Stereo Upgrade Options - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

c4koh · 05-09-2014

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

05-09-2014	#1
c4koh Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Fishkill, NY Posts: 87	Stereo Upgrade Options 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