Audio Systems: replacing a bose headunit with an aftermarket head unit, bose stereo systems, z28 camaro

Question
Hey Tom the head unit on my 96 Z28 camaro with a bose system has crashed. For a while it would just spit my CD's out even brand new ones. After one of my CD's got jammed in there i decided that i should puchase a aftermarket head unit. Do i need any speacial adapters between my aftermarket head unit and the old bose harness, some say that i do because the power in the amps connected to the speakers and the internal amp of the head unit will interfere and burn up my new radio. I have talked to a few experts in the installation field but all of them have different answers maybe you could clear this up. If you have any advice on this subject it would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Jake,
You will need an adapter to plug onto the factory connector from the Bose stereo in the dash/wiring harness. You will also need a high level to low level adapter to take speaker level audio down to an isolated low level output. The original Bose stereo has low level outputs on it that go to each amp located at each speaker. In some Bose stereo systems the amps will be supplied with 12 volts which is switched on by the remote power control lead from the Bose stereo. If all possible I wouldn't change or remove the Bose speaker/amp units because they are matched to your vehicle to give you the best sound possible. In the future you can always add another small amp to drive one or two woofers for added bass output! This can be done by using a Y connector and tapping into the low level outputs on the level adapter.

TOM,
T&D ELECTRONICS
tdeser@zoominternet.net