Opinion: OEM Stereo or Not

[cajuncorvette]

Just purchased my first Corvette -- a 1988 coupe. It has the original AM-FM Cassette system with the Bose speakers. The two in the rear are not operating, but they may not be hooked up. The radio works fine and cassette as well. Would you keep the system? If not, any recommendations on upgrade equipment? Thanks!

 

[gtawh]

I personally would keep the system, as I prefer everything stock. Plus for 20-year-old speakers they produce pretty damn good sound. However if the rears are shot and aftermarket speakers are cheaper then that's an option for you. Check to make sure they just aren't hooked up like you said before going out and getting new ones

 

[John Robinson]

I would keep the original system. When GM had Boise make a radio for the Corvette they designed it specifically to produce the best acoustics available for the interior of the car. Notice I said to produce the best acoustics which is a far cry from producing the loudest base or noise. Yes the aftermarket equipment is more sophisticated but most people who listen to a radio or CD in a car could not tell you the difference between the original Boise and some aftermarket unit played at the same level.

For a few of us we can remember the days when FM was only for short distances from the tower and the AM band was the best you could get. On AM you could maybe listen to Pittsburgh in St. Louis if the signal was getting a good skip off the heavens. And the enjoyment of having static as you drove along the power lines beside the road was priceless. On a good night I have listened to Pittsburgh all the way from Indianapolis and that was before the days of XM.

I would look into finding out what the situation with the speakers is and then if they need repair contact DR. Don at www.doctordons.com for a quote on the cost of repairs

 

[TedC]

Really depends on you requirements. I prefer the sound quality of an aftermarket stereo. Installing a properly sized new head unit and properly sized rear 6"x9" speakers can be accomplished without any modifications to stock components. With the new head unit, I no longer require an extended antenna for strong FM reception, and simply installed an antenna power switch. Just understand that the Bose system and standard aftermarket radio components are not interchangeable. I'm keeping all removed items for the next owner who may want the original radio and sound.

 

[ZumZum]

Stereo and speaker design has come a long way in 20 years. I'd replace it, but keep the stock parts. That way you have the option of installing them back if you should so desire. I believe Pioneer makes a pretty good head unit that will fit right in.

 

[tonylong]

I was gonna replace mine when I first got the car 10 years ago. The audio sound guy said first I should just add a self powered sub-woofer and then decide if I still wanted to change. He was right. The sub produced great bass sounds and I've never regretted keeping the original. Cost was about $250 compared to over $1,000 to replace - parts and labor.

 

[jester]

I replaced mine for three reasons.

1. All four speaker amps were gone/going.

2. I can now play CDs.

3. We do quite a bit of cruising with our club and I can now listen to the radio and talk on the CB at the same time. With the Bose system, the radio had to be turned off before the CB mic. was keyed.

 

[tcolyer]

As an option you can also replace the 84-89 Bose AM/FM cassette with a 94-96 Camaro AM/FM CD Bose head unit with an adapter available on line. It has same color lighting and looks factory and sounds a little better than the 84-89 units

 

[tonylong]

As an option you can also replace the 84-89 Bose AM/FM cassette with a 94-96 Camaro AM/FM CD Bose head unit with an adapter available on line. It has same color lighting and looks factory and sounds a little better than the 84-89 units

This sounds interesting, I'd really like a CD. Is it plug-in compatible with the Bose speakers? Can you list the actual Model numbers to help in a search?

 

[gtawh]

if you've got an iPod or other mp3 player you can get a cassette adapter for like 6 bucks:

even better than just a single cd, and you don't have to bother with replacing your stereo

 

[air1jpg]

if you've got an iPod or other mp3 player you can get a cassette adapter for like 6 bucks:

even better than just a single cd, and you don't have to bother with replacing your stereo

I got one of these adapters at Walmart to plug in my ipod, it works great!

 

[blackxpress]

I would probably keep the original and just either fix or replace the rear speakers. That said, whoever had my 90 before me replaced the stock unit with a real nice Sony AM/FM/CD. It still has the original Bose speakers and sounds fabulous when I actually turn it on. Most of the time, however, I don't use it because I prefer to listen to the exhaust note. It's music to my ears.

 

[Vettefan87]

I put a CD player in mine, and have had minimal problems with the stock speakers. With the dash kit installed it is not an eye sore like many other cars with after market head units.

 

[puppyfang]

Got a problem with my bose...

My 1989 bose is starting to act up and giving me trouble, so I want to replace it...saw the reply about using a 1994-96 camero cd bose unit, does anyone known the part number or where to get one and what adapter you need, want to keep the look as stock as possible.. any help would be appreciated.. and the speakers are perfect... why wouldn't they be as it just turned 20 k...the puppyfang

 

[bryanjamesjr]

Hi,

I have a 94-96 am/fm/cassette bose in perfect condition,it fits 89 vette that I would be willing to let go for a very, very reasonable price if your interested. And you could use an adapter for cd/ipod etc.

bryanjamesjr

 

[Rex S]

I would keep, and repair if needed, the OEM unit. If you must have a new unit for whatever reason, be SURE to find a shop that does excellent wiring work. We have repaired the wiring on 3 C4s due to "auto sound specialist" and the alarm installer guy. From what I have seen most of these shops are hacks.

 

[justintime]

To each his own, I have a 96 LT4 without Bose, going to keep Delco radio for the next guy as I have done with stock exhaust and wheels, going with double din Pioneer DVD, CD player and a classic Mcintosh amp, 8" sub. Not looking for loudness, just great quality sound, love my music, and the updated look it will give.