Alternative source for cheap functional Bose speaker amplifiers

[mike100]

As requested, I put together some pictures and part numbers for 95-99 Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 cars that use the same type of Bose amps as the C4 does. They are functionally swappable, but the exact speaker tuning may be slightly different. I found that they sound great in the C4 as they have a similar small/large front to rear (respectively) speaker arrangement.

History- At first I set off to buy a replacement amp for one in the rear that squealed. Once I got that working with a good used Corvette unit (that I parted with $50 for), I realized other amps were weak and another completely dead- I think I had one good one in the whole car. You just couldn't tell because the squealing one was very loud. After reading up on the how-to to replace the capacitors, I redid mine (with used caps from some junkers I procured). Not using new caps was a mistake, but I got 2 out of the 3 working again. One of them failed three weeks later, but I did realize that some would be serviceable. For awhile I was trying to keep it proper using exact oem parts like an NCRS collector would do, but after having taken apart the enclosures a couple times too many, and having spent money for little gain, I considered the information I had found on the Nissans that used this same amplifier.


Nissan front amp- marked 'Sigma 975':
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg.html)

front amp opened:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg.html)

rear amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg.html)

rear amp side-by-side with oem C4 amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg.html)

note on the last picture that some of the electrolytic caps appear missing on the Nissan part, but they are still there, just in different locations as the board had a layout revision. They work and I was hard pressed to hear a difference. You can tell bass/treble tuning if you swap a front to the rear and visa-versa so it is important to get that straight, but they are a good match for the vettes IMO.

I have been able to get mine from a local pull-it-yourself dismantler for $7 each. They are newer than the ones in our cars, and few people care to restore maximas, so this is the prime age for finding tons of these cars in the scrap yard. I have been able to find at least 4 amps each time I visit my local spot. (No, I have not been buying more).

[Dynomite]

Thanks for the information :thumbsup:

[Corbusa]

Ditto Thanks for that info..! I have 3 out in my 89 Z51

[mike100]

Ditto Thanks for that info..! I have 3 out in my 89 Z51

I understand that the 90-96 cars use this style of amplifier with the 6-pin header connection. I don't have a link, but i seem to recall it is possible to retrofit newer amps into older vettes if you are willing to cut and solder the original wiring into the proper location on the newer amp.

[scottfab]

Really good stuff.
Paying $7 for these is a steel.
And it is likely since they are 95 and newer vintage that the
fault found in the mid to late 80s caps will not be there.
There was a world wide defect of capacitors in the 80s that
was well understood by anyone in the electronics industry.
They found there way into the Bose amps.

The main problem with the caps is related to temperature.
They were rated at 85deg C and that was a lie and even at 85deg that
it was too low.
When using new caps the you want to find >100deg C.
@ $7 per amp why bother.
Next time I am by a U-pull it I'm going to look for some spares.
Good find indeed.

[Starman]

Bose has, or at least did have, a remanufacturing service for our speaker/amp modules. You have to send them the complete module and they will send you a remanufactured unit with a warranty. I did all 4 units in my car about 4 years ago for $75 each and it sounds better now than when I bought my car. I have a Pioneer DVD head unit and the Bose speakers really rock with the clean input from iPods, SD Chips, etc.

I have a call in to Bose to get updated information and will post ASAP.

[RHanselman]

Very good to know... I've 4 vettes and all but 1 have speaker issues... $21 per car is much better than $80 per speaker amp...

[Fully Vetted]

Bose has, or at least did have, a remanufacturing service for our speaker/amp modules. You have to send them the complete module and they will send you a remanufactured unit with a warranty. I did all 4 units in my car about 4 years ago for $75 each and it sounds better now than when I bought my car. I have a Pioneer DVD head unit and the Bose speakers really rock with the clean input from iPods, SD Chips, etc.

I have a call in to Bose to get updated information and will post ASAP.

Thanks for running down this info.

[Vetman]

My radio and speakers were out and in a box when I purchased the car. I have the radio head unit, what looks like an amp. About 12 inches by 4 inches, and the four speakers. Are there additional amp's for each speaker?

[mike100]

My radio and speakers were out and in a box when I purchased the car. I have the radio head unit, what looks like an amp. About 12 inches by 4 inches, and the four speakers. Are there additional amp's for each speaker?

The box you describe might be the CDM or radio tuner module...although it isn't quite a foot long. The amps are near the speakers themselves.

