I know nothing much about audio, but ask me anything about the VQ motor and I'll help you.

Anyways, I want to get rid of this crap headunit and install something aftermarket, possibly something with a IPOD hook up internal. My question is, would it be ok to install a headunit with the BOSE system? I don't care for super loud speakers and bass, so the BOSE sub and speakers are ok for now I just really want to get rid of the BOSE headunit.

If so, any recommendations? I've always liked Alpine products.

 

Well actually the head end in my opinion is the best part of the system ... well may be the wires would be best.

The speakers and amplifier are really (really!) below average. The speakers are really whimpy and the amplifiers are apsolutely tiny.

If you're swapping out the head end with the ultimate goal of replacing everything you can do it but your labor cost/effort is going to be double as you'll end up tearing everything out twice. It's sort of like hanging a twin turbo charger off the VQ and keeping stock tires and air filter.

Here's a closer look at the subwoofer system. The four full-range speakers are just as bad. Note that the stock amplifier sits just to the centerline of the subwoofer and is covered by a black plastic cover. I pulled the cover off to see the actual working parts inside. The Infinity amp sitting next to this thing isn't "all that".



Here's the speaker. That large steel thing sitting between the two drivers is one of variable Q units for the Infinity speaker not the missing magnet from the Bose subwoofer.

 

Look into the new Alpine CDA9857 and CDA9856 decks, they have full-speed iPod connections and the cable only retails for $30. Another good choice is the IVA-W200 double-din dvd/cd deck which also has full speed iPod hook up.

 

Alpine will be my next head unit. Probably the F1 (if I can stomach the price), or my second choice the DVA-9965. How much do you want to spend? IMO, the head unit is the most crucial item in your setup. You can make crap speakers sound good if the install is good, but you can't make a crappy head unit sound good.

 

I'm hearing you guys out. Just I dont want to upgrade the speakers at the moment just the headunit..

But I didn't get a clear answer, so I'll try again. Its fine to install a aftermarket headunit on a BOSE Z? what is all I need to make it plug and play?