I finally got around to starting the new system in the Z. I replaced the factory head unit with a Clarion VRX925VD and Clarion's Sirius Satellite Radio receiver and antenna, which was mounted on the rear strut bar. I used the Metra kit, which worked out just fine. The rest of the system will be installed later, but I needed something to tideme over on the trip to Lost Wages and the Consumer Electronics Show.
Here is a pic of the unit installed...



You can see more pics and system info at my website:
http://www.myredgtp.addr.com

Enjoy!

 

How much was your headunit? NIce job

 

Street price is about $1999
I work for Clarion, so it is on my sample account. We are required to have systems in our vehicles for testing and dealer training. My Z will be used as one of our show cars at dealer events in So Cal, so it is part of the demo system that will be completed in January.
I know, it's a rough job, but sombody has to do it!

 

You gotta love it...a Clarion Marketing Manager who is replacing a Clarion "Bose" head unit. Coming straight from the source that the Bose stereo has got to go.

 

Speaking of which, since your on the inside, why not get your company to admit their mistake and hand out a decent system to us touring owners? You must have SOME leverage seeing as how your getting several thousand dollars of stereo equipment for FREE.... Share the wealth!

 

Whoh... I was just posting an install pic!
Didn't think that it would turn in to a bashing session!

The headunit that I replaced was the STANDARD head unit, not the Bose. I swapped it because of what I plan to use the car for (show car, promote Clarion retail product), not that the radio was bad.

Now, some facts that you should know.
1. Yes Clarion does make the radios in the 350Z
2. As to the Bose system, Clarion makes the electronics to Bose' specs. The tuning of the system and the configuration of the electronics is determined by Bose, NOT Clarion.
3. As to the fix, we are doing it to Bose' input, and I'm sure that Bose has an interest in making it right. I know that Clarion does.

Look, I'm not disputing that there are some issues with the Bose system that need to be looked at. I'm sure that Nissan and Bose will do the right thing and get this fixed. Clarion will do whatever it is directed to solve the problem.

You should also know that most Bose systems are not up to aftermarket performance levels. I had a Bose system in my '01 Grand Prix GTP, and I gotta tell ya, if you think the one in the Z is bad, you should have heard this one. (Delphi electronics made this one). What a waste of $400! That system only lasted a week until I replaced it with someting better.

However, I work for the retail devision of Clarion. I promote retail products, so that is what is in my car.

IMHO, aftermarket audio (Clarion or any othe brand involved with both OEM and aftermarket products) will always have better performance factors than a factory system, as the aftermarket does not have the price/design/feature constraints of OEM.

I hope this answers your questions. I don't want to come across defensivly, I just want you all to understand the background into the Bose system issue, and why I don't have the factory system in my car.

If you have any questions about car audio/video/navigation I will be more than happy to assist.

 

How ironic that you work for Clarion and yet, they are the very same manufacture of the "BLOSE" system. At least we know what you think of the stock HU. With that said, nice setup for a replacement. I look forward to seeing the whole thing when it's complete. I'm trying to do everything possible to keep the stock HU, but the more I listen to it the more I hate it.

On a side note: If you have the opportunity, could you ask some of the techs and ask what the think? That is unless you're one of the techs, in that case could you suggest set ups that will work with the stock HU? Clarion products amps, speakers, navigation, LCD screens, etc. I would really like to get a complete setup of all same components, with every feature (DVD/NAV/XM/component input) and I want it to look stock and clean. I know... maybe I'm asking for too much here.

Thanks in advance.
Cheers. -m

 

Jeffa....sorry, not trying to give you a hard time. I think everyone here with the Bose/Clarion is just frustrated with the system. You're right in saying that we can't expect aftermarket sound from an OEM system. I would just like to know if we can expect a decent sound if we change out everything except for the head unit. I hate to change the look of the dash so I'd like to leave it behind but not sure if changing the amp and speakers will do the trick.

 

How about a wiring harness for the Bose system and one for the Nav input? I wanna replace, (not bashing Bose) but would like a clean install.

Anything in the works?

Thanks,

Mike

 

Probably covered elsewhere, but since the "Clarion" specialist is here, is there a addition to the stock Clarion that will easily add a amp & Sub??

 

I think his head unit setup looks pretty good. Although it would get in the way of the storage bin! Aftermarket is always better, thats a given, as long as you do the research and can spend the money. If this wasnt true companies would be charging thousands for a head that comes with the car. If mine aftermarket sells for 900 you know nissan or any other company would sell the same one for MUCH more than 900. It also depends on the type of person. I myself cannot leave a car stock. Thats just me, i have to be unique, inside and out!

 

Answers:
Paulv:
Any amp and sub can be added to the STOCK (NON BOSE) head unit. You will need a line level converter to connect to your rear channel speaker outputs of the head unit (or you can get them at the rear speakers). This will convert the high level speaker outputs to a low level line input for an aftermarket amplifier. Any subwoofer can be used, depending on where you plan to put it. Some people recommend putting it where the Bose sub goes, however, I don't think that this is the best spot. I would opt for a good 10" sub in a custom enclosure in the rear of the hatch area. I plan to use 2 of Clarion's new 10" ProAudio subs in a custom fiberglass enclosure under the rear strut bar.

To those with a Bose unit...bad/good news!
The Bose unit does not have speaker level outputs, nor does it have a true line level output. You can't use a standard line level converter or RCA connectors. However, you can use a special Bose to line level converter made by various companies, Peripheral products comes to mind as one of them. This converts the differential output of the Bose head unit to one that standard amps can take. The conveters are not cheap ($80-$150) but they do work and will give you front/rear channel line level outputs.
If you use the Bose converter, it will bypass the Bose amps, and allow aftermarket products to be added. It will also allow you to keep the navigation voice prompting in systems that have the navigation option installed, without any special wiring adapters.

Hope this answers some of your questions...

Jeff

 

Now I'm really torn. My biggest issue is the NAV. Do I get the line converters and keep the Bose head unit, now having to buy amps and speakers? Or do I blow it all out and re-engineer the NAV audio, get a new headunit and speakers (my plan is to use the HU's amp to power the speakers)?

Aarggh! This is becoming painful!

Let me know what you guys think.



Mike

 

I just had new focal 165k polykevlars installed in the fronts and focal 165ca in the rears. I also added dynamat to the doors and trunk area. I replaced the sub with two 8 " elemental designs. I have two eclipse amps pushing all this. The system sounds better put it still is hard to get a clean sound out of the Bose head unit. I have decided to change out the head unit as I type this. I am looking into an eclipse head unit and adding the speaker for the navigation. I listen to my music about 1 to 2 hours a day and the Navigation is seldom used. So replacing the head unit makes the most since. I really hate to lose the factory look and make my car susceptible to break-ins but I can't stand it anymore.