I have an 01 with the factory NAV system. System has no sub's in the rear as I think the later BOSE system did.

I would love some recommendations for a moderate improvement to the overall system. Not sure where to spend the money most effectively: head unit, amps, replacement speakers. I would love systems that require minimal modifications.

Hear again, not looking for competition winning setup, just something with a little more punch and clarity and a NAV not designed in 1990. Don't want to cover-up the engine noise!

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Search this forum... tons of stuff from a bunch of members. You will be able to see what your looking for right away rather than waiting for someone to respond. I have some posts as well... That may be all you need to get started.

Regards,
Bryan

 

Smith 3933,

Here are a couple of links that might help some are extreme. But, might give you some ideas. The other is probably what you're looking for.

http://www.gpsfever.com/index.php/archives/80

http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/car-...o-install.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRiodWO_r84

 

You are exactly where I was about a year ago... I replaced the speakers with Infinity Kappas, replaced the head unit with Pioneer AVIC120BT, replaced the AMP with Alpine PDX-5 and added a sub enclosure that I made at home. The sound is MUCH better now...

 

I guess my first concern, is what reasonable priced speakers will fit in where the existing dash and door speakers currently reside. I thought I had found a reference to a 6" speaker fitting the door with some mod to the existing enclosure.

Keith

 

You can only fit 4" speakers in the enclosure without modifications. Putting 6" speakers in there would require extensive mods - it's tight.

 

Oh, I had thought stock was 5" or 5.25" in the door panels and 1" and 4" in the dash. I haven't removed the panels to have a close-up look.

 

Ah, I was talking about all the other speakers - you are right - the doors are 5.25" and you could probably make 6.25" fit in there with just a little fiddling.

 

I upgraded mine recently with the kenwood 9960 which was just discontinued (the new model is the 9980). I am very happy with the headunit and the only regret is not having done the upgrade a couple years ago! Keep in mind that the factory AMP will not work since there is some issue with the factory nav. As such, as a minimum you need an amp. I did it assuming I could use the factory amp but I now have to go back to the shop and get an amp installed (planning on the JL 600/6). I will see how that sounds and then decide if I want a sub and new speakers. The issue is that a nice new system is (all new speakers, 2 subs concealed, 2 amps, new headunit) is at least 5k which I wasnt planning to spend. I will post comments once I get the amp installed....

 

Where is the factory amp located? I do have the NAV system and guess I was thinking maybe a simple speaker and amp upgrade might do the trick and keep the existing head unit for now?

Keith

 

Trying to upgrade the stock system is like trying to fix a bullet wound with a band aid. You might as well stick with what you have rather waste money on it. The problem is the BOSE system goes out of its way to be very difficult to mod with all it "proprietary" features. (4 ohm amp and speakers, optical loop etc). Best idea is to gut it out completely and replace the whole thing with a good double din head unit which will looks stock, give you great voice activated GPS/NAV, a DVD that plays when ever you want it to, Blue tooth that works, Sat Radio and Back up Cam options, IPOD controls and multi channel outputs. A good multi channel amp with a separate subwoofer amp, new speakers all around and a subwoofer.

As a simple reality check see how much an updated nav disc and an Ipod /blue tooth interface costs (and you're still left with the no highs, no lows must be BOSE sound system), then compare that to the price of a new system.

 

So much for moderate

But I do agree if you can swing it.

Jim

 

My 2001 doesn't have the BOSE system...yes trying to go for moderate... some speakers and maybe a separate amp for some extra punch...

 

Different dog, same fleas. At least you'll be junking less expensive stuff. I've had 6 Porsches. All the sound systems sucked. You might scout around for a complete used Bose system off a 2002+ car as many guys have pulled the entire system out and there isn't a huge resale market for them. That would be an more moderate upgrade approach and it should be plug and play provided you get all the cables with the optic loop. You'll end up with a stock system, slightly better sound and lots of fun putting it in.

 

If you have NAV you will probably not be able to use the stock head unit with a commercial amp. The head unit will try to sync the security code and the AMP won't respond - so it won't work.

Here is where the amp is...