Bose

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AaronE

Junior Member
Messages
156
as everyone else says, the bose system is not worth it. I have it in my convertible and hate it.

it's relatively clean (low THD) but like every bose system I've ever heard, car or otherwise, it lacks true low-end and tries to compensate by over-emphasizing 50-80hz, and with a TON of phase distortion from the porting.

I plan to rip out the bass boxes and redo them.
 
Keano

Keano

Member
Messages
287
Bose was good in my Porsche but not as good in the QP. I use it on Offset instead of the Bose setting for speakers as that allows me to set the Bass and Treble.
 
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Ebenezer

Member
Messages
4,495
What could one do relatively simply with the QP regarding component replacements? As the head unit is integrated to everything else I don't think that's a realistic option....!
Eb
 
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MAF260

Member
Messages
7,662
Ebenezer said:
What could one do relatively simply with the QP regarding component replacements? As the head unit is integrated to everything else I don't think that's a realistic option....!
Eb
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Start with replacing the speakers for decent components. The standard speakers (even the BOSE version) will be low quality, built to a price point. Budget £100-£200 per pair for the front and rear doors, this will make a significant improvement. You could also add an amplifier to boost the sound to the new speakers. Next step would be to add a subwoofer, typically fitted in the boot - this requires another amp to power it. Assuming you choose decent quality kit you will experience a much richer, deeper sound. Total cost <£750
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,772
If you're seriously considering after market upgrade on a GT you might want to *avoid* the BOSE system. The DSP is linked to the NIT and the associated electronics to do the centre point funkiness, so I could *imagine* that the only parts that could be simply changed are the speakers.

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AaronE

Junior Member
Messages
156
that's interesting – hadn't thought about their DSP being a problem. I personally like surround sound processing (theirs included) but what I dislike is their sub-100Hz handling. I'd hope that would be solved with enclosure and driver replacement, potentially with amp and eq. good info!
 
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m1980k

Junior Member
Messages
467
Bose are well known in the audiophile community for being No 1 in terms of marketing budget and a somewhat lower ranking for sound quality...
 
StuartW

StuartW

Member
Messages
9,314
m1980k said:
Bose are well known in the audiophile community for being No 1 in terms of marketing budget and a somewhat lower ranking for sound quality...
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Absolutely right, style over substance when it comes to their home audio range for sure
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,936
Never been a Bose fan marketing over function IMO. I have it in the GT and its OK but nothing I would rave about.
 
Wack61

Wack61

Member
Messages
8,793
I had a Bose Wave CD player at home and thought it was very good, until iPod docks came out and I replaced it with a B&W Zeppelin

HIFI manufacturers spend a lot of money designing their speaker cabinets for optimum sound , it wouldn't surprise me to find better sounding car systems use some kind of enclosure in the door card to push the sound forward.

It certainly wouldn't put me off buying a car if Bose wasn't fitted
 
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Ian996

Junior Member
Messages
88
Wattie said:
I thought it was decent in my GTs however my later Jags b&w system was incredible.
I think I'd go aftermarket as suggested previously
Cheers Wattie
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I'd agree with all the above - in addition to hearing it the GT, I have had Bose systems in my 156 GTA and my RS6 (now sold in anticipation of GT Sport). In all three cases, the sound was nothing special. By contrast, the B & W set-up in the XFR was genuinely excellent. I could be wrong, but I'd hazard a guess that the Bose Systems just combine adequate amplification with reasonable quality speakers, while the B & W system actually takes into account the exact acoustics of the cabin.

Overall, my impression was, if you want good sound in a GT, do it properly and get something installed by a serious ICE specialist (the good ones do genuine HiFi as well as cochlea-trashing bass-heavy disasters). Personally, I went for standard system and will retro-fit a proper solution when budget allows. Until then (and possibly afterwards aswell), I'm guessing that the sport button will suffice.
 
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bigbob

Member
Messages
8,970
I did not spec BOSE so can state with complete certainty that I don't have a clue.

PS I once owned two Audi S4s at once, one had BOSE and one did not. I could not tell the difference...well the cars were different colours but you know what I mean.
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,772
Ian996 said:
I'd agree with all the above - in addition to hearing it the GT, I have had Bose systems in my 156 GTA and my RS6 (now sold in anticipation of GT Sport). In all three cases, the sound was nothing special. By contrast, the B & W set-up in the XFR was genuinely excellent. I could be wrong, but I'd hazard a guess that the Bose Systems just combine adequate amplification with reasonable quality speakers, while the B & W system actually takes into account the exact acoustics of the cabin.
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Not according to the sales puff. It has system that listens to what's happening and adjusts the output in real time.

There's a box in the boot that does this, which makes installing extra stuff a bit of a faff

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daverichardson

daverichardson

Member
Messages
6,001
Well
Just been for a drive to Sunny Saltburn by the Sea and on Classic FM was 1812 Overture through my Bose system.
Considering the interior capacity of the QP and the fact I was sitting behind the wheel I can say it was truly wonderful, particularly towards the end with cannons etc and where the orchestra just hit everything. I don't see how another system would be significantly better in that environment.
OK at home in your spacious lounge maybe there are better options, but really in a car?
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,772
dave richardson said:
well
just been for a drive to sunny saltburn by the sea and on classic fm was 1812 overture through my bose system.
Considering the interior capacity of the qp and the fact i was sitting behind the wheel i can say it was truly wonderful, particularly towards the end with cannons etc and where the orchestra just hit everything. I don't see how another system would be significantly better in that environment.
Ok at home in your spacious lounge maybe there are better options, but really in a car?
Click to expand...

whs

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