Replacing the Bose

[Andar]

I'm looking into replacing the sound system in my 97 le pathfinder. But the thing I have questions about is if i replace the sound deck will I need to change the speakers and have the whole sound system wiring reconfigured? I am mainly doing this so I can use my Ipod and just update the entire system anyway.

 

Please let me know anything you know about this.

Thanks

[MY1PATH]

If the stock speakers are in good shape you can leave them in when you put in the new deck. But if your going for louder or just an overal update changing them won't hurt either it just takes more time.

[Andar]

If the stock speakers are in good shape you can leave them in when you put in the new deck. But if your going for louder or just an overal update changing them won't hurt either it just takes more time.

 

But i went and asked a guy at a Car Audio store and he said because i have a Bose sound system, I would have to replace everything (Sound deck, speakers, and have it all re-wired). Is he just trying to scam me for more money or is that how i would go about changing my set up?

[01silvapathy]

I am also wondering about this because when I listen to the radio its not as loud as when I plug in my mp3 player through the casette reader, also the turn dial doesnt work and I have to use the steering wheel controls. So I was wondering if I could just get a new faceplate or if I have to get a whole new setup. Keep in mind i Have a 01 LE 3.5

[GoPathyGo]

But i went and asked a guy at a Car Audio store and he said because i have a Bose sound system, I would have to replace everything (Sound deck, speakers, and have it all re-wired). Is he just trying to scam me for more money or is that how i would go about changing my set up?

 

I watched 'em swap out my audio stuff twice and messed with it myself. Depends on what you're changing. There is nothing special about the Bose system.

 

There are 2 sets of components.

 

Hardware - speakers, head unit, amp etc

 

Wiring - connects the hardware together.

 

You can change individual components without changing the wiring, just like you can replace the battery, headlights and taillights in your car without having to pull the entire main wiring harness apart. Head units are typically easy changes and fairly plug and play. Crutchfield will sell head units with adapter kits that will help connect everything up and snap into the dash for a factory look. You could also just buy the dash adapter kit or have a shop build you one. I had a double-DIN unit installed last night and they did a custom adapter. Any decent audio shop will have blanks, ABS plastic, a bench grinder and a file - which is basically what you need to create a custom adapter. Cost me like $20 or something.

 

You DO have to mess with the wiring IF you change the Bose amp for something more exotic, add a subwoofer, add additional speakers etc. But this is NOT a very complicated task. Running the wiring is easy - requires popping plastic trim pieces and takes sometime but is not tough.

 

If you're going to the trouble and expense of replacing the head unit, I would suggest spending the extra money if you can and getting new speakers and a new amp. It makes a big difference (Bose system is weak sauce, IMHO) and you can get quality components without breaking the bank.

 

Audio swaps have become so standard and competition is so fierce that you can now get flat-rate pricing. Try crutchfield.com for components and adapter kits. Try installcard.com to buy a flat-rate card and get a list of shops in your area that accept install cards. I used it and found an awesome shop that I now use for all my electrical needs. They did a double-din install and a dual battery install last night.

 

Hope this helps. Good luck.

- GPG.

Edited June 10, 2009 by GoPathyGo

[01silvapathy]

Thanks for all the info! Ill be looking into this shortly

[OldSlowReliable]

If your want better sound, think about having some subs installed, i just grabbed two very nice subs, plus wiring, and an amp and box, for 80 bucks on craigslist...and they make all the diff in my DD

[Andar]

I didnt even think about Craigslist. Thats a good idea

[OldSlowReliable]

I didnt even think about Craigslist. Thats a good idea

Yeah, the guy i got mine from took 80 bucks for a set listed @ 120....but forgot to give me a few crucial wires he promised....and gas is too much to drive to that city to get them....

 

But between just the two subs i got, it was atleast 100 bucks in stuff