Sony XAV-601BT in my NC 2.0 sport, Running the Bose amp with the 5V preouts, sounds pretty good, the Bose bass units are hitting low note they previously never knew existed…
Sorry to dig up this old thread, but I just did the same, i.e. replaced the OE Bose HU with a Sony unit. Everything works fine but if I use the line level outputs on the Sony to feed the Bose amplifier, it makes very loud “popping” noise whenever I press any button on the HU, even when changing radio stations. If I use the power outputs it doesn’t make the noise but then it’s very sensitive to volume, since the levels are too high.
Checked all the connections including the grounds and can’t find anything wrong. I found references in other thread on the web about the same phenomenon but no fix. Does anyone have any ideas? Can this be rectified somehow?
Cheers.
This is what i tried to explian earlier in the thread, i have done a conversion and not hit any problems doing away with the amps and speakers to, i have also fitted 4 x 4" speakers into that great OE windblocker that is a waste of time which now is not with the speakers in, the sound is spot on, it’s to much of a faff loading pics on here to show you the out come, as i also wanted something that looked like it should be there not an after thought, plus the Tunes are not high on my list when useing her, as i would rather listen to the engine and zorst, even though the system is spot on and go as high as i wish without distortion…
This is what i did in one of my Mk 2 V.S’s… https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=527915310649943&set=p.527915310649943&type=1&theater
Pm me if you need me buddy.
M-m
Yes, but I want to RETAIN the original Bose amp and speaker setup. I just want to replace the head unit, which I now have done, albeit with the above mentioned problem. It works, but only with using the speaker level outputs of the new head unit, which is less then ideal. Would prefer to use the line level outputs, but WITHOUT the very disconcerting popping sound!
erm…no. that page refers to bypassing the Bose unit, which I am not, as stated in previous post. Hope that’s clear.
On my Audi, which has a similar Bose setup, I had to use a ground-loop isolator to eliminate the popping and clicking. It connects inline between the head unit and Bose amplifier.
Something like the following from Maplin
http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/ground-loop-isolator-vw43w
you need one for each pair of phonos connected to the Bose amplifier (not sure how many the '5 uses)
HTH
Josh
If i remember the one you have used and the one on miata.net will allow you to still use the amps and speakers from the bose factor fitted system when you just want to fit a stand alone head unit, the so called fix with a cut and chop only with the two wires for this to work is rubbish and you will end up with the popping coming through the speakers, which i had treid both ways and was not impressed, so i personally did the job right, and have no issues plus i can change my head unit anytime with no issues.
I will be doing a how to on this for others to follow if needed rather than messing around and not getting it 100% right with the cut and join.
M-m
Cheers for this, Josh. I strongly suspect this will solve my problem. Will be popping down to Maplin tomorrow morning! I’ll post back with any results. It’s curious why the ground loop problem doesn’t manifest itself on the speaker level outputs. Maybe their isolated from chassis ground?
Further to the above, after reading this: http://www.bcae1.com/glisoltr.htm, I have a strong suspicion that the ground loop isolator will solve my particular problem (and presumably every other similar Bose head unit replacement retaining the original amp/speaker system). £3.95 from Ebay, ordered!
I think you will be pleased with the results, but please report back because I’m sure others will be replacing their headunit and keeping the Bose amp (although I will also replace the speakers when I buy a suitable car).
A benefit of the ebay GLIs is that they tend to be smaller than the Maplin one that I linked to above and should be easier to tuck away behind the headunit.
Josh
Well, for those interested in this, the “fix” worked flawlessly. The ground loop isolator off Ebay did the trick. Sounds levels are now correct and no “popping” noises. With a bit of equaliser adjustments, I really like the sound now and it’s plenty loud! Don’t see any reason to throw out the Bose amplifier and speaker system.
Very pleased, and thanks again to Josh for the suggestions.
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