Legend"11

Hello,

I'm looking to replace the stock stereo system in my G2 Legend. Mainly because I want CD/MP3 support (replace the BOSE deck) and some of the BOSE speakers are blown. I understand that I need to bypass the amp when I buy new speakers and install a new deck. My question is to achive the same level of quality of the sound, should I buy a 4 channel amplifer to power all the speakers instead of playing them off the deck. I don't know if a 16 year old BOSE system would compare to just a basic upgrade. I want really good sound from the car and I'm sure the BOSE stereo that is in there is tuned for this particular car audio environment. What drop-in speakers would blow away the BOSE speakers in terms of HIGH QUALITY MUSIC (I LOVE FEELING LIKE I'M IN THE MUSIC!) . Also is there any way to salvage the handy steering wheel audio controls on the deck. They don't have to move any knobs like the BOSE did, but it would be nice to be able to raise the volume and change through tracks from the steering wheel. Is there any type of mod that can salvage this.

THANK YOU... Basically, I want to upgrade to a CD/MP3/IPOD Supported system with a new speaker and amp combination that would blow away the stock BOSE PREMIUM sound. Also I would like to do this while salvaging the steering wheel audio control. Thank You!

I just want clean sound. If I understand the BOSE PREMIUM system correctly, isn't it a 200 watt (50x4) system? So I would have to have 50 watts go to each speaker for good sound?

Thanks in advance! : )

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xpressive

It would be quite easy for you to do yourself and in a day. You can run the speakers off the head-unit's built-in amp but better sound will be had through an amp. As far as speakers, you can choose any you like as long as they fit the stock locations. 6 1/2" in front and 6x9's in the back. Wiring the speakers can be simplified through using the stock wiring after bypassing the amp. You can put the aftermarket amp in place of the stock then just run wiring to the front of the car to the head unit and battery for power. REMEMBER to use and INLINE FUSE.

You can retain the steering wheel controls via a PAC adapter. It's about 50 bucks..

I know this was a quick and sloppy response, if you know a little about car stereo then this will be self explanatory but if you have questions just chime back in.

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1994 Acura Legend LS Coupe Sherwood Green.
-Alpine 9883 -Alpine Type-R -Alpine PDX -17x8 Flik FTD -225/45/17 Nitto NeoGen Tires -Vogtland Springs.

TSX Projector Retrofit w/ DDM 55W Kit

231K+ running strong

antik

The stock Bose Premium system in a '91 is actually an 200Wx4 (a reminder: that's peak, not RMS) system. Wattage alone doesn't define sound quality but having sufficient power on tap makes maintaining clarity at increasing volume possible. The combination of speaker choice, amplifiers, and signal input defines sound quality and in the aftermarket, getting all of those things costs big money.

Before we get to discussing overhauling that system, are you aware that replacement woofer drivers can be had from Bose on the order of $20 ea? That means you can replace all the blown speakers in your system for <$100. $100 won't even buy you a pair of speakers that sound as good as the Bose Premiums.

Even if you factor in the cost of an MP3 CD changer + iPod adapter for your Bose Premium, you're still going to spend less than you would on an entire aftermarket stereo.

Now, that said, if you're really looking to blow away the Bose Premium and you have coin to drop then rebuilding can certainly be accomplished. Components for my system total to about $1500 and it's a toss up which system sounds better: my dad's premium or my aftermarket setup. One thing is certain, I have a lot more low end than my Dad's system. I've heard them both though and I must admit, I prefer the highs on the Premium. There's room for improvement in my setup and perhaps with that work, I could say mine definitively sounds better... but that takes some more money.

Frankly, I'd say that unless you have $1500-2000 (assuming you're building it yourself: double it if you want a shop to do the work for you) to spend on your stereo or *maybe* if all of your components are shot AND your external amp is dead, replacing the Bose Premium should really only happen if your a hobbyist and car audio is your thing. There's no such thing as a "drop in" solution (even with bypassing your factory amp) for the Bose Premium system that'll get you superior sound: it's literally going to require replacing the entire system, top to bottom.

Consider my suggestion and if you still want to build the stereo out, say so... we'll get you started and you WILL turn heads. I think I'd advise something along the lines of what's been done here:
E46 gets the Hybrid Audio treatment - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum

Hybrid + Image Dynamics + good amps/source and as is described in that write up, you'll turn heads for sure. If only I had the cash...

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Canterbury Green '95 Auto L Sedan

ADDCO | MLS | KNUKONCEPTZ | ALPINE | ECLIPSE | JL AUDIO | BOSTON ACOUSTICS

EvilRed92Legend

^ +100! I actually swapped out my Bose system, had a screen and all after market speakers in there. Well, my screen got jacked (which is the first downside of anything aftermarket), so I threw all the stock stuff back in. After hearing the after-market stuff, I can tell you first hand how good the OEM Bose system is. And I had high-end pioneer components in, so its a reasonable comparison -still nowhere near as good.