[Starman]

Very good to know... I've 4 vettes and all but 1 have speaker issues... $21 per car is much better than $80 per speaker amp...

Ron - I agree and being cheap actually spent about $35 for all the consumable electronics on the amps in Class A grade. That anti-vibration sticky goo was much more prevalent on my amps and near impossible to remove - maybe there is some trick? Even with union Electricians to help, we were afraid of destroying them, so I chickened out and sent them to Bose - a good option for the non technically inclined, with good results.

Anyway the parts did come in handy when the power supply in the HVAC head unit went bad.

[Starman]

The Bose Solution is not so cheap anymore. $140 refurbishes a speaker/amp unit with a 1 year warranty. The contact info is 508-766-9522 (Patty).

[scottfab]

What a GREAT TIP !!
I was keeping my eyes open for one of these and as luck would have it. A friend is donating her car to charity. I noticed it was a 98 Maxima... asked if I could have my way with the sound system and I RIPPED out the amps. Cost? $0
Free is a very good price.

As requested, I put together some pictures and part numbers for 95-99 Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 cars that use the same type of Bose amps as the C4 does. They are functionally swappable, but the exact speaker tuning may be slightly different. I found that they sound great in the C4 as they have a similar small/large front to rear (respectively) speaker arrangement.

History- At first I set off to buy a replacement amp for one in the rear that squealed. Once I got that working with a good used Corvette unit (that I parted with $50 for), I realized other amps were weak and another completely dead- I think I had one good one in the whole car. You just couldn't tell because the squealing one was very loud. After reading up on the how-to to replace the capacitors, I redid mine (with used caps from some junkers I procured). Not using new caps was a mistake, but I got 2 out of the 3 working again. One of them failed three weeks later, but I did realize that some would be serviceable. For awhile I was trying to keep it proper using exact oem parts like an NCRS collector would do, but after having taken apart the enclosures a couple times too many, and having spent money for little gain, I considered the information I had found on the Nissans that used this same amplifier.


Nissan front amp- marked 'Sigma 975':
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg.html)

front amp opened:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg.html)

rear amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg.html)

rear amp side-by-side with oem C4 amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg.html)

note on the last picture that some of the electrolytic caps appear missing on the Nissan part, but they are still there, just in different locations as the board had a layout revision. They work and I was hard pressed to hear a difference. You can tell bass/treble tuning if you swap a front to the rear and visa-versa so it is important to get that straight, but they are a good match for the vettes IMO.

I have been able to get mine from a local pull-it-yourself dismantler for $7 each. They are newer than the ones in our cars, and few people care to restore maximas, so this is the prime age for finding tons of these cars in the scrap yard. I have been able to find at least 4 amps each time I visit my local spot. (No, I have not been buying more).

[Vetman]

Who is Dr. Don I have seen in other forum discussions. Can I sent my bose system in. Where is he located. Is it best to take the car to him?

[Dynomite]

Who is Dr. Don I have seen in other forum discussions. Can I sent my bose system in. Where is he located. Is it best to take the car to him?

Doc Don's (Radio) (http://www.doctordons.com/)

Huntsville, Texas 77320

He has a shipping form on his web site.

That is just some great information right there Mike :thumbsup:

My 91' ZR-1 had rebuilt Speaker Amps which were directly soldered to the connector wires with the connector removed.

I replaced those modified Pigtails with Stock Pigtails having the six pin connectors in tact and used 975 Amps Front and Rear.
The Pigtails are available from Doc Don's Radio for $5 each plus shipping.

WOW....what volume and a super sound :thumbsup:

And ALL those 975s and 075s that were junk at Pull UR Parts worked perfectly....I tested them ALL.

Bose Speaker Amp Options TIPS (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-3.html#post1581564115)

As requested, I put together some pictures and part numbers for 95-99 Nissan Maxima and Infiniti I30 cars that use the same type of Bose amps as the C4 does. They are functionally swappable, but the exact speaker tuning may be slightly different. I found that they sound great in the C4 as they have a similar small/large front to rear (respectively) speaker arrangement.

History- At first I set off to buy a replacement amp for one in the rear that squealed. Once I got that working with a good used Corvette unit (that I parted with $50 for), I realized other amps were weak and another completely dead- I think I had one good one in the whole car. You just couldn't tell because the squealing one was very loud. After reading up on the how-to to replace the capacitors, I redid mine (with used caps from some junkers I procured). Not using new caps was a mistake, but I got 2 out of the 3 working again. One of them failed three weeks later, but I did realize that some would be serviceable. For awhile I was trying to keep it proper using exact oem parts like an NCRS collector would do, but after having taken apart the enclosures a couple times too many, and having spent money for little gain, I considered the information I had found on the Nissans that used this same amplifier.


