I have been searching but cannot seem to find the correct answer to my questions. Hope you guys can help out:

1) If you get the stock NAVI system is there any harm in removing the BOSE head unit and replacing the whole system? I know it is tied into the NAVI for the display but does it HAVE to be?

2) I am going to start shopping for 06 left overs and do not want the BOSE if I decide not to get the NAVI. Does the BOSE system come with other configurations or just with the NAVI?

NAV is part of the Tech Package ($3,900)
This package includes LE Sunroof Package, plus:
• Nissan Navigation System with GPS, DVD atlas and 7.0" color LCD monitor
• Information Center
• RearView Monitor
and is usually purchased with the Bose system. Only because the package comes in the LE and not the SE model and bose is the standard system.

You can go aftermarket for what you want and get a much better system.

I think you'll have difficulty integrating aftermarket with stock nav. There is a lot of interconnection.....actually I believe on either CT or TT someone did this and they had to do alot of rewire and soldering. Not a project for the novice if I remember correctly.

My solution is a bit ugly but it works for me.

I eliminated the Bose System I had and installed a single din Eclipse Head Unit. In order to retain the factory Nav, I moved the Nav Harness (it is long enough) so that it is now in the glove box. I then attached the old radio/nav controls to it and I keep that piece in the glove box. This way, you keep you Nav and can have after market tunes too! I know its not the sexiest solution (but at least its hidden by being in the glove box) but as I said....IT WORKS FOR ME!

I was all set not to get the factory navigation until I saw the cool on board computer maintenance interval thing. However, much like my old Maxima I know that BOSE = CRAP so if this will impede me from upgrading I will have to skip it and go aftermarket.

I just hate how Nissan makes you get things in packages :mad:

Now the trick is to find my left over configured the way I want!

Yeah, the BOSE it just repackaged Panasonic anyway!

I can't think what the name of the product is right now but there is a device that you plug the hu into and it will clean....I think the thing is called clean sweep...anyway it "cleans" the audio so that you can send it to aftermarket amps etc. I read some good reviews on it.

There are several ways of keeping the Bose and getting some aftermarket tunes in there. It all depends on how much work Bose did to "tune" the car. The JL Clean Sweep is pretty good. There is also the RF piece that is pretty slick, and there is also one coming out from JBL. I have personally used the AudioControl LC6 and it rocked. Leave the HU in place. It is not the weakest link. The speakers and amps are.

Well, I am a HUGE home theater, audio/video geek. (I built my own private movie theater in my home with 10' screen, etc.) Yes, I am definitely in the "Bose sucks" camp. That was pretty big for me as I was looking at the Mada/QX. It's my wife's car, so not as big a deal as it would have been for my car.

To be perfectly honest, though, it's a pretty decent audio system for OEM. In my new QX, I get some pretty good audio performance. The bass in particular, while not stunning, is pretty tight and well produced, not like a lot of boomy uncontrolled bass you get from other vehicles that people go "wow" over. (incorrectly)

If it were my primary car and not my wife's, I'd like to upgrade the audio, add surround sound processing, etc. But since it's the family car, it's cool.

Over the years, I have been very disappointed with BOSE. I had purchased a BOSE Lifestyle system for my home, but just didn't think it was 'all that' after it was said and done. I actually took it back and had a friend install In-Ceiling speakers. (Wow, so much better).

BUT... When I purchased my Armada, I was actually very surprised with the Bose system. The base was 'good' but it seemed weak at times. Other than that, it was pretty awesome. I read a thread about putting pollyfill in the sub. It took 2 or 3 times of adjusting the amount of fill, but *WOW* I was so happy with the difference. I have friends that are really into the audio game talk about how great my Armada sounds.

Look, I'm not an audio nut, but I do like my music. The system in our Armadas is great, especially for OEM. With $3.00 pollyfill, you can really step up your audio quality.

Just my 2c.

Tim

Huh... I don't know about the polyfill, but would like to hear about it.

You'll never see me buy Bose for my house, but since the car came with it, they do make decent car stuff.

Here is one of the thread's regarding the polyfill.
It starts getting helpful around the 3rd of 4th page if I remember correctly.

http://www.clubarmada.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27&page=1&highlight=pollyfill


Bascially, you just remove the speak/amp from the top of the plastic sub-box under the front drivers seat. No big deal. Then lightly put polyfill thoughout the sub-box. Don't tightly pack it in, just loose. Put it anywhere your hand can reach inside the box.

Some people say it made a mild impovement. Others said it helped alot. In my experience, it did wonders! Worth the 30 minutes and $3.95.

Good luck.

NAV is part of the Tech Package ($3,900)
This package includes LE Sunroof Package, plus:
• Nissan Navigation System with GPS, DVD atlas and 7.0" color LCD monitor
• Information Center
• RearView Monitor
and is usually purchased with the Bose system. Only because the package comes in the LE and not the SE model and bose is the standard system.

You can go aftermarket for what you want and get a much better system.
My 04 LE came without the Navi but has the Bose system and sun roof. I have always had just a plain AM/FM radio my my Grand Marquis cars. And So I think that the Bose System is realy super, especially the base. I don't understand what people don't like about it. It sure can rattle the windows if you crank it up...But that is just my opinion.

My 04 LE came without the Navi but has the Bose system and sun roof. I have always had just a plain AM/FM radio my my Grand Marquis cars. And So I think that the Bose System is realy super, especially the base. I don't understand what people don't like about it. It sure can rattle the windows if you crank it up...But that is just my opinion.
There are a lot of Bose haters out here including myself. usually people who are in audiophiles wouldn't get near a Bose product.
I have the Bose system in my Armada and I'm actually pleased with it. I've got Mark Levinson in my Lexus and the Bose holds its own.
But for the people who like to roll their windows down and let everyone within a hundred yards share their bass, then the Bose doesn't cut it.
I've won many SPL contents in my younger years so I've had enough of subwoofers and amps.