Stereo Upgrade Options

[c4koh]

All,

I need to replace a few of the Bose amplifiers in my 1992, fine (have done so before - easy enough task).

This being said, I've looked through the various posts on upgrading the stereo, and I'd like (for my own sanity) to hopefully summarize what I think are the options / process, and would appreciate any advice on it.

Default Option - keep existing Bose CD, replace Bose Amplifier units - retains 100% stock in all respects.
Alternatively, send unit to Dr Dons (http://www.doctordons.com/) to be tweaked to add MP3 / AUX line-in, or purchase re-furbished original with same.
End Result: stock, or stock with line-in option for external player (such as MP3 player or iPhone etc.)

Upgrade Option
A. Maintain existing Bose speakers and Bose amplifiers (replacing the amps, if needed, if crackly/blown).
The existing Bose head unit is double-DIN size, and bezels for this can be obtained for example from http://www.doubledmods.com/
The existing Bose unit, while double-DIN height, is (from what I can read) not as deep as a standard unit. Therefore fitting of any general after-part audio system may involve cutting the plastic backing tucked away behind the current Bose CD.
There is a Pioneer DEH-7400 receiver (see Mid America catalog) and some others...
B. Go all-new (head unit and built-in/separate amp), feeding existing speakers (bypassing in-speaker-unit amps) or new speakers.

OK! So, my questions, assuming above is true:

1) Seems like keeping existing Bose speakers, and replacing individual amps (if needed) is the best bang-for-buck and easiest option. Sounds pretty good anyway. True?
2) Installing something like the Pioneer unit is easy enough, and sends line-level signals to the Bose in-speaker-amps, correct?
3) Choosing any off-the-shelf unit (e.g. from Walmart, Amazon etc.) - do I need a special wiring adapter harness?
Do these send line-level to the in-speaker-amps (so needing little re-wiring) or do they send full power (potentially needing re-wiring etc.)

Finally, what am I trying to achieve?
I'd like a decent sounding stereo, stock performance is fine, with line-in (would be great)... and, if it was not too much trouble, a choice of a fancier unit with iPod in (so I can read the song name), has bluetooth (for hands-free calling), and maybe GPS... (in other words - can I shop for any standard unit and somehow fit it!).

Long post, but appreciate any help!

Thanks

Steve

[secondchance]

1) Seems like keeping existing Bose speakers, and replacing individual amps (if needed) is the best bang-for-buck and easiest option. Sounds pretty good anyway. True?

True. Look for amps for similar time frame Infiniti/Nissan amps. These are cheaper since no Corvette tax.

2) Installing something like the Pioneer unit is easy enough, and sends line-level signals to the Bose in-speaker-amps, correct?

You have an option w/ speaker level or line level input converters to work with Bose amps which are 2 ohm system. Most aftermarket systems are 4 ohm system (I might have this backwards...). For this reason you will need a converter to connect aftermarket head unit to work with Bose amps.
I prefer line level input (much cleaner) and used Metra version - Metra 70-1857 Factory Integration Adapter

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400697845842?lpid=82

Wires on this kit is long since this is universal for all Bose equipped GM vihicles including Yukons, etc... You will need to roll it and tuck it somewhere.

3) Choosing any off-the-shelf unit (e.g. from Walmart, Amazon etc.) - do I need a special wiring adapter harness?
Do these send line-level to the in-speaker-amps (so needing little re-wiring) or do they send full power (potentially needing re-wiring etc.)

See response to 3.

Finally, what am I trying to achieve?
I'd like a decent sounding stereo, stock performance is fine, with line-in (would be great)... and, if it was not too much trouble, a choice of a fancier unit with iPod in (so I can read the song name), has bluetooth (for hands-free calling), and maybe GPS... (in other words - can I shop for any standard unit and somehow fit it!).

If you use typical head unit which are 1 DIN size you will need filler panel made to adapt 1 DIN to 2 DIN opening. Search for C4 Corvette radio adapter on Ebay.

[White Bullet]

Finally, what am I trying to achieve?
I'd like a decent sounding stereo, stock performance is fine, with line-in (would be great)... and, if it was not too much trouble, a choice of a fancier unit with iPod in (so I can read the song name), has bluetooth (for hands-free calling), and maybe GPS... (in other words - can I shop for any standard unit and somehow fit it!).

