Why are Bose systems hated?

theDreamer · 07-21-2009, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

LOL K not the newer versions but enjoy your whatever program.

Yes, even the newer program.
I have to use it at my office to maintain office phones and it is a very slow program still. Maybe if I use it under OS X it will be quicker, which I have read reports of being true, but I have to use Windows.

"Whatever program," I hate to break it to you, but do some research on computer audio and you will learn quickly what is the best recommended software. Foobar200 and Media Monkey are the top tier, Foobar200 for its complex but unlimited resources in fine tuning your music, Media Monkey is the best catalog storage of your music if you have a large library.

Also, how can you talk about audio quality and iTunes in the same topic? Apple loseless is an "ok format" for digital audio in a loseless form and iTunes/Ipods do not support WMA loseless or WAV or even FLAC which are the top tier digital audio codecs.

bluzman · 07-21-2009, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightfire

Not sure what recevier we're going to use yet but we have two towers that are really good ones from a few years back (B&W) so we're matching the center speaker to it, then getting two similar ones for the sides that will be in wall.

Don't know what your budget is, but I'd look seriously at Denon, Marantz and Harman Kardon receivers. JMO

kannibul · 07-21-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexus

I have spent over $10,000 in audio equipment from Bose over the years, from a full home theatre system, to a sounddock and a pair of earphones for my iPod. I even have the outdoor speaker system and let me tell you, it makes for one hell of a party.

Those of you who think Bose blows haven't experienced their home electronics, that's all I have to say.

You could have spent less than 50% of that and gotten twice the quality of sound.

But, hey, it it makes you happy knowing that, good for you.

kannibul · 07-21-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Actually, yes/no.
The iPod has taken over the market but not because of it being good or "better" than others. It is because of iTunes and the ease of use for the average consumers. The iPod was very close to dieing just like a few previous MP3 players before it, but it brought iTunes and the music industry to the table and everything changed. They were the earliest to centralize the control of buying/syncing music, and controlled it so well that people thought it was perfect.

Yet now people can buy music from many online retailers, just drag and drop music onto an MP3 player with no thought of format. The idea of iTunes will continue because of the iPhone & the applications, but when I am only able to sync my music with one computer I will pass. I can take my Archos to any computer, drag the music on or off and add anything else I want very quickly, and all without having to install any extra software to do so.

Edit:
On the comment about spending 10k on a BOSE system years ago, that would have been money well spent then. They sold out in the past few years and have gone down hill, quickly. Now I am not saying they are horrible, but for the price per dollar you can purchase much better sound systems. Bose quality has fallen over the past years while the industry has moved forward to better technology and higher standards. Bose took a new turn with size, and found that people like small out of the way sound systems, but can lack the ear for quality.

They've been horrible for at least the past 20 years...

Polk Audio is a better brand, as is Infinity Reference (really good), Cerwin Vega...and that's just the stuff you'll find in stores (somewhat)...that's not even mentioning some of the REALLY high end stuff. Crap where you spend around 15K/speaker.

kannibul · 07-21-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexus

I'm not appreciating the bashing by bigaudiofanat, to say the least. I purchased Bose sound systems because they were small and for their size delivered an impressive punch. Room is of the essence as I live in a 3-unit condominium. It's decent in size, but what irritates me the most is that the kitchen shares space with the living room. It's annoying, so I definitely needed something small. Others were either too large or too expensive, so out of what was available here in Canada, Bose stood out.

I bought them out of convenience and because, at least to my ears, the sound was absolutely awesome.

Do yourself and your ears a favor, sell the Bose stuff on ebay, and use the money to restock your apartment with whatever you can get at Best Buy...that isn't bose.

theDreamer · 07-21-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

They've been horrible for at least the past 20 years...

Polk Audio is a better brand, as is Infinity Reference (really good), Cerwin Vega...and that's just the stuff you'll find in stores (somewhat)...that's not even mentioning some of the REALLY high end stuff. Crap where you spend around 15K/speaker.

Not true, 20 years ago they were a very competitive brand, since 2000 they changed their focus of their target audience from enthusiasts to people with deep pockets and no ear. In the end they are making more money, but have lost respect of the audio community. I have a system from 95 or so and it does not beat audio equipment I would buy today, but from the time period it was very competitive for its price.

bigaudiofanat · 07-21-2009, 05:12 PM

I enjoy itunes and I use a windows computer and a mac love the mac more even though it is 3 years old. But still itunes is the best program and the ipod knows the program so that is what I am using. Not to mention that I started using the program even before I had an ipod.