Nissan front amp- marked 'Sigma 975':
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02694_zps7a15700e.jpg.html)

front amp opened:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02696_zpsb5023417.jpg.html)

rear amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02695_zpsf8b08bac.jpg.html)

rear amp side-by-side with oem C4 amp:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c265/mschrameck/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/mschrameck/media/Cars/DSC02697_zpsb3866acd.jpg.html)

note on the last picture that some of the electrolytic caps appear missing on the Nissan part, but they are still there, just in different locations as the board had a layout revision. They work and I was hard pressed to hear a difference. You can tell bass/treble tuning if you swap a front to the rear and visa-versa so it is important to get that straight, but they are a good match for the vettes IMO.

I have been able to get mine from a local pull-it-yourself dismantler for $7 each. They are newer than the ones in our cars, and few people care to restore maximas, so this is the prime age for finding tons of these cars in the scrap yard. I have been able to find at least 4 amps each time I visit my local spot. (No, I have not been buying more).

[FU]

Cough cough. Hey buddy have a spare ?

[mike100]

!!!!!... and I only found 3 today. BTW, the 6 pin amp fits all 91-up C4 speakers (see my pic comparison of my oem 6-pin 91 amps). I will have to dig back into some links at the other forum to see what the deal was with the wiring to see if you can adapt those to 90-earlier.
Looks like the Bose option was standard on Infiniti and an option on Maximas. It would seem Infiniti stands for unlimited supply of parts in the wrecking yard. I did find that older maximas and Q45 flagship cars also have the Bose speakers- maybe those amps are compatible, but most are 20 years old and I did not bother to break down the speaker enclosures to see what they looked like.

[mike100]

This time my rear amp was marked 'Sigma 975 Rear' similar p/n, but not quite (176059-3321)... I may have to open up my vette enclosure, plug these in and try these new ones out. They look the same as the ones i have pictured above.

I suppose one could make an audio test bench if you had a head unit, the speakers amps, and speakers, but I'm not really trying to go there at the moment.

[mike100]

Do you have a very early 90 car? a brief look into it lists 90-96 speaker amps all the same for the later c4's. 89's are supposed to be different.

[mike100]

Be sure to keep track of front/rear installation because the bass/treble tuning IS important. I could hear the difference when you plug a front into the larger rear speaker enclosure.

The vette wiring harness attaches directly to the 6-pin white connector on the amplifier.

Going to the u-pick-it wrecking yards is a treasure hunt for mechanics. I might go back because I found something for my truck I didn't have the tools for yesterday. My Infiniti find yesterday was a cleaner car that had air-bag deployment. Other cars were completely neglected. I treat my laundry set about the same way tho.. haha.

[mike100]

Just wait a month. Those high volume junkyards turn over the cars fairly quickly. I wish I had known about this when I had my old LT1 C4- there was at leat one bad one in that car too. I now have 7 spare amps- looks like I will trade away a few or maybe save them for another car (you never know-C4's are easy to buy right now...)

[Dynomite]

Just wait a month. Those high volume junkyards turn over the cars fairly quickly. I wish I had known about this when I had my old LT1 C4- there was at leat one bad one in that car too. I now have 7 spare amps- looks like I will trade away a few or maybe save them for another car (you never know-C4's are easy to buy right now...)

My 91' ZR-1 had rebuilt Speaker Amps which were directly soldered to the connector wires with the connector removed.
I replaced those modified Pigtails with Stock Pigtails having the six pin connectors in tact and used 975 Amps Front and Rear.

WOW....what volume and a super sound :thumbsup:

And ALL those 975s and 075s that were junk at Pull UR Parts worked perfectly....I tested them ALL.

Bose Speaker Amp Options TIPS (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-3.html#post1581564115)

[Vette92-97]

!!!!!... and I only found 3 today. BTW, the 6 pin amp fits all 91-up C4 speakers (see my pic comparison of my oem 6-pin 91 amps). I will have to dig back into some links at the other forum to see what the deal was with the wiring to see if you can adapt those to 90-earlier.
Looks like the Bose option was standard on Infiniti and an option on Maximas. It would seem Infiniti stands for unlimited supply of parts in the wrecking yard. I did find that older maximas and Q45 flagship cars also have the Bose speakers- maybe those amps are compatible, but most are 20 years old and I did not bother to break down the speaker enclosures to see what they looked like.
I pulled 3 amps from our 1992 convertible and was wondering if the Maxima amps would work in a convertible. I see that there are different part numbers for coupe and convertibles. We are looking to sell our 1992 and I don't want to put a ton of money into the stereo system.

