Bose System Sucks?

exedy699 · 08-12-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

While I expect few to rate the Bose system as excellent it is a pretty good car stereo. Most (if not all) Bose systems are designed not for true fidelity (impossible in a car anyway) but for a sound that most ppl find pleasant (psychoacoustics). Apparently, you are not one of the most.

The Bose system in the 370Z was not designed for high volume (above 20 or so on the volume indicator). If you want to thump, you'll need a new system.

Exactly my point. While it may not be a harman kardon system, that has a cross over for each speaker and a unique channel per speaker, it is a good setup with quality until a point. Besides, if you wanted something ultra why would you expect a Bose system to be top notch? Spend the 4k it would cost to buy each component, and then spend another 1k getting it installed (assuming you cannot do it based on the description of your issues).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Actually not true. The Bose system doesn't even come close to audio quality whether it being a car or at home. A simple set of Polk speakers can blow the quality of the Bose paper speakers away. Read over my write up on them and it may explain why they are in more ways than one utter junk.

Polk? That is a mass produced/oriented brand. Sure, it sounds decent, but you are buying cheap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Depends on what one wants from a car stereo and what one's definition of "audio quality" is.

I have read many of your postings and agree with most of your criticisms of the Bose system. I just disagree about how important those "deficiencies" are in a sports car cabin. For the casual listening I do in the car, the Bose works great for me. I would certainly be less forgiving if it were in a larger, quieter vehicle or I wanted to blast my music at very high levels (anything above about 20 for my ears). YMMV

+1.

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconfixer

I guess I'm one of the minorities that appreciate the Bose system. At one point I "needed" 1000 watts of power pushing 2 12"Alpine subs with blah blah blah...and then I got laid and grew up.

Oh and I can speak for Polks; in 2 years time I sent 3 speakers back under warranty from a simple 5.1 surround in the house. Good thing they come with a 5 year warranty. So far one year with the Bose in the house and 2 in the car and no issues.

Same here. I went the Kicker route myself, but after the 2000W system derailed my sunroof, and I got married, I got rid of it.

H2O_Doc · 08-12-2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by falconfixer

I guess I'm one of the minorities that appreciate the Bose system. At one point I "needed" 1000 watts of power pushing 2 12"Alpine subs with blah blah blah...and then I got laid and grew up.

Oh and I can speak for Polks; in 2 years time I sent 3 speakers back under warranty from a simple 5.1 surround in the house. Good thing they come with a 5 year warranty. So far one year with the Bose in the house and 2 in the car and no issues.

I've experienced said nuptials and copulation, but it hasn't changed my enjoyment of dual twelves one bit.

Unfortunate that Polk hasn't treated you well; I've done two recent vehicles (6 pairs) with Polks (in part) and have had no problems.

I didn't like the Bose system at all , but certainly do begrudge anyone who does.

bigaudiofanat · 08-12-2013, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Depends on what one wants from a car stereo and what one's definition of "audio quality" is.

I have read many of your postings and agree with most of your criticisms of the Bose system. I just disagree about how important those "deficiencies" are in a sports car cabin. For the casual listening I do in the car, the Bose works great for me. I would certainly be less forgiving if it were in a larger, quieter vehicle or I wanted to blast my music at very high levels (anything above about 20 for my ears). YMMV

Even a normal personal that listens to music at normal levels can hear a quality difference between bose and a normal system. I am a audiophile, I own way over 1,000 cd's and all music is ripped in flac for full uncompressed. I do not like massive amounts of bass I like a fully clear level sound production. A bose system which processes and omits many of the frequencies a normal set of speakers can reproduce is not quality in my mind or ears. If the system works for you great, however even in a altima or audi a bose system is still as bad to my ears as ipod earbuds.

bigaudiofanat · 08-12-2013, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by exedy699

Exactly my point. While it may not be a harman kardon system, that has a cross over for each speaker and a unique channel per speaker, it is a good setup with quality until a point. Besides, if you wanted something ultra why would you expect a Bose system to be top notch? Spend the 4k it would cost to buy each component, and then spend another 1k getting it installed (assuming you cannot do it based on the description of your issues).

Polk? That is a mass produced/oriented brand. Sure, it sounds decent, but you are buying cheap.

+1.

Same here. I went the Kicker route myself, but after the 2000W system derailed my sunroof, and I got married, I got rid of it.

Yes polk, bose is also a massive production company, over 80% of their speakers are just paper nothing better than a base non bose system. A set of polks actually has a silk tweeter rather than paper and a reinforced surround for the woofer for better reproduction of sound. I'd take polk over bose any day, now if you invest in some even better speakers (more than 100 bucks) than you will really blow the bose system away. 2 4 inch (speakers) in a trunk with a tuned port isn't a sub to me.

