Considering that I, and many others, had questions about installing an aftermarket radio on a factory Bose system, I figured I'd post this up.

1) It helps to go to crutchfield.com regardless of whether you buy your radio from there. I prefer it just because you get all the parts you need and, in case you run into trouble installing it, they have CS standing by for you. I didn't need the CS but I've heard they're great.

2) The key element to any aftermarket head unit on the stock Bose system is the Scosche adapter. This is the link- http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142C4GM...r.html?tp=3486

3) Other than the adapter, standard installation follows. Disconnect the battery, undo the dash, get out the factory one, and then start hooking up the wires (don't go by just color, though that often is the case that they match up) for the new one.

4) Test out the radio BEFORE putting it back in. Hook up the battery and make sure it works. This is also when you need a screwdriver (flat head) to adjust the Scosche adapter. Turn the dials clockwise til you reach the max you'll ever need the volume to be or til the speakers start getting distorted (while the new head unit volume is 3/4 of the way maxed out by the way.)

5) If all is well, throw it all back in there and enjoy the new stereo.

Hopefully this helps some people who had the same questions that I did before. Review of the unit to follow.

 

The radio itself is quite nice. I chose it because I wanted to stick with Pioneer (great luck with the one in my RS and the one in my brother's Camaro) and the fact that the other Pioneer units currently out are getting way to busy (buttons are mashed everywhere). In contrast, this one has only 3 buttons on the side and just the multi-control ****.

The customization of this unit is great. 5 preset EQs, 2 custom- with an 8 band equalizer to top it off. That and you can change the color of both the screen and buttons. Not bad at all.

The sound- the most important part I guess, is great. It is heads and tails above the stock Bose unit and definitely brings some life to the music, even if you don't upgrade the speakers.

The available sources (Sat or HD radio, USB, SD card, etc.) is great. I have actually put in an SD card loaded with some movies (for when I'm parked waiting on somebody) and I keep all the music on a USB drive. This works great. The aux port is nice, especially since it is located next to the passenger, which is usually the person that uses mine since I already have my music on the USB, etc.

The only real complaints are that the multi-control **** which needs ridges on the side like older Pioneers to be able to turn the volume better, and that it doesn't come with an HD radio. They take out a CD player- the least they can do is throw in the HD radio.

Other than that, it's a solid unit. I'm pretty impressed all around.