The amp in my 04 Special Edition died on me.

[barthrh]

The amp in my 04 Special Edition died on me. (part 996.645.333.05). I'm hoping to find a lower-cost replacement unit, but wonder what other alternatives exist. I took the car to an audio shop and they explained that you can't mix Bose with any other brand of component due to problems with the impedance on the speakers. As a result, it's necessary to replace the whole shooting match end-to-end. Price tag: about $3k, including a new subwoofer because the one in back can't be used?

Is this true? Is there not another amp that could replace mine? Does anyone know of a good place to pick up cheap Bose amps?

[dyazdani]

I haven't dealt with the particulars of the Bose system and have heard the MOST/fiber optic integration adds one level of complexity, but IMO, I would question any shop whose only suggestion is to replace the entire system. Was the shop recommended to you? You might go for a 2nd opinion. I'm sure others here know more about teh specific system you have.

What about replacing with the OEM part? Or are you looking to upgrade?

Edited February 4, 2009 by dyazdani

[barthrh]

What about replacing with the OEM part? Or are you looking to upgrade?

The OEM part is a bit of a rip-off for what it is... $800 for a mediocre amp. I was hoping to replace the amp for an aftermarket part that would cost less and perform better. This would normally be the case were it not for Bose's sinister plan to assemble components that are costly or impossible to mix-and-match.

I do agree with your suggestion for a second opinion. I did go to only one shop. They are high-end and well known in town, but sometimes that can yield gut-and-restart responses rather than some renovation innovation.

[daveclause]

I just added the Bose subwoofer and speaker system to my 02 986. The sound is good and deep. :unsure: All I did was upgrade the rear speaker shelf with the Bose rear subwoofer system and make a loom so I could plug the Bose into the CDR-220 stereo. I get the bass with out the high price tag. :renntech: :clapping:

As for the amp replacement, I would see exactly what I want to do. Other wise you can a good used amp on EBAY for about $35-$150 and keep your existing system.

Edited February 11, 2009 by daveclause

[juniinc]

Yes, there are some problems due to the speaker impedence,,,

Bose means usually a 2 OHM impedence system.

U could always drop/lower by running your amplifier in mono(bridging) or speakers in parrelel(SUB).

As Jetexas mentioned there are 2/4ohm amps out there.

even going with a weak 75W x 4CH amp, running in 2OHM load is gonna double the output. eventually paper coned factroy speaker will blow,,,,,

1.whole system needs to be replaced 2. look for an used BOSE amplifier 3. check with a local electronic repair shop

I had a few blown amps repaired in the past

The amp in my 04 Special Edition died on me. (part 996.645.333.05). I'm hoping to find a lower-cost replacement unit, but wonder what other alternatives exist. I took the car to an audio shop and they explained that you can't mix Bose with any other brand of component due to problems with the impedance on the speakers. As a result, it's necessary to replace the whole shooting match end-to-end. Price tag: about $3k, including a new subwoofer because the one in back can't be used?

Is this true? Is there not another amp that could replace mine? Does anyone know of a good place to pick up cheap Bose amps?

Edited February 11, 2009 by juniinc

[JeTexas]

There's less expensive, high-quality amplifiers out there capable of 2 ohm output. Do a search at Crutchfield.com or another stereo specialty store. You might have to use two amps instead of just the one Bose to have enough 2 ohm channels to run all your speakers with the correct wattage, but all it takes is a little math to figure it all out.