Anyway back to bose and how much it s***'s

bigaudiofanat · 08-11-2009, 10:12 AM

I rely hate to bring up this sore subject, but I though some people might want to see what there bose amp look like compared to a normal amp. Bose knows that there amps can not push a lot and that is also why so much fades out at higher volumes.

John Bradley · 08-16-2009, 06:45 PM

Well I can assure you all they make the BEST aviation headsets you can buy

billydsz · 08-19-2009, 10:08 AM

I have the Nav/Bose setup in my 370 and it's decent sounding. It's not like an aftermarket system, but rarely can a stock car radio compete with that. The 370z's Nav/Bose setup is still better than most stock setups IMO. I bought it mostly for the Ipod interface and the harddrive and CF reader. Perhaps you could put in a different amp and swap out the speakers and that would have a big impact. FWIW I don't regret getting the system, it's good enough for my purposes and it's a very clean interface. If you are into high end audio then absolutely get the cheapest stock radio and rip it out of there, you won't be happy otherwise.

By the way this is my first post to the forum, I just got my Z yesterday (upgraded from my 05 350z) and I freaking love this car.

ps The Ipod interface will only recharge the older 12v Ipods. If you have one of the newer 5v types you'll need a converter. I found that out on this forum, and that's how I found the forum, when I was googling about my Ipod not charging!! great place we've got here!

tonmed123 · 08-19-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billydsz

I have the Nav/Bose setup in my 370 and it's decent sounding. It's not like an aftermarket system, but rarely can a stock car radio compete with that. The 370z's Nav/Bose setup is still better than most stock setups IMO. I bought it mostly for the Ipod interface and the harddrive and CF reader. Perhaps you could put in a different amp and swap out the speakers and that would have a big impact. FWIW I don't regret getting the system, it's good enough for my purposes and it's a very clean interface. If you are into high end audio then absolutely get the cheapest stock radio and rip it out of there, you won't be happy otherwise.

By the way this is my first post to the forum, I just got my Z yesterday (upgraded from my 05 350z) and I freaking love this car.

ps The Ipod interface will only recharge the older 12v Ipods. If you have one of the newer 5v types you'll need a converter. I found that out on this forum, and that's how I found the forum, when I was googling about my Ipod not charging!! great place we've got here!

Welcome aboard!

Zsteve · 10-03-2009, 09:18 PM

I have the touring model with the Bose system but dont have the nav. Does the CF slot only come with the nav?

fairladyZ34 · 10-04-2009, 01:58 AM

the BOSE is my opinon is pretty good for stock. to get the best soudn you have to play thru the AUX or cd cuz radio doesnt process as well. it comes in at a lower volume. also push the bose system up. i play it at max alot with my bass at +2 and treble at +2. it seems to handle it well and if not thats what a warranty is for.

fairladyZ34 · 10-04-2009, 01:59 AM

my 2000 accord with alpine headunit, mtx sub and amp and infinti spealers is still louder lol

vipor · 10-04-2009, 02:21 AM

I haven't read every post so sorry if someone has stated this. Also, I haven't done any real research in the the Bose stereo that comes in the 370Z (mine doesn't have one.)

Typically Bose systems use local amplifiers for each driver (or component set) and a ported speaker enclosure incorporating a 3-1/2" woofer. The ports are tuned to a specific frequency range that will operate fairly well for general listening. The issues you have come from the fact that the ports are tuned, thereby limiting some of the overall frequency range. A 3-1/2" paper cone woofer was never designed to reproduce sound anywhere near the 250Hz range. The phrase "no highs, no lows, gotta be Bose" doesn't exist for no reason. Most avid Bose users are older, and that's due to the fact that your hearing loses range once you get older and damage it from the loud world we live in. They don't notice the lack of range because of it. Even the subwoofers in most Bose systems have almost a mid-base feel to them, and struggle to hit even 80Hz.

From an installers view, Bose is a pain in the ***. When upgrading you are limited to 2-ohm, 3-1/2" speakers that use a 3-point mounting chassis, and doing anything beyond band-aid repairs requires running new wires straight to the speaker. Couple this with the necessity to build mounting brackets for the new speakers using ABS or MDF and you've got a long day ahead of you. Unlike most cars, a visit from a car owner with a failing Bose system will usually result in a new Stereo, 2 pairs of Speakers, and a lot of labor.

I'm personally thrilled about my car not including Bose, it'll make installing a Pioneer AVIC that much easier.

07-21-2009, 05:12 PM	#82 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I enjoy itunes and I use a windows computer and a mac love the mac more even though it is 3 years old. But still itunes is the best program and the ipod knows the program so that is what I am using. Not to mention that I started using the program even before I had an ipod. Anyway back to bose and how much it s*'s __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know** Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/ Last edited by bigaudiofanat; 07-21-2009 at 08:08 PM.

