I'm looking at replacing the head unit in my car soon and just wanted to know if I'll have to do anything special due to the stock Bose system. I know the speakers are wired up differently from common ones, but I'm just looking at the head unit for now because I want an aux jack. I'd like to just pop the old one out, attach an adapter, and plug in the new one.

 

I was in the same position as you and bought an aftermarket head unit with adapters from Crutchfield.

I later learned that an aftermarket HU will not work properly with the monsoon amplifier.

I now have all new components (HU, speakers, amp, wiring & adapters) for the car that will go in before hitting the road this spring.

My first car audio experience, so this was learned through help online / forums. Don't think I am an expert.

 

I actually have the Bose system, my bad.

 

Mine had the Monsoon system in it, but it was ruined when I bought it.

I ripped all the wiring out, and went over to component drivers for the doors and sail panels. Due to some other more important expenses, things like the amp for the speakers and a single 8" or 10" sub in rear hatch area (where the optional 6-disc CD changer would normally sit) w/ it's own amp got thrown hastily on the sidelines financially. You know, a trashed rear end, a drive shaft that was 2.6" too short, a tranny that needs a rebuild, etc. Those take more money, and precedence.

If you're good drive train wise, I would honestly forgo the whole stock system. The Monsoon system was... well it's better than most stock audio, but it's nothing compared to a full array of drivers/speakers in place of the stock stuff. Go to a 4-way coaxial speaker, or component drivers in the doors and the sail panels, and it makes a WORLDS difference right off the bat.
Stock I think the sail panels have like... what I'll refer to as 'door woofers' which are basically low-frequency speakers. I can't remember what they actually are, but anything is better.

 

So, I have the Bose system... what to do?