Installing after market stereo in C230 Kompressor 2000 with Bose

[dcolemanca]

I have researched all over this forum for the answers but still a little confused so hoping the resident experts can remove the last few doubts. I have read the thread for the Nakamichi CD400 install but then the jury still seems to be out on whether line convertor required on my model.

I have a JVC SX-990 MP3 head unit which has approx 50Wx4 peak power but also has pre-amp outs for front and rear (RCA) which the manual says are 2V.

I did pick up a line convertor on ebay VEN4.5.

Here's the questions:

1) Which hook up should I use:
- speaker out to line convertor to Bose amp
- speaker out to Bose amp
- RCA line out to Bose amp

2) to use the RCA line out which wiring harness to get? I would ideally want one with RCA connectors.

3) For using the VEN4.5 looks like the cheapest wiring harness is the metra 70-1784 (approx $4 online)

4) I assume I need an antenna adaptor but which one works? I'm unsure because don't know if the car has powered antenna and if that complicates matters

5) I understand the Bose amp requires a signal to turn it on. Which signal to use from head unit, eg power antenna signal?

6) Do I need any kind of fascia adaptor kit?

TIA

[Denlasoul]

Based on my own installation, you should first try and hook up the h/u directly to the amp. That would be just wiring up the speakers and power source. When you power up the h/u, trun up the volume to listen for hissing, static, or distortion. If any of those are present, then hook up the line converter. One thing that I did to make it easier, was use m/f bullet connectors.

Also, most likely, you will not need a front fascia for the h/u.

edit: here is the antenna adapter: Click me (http://www.cardomain.com/item/SCOVWAB)
Also, if you use www.froogle.google.com and plug in the name of the antenna adapter, you might find one for cheaper. Then use Sound Domain's 105% price guarantee to get the antenna for cheaper.

[dcolemanca]

Thanks for the info.

I would like to use the pre-amp output from my JVC deck if I can - seems that would give better sound quality versus the speaker out with a hi-lo converter. I am reluctant to connect the speaker out direct to amp cos I have seen posts elsewhere advising against it due to risk of burning out the amp. Event that is muddied by supposedly my era bose amp can cope with high level output, but opinoin is split on that.

I see there is a Metra harness 70-1787 (VW, 70-1786 is actually for Merceds but not even on the Metra web site) that includes RCA plugs going to a separate connector which presumably attaches to the wiring harness on the C230 on a separate connector. The question is does the Mercedes have this wiring to connect to the Bose amp?

I am trying to avoid having to splice the RCA out from my head unit to the main wiring harness.

I don't have a tool to remove the OEM head unit to see what is there so I have to order that with the rest of the stuff, bit of a chicken and egg scenario!

[Denlasoul]

What might help you out is this Thread: Click me (http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2029&perpage=15&pagenumber=2)
As you can see, I have a SVEN 4. something. What is good about it is that you have the option of running RCA's or speaker wires for your connection.

Also, you can use it for input/output as it has a switch to change back and forth, and you can adjust settings. So basically, you can plug the RCA from your h/u to this box, and then run the speaker wire side to your bose amp. Then just wire up your harness for the power, ground, and such.