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1992 Acura Legend LS 5spd *sig by BBoarder711*
. . . A Legend Reborn . . . JDM One-Piece Headlights . . . Moonroof Tilt Mod . . . K&N Filter . . . B+G Sport Suspension Springs . . . Koni Red Shocks . . .

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Legend"11

So the stock 93 BOSE paper cone speakers are better than any current aftermarket speaker? I'm sure they must be tuned for the environment better than a stock one could be... I just want people to say "WOW" when they hear how clean and clear the music is...

Basically I don't want it to break the bank and if salvaging the BOSE is the best idea then I may consider it... I probably have up to 500-1000 to spend on the system (I already have an Alpine deck which I just bought for another car which has MP3/Ipod Support)...

Just want it to be mind blowing... Components seem to be the way to go over coax...

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antik

If you're really ready to spend $1k and have a good head unit available to you already, then you might consider going that aftermarket. I'd anticipate spending the full $1k on new front components, a reasonable subwoofer + box, an amplifier (you may be able to find a good 4 channel amp that can drive both the front components and rear woofer), wiring, and probably some sound deadener but I'm assuming you're able to do this install on your own. Unfortunately, with the vast selection of hardware available, it's difficult to advise particular components but I'd want to emulate some of the build I posted above as it fits my music preference and is frankly, one of the most stunning reviews I've ever heard regarding the quality of sound both inside and outside the vehicle during listening.

Alternatively, spend $200: buy new Bose speakers from Bose, sell the Alpine for some spare cash for now. Buy one of these for your iPod:
BlitzSafe HON/M-Link1 V.1D ** Enfig Car Stereo ** iPod XM and Sirius Satellite Radio & Auxiliary AUX Audio input specialists

Buy an Alpine MP3 CD changer if you need more support but the iPod will probably be enough here....

Staying stock, you've saved yourself quite a bit of money and the Premium system, when in top condition, should be impressive enough for people to tell you it sounds good - at the minimum, I'm confident you can enjoy it. It won't have the bass of an aftermarket system with a large woofer but it's still certainly an enjoyable setup that sounds good. It'll be plenty impressive for anyone riding in a 16 year old car.

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Canterbury Green '95 Auto L Sedan

ADDCO | MLS | KNUKONCEPTZ | ALPINE | ECLIPSE | JL AUDIO | BOSTON ACOUSTICS

95typeII

The stock bose Premier system sound great, but the main drawback is no CD loading from the deck, so right there you're forced to upgrade the headunit. You shouldnt mix stock audio with aftermarket because the Bose system operates at 8ohms while most aftermarkets are 4ohm excluding many JBL speakers that are 8ohm. Its not worth swapping JBLs speakers for stocks because the Bose will honestly sound better with the OEM headunit.

It really sound like you want a quality system not a high-end expensive system, so #1 rule is do NOT buy components unless you plan on adding a heavy competition bass system which will be costly. All components are very high-heavy no matter how you set them up, hence heavy bass is needed to compensate. Many people will disagree with me, but honestly speaking the average person does not have a ear for fine-tuned audio so they will not notice the difference in quality. Loudness is not indicative of quality.

With that said, if you have a modest budget and are willing to invest the time in researching for good bargains, you can fully build a solid quality system for under $800 using the following guideline:

headunit: Alpine entry-level headunits that have mp3/WMA capability & 3RCA-channels starting at about $130-170
4-channel amp: Alpine class-D 50RMSx4 amps can be found relatively inexpensive at $80-150.
Speakers: Alpine speakers can be found pretty cheap at $50 for 6.5" & $60-$80 for 6x9"
Subwoofer: one 10" Kicker or Alpine E-type between $70-$100
Sub Amplifier: Alpine mono-channel class-D for about $80-$150
10" sub box: a used box can easily be found or made for $20-$40

*Class-D amps consume less power and perform very well
*Always focus on RMS power capacity NOT max wattage.
*consider a minimum 1-Farad capacitor to relieve excessive power drainage from your battery ($45-$60)

Yes, I suggest Alpine for the most part, but they are well known for their quality and for good reason. Also, they now offer solid quality equipment for very reasonable pricing for the audiophile on a budget.

Check these websites out. They have specials and great deals very often.
OnlineCarStereo.Com
SonicElectronix.com

dgandul

1000 really isnt that much for good quality sounds. factor 180 for a deck worth buying over stock and 5-600 for a quality digital amp. i dont know what you guys are talking about the bose system is doodoo

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antik

No. The Bose Premium system runs at 2ohm where as aftermarket hardware runs at 4ohm.

You're also the only person I've ever heard suggest components are not preferable to coaxials except in some specific situation. A good set of components are separate so that you can relocate the tweeter to improve staging and depth - furthermore, the solid, separate drivers are better able to handle power while providing clean sound.

I'm sorry but I've heard most of the hardware you're describing and IMO, with the exception of a possible improvement in bass response, I would not accept it as a superior system to the Bose Premium. Though, to be honest, I'm not sure I'd give the Alpine Type-E's that much credit - I can only hope the last ones I've heard were blown because they provided nearly no output and terribly sloppy impact.

