I just picked up a 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S with the factory in-dash 6 disc cd changer. Now, it actually doesn't sounds too bad, however I have 3 ipods and I need more treble above anything else. I was looking into just replacing either the front components and seeing if I can get the sound I'm looking from out of that or replacing both front and rears and keeping the factory deck. However from what I've read so far, Bose used to use 1 or 2 ohm setups to produce more wattage per speaker so any speaker to date won't work with the factory HU and amp(s). I am considering ditching the entire system for an aftermarket setup but if I don't have to then great. I wasn't sure what the best approach to this would be (I've been out of car audio for years).

 

That doesn't sound entirely true..

Speakers are the only things that PRESENT load to the amplifier, and the amplifier sends power according to the load it sees.

So a correct statement would be, the factory Bose speakers present 1 ohm loads in order to get the most out of the amp (which is stupid anyways, and I think that may be wrong, I believe it's some weird number like 3 ohms). Therefore, replacing it with a 4ohm speaker would be essentially lowering the output of the amplifier, and hence lower volume from the speaker.

 

in my buddies acura we replaced all the speakers with 4 ohm infinity reference keeping the factory head and wiring. sounded good brought the highs up a lot, he had the same sound problem from what it sounds like... except his where blown when we replaced them

 

My factory Bose sounds fine in my car.

Even if I didn't have many highs as I think I already do, I am perfectly OK with that. I've been scarred from the highs of my old car when I had them improperly mounted. I hate highs.

 

Why not just replace the BOSE speakers with 2ohm aftermarket speakers...

 

Thanks for the input so far guys, it is much appreciated. The Bose system does sound good, but you can't distinguish between mids and highs even with the treble cranked to the max. I don't particularly like high treble but would like some "crispness" to the vocals. Though its not a high determining factor I did want to retain the stock steering wheel controls so I was assuming that keeping the stock deck was a must. However after some research I found out that Alpine makes a double din unit that with the correct mounting kit looks like it was out of the factory AND allows me to keep my factory steering wheel controls (using a 3-rd party plug in adapter) and seemingly connect my ipod without cutting a single factory wire. The unit I am going to order is:
Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. - IVA-W205

I found a picture online of a Acura CL with the Kenwood double din unit and as far as cosmetically, looked very nice and also almost as if it was a factory install. However from my previous experience Alpine made a better product (I'm sure that could be a whole debate on its own).

I decided I am going to take my time and upgrade piece by piece. I got out of modifiying cars a few years ago however I still enjoy listening to quality sounding music when driving around.

I am also looking to upgrade to a set of 6.5 MB Quart Q-Series components in the front, and haven't decided for the 6x9 in the rear.

 

That is really strange. I'd almost like to meet up with you to compare our bose stereos... I can't imagine it'd be THAT different......

I keep the treble at like 2 because any higher hurts quite a bit.