88-VETTE-L98

OK , I bought my 1988 vette and it had an aftermarket stereo in it along with boston acoustics speakers in all factory locations.(it sounded great but I like factory looking) The factory Bose radio came with the car. I decided to install the factory stereo. I needed the Harness so I ordered one needed. I installed everything while keeping the Boston Acousticks speakers in the car , figuring it would sound pretty decent. Well after I finished , I put on the radio and everything works fine , but it seems like it is lacking power as if there is no amp. The volume has to be all the way up just to hear it at a normal level. Does anyone know what is or what could be wrong?

pentavolvo

You need an aftermarket amp to make this work or get a CD player from say a 97 cavalier wich will be non bose and work

88-VETTE-L98

How did it work before? Is it because the aftermarket speakers that it's not working? Would it work if I put the original bose speakers back in? Is there an amp small enough to hide and keep the 100% stock look of my car? Sorry for all the questions , I just want to get to the bottom of this. My first show is next week and want to get this right.

pentavolvo

The oem speakers had amps attached

GKK

The factory Bose system uses separate 1 ohm amplifiers for each speaker and also, requires a separate receiver module which is found under the passenger side knee panel.

The Bose Audio system consists of the Head Unit, Receiver Module and individual Speaker Amplifiers. If any of these components are defective or missing, the Bose Audio system will not operate correctly.

Repairing the speaker amps is expensive, ($110 each speaker). The Capacitors in the speaker amps dry out or leak which is why the amps go bad.

88-VETTE-L98

So even if I put a small amp in with the aftermarket speakers and BOSE deck it wont work?

GKK

The Original Bose audio system worked because your Vette had all the Bose components I mentioned earlier.

Yes, the Bose head unit will work with any aftermarket amp...

Just connect the Bose Head Unit's speaker leads (referred too, as a "High Level" connection) to any amplifier which accepts "High Level" inputs, since your Bose head unit doesn't have RCA output leads to connect to an external amp.

Or, you could buy an RCA Line Out Converter and connect it to the Bose head units speaker leads which will then let you connect any amplifier you choose using standard stereo Audio Cables.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-Ad...Watts/10756155

pentavolvo

Actually the bose unit puts out low level so you need to splice RCA plugs into it and go strait to the RCA plugs on amp

GKK

Thanks, for the correction pentavolvo.

Just connect the Line Out converter to the Bose head unit and then connect your amp. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Scosche-Ad...Watts/10756155

88-VETTE-L98

And I can keep the aftermarket Boston Acoustics speakers in there with that product and the amp and everything should work fine?

pentavolvo

Yes but technically you don't even want that adapter I can splic rcas intop your harness if you want to send it to me

GKK

Yes, All speakers would then connect to the amp. I would suggest buying a 4 channel amp.

Also, pentavolvo is the Audio Guru here on the Forum so, I would consider his offer.