Bose System Sucks?
 

Hey all, I got a new '13 Nismo a week ago with 35 miles on it. I'll admit I didn't compare the Bose system to non-Bose and just checked the box to get the Bose system. I'm listening to the stereo now, and I have to say...it doesn't sound great. I know it's a sports car so the stereo quality is likely an afterthought, but even with the upgraded Bose speakers I expected it to sound decent. Right now I think my 2004 Sebring sedan with stock speakers sounds better, honestly! There is more bass and fuller highs, while the Nismo sounds tinny with no bass at all. Even cranked the bass to +5 and treble to +2. Is something wrong with my system, or with my brain for expecting it to sound better than it does?

B.O.S.E = Buy Other Stereo Equipment

I checked out both the Bose and non-Bose systems systems before buying. The Bose system is less extraordinarily super unbelievably crappy, but it is still pretty crappy. My first mods were speakers/amps/HU.

I like a nice car stereo, though I cannot claim to be an audiophile. The car is the only place I can turn up the volume and not be interrupted, so I needed to upgrade. If Recaro made a combo racing/toilet seat I'd buy one so I could drop anchor in peace, but I digress.

Anyway, if you want something that makes noise that you can whistle to, keep the stock system. If you enjoy music, its time to go shopping.

The BOSE should only cost about $100 more than the stock system.

Did some more testing at lunch today. FM radio sounds good, satellite radio sounds muffled, and my aux port has tons of noise/hissing. I'm using a blackberry bluetooth adapter which is powered from the 12v socket in the center console. Is this normal? It sounds clear when the car is off, or when plugged into my phone (and not charging). But there is a massive ground loop hum coming from the 12v socket while the engine is running.

Welcome to your alternator (well usually) and/or interference from other things in the car (charging and such)

so $105 then?

It's really not bad for a stock system, and one of the better offerings I have heard from a Bose unit. From the cars I have owned in the past it is better than the Bose on a 350Z Roadster, the base and Bose from a C6 corvette, better than the Infinity system on a Eclipse GT or a Hyundai Tiburon, and tied with a new Monsoon systems from the F body Firebirds and Camaros in my opinion. It could have more power in the base department, but I can hear clarity and detail I have not heard in most other stock systems.

The Bose system is, by specification, a simple upgrade over normal. From experience however I can tell you, the Bose system is 10x better than most stock systems. I happen to be a bit of an audiophile and can honestly say that it is amongst the top stock systems I have heard.

It does sound like you may have some alternator interference. I suggest you comment that to your dealership, since it could be as simple as a bad ground. In general however, the system is designed to not sacrifice quality, for volume. I suggest you also check the EQ before you decide to entirely replace it. IMHO an additional 10" sub and replacing speakers with higher end and less distortion, and upgrading the amp is all you need to have a high end system. As a comparison: close friend of mine owns a 2013 STI, and his sound system sounds like s**t. Compared to the Bose system is like comparing in ear headphones to noise canceling headsets.

At the end of the day however, it's your car. So if you don't like it, change it.

Completely agree. The OP's system has something wrong. No bass? In a car with two subs?


The Bose systems in new cars have great sound....at moderate volume. Anyone expecting to have a thumper with this system will be very disappointed as the Bose electronics clip the sound at high volume to protect the speakers.

I would read up on this before making your choice.

http://www.the370z.com/audio-video/4...bout-bose.html

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.

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.

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

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.