Bose amplifier bit the dust

[bobsblue95]

Worked fine all day yesterday, then I went to the store and when I turned the key on I heard buzzing and popping. Radio works but no sound, so the amplifier has died.
First of all, does anyone here still have one that they removed?
Secondly, any thoughts on an aftermarket amp? Seems like a normal amp other than very low impedance outputs (1-2ohm) Four channels plus a dual coil sub-woofer.

[wfooshee]

It's normal except for two things, one of which you mentioned. Low impedance output, and balanced inputs. Balanced, as in, there are three wires per channel, not just two: a plus, a minus, and the shield. The shield is shared on all four channels, but it's still part of the electrical connection.

[jummama]

Jun 18, 2015 18:52:06 GMT -6 wfooshee said:

It's normal except for two things, one of which you mentioned. Low impedance output, and balanced inputs. Balanced, as in, there are three wires per channel, not just two: a plus, a minus, and the shield. The shield is shared on all four channels, but it's still part of the electrical connection.

Balanced inputs!?!? I wonder if the 2G Bose system did that too... Either way, that's awesome!

That said, you can likely find a couple DI boxes from a music shop (or amazon) that could convert the balanced signal from the deck into unbalanced if you decide to put in a non-OEM amp. I'm thinking something with XLR input, and 1/4" output. This should also solve the impedance problem.

[bobsblue95]

Interesting, I didn't realize they used balanced signals, though I do recall the shielded bundle.
I guess another option would be a Bose amp from a different vehicle, like a silverado or cadillac.

That said, I just pulled the amp and opened it up to look for damage... I don't see or smell anything out of the ordinary. Maybe I'll check the fuse. #facepalm

[cursed87]

Did you ever figure this issue out? I have the Bose amp I removed from my 99'. If you still want a original one its yours. Just make me a offer. That is if your willing to pay for shipping.

[bobsblue95]

I haven't yet, too hot to get out in the trunk to troubleshoot.
I'll PM you if I determine the amp is actually bad or if it's something else.
Fuse is good, might be power signal wire from radio.

[cursed87]

Ok! I hope you find the source tho. Wish I could help,but Bose is not like any other audio system. I only know about aftermarket's. Good luck man!

[cursed87]

Just wondering... Did that amplifier help?

[bobsblue95]

*sigh* sadly no... Odd because all the proper signals are getting back to the trunk. I've got primary power, switching power, audio signals, just no freaking sound. And it's too dang hot to get out there with a meter and thoroughly diagnose. I was dripping with sweat after four bolts lol and that was 8pm in the shade.

[bobsblue95]

Finally figured out that the amplifier had lost it's ground.
Not even sure where I grounded it as that was one minor detail from OEM that I couldn't exactly duplicate, but originally the amp ground wire runs all the way to the front of the car and gets grounded somewhere near the A-pillar. I just cut the ground wire under the back seat and connected to an existing ground point. All better.

[cursed87]

Haha so glad you figured it out...the day you responded back I spent nearly 2 hours going threw the service manual trying to figure what could have been the issue. I kept coming back to a ground issue! Again bose isn't my strong point. Very glad you figured this out. Odd grounding spot up front if you ask me! Haha.