Advice wanted: Yanking the OEM Bose unit for something better?
 

I like having the 6CD changer that can read MP3 and WMA files, so that's a requirement - that or something with a (fairly large) HDD built in that I could transfer files to via USB would work...

I got my Z Touring w/o NAV, NAV is nice to have, but I didn't think too much of it then - but, if the head unit has Nav, Im not opposed. If it can play DVD's and **** like that, that'd be cool too. Even better if I can find a way to mount an XBox360 in there and have a 42" TV come out of somewhere and wireless internet...then I might not need my house...lol

Also, I'd like to keep the bluetooth capabilities, and the use of the steering controls...

Lastly, something like the ZENclosure box might work well - I'm thinking a 10" sub (or a pair - lol!) - I intend to keep the spare tire in the car, at least until I can get a GOOD tire-repair kit...

Of course, I plan on having all the component speakers removed.

I listen to hard rock - think Alice in Chains, STP, Pantera, along with Classic Rock, like Zep, Black Sabbath and so on...

What are my options? What are my costs looking like?

I think this has been discussed so many times that I can simply just say look for other threads. I am not being a jerk and I would link you to the threads myself but my internet is timed out "satellite"


My opinion would be yes rip it ALL out and start over with something 10 times better. I would put a nice double din head unit is, 5 channel alpine amp to run the front speakers also known as components which consists of tweeters and woofers. And a single 10 inch sub like a image dynamics Q sub. You will have to run all new wires for the speakers as well and you will lose your factory xm but I say it is all worth it. Anything is better than the bose system your cost for everything would probably be around 3 grand or so.

Thanks, I'm setting a budget for myself, so 3K is something to aim for...

I got a double-din Clarion Nav/DVD/MP3 unit, rear view camera, bluetooth adapter, Focal components with Focal 2 ch amp, IDQ10 sub w/ custom Zenclosure and Focal mono amp, radar detector (Valentine 1), steering wheel controls adapter....all for about $3600 including shipping, taxes, and installation.

Just to give you an idea of cost/value.

If you do everything yourself you could do a nice system for under $2000.00 but if you do sound deadning and step up to high end components and amps it will easily double that.

If you have it professionally installed consider doubling that again. I have roughly $6000.00 invested in my system and its not that extensive. Half of that was labor as the shop had my car for a week and my guy was dedicated to working on just my car for that week.

I am still not done, i want to upgrade to 3-way comps in front in full custom door panels and pods.

Finally someone to relate to lol. Ya I have had my civic apart at least 6 times upgrading amps, subs. and speakers, even head units. But ya if you do it all yourself you are going to save a lot. Just remember to take your time and do not rush.

I agree, doing it yourself can save big $$$$. I had done car stereo installations for years; it always killed me to see people put as much money if not more into installation (custom installations...some not that involved). The last time I did my system in my car it was apart for mor than 4 months. Had to decide what to go with, figured I could deaden the car during this time. I ended up going with Alpine head unit/processor/dvd changer, Audison for amps, and Focal for speakers. Bottom line, think it out and take your time!

You should never take your car apart until you have everything.

im at a point i want to get rid of the bose HU on my G35C (04 original owner) and get something that can playback MP3's. it's a 6CD changer.

but i dont plan on digging out the bose amp so going to just connect via preamp. i need something 4V and higher and my initial choice of the kenwood 514 only offers 2V...

so looks like im going with pioneer again (4v).

True, I agree to a certain extent, unless you are going to have to customize your car to get components to fit. If you are sticking the same size components as stock in stock locations, I agree. Otherwise i had to take it apart and play with my options.

Well if you upgrade just the head unit that will not improve your audio. Unless you plan on using the pre outs and run them to a new amp and new speakers.

but it will go through the HU's internal EQ so that would give me some level of tone control right? or is the EQ only wired to the interal pre-amp speaker level wiring? that would kinda suck...

but i have no MP3 playback on the G so even that would be a plus..

Depends on the head unit and what setting are you asking about? You will not be able to set frequency's but you will be able to adjust bass and treble.

yah, i need make sure the pre-amp outs on the HU are post EQ...