[Valenti]

I know audio purists may frown on this upgrade, but for those who do not have the money to purchase a new head unit, double DIN (and required HVAC adapters), in addition to the amp and speaker upgrades, this is a very serviceable upgrade and the components will run a little over $1k.

Some of the components were chosen because they were what the audio shop carried, so you may wish to substitute your preferred brand of speakers, etc.

My primary concerns were 1) staying within a budget, 2) not losing ANY trunk room in my coupe (nor using the rear wall of the trunk, since I need to fold the rear seat down regularly), and 3) having a system that no longer sounded painful.

Components: Boston SL60 speakers (front)
Diamond D392i 6x9 in rear
Diamond D3-400.4 amp
Audiocontrol EQS

The Diamond amp accepted the Bose outputs without difficulty (or hum), and was chosen because it fit exactly where the old Bose amp used to sit. The Audiocontrol EQS sits on top of the Diamond, which still allows the original plastic piece to fit on top.

The EQS was needed to help compensate for the Bose HU equalization mess (discussed elsewhere). While the result is not as flat as if using a better HU, it sounds quite good. Best of all, the install is completely transparent.