Dammit said:
We replaced the lot, and added a sub, the only additional wiring was to power the new amp directly from the battery and a short run from the head unit to the sub.
I don't see why you'd not re-use the existing wiring unless you were going for a very high-nerd install and wanted inch thick pure gold cables everywhere.
There are wiring diagrams available for these cars, get the one that is specific to your model and options and work out what needs to go where, what you want to install and then take a look at what connectors you need to source.
It's not a snap-fingers-and-done project, but it's also not massive.
I quite enjoyed soldering up all my new connectors, I'd not done anything remotely similar for 25 years so it was fun remembering how to do it.
No problems with soldering, although I need to use a microscope for SMD work, as I simply can't see the parts properly these days, but through hole and connectors are not a problem.
I'm fed up with the time I spent on the crappy Bose stuff. Can't believe it's so bad for premium system.
Dash speakers - that explains why the Alpine doesn't sound any better, in fact it's a little quieter, I guess it has a higher sensitivity or the impedance of the Alpines are higher. Luckily I didn't butcher them. I'll put the Alpines in the back and reinstate the front dash speakers.
Tesa tape is that black cloth tape for NVH purposes?
So, you kept the Bose sub? I find it lacks control and single note. I was thinking about getting rid of it and fitting one of those under seat subs, but above the passenger's feet area. Is the thing ported? I prefer sealed boxes or open baffle for subs. Did you change the speakers in the sub or just re-wire them?
My HU has F, R and sub preouts and I've got a decent, spare amp, though it's a little big. I'll need to find it and see if it'll physically fit or I'll just buy a couple of those Pioneer amps.
I should have enough screened 4 core cable kicking around to make the lead. The existing leads aren't shielded, but do seem to be twisted pairs.
Photo shows the lead I made, preout to Bose amp.