You can use any aftermarket stereo you like. I have used 1 DIN and 2 DIN units and found that the 1 DIN units just did not look right in the factory opening. The 2 DIN units fill the space nicely however if you chose something with a 7" screen it may or may not fit through the radio bezel. I recently replaced mine with a 6.1" screen and it fits through the radio bezel without any modifications. And as with anything you can spend as much or as little as you like and get any features you wish.

[KILLSHOTS]

Steve,

I was originally going to send my Bose off to Dr. Don, as pretty much everything was shot. But after some consideration, I realized that I would have to remove the unit (including the CDM under the dash, requiring the moves of a contortionist), send it off, wait for it to come back, spend about $700 and then reinstall it, only to end up with the same old 1990 technology that is going to break again anyway.

I instead bought a pretty basic Kenwood double-din unit and Rockford speakers from Crutchfield and had a local installer handle the whole job for me. The speakers look totally stock; the only change is the look of the head unit. Sounds great, it's reliable and it only cost me a total of $610.

Do yourself a favor; walk away from that Blose system. It's old junk. You'll be very happy.

[lisounds]

my suggestion is to
go with a double din radio of your choice
new speakers all around and a rewire to each speaker

you can get all the upgrades like:

usb
aux input
bluetooth
dvd
back up camera
navigation

and ofcourse am/fm/cd

the way i do it
the car can go back to stock if you want to down the road




my old 94 convert

i miss her

[c4koh]

All -

Many thanks for the informative replies.

OK, I'm swaying towards spending the $$$ on new equipment. So, please be patient with me (I'm not that quick lol).

To put in a new unit (single or double DIN), I need the wiring harness, and re-wire to new speakers *or* buy the Bose amps for those that are blown, and send line-level to the existing speaker/amp units?

Thanks - I'm not bad once I get it, just take a little bit of getting there! :-)

Steve

[KILLSHOTS]

Originally Posted by c4koh

All -

Many thanks for the informative replies.

OK, I'm swaying towards spending the $$$ on new equipment. So, please be patient with me (I'm not that quick lol).

To put in a new unit (single or double DIN), I need the wiring harness, and re-wire to new speakers *or* buy the Bose amps for those that are blown, and send line-level to the existing speaker/amp units?

Thanks - I'm not bad once I get it, just take a little bit of getting there! :-)

Steve

I highly recommend going to Crutchfield. Choose your car and select "Bose-equipped" and then you can choose whatever head unit you want. Get something with a lot of background color choices so you can match your orange interior lighting. I also highly recommend a double-din, as it'll fit perfectly and you won't have to use one of those ugly plates to blank the extra space. You'll get the dash kit free and I think the Bose harness is half-price with purchase of a head unit, if I remember correctly. I really wanted Infinity speakers but chose to go with Rockford because they were extremely low-profile, so I figured they'd fit perfectly beneath the stock grills, which they did. You should run new wire and go with new speakers because you don't want those Bose speakers with a new head unit; they'll sound like junk and they're going to fail again.

Best of luck!

[Mitsumark]

I see you are located in NY..Don't know where exactly..I'm hoping he doesn't get upset..I'm gonna say it anyway..I had John(LIsounds) above do my stereo install and he did a fabulous job..It consisted of a Pioneer DD unit and all new speakers..Bose was totally eliminated..Watched him do the install and he did everything very neat..Coudnt be happier..Wish my car worked as good as my stereo :-)

[Schrade]

AUX / MP3 input for about $10...

[ghlkal]

Originally Posted by c4koh

To put in a new unit (single or double DIN), I need the wiring harness, and re-wire to new speakers *or* buy the Bose amps for those that are blown, and send line-level to the existing speaker/amp units?

Yes.

BTW, I've gone both ways with the speakers. In my 85, I replaced the head unit and left the bose speakers. I was happy with the sound.

On the Z, the PO really destroyed the sound system, so I replaced the bose speakers with aftermarket. It sounds good to me. (Apparently I can't hear very well ;-)

As mentioned, Crutchfield can provide everything you need, including the line level adapter if you keep the bose speakers.