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Discussion Starter · #1 ·
I've got a 2000 sls with delco sound system and I'd like to know if it's possible to upgrade to Bose. I know from reading, that switching only the h.u. won't work. I do have access to every component of the Bose system. Is it possible with having all components? I know this topic has been discussed but I can't seem to find any stories of success, or anything much deeper than a possible h.u. swap. Thank you in advance.
 

· Master of the Dark Art of Diagnostics
2003 DHS - two-2002 DHS, 2003 SLS, 1995 Sedan DeVille, 1989 Coupe DeVille
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22,620 Posts
Is it possible with having all components?
=============================
anything is possible - sort of -
it mostly depends on your skill level and patience level -

there is a LOT more to it
than simply swapping out the HU - amps - and speakers -

there is NOTHING compatible between the BOSE and non-BOSE systems -

ALL existing wiring MUST be changed -
and some new circuits/wiring must be added -

personally - I really prefer the BOSE systems -
and I can understand your quest to change systems -
HOWEVER -
unless you have SERIOUS ELECTRONICS SKILLS -
I recommend reconsidering -

I can't seem to find any stories of success,
N*Caddy is our "resident" electronics engineer -
he successfully installed a BOSE system in his Seville -
along with several other "impossible" projects -
 

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02 Seville, 04 SRX (sold), 96 Eldorado (sold), 99 DeVille (sold)
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If there is a real driving force for the change, like you are unhappy with the sound quality; it would be far easier and cheaper to go full aftermarket.

I have the Bose in the SRX and I don't find it to be much of an upgrade over stock in the Seville. If someone said I could upgrade to Bose for $200, I would maybe consider it. I don't believe the value is there even at that low price point. I should add that I am a bit of an audiophile, for what it's worth. New crossovers and front speakers may be enough to satisfy you.
 

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2001 Seville STS, 1990 Seville (RIP), 1972 Sedan Deville
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Loud is easy. But it'd take some very good aftermarket speakers/amps to match the sound quality of the Sevilles Bose system.

If you can get all the parts cheap, and do the swap yourself, go with the Bose. Otherwise, go aftermarket.
 

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Discussion Starter · #6 ·
I'm fairly confident and patient with electrical wiring. I can obtain all the Bose components, wiring pigtails,etc. for around $50 from a "u-pull" salvage yard, so cost isn't an issue. My parents had a new sts in 2000 with the Bose system and I loved it. I'm not into big bass, or any of those things. The Bose system is probably the highest quality mobile system I've experienced. Do any of you know what has to be re-wired? Is the wire anything special?
 

· Master of the Dark Art of Diagnostics
2003 DHS - two-2002 DHS, 2003 SLS, 1995 Sedan DeVille, 1989 Coupe DeVille
Joined
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22,620 Posts
I'm fairly confident and patient with electrical wiring. I can obtain all the Bose components, wiring pigtails,etc. for around $50 from a "u-pull" salvage yard, so cost isn't an issue. My parents had a new sts in 2000 with the Bose system and I loved it. I'm not into big bass, or any of those things. The Bose system is probably the highest quality mobile system I've experienced. Do any of you know what has to be re-wired? Is the wire anything special?
================================
if you are REALLY SERIOUS about this project -
you need to pick up some supplies before you start -

a box of gallon size FREEZER zip lock type bags -
a box of quart size FREEZER zip lock type bags -
freezer bags are a lot thicker and stronger than storage bags -

a couple sharpie brand markers -
they are permanent ink markers that won't run/smear -

roll of 1" wide masking tape to label stuff -

----------------

just take your time removing - and SAVING - AND LABELING - EVERYTHING -
and I do mean EVERYTHING -
from the donor car -

save every plug - every wire -
connected to every component -
and LABEL IT -

label every ground -
and take a pic of where it was -

CAREFULLY remove the ENTIRE wire loom -
all the way back to the fuse box -
and LABEL IT -
because it will NOT be in your car -

save EVERY nut - bolt - screw - and BRACKET -
that's what the zip lock bags are for -
AND LABEL THE BAG -

also get a steno pad- and take COPIOUS notes -
about each part - where it came from etc -

take LOTS of pics - showing location of parts -

----------------------

remember - DO NOT CUT A SINGLE WIRE -

unplug each connection -

and carefully remove each and every wire loom -

you need EVERT SINGLE PART of that BOSE system
if you expect it to work in your car -

GOOD LUCK - and keep us posted - :highfive:
 

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Discussion Starter · #9 ·
Thank you for your suggestions and help. Do the speaker wires also need to be replaced? I will keep everyone updated as this progresses. I've talked about doing this for 5 years now. Although it may not progress very quickly, it will happen. Again, thank you for your help.
 

· Master of the Dark Art of Diagnostics
2003 DHS - two-2002 DHS, 2003 SLS, 1995 Sedan DeVille, 1989 Coupe DeVille
Joined
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22,620 Posts
Thank you for your suggestions and help. Do the speaker wires also need to be replaced? I will keep everyone updated as this progresses. I've talked about doing this for 5 years now. Although it may not progress very quickly, it will happen. Again, thank you for your help.
============================
Do the speaker wires also need to be replaced?
yes -
like I said - not one single part of your original system
is compatible with the BOSE system -
so you need EVERYTHING from the donor -
 
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