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mecdatlanta · 10-25-2018, 05:47 AM

Hey Everyone!

So I went through the A/V cabinets and ripped out components from the 80s (vcr, RCA splitter box, CD player, etc...). The coach was built in 2002, but I swear the previous owner got most of the components from yard sales.

I also took out this Bose component that, upon further inspection, I see that it drives the speaker system. I haven't heard it yet, but I imagine it has decent sound, given that it is a Bose system with speakers all over the coach. I also found a subwoofer under the sink area. Amazing where they tuck things into these coaches!

I am facing a bit of a dilemma. The new 4k tv that I installed does not have RCA outputs. Do I buy an adapter to be able to use the inputs on the Bose? Or do I buy another receiver to replace the Bose receiver? I am not familiar with the speaker outputs that Bose uses, so I am not sure if a different system would even be compatible, or if I would need to stick to a Bose system.

Any guidance on this is greatly appreciated. As a RV newbie, I've been busy working on other (more important) issues. One of my next tasks is to tackle the web of wires that now line the inside of the A/V cabinet.

RustyTools · 10-25-2018, 05:57 AM

What audio outputs does the tv have? What make/model?

And what model is the Bose?

mecdatlanta · 10-25-2018, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RustyTools

What audio outputs does the tv have? What make/model?

And what model is the Bose?

I knew someone would ask those questions. Unfortunately, the coach is 2 hours away from me and I can't easily check. I know the tv has HDMI out. There is probably other audio out options to drive a sound bar, etc, but no RCA outs.

The Bose receiver model? Another excellent question. I will need to look on the bottom to find that. I had assumed that I would be replacing it, but am curious to know what others have done with theirs. The speaker out connections seem to be unique to Bose, so I am not sure what my options are there.

falconman · 10-25-2018, 06:22 AM

I’d just get a new receiver, one with Bluetooth so you can operate from your phone. That subwoofer is probably not a powered unit and might not be compatable as well as the speakers which might have a different ohm rating. Do some research but overall I think you’d be happier with the newer tech.

Coachmen Joe · 10-25-2018, 06:28 AM

Hi,

Some of the newer TV's have a 3.5 mm jack for audio out so I would look for that. If you have this you can buy an adapter to go from 3.5mm to RCA female.

As for Bose....

Not a fan. The performance isn't that good and Bose has been riding on their advertising hype for years. There is a saying "No highs no lows must be Bose"

Do some checking on the model number and I'll help you find something better to install in its place.

RockyMtnRide · 10-25-2018, 06:38 AM

I pulled all my 2006 vintage equipment and replaced with a Marantz receiver with HDMI input/output, Dish Wally, and Blue Ray DVD player. Then I cut the speaker wiring harness and made a new pigtail that matched the new receiver. I was lucky, all my speaker wires were marked. My system works great. I also added a couple of computer pancake fans to cool the cabinet.

Coachmen Joe · 10-25-2018, 06:52 AM

Looks like a din connector on the speaker lines. should be easy to figure out. Sometimes when in doubt you can find the speaker with the lines disconnected by using a simple 1.5 volt D cell battery and do a click test. Most of the times the wires are marked and one of the pair has a stripe and generally the stripe is positive most but not all the time.

Sometimes they terminate speaker lines to RCA male jacks and use a RCA Female to din connector adapter. At any rate is isn't difficult to figure out.

vito.a · 10-25-2018, 04:55 PM

I have been working on our older Bose system and connected it to the new 4k TV.
The Bose system outputs audio to the subwolfer under the sink first (through speaker Zone 1 connector), then the signal is split to drive the rest of the speakers. If you want your Bose speakers to work, they require the entire Bose system.
Not optimum, but your other choice is to replace all the speakers and rewire everything from a new amplifier.

Another option is to upgrade to a slightly newer Bose system. They can be expensive, but you will find bargains on eBay. I purchased two Bose Lifestyle AV38/48 media systems on eBay. It has a built in hard drive that I have loaded several hundred songs onto. So far it is working well as a big iPod and a sound system for our TV along with AM/FM.

I used the optical audio out on the back of the TV and connected it to the back of the Bose system Aux input. This way you get digital quality audio from all your TV inputs including smart TV options. I turn on the TV, and then turn on the Bose system and select Aux input for sound.

Hope this helps.

nehog · 10-25-2018, 06:32 PM

Get one of these which will allow you to feed the TV's audio to the BOSE unit.

Or better yet, get a new audio system!

hypoxia · 10-25-2018, 07:33 PM

Bose, folks seem to either love 'em or hate 'em! Klipsch is the same.

As mentioned the DIN wiring goes to the powered subwoofer in the sink area and then gets sent to each speaker. Vito suggested going with a 38 or 48 which work well and would probably be plug n play. I have the AV38 which sounds great. I had Bose rebuild it when it failed due to the difficulty in replacing it but am satisfied with it.

If you choose to replace the system I would consider running new wire to the front and center speakers which should be easy. I would use the DIN wires to run to the subwoofer and rear speaker wiring which you pick up at the subwoofer.

I can tell you that the Bose system sounds great in my coach!

tinstar 1114 · 10-26-2018, 01:05 AM

I bought the adapter and it works great.

FLYING BUTCH · 10-26-2018, 03:27 AM

I purchased a rebuilt AV48 receiver thinking that was my problem. Turned out to be the subwoofer you are describing. I would sell it to you for $79 (way less than I paid for it) plus shipping. I am not going to use it. Just an inexpensive option for you. I am still using my original set up. Great sound and picture.

bruceisla · 10-26-2018, 04:32 AM

Here's another option ...

Get a new Bluetooth aptX transmitter (optical input) and one or more pairs of aptX headphones. No more turning the volume up or down as air conditioners start and stop. Watch TV whenever you want while another person sleeps or reads.

Coachmen Joe · 10-26-2018, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nehog

Get one of these which will allow you to feed the TV's audio to the BOSE unit.

Or better yet, get a new audio system!

The posters Bose picture shows din connectors which would appear to supply speaker level audio to the subwoofer. If this is correct the Bose subwoofer box contains an inductor to allow the low frequency program to the subwoofer and speaker level program to pass to the speakers. Primitive but somewhat effective.

To provide line level program to a powered subwoofer/speaker system would require a balanced signal simply because of the distance and to provide a signal null of noise associated with other electrical that might be running. The biggest offender would be the alternator on the engine and the generator.

The adapter would be of little use right now. The adapter is a digital to analog converter only. The problem is going to be converting the source gears output to the bose supplied din connector. What ever is used for source gear will work providing the signal can be input to the din connector.