04 H2.
has the Bose stereo with navigation feaures (large screen).
radio works but screen is blank.

Replacement radio is several hundred.
My question is will a cheaper off brand stereo work with the bose speaker system or do I need to stick with the same unit?

 

Crutchfield will have what you need. You will spend about a hundred on the adapter interface (I used a Metra GMOS), steering wheel control adapter (not mandatory and some aftermarket head units do not even have swc capability), wiring harness adapter plugs, and dash install kit. Then your aftermarket stereo of choice. Can easily get well over the cost of a stock replacement stereo but with the potential of more capabilities like USB, integrated bluetooth for hands free calling, in stereo or phone integrated GPS, HD Radio, etc.

The main adapter (Metra GMOS is similar) is mandatory though as that is required to integrate with the factory amp, retain chimes, and other vehicle functions.

 

Darn I was afraid of that. Well I read about a trick here to try to bring this screen back to life and if that fails I will probably just replace it with a refurbished oem radio so every thing is like it is now.

Appreciate the info!