Bose audio problem. CD Err

[Sentientbydesign]

I posted this in the audio section, but nobody has replied to it.

I have a 96 I30 with the bose stereo. About a year ago the CD started skipping around and just had issues. It finally stopped playing CDs. Now when a CD is inserted it just tries to read the disk then displays Err and spits it out.

I've tried a couple of "fixes" one requires disassembling the stereo and cleaning off the ribbon cable contacts (this "fix" cost $20 and didn't do anything). The second one was found on maxima.org and required me to text and resolder all of the resistors on the power board. I've done both and nothing beneficial has come of it. Now my "seek" function is slow and doesn't find anything.

I know there are others out there with this problem. I'm not sure why Clarion can't design a more durable stereo system. Please give me some input other than spending the $200 or so to send it in for repairs or trying to find another HU to replace it. Neither of those options is great. I don't have the money and another HU might just die like this one has if it hasn't already been repaired.

[audtatious]

Have you tried cleaning the laser lense with alcohol?

For the most part, 4th-genners either find a used/working Bose HU or they replace the bad Bose unit with an aftermarket.

[Sentientbydesign]

Yeah. I used a qtip and some rubbing alcohol and rubbed the lense. That didn't fix it.

My problem with after market HUs is that the sound quality is always going to be an issue. Bose speakers were meant to be used with supporting HUs not just a pioneer/kenwood deck. I've read too much to believe otherwise. Including talking to a bestbuy installer who wouldn't touch my car. Didn't even want to install a completely new system.

[audtatious]

IMO, an aftermarket HU is much better than a Bose system. Bose uses a step-style internal filter system which adjusts an EQ curve as you turn up the music. This leads to no bass and little mid-bass. New aftermarket HU's can be tuned extensively for EQ curves and such. For replacing just the HU, a PAC unit can be used for "plug and play".