Bose?

Question: I use to own a Q45(2002) and the speakers were blown (rear), I wanted to replace it all (front/rears) but I kinda figured Bose was going to be way to expensive. I was just going to swap it with some decent speakers.
I been told by someone that if you car has a Bose system, to get the best quality and bang for the buck you need to either go all Bose or no Bose at all. Any truth to this? Or was there a way to just throw some speakers to replace it? Thanks!

[QUOTE=KA-9;58872]Question: I use to own a Q45(2002) and the speakers were blown (rear), I wanted to replace it all (front/rears) but I kinda figured Bose was going to be way to expensive. I was just going to swap it with some decent speakers.
I been told by someone that if you car has a Bose system, to get the best quality and bang for the buck you need to either go all Bose or no Bose at all. Any truth to this? Or was there a way to just throw some speakers to replace it? Thanks![/QUOTE]

There is some truth to that. BOSE has build in equalization in all their components that all work together for the end sound. Changing just the headunit, or amp, or speakers can be done, but you are taking away part of the total equation. The end result is a crap shoot. It may sound just fine, or it may sound a little odd (As if you had a mis-adjusted EQ). If the KA9 BOSE is similar to the KA7/8 BOSE than it uses 2 ohm speakers. Electrically any 2 OHM aftermarket speaker will drop right in without harm to the amplifier. One time I dropped in 2 OHM Soundstream 6X9 in the rear of my old KA8 Coupe and it sounded very good. Up front I dropped in 2 Ohm 6.5" Coax Soundstreams and it sounded very bright.

My suggestion is to give the replacement speakers a try. If it sounds okay then leave well enough alone. If it doesn't, you would have to replace the rest of it anyway. I would say keeping the OEM headunit though is a good option as many amps have built in EQ's and X-Overs where you can get a good end result. At one point I used the stock BOSE headunit and ran Precision Power amps and Diamond Audio speakers.

From what I've heard, Bose uses low quality drivers.  Try browsing here for the drivers you want: [url]www.partsexpress.com[/url]  

I am sure you'll find speakers that'll easily beat the Bose speakers for a very good price.

Wow thanks for your knowledge :thumbsup:

bose is on par with anything youve tossed into the trash as far as sound quality is concerned.

[QUOTE=Pseudonym;59572]bose is on par with anything youve tossed into the trash as far as sound quality is concerned.[/QUOTE]

Amen to that. Audiophiles call the stuff "Blows."

[QUOTE=Pseudonym;59572]bose is on par with anything youve tossed into the trash as far as sound quality is concerned.[/QUOTE

LOL..... Why don't people understand that. I don't think I've ever heard a stock system worth leaving in.

bose = no highs.. no lows..

[QUOTE=MS9;60232]bose = no highs.. no lows..[/QUOTE]

Reviving an old thread but...

Normally I would agree with this...but before I left for Okinawa I sat in a Chevy Envoy with the BOSE system.  I have no idea why, but that system was damn near perfect.  I really couldn't find any reason to add anything to that system as a daily driver.

not to thread jack, but if I want to replace the factory headunit is there a way I can keep the factory speakers or do I have to replace everything?  It might not be the greatest but it sounds good to me and i'd rather not have to replace everything if I don't have to.

In My 95 LS400 Im Running All Stock Speakers Inside Beside Adding A JL Sub For A Lil More Boom. So Yes You Can Keep Your Stock Speakers Inside With An Aftermarker Deck. You Just Have To Wiring Everything Up. If You Are Going To Do It Yourself Im Pretty Sure Crutchfield Has A Lil Manual For You. All You Really Need Is Wire Diagram For Your Car. I Have A Pioneer AVH-P5700 So I Can Play Music Video And Sooner Or Lata Add Headrest Tv.

BlOSE systems in 2002 and newer Audis rock, I think! Besides them, I have never heard a decent sounding BlOSE system.

[QUOTE=cvc9216;82271]not to thread jack, but if I want to replace the factory headunit is there a way I can keep the factory speakers or do I have to replace everything?  It might not be the greatest but it sounds good to me and i'd rather not have to replace everything if I don't have to.[/QUOTE]

Usually the answer is "yes", but it depends on the car :pat: 

What do you have?