts of how to do anything you need write ups, how to do it, what brands, models ,pricing etc. (RADIO/SPEAKERS)
I looked at all the post, options I wanted to do right now, and went with forum members instructions, recommendations.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,136
Likes: 2,983
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Looking for your help. I am interested in upgrading my existing Bose speaker system but need it to be DIY friendly (limited electrical/stereo knowledge, time, etc.). My thought was to purchase the Metra front speaker adapter system and replace the 8” sub and 3-1/2” tweeter with a 6-1/2” 2-way speaker (using the same for the rear). Knowing the 3-1/2” is powered by the radio and the 8” has a built-in amp, I planned to simply use the 3-1/2” wiring for the new speaker and dead-head the 8” wire. However, after talking to an on-line retailer I was told this will not work as the existing 3-1/2” wire carries mid and high frequencies/tones only and the 8” carries the low. Is this correct and if so other suggestions? Thanks everyone!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Chicago NW Suburbs
Thanks Ravenfire! I will likely go down this path. Two questions, can I go with 4 ohm speakers versus the 2 ohm you used - seem to have more 4 ohm options. Secondly, can you explain why the need to reverse the polarity versus plug and play? Thanks again for your help.
Account disabled 22 DEC 2025
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 27
Likes: 28
From: Pensacola FL
Speakers
The Bose system is 2 ohm I figured less hassle when using the stock head unit. You only have to change polarity on the little front speakers because Bose wire there stuff differently from aftermarket norms. The back speakers you use a little wire harness made just for the corvette and that is plug and play.