08-11-2009, 10:12 AM	#83 (permalink)
bigaudiofanat Car Audio Installer Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Magnolia DE Posts: 8,342 Drives: 2012 Infiniti G37x Rep Power: 853	I rely hate to bring up this sore subject, but I though some people might want to see what there bose amp look like compared to a normal amp. Bose knows that there amps can not push a lot and that is also why so much fades out at higher volumes. __________________ Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

10-04-2009, 02:21 AM	#90 (permalink)
vipor A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Euless, TX [ DFW ] Age: 42 Posts: 13,531 Drives: Nismo 09-0183 QAB Rep Power: 49	I haven't read every post so sorry if someone has stated this. Also, I haven't done any real research in the the Bose stereo that comes in the 370Z (mine doesn't have one.) Typically Bose systems use local amplifiers for each driver (or component set) and a ported speaker enclosure incorporating a 3-1/2" woofer. The ports are tuned to a specific frequency range that will operate fairly well for general listening. The issues you have come from the fact that the ports are tuned, thereby limiting some of the overall frequency range. A 3-1/2" paper cone woofer was never designed to reproduce sound anywhere near the 250Hz range. The phrase "no highs, no lows, gotta be Bose" doesn't exist for no reason. Most avid Bose users are older, and that's due to the fact that your hearing loses range once you get older and damage it from the loud world we live in. They don't notice the lack of range because of it. Even the subwoofers in most Bose systems have almost a mid-base feel to them, and struggle to hit even 80Hz. From an installers view, Bose is a pain in the *. When upgrading you are limited to 2-ohm, 3-1/2" speakers that use a 3-point mounting chassis, and doing anything beyond band-aid repairs requires running new wires straight to the speaker. Couple this with the necessity to build mounting brackets for the new speakers using ABS or MDF and you've got a long day ahead of you. Unlike most cars, a visit from a car owner with a failing Bose system will usually result in a new Stereo, 2 pairs of Speakers, and a lot of labor. I'm personally thrilled about my car not including Bose, it'll make installing a Pioneer AVIC that much easier. __________________ 2009 NISMO # 0193 \| QAB \| Albums! \| 05.04.10 (Dynojet) 291.94hp/248.28tq Oil Cooler (DIY)** \| Custom Headlights \| GTSPEC Braces \| F.I. Long Tube Headers

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08-16-2009, 06:45 PM	#84 (permalink)
John Bradley Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 419 Drives: 2010 Silver RDZTER Rep Power: 16	Well I can assure you all they make the BEST aviation headsets you can buy

08-19-2009, 10:08 AM	#85 (permalink)
billydsz Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: New Bern Posts: 252 Drives: 9 370z SptCp SRd 7AT Rep Power: 16	I have the Nav/Bose setup in my 370 and it's decent sounding. It's not like an aftermarket system, but rarely can a stock car radio compete with that. The 370z's Nav/Bose setup is still better than most stock setups IMO. I bought it mostly for the Ipod interface and the harddrive and CF reader. Perhaps you could put in a different amp and swap out the speakers and that would have a big impact. FWIW I don't regret getting the system, it's good enough for my purposes and it's a very clean interface. If you are into high end audio then absolutely get the cheapest stock radio and rip it out of there, you won't be happy otherwise. By the way this is my first post to the forum, I just got my Z yesterday (upgraded from my 05 350z) and I freaking love this car. ps The Ipod interface will only recharge the older 12v Ipods. If you have one of the newer 5v types you'll need a converter. I found that out on this forum, and that's how I found the forum, when I was googling about my Ipod not charging!! great place we've got here!

10-03-2009, 09:18 PM	#87 (permalink)
Zsteve A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: TX Posts: 3,298 Drives: the 2 balled club Rep Power: 22	I have the touring model with the Bose system but dont have the nav. Does the CF slot only come with the nav?

10-04-2009, 01:58 AM	#88 (permalink)
fairladyZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,577 Drives: 08 G37S Black M6 Rep Power: 19	the BOSE is my opinon is pretty good for stock. to get the best soudn you have to play thru the AUX or cd cuz radio doesnt process as well. it comes in at a lower volume. also push the bose system up. i play it at max alot with my bass at +2 and treble at +2. it seems to handle it well and if not thats what a warranty is for.

10-04-2009, 01:59 AM	#89 (permalink)
fairladyZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,577 Drives: 08 G37S Black M6 Rep Power: 19	my 2000 accord with alpine headunit, mtx sub and amp and infinti spealers is still louder lol