nerdhiker

What are my options if I would like to get a USB port connected to the Bose 6 speaker system? I deally, I would like USB port so I can pick a cable of my choice to connect to iPhone/iPod etc.
How much cost am I looking at? I hope the quality would be comparable to the CD output.

Thanks!
Ray

bender

iTrader: (3)

Just replace the headunit.

Suwaidi

If you don't want to replace the headunit, you can go with the PA15-NIS, about $120.

Pros:

- Can connect both iPod and regular AUX cable
- Quick install, about an hour max and easily DIY'able
- Quality is comparable to the CD output, if not better?

Cons:

- For the newer iPod/iPhone connections, you'll have to use the AUX cable as their cable is the older version (not thunder or whatever)

nerdhiker

If I go with PA15-NIS, would all my current functions work? Radio, CD etc? Do I have to loose any existing function to be able to use iPod/iPhone? Note that my Z doesnt have the SAT Radio Option. 6 CD changer Bose.

Thanks!

Suwaidi

Everything will work fine, I believe it plugs into the port that's meant for an external CD changer. I've had mine for two years, only complaint is the lack of a compatible plug for the newer iPod connections, but I've been using the AUX option so it works fine. You can use an adapter for the newer connections, but it doesn't work well at all.

bender

iTrader: (3)

For $70-$80 you can get a single din (Kenwood, JVC, Sony, Pioneer) headunit with USB, AUX, IPod/IPhone Compatibility, Pandora, etc.

For $100-$110 you can get all of the above with Bluetooth.

$220-$350 gets you all above in a double din with a screen, some of which (Pioneer AppRadio3) are mhl cable compatible and can mirror an android phone screen directly to your headunit. That means google maps, waze, torque, etc all available directly on your headunit.

Not to mention they will sound 10x better than your stock bose headunit, even with the factory speakers. It's no replacement to ripping out everything, but it's a huge improvement.

The PA11-NIS/PA15-NIS served it's purpose 5-10 years ago when it was still cheaper than a headunit with an AUX input. It's no longer worth its $120 asking price, a price that hasn't change since they started making these things.

The Bose headunits are also famous for their failure rate on this car. At what point is it worth it to you to just get rid of the headunit altogether?