Thanks

Mike Boggs
94 ZR-1 AB/Blk
92 C4 white/white/white
97 C5 white/blk

[mike100]

I pulled 3 amps from our 1992 convertible and was wondering if the Maxima amps would work in a convertible. I see that there are different part numbers for coupe and convertibles. We are looking to sell our 1992 and I don't want to put a ton of money into the stereo system.

Thanks




I can't say for sure without doing a little research on C4 vert amplifiers, but I suspect the only differences are speaker tuning for different sized speakers in a different enclosure. Just so long as you keep the rear nissan amps in the rear, I think it would be an adequate replacement. pretty sure the electrical hookup is the same as the coupes and should still be plug-and-play.

[Vette92-97]

I can't say for sure without doing a little research on C4 vert amplifiers, but I suspect the only differences are speaker tuning for different sized speakers in a different enclosure. Just so long as you keep the rear nissan amps in the rear, I think it would be an adequate replacement. pretty sure the electrical hookup is the same as the coupes and should still be plug-and-play.

I can't say for sure either, but I think we are on the same page. The only information I have found on differences in the two amps is the convertible amp puts out 75 watts and the coupe amp only puts out 50 watts. The convertible amp has two more capacitors than the coupe amp. I went ahead and purchased a set of 4 nissan amps (2 front and 2 rear) that are the 075 version. I will test as soon as they arrive. The electrical hookups are all the same so this should work. My goal is to get this working before heading off to Bloomington Gold at the end of the month. Thanks for your advice and quick response.:cheers:

Mike Boggs
94 ZR-1 AB/Blk
92 C4 white/white/white
97 C5 white/blk

[95 LT5]

Picked up a set of 075's from a 99 maxima. Car just arrived the day before. Amps were in Great condition, and work beautiful. Also found 2 from a 2000 nissan pathfinder 077's also work great. Think there only 2 fronts that had amps on them. Different kind of setup on this one.
Bought the speakers from both cars, will test them later this week.
:cheers:

[Vette92-97]

The amps I purchased showed up yesterday and I had a chance this evening to install 2 rear amps and 1 front amp. They were actually the sigma 975 amps not the 075 that I originally thought I purchased. They were plug and play so the install went very quickly. I'm happy to say that the stereo works perfectly with a minimal investment. Thanks to all on this forum for their input and sharing ideas. Without you guys, I would have spent at least $250 to repair the old amps. I'm a very happy camper this evening.:dancing

Mike Boggs

94 ZR-1 AB/Blk
92 C4 white/white/white
97 C5 white/blk

[ZR-1 Black Beauty]

[QUOTE=Dynomite;184083]My 91' ZR-1 had rebuilt Speaker Amps which were directly soldered to the connector wires with the connector removed.
I replaced those modified Pigtails with Stock Pigtails having the six pin connectors in tact and used 975 Amps Front and Rear. =QUOTE]

My 90 ZR-1 also has the direct soldered wires on the amp. I bought some used Bose amps and stock 6 pin connectors, but realized the wiring (at least the colors) on the soldered amp and the connector are different.

Does anyone know how to match the amp and connector wire colors or at least have a wiring diagram (color and function) for the 1990 soldered amp?

Thanks!

[mrand]

[QUOTE=Dynomite;184083]My 91' ZR-1 had rebuilt Speaker Amps which were directly soldered to the connector wires with the connector removed.
I replaced those modified Pigtails with Stock Pigtails having the six pin connectors in tact and used 975 Amps Front and Rear. =QUOTE]

My 90 ZR-1 also has the direct soldered wires on the amp. I bought some used Bose amps and stock 6 pin connectors, but realized the wiring (at least the colors) on the soldered amp and the connector are different.

Does anyone know how to match the amp and connector wire colors or at least have a wiring diagram (color and function) for the 1990 soldered amp?

Thanks!Hopefully you've already got it figured out, but just for future reference, it looks like the connections are well pictured here:

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-3.html#post1581564115

Marc