pcm, no sound, navigation not available, telephone not available, maps not available, cd changer not available

[Sparkatan]

Now thinking about ditching the PCM system and fitting a Kenwood DNX 9180 DABS to work with the Bose speakers.

Is this straightforward or do I need to retain some of the existing components? Can I do this or does it need a specialist?

[Sparkatan]

Got a quote from a car audio specialist today and was a bit surprised that they’re quoting £420 for a fibre optic adaptor to work with a Kenwood unit and existing Bose amp. The other option is a new amp at around £400 but the adaptor won’t be required.

There’s nothing in the Kenwood blurb that says an amp is needed.

Does this sound right?

[Richard Hamilton]

There doesn't seem to be much point in trying to integrate the Bose amp if you aren't sure it is working.

 

You can get a cable to connect the speakers directly to a head unit, provided the unit has speaker outputs, of course.  The snag is that Bose speakers are 2 ohm impedance, and most head units (and amps) are designed for 4 ohm speakers.  It would work, but the sound quality might suffer.

[Sparkatan]

I’m going to get the amp checked and maybe it’ll be a cheap repair. Thing is it’s going to cost £400 to integrate this with the new head unit.