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redvette89 
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Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 140,000 fun-filled miles -
Joined: December 05 2009
Location: Huron, OH - USA
Posts: 45
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 Topic: Bose Amplifier Mystery
Posted: March 13 2010 at 9:21pm |
I have a Bose amp mystery and will appreciate any insight or ideas
A little past history....
1989 Corvette
Factory Bose stereo system
About 2 years ago, the left rear speaker started hissing and I replaced it with a Amp/Speaker combo from Mid America for around $140
Then last summer, each of the other 3 speakers started hissing (probably about a month apart for each)
Over the winter, I found someone on eBay who sells replacement amps for $70 each. I talked to them on the phone several times and their seller history is excellent. So I went ahead and bought 3 amps (no speakers)
So, with the warmer weather, I went about installing the new amps and got the right rear done Wednesday night. After hooking it up, the stereo played but I couldn't get a clear signal except for a local FM station. It was nice out on Thursday and I got to run some errands. Radio played but I still couldn't pick up any clear stations.
Nice out again Friday and I had 2 customer calls to make. On the way home a fuse blew knocking out the radio, climate control and courtesy lights. I took it apart tonight and double checked the wiring and the amp enclosure to make sure nothing came loose or went goofy. Everything looks good visually, but when I hook the speaker back up, the fuse blows again. Next step, I tried another amp and now I'm back to everything working, except I can't get a clear radio station.
I'm going to call the store I bought this from on Monday but am fearfull they won't be able to help much. They were positive their amp was compatible with the 89 Bose stereo system.
I just can't figure out how an amp could affect radio signal quality and after a few hours of use, blow a fuse. To make it even more confusing, the fuse that pops isn't the radio fuse, it's the courtesy/clock fuse!
Has anyone heard of this ? Or have any ideas ? Any input is much appreciated
Thanks, Dave
ps - the speaker in question is currently disconnected so I don't make things worse
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1989 Red Convertible
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96LT1
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1996 Polo Green LT1 Coupe
Joined: March 20 2009
Location: Powhatan, VA - USA
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Posted: March 14 2010 at 5:41am |
The coutesy/clock fuse powers the amplifier relay...which in turn powers each individual amp for the 4 speakers---to me it sounds like the one replacement amp is bad/shorted since it's popping the fuse.
As far as the radio not picking up stations clearly ...sounds like a antenna issue OR cable from antenna to the radio (don't know how that might be related to the amps being replaced)
The only way I've ever tested/checked a antenna or cable.... is to plug another one in and try it .
If the radio will play cassettes with good sound quality....I'd suspect a antenna problem.
Vaughn
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Yea though I drive through the valley of rice....
I shall fear no turbo, for torque art with me
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redvette89
Standard Member
Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 140,000 fun-filled miles -
Joined: December 05 2009
Location: Huron, OH - USA
Posts: 45
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Posted: March 14 2010 at 7:43am |
Thanks Vaughn
To rule out a faulty new amp, I disconnected it and the radio signal comes in clear. As soon as I plug it back it, the signal goes bad. So I ruled out an antenna problem
The circuitry on the new replacement amps looks very different than the original (much more up to date components). I'm wondering if mixing new and old amps together is causing the problem. I don't think they have any cross over connectivity to each other, but don't know that for certain. I'm trying to think of all possibilities.
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1989 Red Convertible
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96LT1
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Vette(s):
1996 Polo Green LT1 Coupe
Joined: March 20 2009
Location: Powhatan, VA - USA
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Posted: March 14 2010 at 8:51am |
Originally posted by redvette89
Thanks Vaughn
To rule out a faulty new amp, I disconnected it and the radio signal comes in clear. As soon as I plug it back it, the signal goes bad. So I ruled out an antenna problem
The circuitry on the new replacement amps looks very different than the original (much more up to date components). I'm wondering if mixing new and old amps together is causing the problem. I don't think they have any cross over connectivity to each other, but don't know that for certain. I'm trying to think of all possibilities.
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Two things the amps have in common are the power source via the amp relay and the amps and radio use one "common" ground...the sound signal out of the radio are individual out puts to each amp/speaker unit. I just looked at the diagram again and the curtesy/clock fuse feeds both the amp relay and the" memory" for the radio itself.
Sounds to me like the amp is bad...or not compatible with a '89....or not wired correctly( when you contact them be sure the correct wiring instructions were sent for your '89)---I went to the site and looked at the amp--is it possible to plug the connector in backwards at the amp circuit board ?? I'm not there so I'm not even sure it's a removable connector..so i'm just asking. 
I've had good luck personally dealing with "thepartsladi" but I've never had to contact them other then via email---I've heard some complaints from people trying to contact them by phone. Anyway good luck and keep us posted on what the out come is.
Vaughn
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Yea though I drive through the valley of rice....
I shall fear no turbo, for torque art with me
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redvette89
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Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 140,000 fun-filled miles -
Joined: December 05 2009
Location: Huron, OH - USA
Posts: 45
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Posted: March 14 2010 at 9:06am |
Wow Vaughn, you're good at this stuff ! I really appreciate your inputs
Since I purchased 3 amps from the "thepartsladi" I went ahead and tried out a 2nd one last night and got the same results.
