I'm still a complete newbie to car audio, but I have been reading the A/V and Electronics board for awhile now.

I understand that we have a hurdle to get past due to the way the bose head unit works.

My question is this:

Is it still possible to upgrade the audio system in steps, to avoid laying out too much cash at one time?

If so, what's the best upgrade path, or what's the best order to do it in?

The goal is moderate power, but no need to be heard outside the car, along with minimal distortion in the upper ranges. I listen to mostly classical music.

Any suggestions on where to start or what order to do it in would be greatly appreciated.

 

Okay, I have a related question.

I've been following the current thread regarding the Infinity BassLink and I read a number of prior threads regarding the same, and it looks like a good way to start if you don't need a lot or if you don't know a lot.

The question is, when it comes time to take the next step in upgrading the audio system, will I just wind up tossing the BassLink right away as either incompatible or inadequate?

I ask because I anticipate that simply adding bass won't be enough, due to the fact that the stock tweeters don't seem to cut it either.

Thanks again.

 

basslink is enough, I just got it yesterday, it rocks.

 

Congrats Smitty.
I'm glad to hear you are happy with it.
I have a feeling there is a Basslink in my future as well because it just seems like such an easy upgrade.

 

yea it is a easy/compact upgrade, I think you will be happy with it. I'm very happy, and this is coming from someone that had a $2k + system in my last car. I think after adding a basslink you will find it's all you need. I got a new one off ebay for 225.00 shipped, most everyone else charges 300.00+. I do recommend having a pro install it, location of the basslink is also important, they decided mine sounded best in the back left side of the trunk. I'll post pics soon.

 

The basslink is probably the best first step... as Smitty said, its an easy and compact upgrade. They are incredibly easy to install too... they can be connected to the rear speakers for sound, and the wire for that is included with the sub, then all you need is a power wire from the battery and a good ground. The basslink senses the input signal through the speaker inputs, so when these are used a remote turn on wire is not needed. The basslink also has RCA inputs, so it can be used with a high end deck as well. I recomend that you keep the bose deck in there, its a decent sounding, convient deck... the 6 disc changer and steering wheel controls make is easy to use. If you were to add an aftermarket deck, a custom dash piece would have to be constructed. Down the road when you have more money available, you can add a 4 chanel amp with some better mids and highs in the car to the stock amp and leave your basslink to complete a great sounding system. In depth details can be found all over this board, try using the search function and i'm sure you'll find a ton of great ideas from all the insightful minds on here.

 

Does the factoy Bose system have RCA inputs ? I thought it did, however, the stereo shop told me they have to add them to mine. They also used bigger cables for the basslink. I would definialty keep the Bose system , with the in dash CD changer and sterring wheel controls...it would be follish to change the deck.

 

Thanks for the help.
I would definitely like to keep the stock HU for as long as possible. It looks clean, I like the in-dash 6-disc changer, and I really like the steering wheel controls.
It's good to know the basslink will last me a little while too.

 

If you only how good the output signals of an aftermarket HU are, you would change your mind. The stock deck is only good for ppl who are not into car stereo world. For the rest, it just cannot meet the demand.

 

I agree 100%, I used to be one of those people. In my pervious ride I had a JL Stealthbox, Pioneer deck/speakers and Phoenix Gold throught. However, I have now become more interested in the stock, clean look and adding a basslink to the stock system is just fine for me, even compaired to what I used to have. Plus I love the in dash CD changer and steering controls, I also think the it's hard to get the Navi voice back with an aftermarket deck
( I have Navi). Also, a lot of people are leasing their CL's (like me) and cannot be changing out the system and fooling too much with the elec system. I guess everyone has their opinion, however, I think this guy will be fine with just a basslink.

 

I may wind up changing the stock HU eventually, but it will be the last stock thing to go if that's possible. Now that I think about it, if you do switch out the stock HU, you would have a lot of room in the dash to mount other stuff.

This is the first time I have had a car that I liked enough to invest the time and money necessary to make it right.

 

It's true that more than likely you will lose the Navi voice if you change out the stock deck. I voiced my opinion because I feel his attitude was a little harsh toward ppl who changed out the stock deck. I have both the stock deck and an aftermarket screen in my car. Both are fully functional and there is a world of differences between them two .

 

I didn't mean to sound a "little harsh toward ppl who changed out the stock deck" believe me I used to be on of those high end stereo buffs. I just prefer the clean, stock look now. Plus I would think if one needed any warranty work done on Navi, etc. Acura would raise hell about all that audio being changed out. Also, I got to have the Navi voice

 

It's cool ... No offense taken

 

So, with the Basslinks, do you just get one?

I'm kind of confused...

 

Most people get only one, however, I guess you can get as many as you want. The basslink is (1) 10" sub enclosed with a 200 watt amp built in. It all rolled up in one compact package.