• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Radio Replacement

R

ratthedd

GUEST
Will the Bose audio system from the EXT fit in an AV?
 
Supposedly when they install the bose radio in cars BOse does testing blah blah and then mount specific stuff in certain locations for superior blah blah blah.

They say it has a different harness blah blah.

I for one think it could be done.
 
Of course it can - It just depends on how hard you want to work to accomplish it ;D.

More seriously, I think the Bose system has additional amplifiers and indeed probably a different harness as well as more and different speakers. Sounds like a major project, but certainly do-able!
 
I actually spent some time at a local Cady dealer last weekend because they had an EXT in stock. Got to sit inside it with the dealer with my AV parked right next to it to discuss the Bose system. I don't want to stop you from trying but, here's my observations.

Overall sound...the Bose system is nice, but probably not worth the money you would invest in parts. The head unit has a cassette player and no cd. It is a cd controller and the cd unit is a nice small single slot 6 disc changer located below. The EXT's center console between the seats is completely different than the AV and the units would not just pop in. The speakers are nice. They squeezed component tweeters in the front door pillars, but they stll rely upon 6.5 - 6.75" speakers in the doors to do the rest of the work. IMHO this is not enough for tight bass. These speakers are really overworked on bass. It would be nice if the 6 disc changer could be retrofitted somehow to fit in the AV console, and the pillar trim from the EXT would be nice to give a good finish to the tweeters but...

If you have the chance, go to a cady dealer and listen for yourself. Probably not worth the effort...

p.s. all the cady salesguys (also a GMC dealer) like the AV better but that's another topic...
 
Does this look like it would fit in the dash?

electronman_1673_11731445


Take this link to find out more about the unit: http://mnrelectronics.com/par1619chevt.html

http://mnrelectronics.com/delcoradios1.html

Since Caddy also has the OnStar system, I'm guessing you wouldn't lose out there. ?As far as connecting harnesses go, it shouldn't be too difficult to roll your own as long as you have the pinouts.

Edited by Chief - image to large
Edited by ratthedd - replaced image with a smaller one ;D
 
On another thread about wholesale GM parts, there was a CD changer that doesn't work with systems that already have CDs in them. It that's the case, you could theoretically purchase the Delco Bose head pictured above for ~$250 and the CD changer, stick it in your console or replace the funky 4 CD holder in the front and Voilla! you've got a better head with multi CD access. You might still have to hook up additional amps and speakers, but for anyone who wanted a better system and still keep their OnStar capability I think it's doable.

What's behind the CD holder in the AV, and how much extra space is there under and in front of the console? Could I fabricate my own sub and stick it in there?
 
Folks, about the Bose...

I am a big Bose fan, at home and in some of our cars in the past (sigh, but not currently) -- but you need to understand this; Bose does NOT make the head unit on any vehicle - ever! They make the speakers, and add some circuitry to the mfg's head unit, change wiring, etc. for automotive systems. They tweak components for each vehicle to accomodate the unique acoustics of that vehicle. This may all be a bunch of hooey, but they always sound great to my ears.

From the FAQ are of the Bose web site;
.................................
"Can I buy the parts to add a Bose music system to my car if:
A) My car?s manufacturer does not offer a Bose system as an option?
No.
B) My car?s manufacturer does offer a Bose system as an option, but I didn?t get it when I bought the car?
No.
Here?s why: Each of our automotive music systems is custom-tailored to take advantage of its particular car model?s acoustics. It is engineered as part of the car itself, and installed on the car manufacturer?s assembly line. During installation, the system?s elements become part of the automobile; even the wiring can be different than you find in traditional music systems. And, of the utmost importance, special acoustic checks and balances are performed to ensure that the sound quality meets our standards. Thus, we do not sell our systems or the individual parts as aftermarket products."
..........................................

That said, I wish my AV had a Bose system, but IMO, you'd be better off going to a custom stereo shop and buying a nice aftermarket system (instead of trying to recreate the Bose) My two cents...
 
I myself just like naylor checked out the Bose website only to see that hoop-la above about how the Bose are installed on the line, and you can't just by a Bose system and install it as an aftermarket accessory...blah-blah-blah....

My wife has the Bose in her 01' Passat, they sound really good....seems like those things don't distort even if you tried to make them.....really nice quality sound....
 
naylor99 said:
[ snip ]

That said, I wish my AV had a Bose system, but IMO, you'd be better off going to a custom stereo shop and buying a nice aftermarket system (instead of trying to recreate ?the Bose) My two cents...

The only reason I would want to go with the Delco/Bose system is to keep the full functionality of the OnStar system. I realize there are aftermarket fixes to the OnStar problem, but I'd like to keep my AV looking and behaving as stock as possible. Of course the less noticeable performance and convienence items would be added.
 
That makes sense... In that case, I would think the way to go would be; keep your existing head unit, and concentrate on speaker upgrades, adding a CD changer somewhere, etc. As I understand it, Onstar is integrated into the head unit, or am I missing something? You have some choices, anyway. Good luck with it.
 
There are two products that are about to hit the market.

(1) Digistar manufactured by SoundGate soundgate.com
(2) OS-1 manufactured by PAC go2pac.com

These are both Onstar interfaces that will plug right into the factory harness. So start picking out your aftermarket CD or DVD players (I've already installed mine)

Please don't waste your time or money with the Bose system. Bose is a joke among the audiophile community.

You're best to start out by improving your front staging. Most any 6-1/2" component speaker set will fit in the front doors. Installing a subwoofer in the center console is a very nice addition as well (that would require an amp).

It all depends on how much you love music or how deep your pockets are. But then again, you did spend 30K + on your AV. My pappy always tought me that you don't buy $10 shoes to wear with a $1,000 suit.

MY AVALANCHE ROCKS!

 
Back
Top