SouthArk370Z · 08-12-2013, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

Even a normal personal that listens to music at normal levels can hear a quality difference between bose and a normal system.

In an A-B test, yes, even someone with not-so-good ears can hear the difference. But few could tell you which is the most accurate. Yes, there are some ppl that have perfect pitch but they are few and far between.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

I am a audiophile, I own way over 1,000 cd's and all music is ripped in flac for full uncompressed. I do not like massive amounts of bass I like a fully clear level sound production. A bose system which processes and omits many of the frequencies a normal set of speakers can reproduce is not quality in my mind or ears. If the system works for you great, however even in a altima or audi a bose system is still as bad to my ears as ipod earbuds.

I feel sure that your home system is fantastic. But we are talking car audio where the acoustics defy true hi-fi.

I have over 2000 LPs, just under 1000 CDs, plus numerous 8-tracks, cassettes, MD discs, &c. I get high-end stereo equipment for the house, where the environment is conducive to sound reproduction, but not for the car. Putting high-end gear in a car, especially in a small cabin like the 370Z, is like polishing a turd, IMNSHO.

But if your ears can hear that much difference and you are willing to replace the factory system then, by all means, go for it. We all have different ears and I recommend that ppl get the stereo that sounds good to them; not the one that sounds good to me or the salesman.

PS: I've never tried earbuds - I'm a headphones kind of guy.

exedy699 · 08-14-2013, 01:10 AM

Regardless of our individual opinion on how much we like the Bose system, the facts are simple. It is not meant to be a thumper system, and it is definitely better than the normal equipment (quality of head unit, amount of speakers, nominal watt handling rate, distortion at average listening volumes, etc).

Sounds like OP has some not ordinary problems. Lets agree to disagree. Oh, and OP, have you taken your Z to the dealership? I am sure they can check it out if you are not fully sure how to check your grounds and what not.

iissmart · 08-21-2013, 09:05 PM

I checked the subwoofer in the truck and the screw holding it down was loose. Tightened it up and it sounds a bit better. I'm still using +4 bass and +2 treble though. Always below 15 volume, typically between 9-12. I can feel the air move out of the subwoofer port, and it vibrates, but it's not the best sounding sub I've heard haha. Guess that's what you get when you mount a sub on top of the spare wheel!

I think it depends on the sound source as well. I fixed the bluetooth hissing with a better 12v to usb adapter, and some internet searching shows that sirius radio does have a muffled sound compared to CD/FM.

Bret86944 · 08-22-2013, 07:20 AM

Our cars have little to no sound deadening material. So unless this thread is referring to listening to music with the car not moving and the engine off, it's pointless.

chii370 · 09-01-2013, 12:00 AM

I have the bose in mine and its worlds better than my 09 was. So ether your deaf, or your system/what your jacking into it are broken. Also, if you havent yet, use the eq settings, as the ones it comes with default make it sound like a 1980s boombox being played in a tunnel. could just be that BB too. I know If I play music off my Ipod its much better than if I use my phone.

SouthArk370Z · 09-01-2013, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chii370

I have the bose in mine and its worlds better than my 09 was. So ether your deaf, or your system/what your jacking into it are broken. Also, if you havent yet, use the eq settings, ...

Was your '09 stereo base or Bose? I'm assuming base but it could be read that the newer Boses are better. I like the Bose in my '09 Touring (not great but more than good enough for a small sports car) but it does suffer at higher volumes (over 20 or so).

What eq settings are you using?

chii370 · 09-01-2013, 09:54 AM

my 09 was also a nismo. they didnt put bose in them till 13 except in japan......

L33T Z34 · 09-02-2013, 02:41 AM

Throw that Blose sh!+ away! LOL! O!-I just read that link that BIG Audio posted...sux for Blose owners....Always go w/base system, then trash it, and buy aftermarket. Drop => 3 $LARGE$....always gonna sound better than OEM...

chii370 · 09-02-2013, 08:16 PM

I already went through my "sweet base bro" stage back when I drove a grand am GT at 16 years old. Now that ive grown up a bit.... honestly the bose system is fine. Besides, who wants 2 big dumb *** looking 14 in 35lb each rockfords with a giant amp and 20lbs of cable, matting, and caps in the car when your tracking it? you would have to be a complete ******* idiot. Also..... this car ALREADY doesnt have cargo space, so why fill the only little spot you can carry something up with **** that only serves the purpose of impressing OTHER people?

