Why are Bose systems hated?
 

I don't know too much about car stereo systems, but I do know people loves to bash the Bose systems. So I'm wondering what the reasons behind it is... because I'm guessing Bose is the apple of car stereos? I mean do they have decent products but you can get more bang for buck with other brands? I'm not an audiophile by any means but only problem I have with my Bose system on the 370z is that the volume cap limit seem extremely low.

We don't hate the Bose in our Z. Love the volume Auto-Leveling.

Bose = Buy Other Sound Equipment
Ok, past that, you are right, you can get more bang for your buck. Since the car comes stock, in the touring, it is a nice upgrade. I love my music (an audiophile with a budget), but for me, a car stereo system can be nice but nothing I would ever invest heavily in. The sound stage is never right, you are limited by many factors, and in this type of car I want to enjoy the ride (which can include music) but usually is actually the car I want to hear.

Because they broke like crazy on the Z32's and have a lousy rep of durability. They don't last long. And they are overpriced. Just look in the Bose store.

Like a LOT of of other brands of electronics equipment, the company makes a wide range of products from relatively poor to higher end models.
In the case of BOSE, they have had a poor reputation in older Z and G models for being imbalanced and of generally low quality (speaker failure sooner than expected).

The set ups in those cars were undoubtedly horrible. BOSE has made terrific sound systems, the one in the M35/45 premium surround package is a perfect example of this. It has crisp highs and rich deep lows through a 14.2 speaker set up. The standard model comes with an 8.1 BOSE set up, which is noticeably less balanced and true at higher volumes.

The point I am trying to make is that when people are saying "BLOSE" and 'Bose = Buy Other Sound Equipment" they are usually referring to specific set ups that haven't performed well. This doesn't mean all BOSE systems are horrible.

My 97' Infiiniti QX4 has BOSE speakers that are still working wonderfully and sound better than some of the OEM set ups in my friends BMW's and Audi's.


As long as the audio quality meets your needs then there is no reason to fret. Audiophiles will never be satisfied with a stock arrangement, but I'm sure they know not to expect anything to meet their standards.

What's the general feedback with the Bose system in the 370's?

I would like to know opinions from you guys as well! =)

The Bose head units on 350Z's (in the UK at least) are/were actually made by Clarion in France and have many reliability issues, especially with the CD player in cold weather and the amp packing up. If you contact Bose they say it's nothing to do with them - despite the unit having BOSE stamped on the front of it.

In terms of sound quality I'd describe the 350Z Bose as 'satisfactory'. The stock speakers are actually crap - same as you'd get in any Nissan. If they're the same quality in the 370Z they'd be one of the first things to remove and upgrade.

All in all, I think that Bose try to make themselves out to be something they're not, but they are a tiny bit better than your average car sound system. They are too expensive for what they are.

The other problem w/Bose is that it virtually impossible to upgrade components - they're all propietary stuff w/weird wiring, unique head units, spks ohms (e.g. 2ohms), strange size spkrs, they mount their amps near or at the spkr location, spkr output reflects builtin amp equalization. Pretty much the only upgrade is to pull the whole junk out and go custom otherwise leave it alone and listen to the engine tunes!

Bose is a marketing company. They use crap components in everything but their highest level professional studio level equipment. Nissan should stick with Rockford Fosgate for their upscale audio systems IMHO.

Mine sounds pretty good :)

Considering that it's a stock stereo, it sounds pretty descent. It's on par with my friends Lexus IS250. My expectations were that it would not sound like the 2-12inch W6s and Aftermarket JL-VRs I had in my 350Z but that it would sound as good or better as another stock stereo. I think the Lexus as something like 14 speakers and for the Z only having 8 it sounds pretty good.

Now if you want something to sound like a $3000 system then the Bose is not for you. I've spent enough money on stereos over the years and I think i am done with stereo upgrading. I am really pleased with the quality of the Bose. The bass doesnt' thump like 2 12s but how can you really expect that?

:werd:

In the 350z community, it's known as the "blose" sound system for a reason. Speakers are junk, if you've ever pulled them out. Not to mention parts tend to break pretty often. And you have to upgrade the entire system since the speakers are made with really non-standard impedances.

Example, after the 3rd replacement of the Blose subwoofer, my friend decided to just replace the entire system. Soon after another friend with the Blose asked the first if he had any recommendations on headunits. His only choices were to either replace the entire system or get another Blose head unit. :shakes head:

They might produce some quality equipment but from the applications I've seen, they are junk.

I have gone and actually purchased bose equipment for my home before. The speakers were awesome, great sound. But I've had a bose system in probably 3 of my cars now, and all of them have barely sounded better than stock.

Not an audiophile by any means but I really do like the Bose system in my 370. I certainly don't feel the need to change anything. I guess the only thing I wish it had was a little more bass, but it's one of the better factory sound systems I've heard.