I believe bluetooth is a separate function. Steering wheel controls, however, might get affected. PAC sells modules for this though. If you are looking to keep the stock HU to keep some of the capabilities, including the 6 disc changer, you have to go with OEM integration. You have a few options with this, but not many. There is the Alpine PXE-H650, Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.1 or 3Sixty.2, and the JL Cleansweep.

I would pass on the Alpine if you are interested in processing, it only has 3 bands of EQ from what I remember. It does have a neat feature that auto tunes the equalizer and such, but price is hefty. The RF 3Sixty.1 and .2 have much more capabilities and can do the same as the Alpine, you can use a PDA or laptop to adjust the tuning which can be very helpful, and as a processor it has MUCH more capabilities than the other two units. I haven't looked much into the the JL Cleansweep, but I checked briefly into it's specs and it is kind of like the Alpine, though it does offer more bands of EQ, however, it doesn't have all that many Outputs.

If you wanted to stick with OEM integration, I do have a brand new RF 3Sixty.2 that I planned on using but decided to go with the complete aftermarket route with a standalone processor. I'm selling it for quite cheap as well (cheaper than eBay). If you're interested feel free to PM me or check the Marketplace for my thread.

Also, to add onto what the Bose system is, it is set to have a flat resposne. Many people may not like this flat response and tend to like their music a bit more lively. I can live with the sound, but I like more from it. The 8" sub in the rear deck is weak, the mids actually produce more bass than it. There are many other factory systems that sound better. My gf's Mazda 3 has a pretty good sound system, with excellent midbass but something about the sound I don't like, I think it's missing something. The new Corolla's are supposed to have a pretty good sound package (JBL). Dodge has a good audio system for the lower volume range with some really nice midbass, but crank it up and it won't get loud and sound as clean as the Bose in our ride. Gotta keep in mind that the Bose is flat and more than likely will not please someone who enjoys the feeling and loudness of bass.

 

You should try playing "Bass I Love You" by Basstronics...unfortunately those speakers won't be able to play that low, but with a sub (if it's sealed or ported and tuned VERY low) and if the sub can handle it, that 14 Hz note is really something.

 

Does it make sense to leave the 6x9's disconnected when adding a single sub to the rear?

 

Most aftermarket radios have bluetooth capability and PAC makes steering wheel controls.

With a sub in the trunk, the 6x9s won't add anything ot the sound and may add some distortion.

 

Disconnected them would be a good idea since it will actually bring your soundstage back toward the rear. Some people like the "fill", I personally don't. I like my soundstage in the center at about eye level.

 

if you are going to unplug, i would just remove them so that you can have the opening to free up the sound

 

mine definitely has more bass than mike's... he has the 2003 and i have the 2004, both coupes

 

I guess I will start with the 10 and see how I like the system from there.

 

What 10" sub do you have? I was originally going to go with one of the prototype subs I have from TC Sounds which is a 10" sub, but I found a JL 15w6 (original one) so I'll be using that.

 

I was just going to go with a 10w3 or so and a jl 250.1 or something comparable.