H2O_Doc · 09-02-2013, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chii370

I already went through my "sweet base bro" stage back when I drove a grand am GT at 16 years old. Now that ive grown up a bit.... honestly the bose system is fine. Besides, who wants 2 big dumb *** looking 14 in 35lb each rockfords with a giant amp and 20lbs of cable, matting, and caps in the car when your tracking it? you would have to be a complete ******* idiot. Also..... this car ALREADY doesnt have cargo space, so why fill the only little spot you can carry something up with **** that only serves the purpose of impressing OTHER people?

Guilty as charged on (almost) all counts;

But at least I am more modest than one of my colleagues:

bigaudiofanat · 09-02-2013, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chii370

I already went through my "sweet base bro" stage back when I drove a grand am GT at 16 years old. Now that ive grown up a bit.... honestly the bose system is fine. Besides, who wants 2 big dumb *** looking 14 in 35lb each rockfords with a giant amp and 20lbs of cable, matting, and caps in the car when your tracking it? you would have to be a complete ******* idiot. Also..... this car ALREADY doesnt have cargo space, so why fill the only little spot you can carry something up with **** that only serves the purpose of impressing OTHER people?

Sadly what your saying here is very far from the truth. There might be some people that want what you described however doing a quality aftermarket set fo speakers even powered by an aftermarket head unit would have much more clarity over the bose system. That is why a lot of people say the bose system sucks. I myself am a huge SQ audiophile and want the most accurate sound i can get, bose doesn't even come close to that.

09-02-2013, 08:16 PM	#28 (permalink)
chii370 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: . Posts: 642 Drives: . Rep Power: 15	I already went through my "sweet base bro" stage back when I drove a grand am GT at 16 years old. Now that ive grown up a bit.... honestly the bose system is fine. Besides, who wants 2 big dumb * looking 14 in 35lb each rockfords with a giant amp and 20lbs of cable, matting, and caps in the car when your tracking it? you would have to be a complete *** idiot. Also..... this car ALREADY doesnt have cargo space, so why fill the only little spot you can carry something up with ** that only serves the purpose of impressing OTHER people? Felix 808 likes this.

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08-14-2013, 01:10 AM	#21 (permalink)
exedy699 Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: KC Posts: 118 Drives: you crazy Rep Power: 13	Regardless of our individual opinion on how much we like the Bose system, the facts are simple. It is not meant to be a thumper system, and it is definitely better than the normal equipment (quality of head unit, amount of speakers, nominal watt handling rate, distortion at average listening volumes, etc). Sounds like OP has some not ordinary problems. Lets agree to disagree. Oh, and OP, have you taken your Z to the dealership? I am sure they can check it out if you are not fully sure how to check your grounds and what not.

08-21-2013, 09:05 PM	#22 (permalink)
iissmart Base Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 17 Drives: 2013 NISMO 370z Rep Power: 12	I checked the subwoofer in the truck and the screw holding it down was loose. Tightened it up and it sounds a bit better. I'm still using +4 bass and +2 treble though. Always below 15 volume, typically between 9-12. I can feel the air move out of the subwoofer port, and it vibrates, but it's not the best sounding sub I've heard haha. Guess that's what you get when you mount a sub on top of the spare wheel! I think it depends on the sound source as well. I fixed the bluetooth hissing with a better 12v to usb adapter, and some internet searching shows that sirius radio does have a muffled sound compared to CD/FM.

08-22-2013, 07:20 AM	#23 (permalink)
Bret86944 Base Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 64 Drives: 2011-base-PW-6mt Rep Power: 12	Our cars have little to no sound deadening material. So unless this thread is referring to listening to music with the car not moving and the engine off, it's pointless.

09-01-2013, 12:00 AM	#24 (permalink)
chii370 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: . Posts: 642 Drives: . Rep Power: 15	I have the bose in mine and its worlds better than my 09 was. So ether your deaf, or your system/what your jacking into it are broken. Also, if you havent yet, use the eq settings, as the ones it comes with default make it sound like a 1980s boombox being played in a tunnel. could just be that BB too. I know If I play music off my Ipod its much better than if I use my phone.

09-01-2013, 09:54 AM	#26 (permalink)
chii370 Track Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: . Posts: 642 Drives: . Rep Power: 15	my 09 was also a nismo. they didnt put bose in them till 13 except in japan......

09-02-2013, 02:41 AM	#27 (permalink)
L33T Z34 Banned Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ahnald, MO Age: 46 Posts: 387 Drives: 09 K51 G C Bw/S 6MT Rep Power: 0	Throw that Blose sh!+ away! LOL! O!-I just read that link that BIG Audio posted...sux for Blose owners....Always go w/base system, then trash it, and buy aftermarket. Drop => 3 $LARGE$....always gonna sound better than OEM...