Bose system's weakest link?

Armonster · 03-22-2011, 12:27 PM

While I agree with most people that the Bose system is "serviceable," I still think it sucks from a quality/clarity perspective. I'm not even talking about distortion at high volumes. Even at normal volumes there is a lack of separation and soundstage that I would have expected from a "premium" system.

So my question is, has anyone figured out the weakest link of the system? It would be great if there was one big flaw, like a crappy head-unit or sloppy amp, which could be replaced with good results. I am guessing that a powerful, precise amp would really clean things up, but not sure how easy it would be to do that kind of swap and what kind of improvements it would make.

Any thoughts?

90 ST · 03-22-2011, 01:30 PM

The problem is the speakers and amp, since they work together with a odd impedence there is not much you can do with out swaping all but the head unit.

Liquid_G · 03-22-2011, 02:18 PM

I think the biggest flaw is that it is made by Bose.

bigaudiofanat · 03-22-2011, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I think the biggest flaw is that it is made by Bose.

This x1000

OP if I were you I would remove it all and start from scratch.

Armonster · 03-22-2011, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

This x1000

OP if I were you I would remove it all and start from scratch.

Not what I was hoping to hear, but I guess it is what it is.

90 ST · 03-22-2011, 04:59 PM

you can use the stock HU if you get a good prosesser to fix the out put from it.

bigaudiofanat · 03-22-2011, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 90 ST

you can use the stock HU if you get a good prosesser to fix the out put from it.

You would have to keep the bose head unit and probably the amps where as if you start over you can have a nice head unit as well.

90 ST · 03-22-2011, 10:45 PM

Depends if you want to keep the stock look.

optiontrader · 03-22-2011, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigaudiofanat

You would have to keep the bose head unit and probably the amps where as if you start over you can have a nice head unit as well.

I was looking to keep the stock HU, but without a good iPod integration option (the add-on kit I'm using from USASpec isn't the easiest to use), I'm now looking at replacing the HU as well.

GZ3 · 03-23-2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I think the biggest flaw is that it is made by Bose.

best put!

BOSE
Better Of with Something Else

Wicked CAS · 03-23-2011, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by optiontrader

I was looking to keep the stock HU, but without a good iPod integration option (the add-on kit I'm using from USASpec isn't the easiest to use), I'm now looking at replacing the HU as well.

If you are replacing the head, you might as well replace the speakers and amp as well. You can get a Very small foot print amplifiers that are 5 channel now to run the whole car. For example JL XD700/5 will give you plenty of power for front and rear spekars and give you 300 Watts at 2ohms to your sub if you choose to do a sub. You can get a decent set of component speakers and you ahave a full system.

Depending on what you are in the market for, meaning CD player or Double Din Screen? you can get a full system anywhere from $900-1500 and up of course. add a sub for a few dollars more and you are done.

Pelican170 · 03-23-2011, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Liquid_G

I think the biggest flaw is that it is made by Bose.

+1. They do a good job of marketing their speakers, and thats about it...

90 ST · 03-23-2011, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican170

+1. They do a good job of marketing their speakers, and thats about it...

YouTube - The High End Store
YEP!

TheGreatOne · 03-23-2011, 02:16 PM

I was actualy happy with the BOSE up until I started reading these treads and really listening.

When you do put the volume up, it does just sound like a lot of noise.

I had some Boston Acoustic Components in my Lancer up front, stock Infinti speakers in the rear and it sounded much crisper than my Z...but ya, noticing it now

Oh wells, Audio will be the last thing I worry about right now since it seems like it will be a big overhaul...I just won't crank it so I don't get dissapointed lol.

RiCharlie · 03-23-2011, 07:02 PM

I have to keep the treble at -4 otherwise the highest frequencies in the music sounds harsh especially rock. anybody notice this or it is just me?

03-22-2011, 12:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
Armonster Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 270 Drives: 2010 370z t/sp/6mt Rep Power: 15	Bose system's weakest link? While I agree with most people that the Bose system is "serviceable," I still think it sucks from a quality/clarity perspective. I'm not even talking about distortion at high volumes. Even at normal volumes there is a lack of separation and soundstage that I would have expected from a "premium" system. So my question is, has anyone figured out the weakest link of the system? It would be great if there was one big flaw, like a crappy head-unit or sloppy amp, which could be replaced with good results. I am guessing that a powerful, precise amp would really clean things up, but not sure how easy it would be to do that kind of swap and what kind of improvements it would make. Any thoughts?

03-22-2011, 02:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
Liquid_G A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 1,439 Drives: 09 370z Supercharged Rep Power: 44	I think the biggest flaw is that it is made by Bose. __________________

03-23-2011, 02:16 PM	#14 (permalink)
TheGreatOne A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Montreal, Canada Age: 47 Posts: 1,980 Drives: E60 BMW M5 Rep Power: 22	I was actualy happy with the BOSE up until I started reading these treads and really listening. When you do put the volume up, it does just sound like a lot of noise. I had some Boston Acoustic Components in my Lancer up front, stock Infinti speakers in the rear and it sounded much crisper than my Z...but ya, noticing it now Oh wells, Audio will be the last thing I worry about right now since it seems like it will be a big overhaul...I just won't crank it so I don't get dissapointed lol. __________________ 2017 SUBARU STI 2008 E60 M5 - SOLD 2010 40th Anniversary 370Z - SOLD (and missing her)

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03-22-2011, 01:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	The problem is the speakers and amp, since they work together with a odd impedence there is not much you can do with out swaping all but the head unit.

03-22-2011, 04:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	you can use the stock HU if you get a good prosesser to fix the out put from it.

03-22-2011, 10:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
90 ST A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,861 Drives: 90 and 15 GMC Sierra Rep Power: 421	Depends if you want to keep the stock look.

03-23-2011, 07:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
RiCharlie Track Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Johnston RI Posts: 857 Drives: 370 Touring Spt A/t Rep Power: 16	I have to keep the treble at -4 otherwise the highest frequencies in the music sounds harsh especially rock. anybody notice this or it is just me?