Hey, guys

I've been calling different audio installation retailers for pricing quotes and I'm way more confused than when I first started. First, I called Hifi Buys thinking they would probably do better job than Bestbuy or Circuit city (Mind you that I'm not looking for custom installation). They quoted me at $293.00 for entire instllation ($45 for HU, $59 for sub & amp, $115 for single 12" single sub box, $29 for amp wiring kit and $45 for RCA cable (decent one at that) ).

Then I called couple of other non-corporated brand retailers and their prices all vary. One place I called AREA 41 in kennesaw, GA told me something that was way different than others and that's what got me started this thread hoping for better explanation. Their installation pricings weren't too different from Hifi-buys but the technician told me that with stock Bose headunit, I would have to install Bose Adapter that would bypass the stock amp for our stock speakers. I'm putting in Alpine HU but keeping my speakers in F and R. This would cost me $100 just for installation. He made it sound like my stock speakers WILL not play off aftermarket HU and I'm questioning if that's true. No other retailers have not mentioned this to me and he claims that he knows more than anyone else in this martket. (BS?)

Now, I'm in dilemma whether to just say screw it and go to the nearest hifi-buy and cough off $300 to get it installed or drive out to kennesaw (I'm in Atlanta BTW) and spend extra $100 for this Bose Adapter he's talking about. What do you guys think?

p.s I appreciate it if anyone can recommend me more reputable audio retailers in Atl, GA

 

I'm Batman can help ya on the recommendations I betcha.

As far as the Bose adapter, the issue is this. Almost no shop (hiFiBuys, CC, BB, Rea 41, ANYBODY) know much about the audio electronic signals from your HU to your amp.

But they are scared of them because when they've messed with OEM amps and OEM Hus they have had noise problems that they stuggle to get rid of, so they avoid.

The truth is that the Bose GM systems use a signal called balanced diffferential. This is the same 3-wire signal used with pro-sound mike XLR cables.

Most aftermarket gear uses two-wire "single-ended" RCA cables.

You can't plug one type into the other - no workee.

So with GM cars with Bose systems, you NEED the Bose adapter. With Acuras, you don't - Acuras use single-ended signals. No adpater needed.

Now, that doesn't mean the installer doesn't BELIEVE that he needs the adapter - he probably DOES beleive it. The adapter makers really don't want to educate the installer base too much - they want their products to seem like magic boxes. Unless an installer has an oscilloscope and a test CD, he really can't tell the difference betwen the two systems very well.

Now, I'll tell you that you MIGHT have some engine noise with the OEM amp, but probably not - we've had people here take their RCA outputs of teh aftermarket CD and run them into a set of chopped-off RCA cables and connect the chopped end to the signal wires of the OEM HU-amp harness, and it worked just fine.

 

Bab-Please PM me so I can give you some recommendations.

 

okay, Ed.. I appreciate your comment but that almost makes no sense to me... sorrie!!! put it in a term that I'll understand. Will I need this adapter? Should I go against their recommendation if I were to get it installed there? Then again, I highly doubt they'll continue their work if I refuse their idea. What do u think?

 

If I were you I'd research the board - find the wiring diagrams and the threads with the car you have where someone did driver the OEM amp with the RCAs out the back of the deck (I think there was one like 3 months ago?). If you can provide the wiring diagram and the evidence that it's worked for other people, then I'm kinda certain you can get them to do it the way that worked before.

Whaddya think, IB?

 

Sorry, off topic:

Policeman: "Is this true?"

Bill Murray: "Yes, it's true... This man has no dick."

<scuffle ensues>

Murray: "Well, that'swhat I heard!"

 

Well that is a left turn???

 

Bab - Do take some of the info on this site to who ever does your system. A good installer will use this. If not have them call me...

 

Well I keep seeing the title of the damn thread, finally decided to share : )

 

You can go to Car Tunes in Atlanta, GA, and ask for Andy. They do great work. And HiFi buys should do good work. Those are the two that I would recommend.

 

Just in case you still need an answer: No, you do not need the adapter. You can hook up the Alpine using a 1998 and up Honda wiring harness and all the speakers, except the sub, will play just fine.