I do however, agree with you about Alpine source & amp units for a budget system. I enjoy my Alpines' sound and accessory compatibility.

The Premium system, when the drivers are intact, is decent. My argument is not that the Premium system is that good, it's that so much of the affordable aftermarket stuff I've heard is junk.

You're right though - $1k isn't much.

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Canterbury Green '95 Auto L Sedan

ADDCO | MLS | KNUKONCEPTZ | ALPINE | ECLIPSE | JL AUDIO | BOSTON ACOUSTICS

DevanTheDude

You know what I think is "doodoo" lol?..... companies that buy pre-manufactured garbage from china, put their label on it, mark it up 250-300% and sell it to people that don't know/can't tell any difference. Sorry to any entry level Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood fans........

At least the OEM Bose was made in Japan back when quality was important...

*rant over*

seriously though, if your going to spend the money to take out the Bose system, get something worth buying. Boston Acoustics, JL audio, Diamond Audio, Eclipse,....to name a few.

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antik

A lot of that stuff is even considered high-mid-fi in some circles... Zapco, Denon, Image Dynamics, McIntosh, Morel, Seas, Rainbow, DLS, Hybrid Audio.... I know I'm forgetting a ton of huge names.

Why bother to make a list?

I spent time reading DIYmobileaudio (though, it was going downhill even since that last time I dropped in) and learned quite a bit. If you're serious about spending the cash, there's a TON of learning to be done...

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Canterbury Green '95 Auto L Sedan

ADDCO | MLS | KNUKONCEPTZ | ALPINE | ECLIPSE | JL AUDIO | BOSTON ACOUSTICS

95typeII

My bad about the 8ohm/2ohm confusion. I always forget which one it is.

As for the component system disagreement, you're correct in stating hardly anyone agrees with me, but thats by technicality since the average person does not have a keen ear for sound quality. While components are better for overall quality, they must be complimented with a heavy bass system in order to balance out the high treble production. Its not logical to buy components with a low end sub because you're asking for imbalance. Also, he can simply leave the Bose tweeters connected if he wants more highs. The ohm different wont be significant for that application.

Regarding the Type-E sub, I only suggested it within the contents of building a system under $1000. I personally would prefer a used Type-S or Type-R instead, but again this was just a sample of lowest cost options with modest quality. If you build the system according to the specs of each product installed & properly set the gain levels according to how loud you will normally run it all then you wont blow any decent quality sub, but 90% of people dont bother doing so. They want loud bangin' lows and just crank it all to hell, then theyre suprised when the subs blow in a short time.

If "Legend11" wants deeper solid bass then he should bargain hunt the headunit, speakers & amps & save the remaining budget for a better sub. If he only has $120 left, get a Type-E or equivalent; if theres $250+ left just get a JL.

antik

JL stuff is well built, durable, and sounds good but it's hard to find a great deal on a JL sub - though it's what I'm running, I understand that the Image Dynamics woofers are cleaner, more musical, handle power better and cheaper. I'd look into the ID stuff before settling on a woofer if I were in the market today.

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Canterbury Green '95 Auto L Sedan

ADDCO | MLS | KNUKONCEPTZ | ALPINE | ECLIPSE | JL AUDIO | BOSTON ACOUSTICS

Legend"11

I guess what I'm getting at is, I'm surprised a 16 year old Speaker system (even if from BOSE) is still better than today's mid-level speaker and amp solutions form a brand name such as Kenwood for example. What makes their system so special other than the possibility of everything being tuned for the Legend environment and not just a drop in (if it isn't)...

I think the mid-bass and all around imaging with the stock BOSE is fantastic, but I was hoping just upgrading the 16 year old speakers, head unit, and amp would have done wonders...

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DevanTheDude

When Acura built the Legend, they didn't cut any corners. That includes the stereo system. They were trying to set the bar for luxury and amenities, thus the 35K-45K price tag these cars carried. In this economy, where manufacturing costs are at a premium, Kenwood, for example could write the book on cutting corners. They have to in order to make a profit. Nothing against Kenwood, I like some of their headunits. My point is that if you are going to take the time to take the Legend apart and take all the factory gear out, at least replace it with something as good or better than OEM.

Now if you were talking about replacing the garbage door speakers in your Ford Ranger or Chevy Cavalier, my advice would be different.

Have you checked Craigslist? there are alot of deals on there from time to time if you don't mind the hassle. For example, I just took 30 seconds and found these, which would require making plates for the mids, but would be far better than any Kenwood speakers
ZAPCO I-Force 5.25" Component Set x-overs Tweeters Mids OBO!!!
or these:
JL Audio XR 6.5" seperates w/ aluminum tweeter
a good deck:
Alpine CDA-9855, Sirius Tuner, AUX Input (iPod/iPhone/Mp3 ready)

searching craigslist is kinda fun

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