Alright so my bose unit finally broke and I'm looking at replacements. I saw a few threads where they said you can get an adaptor from different places and install an aftermarket unit so that the ohms match up and you don't damage the speakers. If I do this will the sub still work or does that need any extra cables?

I wish I had the money for an entire new system but I'm looking for a cheaper route to hold me over for now.

 

All you need is the adapter for all the wiring to work. I used the metra one with mine, the pac roem one is also popular.

 

you can use any HU, just make sure it has at least 4V pre-outs (RCA's) if not your sytem will sound like its low volume.

 

If you are replacing the HU with after market, get the PAC ROEM-NIS2
Save yourself any headaches. Another option is to find a good used replacement Bose HU until you
are ready to dump the whole thing

 

If you get an amp with a line level input and preferably with a built-in low-end crossover (i.e., D-Series Mono Amp), then you can just wire it up to the positive/negative output on the Molex connector that the BOSE sub amp plugs into and you're good to go. An amp with an external gain dial comes in very handy for this since you'll be able to fine-tune the bass output. You'll still need to get some sort of enclosure for the new subwoofer, but you'll get MUCH better sound with this set-up, and the bonus is that it's really simple to do. Mind you, this assumes that the issues with the factory BOSE sub aren't from further up the line than the sub amp and the sub speaker itself (i.e., headunit or main amplifier output).

 

Thank you very much for the quick response! Cant wait to put everything in.