The original wiring is soldered to the amp. The new amps use a plug harness and came with adapters and good instructions. The wiring diagram/color codes matched exactly and I am pretty sure everything is correctly wired
It'll be an interesting conversation with them tomorrow. Will let you know what they say
Thanks again, Dave
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1989 Red Convertible
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themailman
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1989 convertible
Joined: July 21 2009
Location: Plantsville, CT - USA
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Posted: March 19 2010 at 2:55pm |
 Dave, I have a 1989 (red) conv that's doing the EXCACT SAME THING! I ordered $500 worth of replacement aftermarket stuff from Crutchfield. Went to install it today and the stock system was working perfect again. (after replacing the fuse) I too, checked all connections and replaced my right/rear that was emmitting a LOUD 60 cycle hum, the instant the power was turned on, with a unit (used) from E-bay. All was well for a couple of weeks before winter and then THIS happened. I'll be following your results closely! Joe A.
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redvette89
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Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 140,000 fun-filled miles -
Joined: December 05 2009
Location: Huron, OH - USA
Posts: 45
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Posted: March 24 2010 at 10:00am |
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I haven't received a decision from 'thepartsladi' yet and hope to hear back from them in the next day or 2. I'm also thinking about yanking the whole Bose system and installing a new one. Will let you know if I get any worthwhile info on this problem
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1989 Red Convertible
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96LT1
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1996 Polo Green LT1 Coupe
Joined: March 20 2009
Location: Powhatan, VA - USA
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Posted: March 25 2010 at 2:34am |
Thanks for the update....I'd been considering replacing mine with a radio/nav system myself.
Anyway-- Good Luck-- hope you get it resolved one way or the other 
Vaughn
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Yea though I drive through the valley of rice....
I shall fear no turbo, for torque art with me
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Strats-N-Vettes
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Location: Scott, LA - USA
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Posted: March 25 2010 at 3:08pm |
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I like the looks of stock...guess I am not into stereos in any of the cars, but my truck has the sounds.
If they would have a good upgrade in the stock trim; I would go for that.
Jim
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Behind every great man is a great woman, behind every great woman is a great behind!!
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redvette89
Standard Member
Vette(s):
1989 Red Convertible - 140,000 fun-filled miles -
Joined: December 05 2009
Location: Huron, OH - USA
Posts: 45
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Posted: March 30 2010 at 11:32am |
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Well, "thepartsladi" isn't helping out with an exchange, fix, or refund. Now I need to decide if I want to buy more amplifiers from a known source like Corvette Central, Mid America, Ecklers, or replace the whole system. The cost either way will probably balance out if I can sell the old radio and the one good amp/speaker combo I bought a year ago from Mid America (there's no way I'd resell the amps from thepartsladi). I really like the idea of having new technology for the radio not to mention a CD/MP3 player. On the other hand, I have kept my car 100% original and have mixed feelings about the appearance a new style radio has in this dash. I've looked at lots of pics and they look decent, but it's obvious at first glance it's a replacement unit....... hmmmm. what to do what to do
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1989 Red Convertible
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eddie20890
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Posted: March 30 2010 at 6:44pm |
dave there is a couple of ways to get around your dilemma. first you can find a company that will take your radio and put all new workings inside and give you the inputs for cd/mp3 player. from what i heard it costs about $400. this second one is what i did. there is a company called secret audio. they give you a unit about the size of a desktop computer hard drive, that you can mount somewhere like under a seat. they give you a small display that you can stick on your dash to change stations. plus they have a cd changer that you can add. basically you are wiring in another stereo but you can leave the original in the dash for cosmetics. i bought one for my 75 but have yet to install it. hope this might help you.  just checked the box. the company name is custom autosound radioes.
Edited by eddie20890 - March 30 2010 at 6:56pm
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pls4490
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Posted: March 31 2010 at 9:00am |
There are several places that will rebuild your system reasonably - I've had speakers rebuilt and they sounded great - cheaper than new units. There's a place about an hour north of me that does Eckler's work if your interested and I can still find their card.
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FLDAVE
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1992 BLACK ON BLACK
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Posted: March 31 2010 at 12:08pm |
No highs, no lows, it must be Bose. Bose blows!.
Understand your desire to stay original. Here's another option.
Install the sound system you really want leaving the original wire harness. There are many double DIN head units and like size speakers available. No cutting hacking etc.
If you ever sell the car, reinstall your original stuff. Plug and play. Leave your new wiring and point out that you can replace the Blows very easily 'cause its already wired for the good stuff. (Selling point!) Only about 25% of 'vette heads think that having a Bose system is a plus anyway.
It doesn't make sense to keep throwing good money at a POS system like Bose. Even brand new there junk. Even compared to a low budget aftermarket system.
Rock on! |
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Red89C4
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Location: Brick, NJ - USA
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Posted: March 31 2010 at 12:19pm |
Dave, I found a place called..Car Stero Help...in Florida ( www.carsterohelp.com ) that seems to have all the Bose parts and repair services. I am planning on sending my 89's Bose radio and all the speaker/amp enclosures to them when I get around to it (currently doing engine/trans first), you may want to try them.
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