i tried a search but couldnt come up with the answers. i want to install amp & subs to my existing bose system in my 98 cl. i found instructions for 2nd gen but not sure if its exactly the same. whats the best way to go about this? i dont want to replace anything, just add. i know most people dont like the bose system, but i think it sounds decent, just need more bass. im not trying to win any competitions, its just for my pleasure. any help with this would be appreciated.

 

I added to my Bose stock system and think that it sounds nice. On my signature you can see what I added. I eventually want to add a different head unit but then that means I have to replace all the speakers. For a normal everyday bass the set up I have seems to work for me. Don't think that I could win any bass off's but who cares!

--gina

 

you dont have to replace your stock speakers if you replace your headunit, they work just fine. The only problem with your amp is you need RCA jacks and your stock headunit doesnt have these. You will need to get a converter that connects to the speaker wire. I am not sure how much they are but I will sell you one cheap if you want, I no longer need it.

 

I kept my stock head unit and put in a new amp, components, 6 x 9s, and two 12" subs.

Even if you choose not to change your stock speakers (and just add an amp and your subs), it may be worth your while to unplug the harness from the stock amp, tap into the stock harness, and run connecting wires to your new amp. This way you have have the benefit of more power running to your stock speakers (in addition to having new subs). This allows you to keep using your stock speaker wires (which saves time and hassle).

All of this can be achieved and the only negative I can see is that you lose the ability to fade your speakers from front to back. This adjustment (on the head unit) will now be used to increase or decrease the output level of the subs. Otherwise, you retain all of the functions of the stock head unit, have an increase in power to your stock speakers, and get the bass you want from your subs.

This has worked very well for me.

 

To elaborate on dustbuster's description.

First off, DO NOT put an aftermarket amp to the stock speakers... you'll most likely ruin the amp (unless its a high end model) and the speakers will really sound worse than before because they cannot handle the extra power. You can add a sub very easily... if you already have a sub/amp combo, or have one in mind thats great... a good thing for the amp to have is speaker level inputs. If it does not, an adapter can be purchased for about $20, called a line output converter. If you do not have a sub/amp combo in mind, I highly recomend the Infinity Bass Link, this thing is awesome for adding just the right amount of bass. It cannot really be heard out of the viechle, but inside it will pound away if you want it to... but its great for any kind of music no matter how you listen to it. Either way, instalation is simple. You need a fused power cable from the battery and a good grounding point to start with. Your audio signal is already in the trunk, so no RCA cables are needed. You can run the speaker level inputs of a Basslink or an amp, or the line output converter from your rear speakers or the input of the stock amp (recomended). If you would like more info let me know. I can go into much more detail.

 

if i tap into the stock amp which wires do i tap into? i alreary have amp & subs. the amp needs rca jacks and remote. if anyone could tell me which wires (color?) to tap into that would be faaannntastic!

 

You can go to my web site and see the diagrams: Amp Wiring

When you click on each photo, you can get a larger photo by clicking on "Get Original Uploaded Photo".

 

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I had heard that Bose is only compatable with Bose? And that if you change your head unit you have to change your Bose speakers and vise versa.

My amp powers my subs and works with my stock speakers just fine. Has never cut off or anything.

--gina

 

At one point, I didn't have enough time to have my components installed, so I was running Infinity Reference 6 x 9s, my JBL 12s, and the stock door speakers/dash tweeters through my aftermarket amp. Everything worked fine (except that the Bose speakers suck, compared to the Infinity's).

 

Use a line output converter, the amp will get a much cleaner signal. Your remote turn on wire is also at the amp, so theres no need to run one from the deck.

 

got it installed! my amp actually had a line converter built into it. so i didnt have to use an aftermarket converter. (i didnt even realize it had one cause i had it installed in my last car to aftermarket headunit) so just pulled from rear speakers, pulled remote from stock amp, and used same ground as stock amp.

 

Congrats!

How does it sound?

 

got 2 10" kickers runnin 200 watts per channel from sony xplod amp. i like the way it sounds. was able to adjust the stock headunit bass to -5, and treble to +5, so the bose speakers really only handle highs.