In all the cars I've ever owned, I've never kept a factory head unit. I've always put in an aftermarket CD player and added a subwoofer. For many reasons (OnStar, steering wheel remote controls, 6-disc changer, Bose speakers), I have decided to keep the Bose head unit and just add a subwoofer using a speaker-to-line-level converter. I did this using the speaker wire connections at the Bose amplifier in the passenger-side rear panel. It worked... except the levels seem to be too low... this even with the output on the converter and the amp gain turned all the way up. I haven't tested the leads yet with a meter to see what kind of output i am getting... I thought I would see if anyone else has already done this with the Bose amp and had any suggestions. Thanks.
I guess I should pose a more specific question...
Should I try a line driver to boost the line-level voltage, or should I lookk for a better source around the Bose amp. Thanks again.
I had this problem earlier, it is a pickle. The Bose factory stereo in this puts out .5 ohms to the speakers...grin.....seems like a nightmare. Believe it or not, the way to do this one is to actually use the high-levels direct to RCA, no output converter just chop the end off the RCA. I know this sounds stupid but it works. A hell of alot easier and cheaper that changing the factory head unit.
Have fun and try to keep the connection away from power, can pickup line noise easy.
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hey chilljoe, why dont you just tap the wires from the head unit? You can find the diagrams on google.ca Just tap into the wires from the head unit and connect the in the speaker level inputs, done deal! You dont need to use a converter or watever that is!