Specific question regarding upgrading head unit-BOSE

[RG5384]

So I unfortunately got stuck with trying to fix or upgrade this crappy BOSE stereo in my pathfinder LE. My question is really quite simple: If I use the PAC adapter to retain the factory speakers, will I still be able to hook up my sub and amp? I can't seem to figure out if the PAC adapter utilizes the low line RCA outputs or the line level speaker outputs from the aftermarket head unit...

Thanks in advance,

[Mark Sheriff]

with any aftermarket headunit, i highly recommend you run new speaker wire from each door speaker directly to the radios harness, no special adapters or wire kits needed, just the regular ones the radio comes with and your speaker wire. this will bypass all stock wiring and amp and give you cleaner audio signals. aftermarket radios have built in amps and you wouldn't want to be feeding that amp to another amp(the stock bose one).

also aftermarket radios will have rca outs for your sub amps, let me know if you need more help, i have my system set up the way i explained

[RG5384]

I'm with you on that being the best setup, however it is also the most costly and time consuming. I'm perfectly happy running an adapter to make the stock bose speakers work, just trying to figure out if I utilize that adapter if I will have any outputs left from the aftermarket deck to power my sub. I assume buying a head unit with dedicated sub out would be the easiest way to guarantee it would as well as easiest way to tune it as well....

[asnorton44]

I'm with you on that being the best setup, however it is also the most costly and time consuming. I'm perfectly happy running an adapter to make the stock bose speakers work, just trying to figure out if I utilize that adapter if I will have any outputs left from the aftermarket deck to power my sub. I assume buying a head unit with dedicated sub out would be the easiest way to guarantee it would as well as easiest way to tune it as well....

Yeah get a unit with a sub out as opposed to using speaker level input.

[NismoPick]

The dead Bose head unit is unfortunately a common problem. My 97 QX4 Bose head unit is almost dead... front speakers went out about a year ago, now the rear speakers have static. I haven't decided what to do yet, but most people who use the preamp-out harness say they have to crank the volume to max just to hear anything ( 01-pathfinder-aftermarket-deck-install- ... 92932.html )

EDIT, after re-reading Mark's posts in that thread, the first thing to do is check the stock speaker OHM ratings. If they are 4ohm, then just run new speaker wire and be done... though not sure what to do about the A-pillar tweets.

[Mark Sheriff]

not too sure about keeping the stock harnesses for the speakers to work, but it should be simple, get the right harness and just join the wire appropriately, and you should still have your rca outs for the sub on the radio,

the stock speakers are 4 ohms i believe but yeah its good to check the back and make sure they are and that your radio supports the ohm rating of the speaker, the stock tweeters can be hooked up to the door speakers or to the door speakers wire on the harness by the radio, its the same thing

however, i took out the stock tweeters and have Rockford fosgate components door speakers which come with tweeters and those are connected to the door speakers, ran them up to my a pillar and mounted it close to the top of the pillar

rewiring the speakers is time consuming but not expensive because all you need is speaker wire

[oekundar]

To answer your question, yes you can simply use an adapter with any aftermarket HU with the existing speakers. It will make a big difference and would be even better if you followed the previous advice and rewired all speakers, which may require new speakers if the Bose ones aren't standard 4ohms. I'm using the stock Bose amplifier and wiring and happy thus far.

[RG5384]

Went ahead and ordered a new pioneer head unit with the scosche adapter. Head unit had separate sub control also which should help me dial back the stock bose speakers and compensate the lows with the sub, we will see I guess!

[asnorton44]

You can wire in some bass blockers on the speakers thats what I did.

[RG5384]

Just to update everyone, I did the basic install today with the scosche adapter, I have not hooked up the bluetooth mic, usb port, aux in adapter, or the sub yet. I'm using a pioneer media receiver(no cd drive, no point anymore...), and so far I like it ok, but as with many aftermarket receivers there are too many functions and the main ones are difficult to get to.

The gain on the Scosche adapter is turned all the way up(maximum wattage pass through), and the system is CONSIDERABLY louder and clearer than it was before. I'll be finishing the installation mid October and will post back on how the sub sounds. Of course now i've been bitten by the audio bug and I'm researching re-wiring all of the doors and adding a component set up front, all powered by an additional amp.