sound alternatives

[Glen_Powell@ne.3com.com]

After much indecision about to 'replace or not to replace' the Bose Delta
in the 91 200q20v with an in-dash CD receiver, my Bose unit finally died
and I decided to make the jump. The volume on/off switch finally morphed
into an off/off switch and that helped to accelerate the decision-making
process. . . .

I contacted Crutchfield about Bose conversion options. They offer a
converter that accepts standard inputs and appropriate outputs for the
existing Bose amps and speakers. The converter is totally plug-and-play,
has all the correct connectors to interface with the existing wiring in the
car and requires no cutting or splicing of the factory wiring whatsoever.
Cool!

I settled on a low-end CD receiver, the Sony CDX-1150, as I don't need
high-power outputs with the existing Bose amps and did not want a removable
faceplate, remote, CD changer, or any of that other crap. The Bose
converter was their P/N 55303AUB1. They also included a relay,
plug-and-play connector for the antenna and an OEM DIN removal tool.

Parts list:

Sony CDX-1150    $159.95 US
Bose converter         89.95
relay                               9.00
antenna conn              5.00
DIN tool                         3.00
install system credit -8.00

Total                            265.85

Installation was a snap and complete in <1Hr. The sound is EXCELLENT and
overall I am very impressed with the complete system and the performance,
sound and features of a $159 head-unit, very pleased! The snap/crackle/pop
when the A/C kicks on/off is GREATLY reduced Vs the Bose unit. My only
complaints are 1) a wee bit of a crunch when powered-off, I suspect that
power-down of the head-unit happens before the Bose amps loose their
power-supply, and 2) no instructions on what to do with the relay, prolly
for power to the Bose amps. I figgered Audi already has 'em relayed and I
did not use the supplied relay.

All in all a great value and makes good use of the existing Bose amps and
speakers.

-glen