I think the Bose system has the amps built-in to the speakers, plus
active equalization to, um, "optimize" the signal (read: correct for the
inherent limitations of the Blose drivers).

--
Mike Smith

The Bose system speakers are a pair of single element drivers made of
paper and fabric.  One's a tweeter and the other is a midrange driver.  
They're the same thing you'd find as factory equipment in any economy
car.  They don't sound terrible but there's an obvious lack of frequency
response and power; an AM radio sound quality.

I popped off a midrange grille and found that the speaker wasn't
directly under the opening.  Replacement will involve opening the door
for sure.  It might even require replacing the amps and building new
speaker mounts, but that's all fun for me.  I just need to know the
secrets to safely disassemble the car - what panels cover screws, where
to pry open clips, where to reach in to disconnect wires, etc.

When I think about the stereo and the options for an oil change, the
manual sounds like the way to go.