I'm an old fart, but I like a great sounding system. My teen daughter also likes/wants a great sounding system, but she wants the monster sub system. Maybe I'm old fashion, but rock and southern rock with a deafening sub isn't my choice. So, since it is her car, I am having to upgrade her system for Christmas the way she wants it. I offered to get her a DVD, GPS touch screen or upgrade the amp and speakers of her existing Bose system, assuming an upgrade is possible. I told her I'd get her the DD Kit and touch screen, but that I could not upgrade her speakers/amp and add subs. She said she would rather have the amps and subs and not spend the money on the new head.

Okay, I'm sure everybody is confused now. So here is what I'd like to know:
1. If I kept the Bose head, where would/should I put 500.00?
2. If I convinced her to go with a new head for now, how can I jack up the sound cheaply so she is happy (for the moment). Amp?
3. Or should I go with a cheaper, standard head, and replace all?

I guess I should just ask: How can I make my daughter's system pound for 500.00 starting with the factory Bose system? And I plan on doing some lightly used shopping off Craigslist, so keep that in mind.

A scatter-brained post ... I hope you guys get it what I'm up against!

 

Message wrathnut. Hes the stereo expert on the site.

Personally i would try and convince her to the dd w/ touch and nav. The stereos on these cars go out and wont play cds. Some malfunction further and make the a.c. erradic.

The car has a built in sub in the back that would need to be upgraded. Anything from Audiobahn to JL is quality stuff. Your going to need someone who knows a little about wiring to splice into the stock harness in the rear to add the remote line and such.

 

So the DD touch head and upgrade the sub? Will the existing system push a decent sub?

 

Sorry just reread what i had posted. It has an amp in the back. It is to power the Bose speakers not a sub.

The problem is that its a known issue the radios go out. It sucks an even mine cant play cds right now.

The problem is that the DD kits are expensive w the circuit boards to run the A/C. Its easily going to be over $500 used. Msg Wrathnut he can probably give you insight on running a sub off the Bose for now.

 

I have done the DD install and am moving to installing an amp in a couple of weeks.

For $500 your not going to get much for a headunit.
Dash kit Metra $100
JDM Dash Kit $300 (JDM looks alot better)
Metra Harness to go from stock wiring to aftermarket headunit $20
Metra Antenna adaptor $10

And you are not even buying a radio yet.

If you do replace the radio, Pioneer is the way to go. It uses the same outputs (unbalanced) as the stock headunit. So it will play well with the BOSE amp and not sound like crap.

Or you can go the route of just adding an amp and a sub to the stock system. For $500 you can do this. Just remember that the BOSE headunit does a history of problems.

As stated above PM Wrathnaut (?) or myself if you need more help.

 

haha i spelled it wrong

 

i would just install the sub..there's a sub diy with bose system. I think the stock speakers are fine. You don't need her blowing out windows or anything.

 

Add $1000 dollars to the original $500 and you can get something decent.

 

She has a G35 and she is 17, she is not getting a $1,500 system. My max to upgrade her system would be 600. I get it, but 1,500 is not happening. And I feel certain I can come up with a great sounding system on a budget.

It looks like I can get the DD kit for about 150, though I know it is not the best. I have priced lightly used heads with Nav for about 350-400. I have a friend with years of install experience and the dash video. Without Nav, I see a bunch of affordable options.

Back to the keeping of existing Bose. As long as I can keep the upgrades made now and can use/keep when the Bose craters, I don't mind keeping the Bose. Upgrade the amp and add a sub?? Will the existing speakers handle a bigger amp (how big) and the system accommodate a sub? I'll check out the diy bose sub above, but need some advice on how much amp can the factory system handle? Don't be too concerned with budget I mentioned, as I can go up a little and also plan on shopping lightly used. She will not care.

 

How about the AVH-P4200DVD? I can add Nav for her Birthday in June. I found it lightly used for 275.00 and 360.00 new, free shipping.

Spool said "It uses the same outputs (unbalanced) as the stock headunit," speaking of Pioneer. I don't know what that means, but I'm good with it. Oh, and will all of this work with the steering wheel audio controls?

From there, where to put another 150 or so? I'm at 500 and will go 650 total. No lectures about the budget, it's all I have. Don't forget, Mom will be doing her own version of Christmas for my girl.

 

Just amp the sub not the speakers. The speakers already has a amp. If your going to add a aftermarket amp to the bose speakers, check the ohm ratings. Bose systems tend to use lower ohms then regular aftermarket speakers and amps. If you put on a amp with too many ohm, you run the risk of blowing out your speakers.

I say add the sub first and see how it sounds. Sub and amp I would say would only cost around $200.

 

Sub, amp for $200. Must be crap. Don't forget the box and amp kit.

 

Good luck with your budget :-)

 

i bought my 10'' eclipse sub with box and 250watt eclipse amp on a honda forum for $160. Its been 5yrs and its still going strong. Its not a powerful as a w7 but its strong enough to shake the windows when i up the volume.

My buddy also bought a w7 with ported box for $350 on craigslist. When that sub hits, it hits so hard that it makes all the interior lights dim at full volume on his civic.

But not everyone needs that kind of bass. Most people are happy long as they can get a good mid range base.

There deals out there, you dont need to spend $1000 to have a decent system anymore.

 

I'm kind of miffed how some people don't get that others have to find a way to be budget minded whether it be a wedding, dinner, tires or, well a stereo system. If I had a wad of money to spend on my system, I'd drop our G off somewhere and sign a check.

Tem, I found a 4200 new for 329.00. I want to buy the kit and Pioneer, then add a sub and amp the sub. For now. Not to say I won't bump it up later and add Nav, but for now. I am sitting at 500 for the kit and Pioneer. I'll shop for a used sub and amp. I'm not good at this. Will the factory Bose speakers and amp still work as it is now when I replace with the 4200? Then just add on the amp and sub?? And what is the best way to house the sub? Do you have pictures of yours?

I want to thank everyone for contributing. I know it frustrates some when a newbie comes in with unrealistic numbers for systems, but it's either that or do nothing. Thanks again all!