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How's the Bose speakers

47K views 42 replies 26 participants last post by  tango 
#1 ·
Since I opted for the MT, the Bose/moonroof package was out of play.

Wondering if I am missing out on some incredible sound that even non -audiophiles can appreciate.

Anyone with a GT or the package care to share their impressions on the value of the 11 speaker system and whether it's a juggernaut of some sort?
 
#2 ·
I have the bose system in a norwegian car...I'm very unimpressed...its kinda hurting for the ears...boomy and unclear sound....its the worst sound system i have ever had in a car tbo. 2014 model. It helps when I unchecked the centerpoint option....but still. Its piss poor tbo. If you like good sound i would opt for the standard system and then get someone to put in a new one....
 
#3 ·
It's ok. Just slightly above what any other car has standard. But I have a friend that drives a really old toyota and he says it's pretty good. It all depends what you're used to. Tbh I doubt I could tell the difference between a bose and non bose mazda 6
 
#6 ·
The Bose system in my 2015 GT is marginally clearer than the base setup in my 2015 Touring with upgraded nav. I agree that the Bose is definately weak in the base department. It seems to me that the head unit does not have enough power to drive Bose speakers.

My 2004 6S wagon (Bose) 2006 i (base model) had a bigger difference in quality.

I don't think you are missing out much.
 
#7 ·
You aren't missing much. For me its the lack of mid-base that is the problem. You've got three 3.5inch speakers in the dash to recreate all the vocals. The door speakers are actually the subs. They play clean down to 41 Hz. There's just a giant gap in between.
Much more difficult to upgrade the Bose system too.
 
#8 ·
The Bose is certainly better than the stock radio, I compared them with a CD. I found the stock radio has no clear highs. The Bose is better with that, but still not a WOW system.

The ideal would be to upgrade the amp and speakers in the stock radio. Upgrading the Bose becomes more difficult as the system is balanced for speaker locations and what type of speaker (tweeter/woofer) is located where.

I got the Bose and it's fine, but the highs could be better and the bass can get boomy.
 
#10 ·
I spent a lot of time in my car this weekend and toyed around with the settings. Once I turned off the Centerpoint, the sound quality is MUCH better. I really enjoyed the system this weekend.

The reason I originally turned it on was I did not like the lack of stereo separation with that center speaker. The Centerpoint helped with that. However, it adds a bit of boomyness and lack of clarity. With it off, the sound is much clearer, instruments are more clearer heard. I still don't like the lack of separation, but after attending a Heart concert this weekend, there was no stereo separation there either. Guess I've gotten used to listening to music with earbuds, which give you a lot of stereo separation, I guess it's unnatural.

The other thing I've concluded is that the quality of the music on Sirius XM is not as good as a CD or USB stick with decent MP3s. That's disappointing, even Pandora has better quality. I really like the variety on Sirius, but this may doom that subscription.

So, the Bose ain't perfect, but it's pretty good. Also, maybe there is something to the "aging" of the speaker cones that means better sound as they "settle in".
 
#11 ·
I too took the centerpoint OFF....with it on it hurts me ears...in the sense that i cant increase volume too much...as it hurts..with it off i can...still boomy, but less hurty!...and centerpoint also feels slightly wrong....as if some band is playing inside my head..NOT a good feeling imo.
 
#13 ·
2018 Bose system

I disagree with turning CenterPoint off. I have a 2018 Mazda6 GT with Bose system that I bought about 6 months ago. At first I was disappointed--it always seemed either tinny or muddy. I tried different things, and looked into aftermarket upgrades. I decided I didn't want to pay several hundred dollars just to put some huge box in the car.

Finally, I noticed that if you turn both the bass and the treble all the way up (+6 on my system) it's amazing how much better the system sounds. You would think it would sound best at 0, but apparently that's not the case. Leave CenterPoint on. Keep the balance and fade at 0. The Bose system seems to like acoustical type sounds better than heavy metal-type stuff with a lot of distortion. It is true that the bass is never really booming. But it really is amazing how much bass there is, and how good it sounds, if you max out both bass and treble. If you try to split it you will lose sound quality. Occasionally you get a song that's too buzzy, or that causes the bass to clip (that does happen occasionally). Then you just drop the bass or treble a notch and put it back when that song is over. I decided I like the Bose system using those settings.

Also, I agree with others on this forum who recommend using an iPod. For some reason, music coming off an iPod through USB sounds a lot better that over Sirius XM radio. I really didn't like the interface coming off my phone, plus I don't like having to plug my iPhone in every time I get in the car.

I'm glad now that I didn't mess with the Bose system. It actually has great quality, and it is crystal clear. With CenterPoint on, you can hear instruments and backup vocals coming from different directions, and I find it to be quite enjoyable to listen to. It may also be that it takes a few months for the bass to "break in."
 
#21 ·
I disagree with turning CenterPoint off. I have a 2018 Mazda6 GT with Bose system that I bought about 6 months ago. At first I was disappointed--it always seemed either tinny or muddy. I tried different things, and looked into aftermarket upgrades. I decided I didn't want to pay several hundred dollars just to put some huge box in the car.

Finally, I noticed that if you turn both the bass and the treble all the way up (+6 on my system) it's amazing how much better the system sounds. You would think it would sound best at 0, but apparently that's not the case. Leave CenterPoint on. Keep the balance and fade at 0. The Bose system seems to like acoustical type sounds better than heavy metal-type stuff with a lot of distortion. It is true that the bass is never really booming. But it really is amazing how much bass there is, and how good it sounds, if you max out both bass and treble. If you try to split it you will lose sound quality. Occasionally you get a song that's too buzzy, or that causes the bass to clip (that does happen occasionally). Then you just drop the bass or treble a notch and put it back when that song is over. I decided I like the Bose system using those settings.

Also, I agree with others on this forum who recommend using an iPod. For some reason, music coming off an iPod through USB sounds a lot better that over Sirius XM radio. I really didn't like the interface coming off my phone, plus I don't like having to plug my iPhone in every time I get in the car.

I'm glad now that I didn't mess with the Bose system. It actually has great quality, and it is crystal clear. With CenterPoint on, you can hear instruments and backup vocals coming from different directions, and I find it to be quite enjoyable to listen to. It may also be that it takes a few months for the bass to "break in."
I just tried your settings (bass and treble at +6) and I have to say it's world of difference. I could never go back to defaults now. I sat in the car for 10 minutes listening to music on the new settings. It also really smooths out the system as I get way less annoying vibration as well.
 
#14 ·
I have a 2017.5 GT with Bose and I like the Bose sound system. I really like the console control knobs which are very well implemented. I assume that interface is the same on the non-bose system. My wife has a new Maxima Platinum and it also has an 11 speaker bose with the same features like centerpoint. Her's sounds much better, but it has 2 6x9 subwoofers in the rear deck and 2 6x9 low-mid range in the doors. Her Maxima has the control knob on the console like the Mazda, but the usability is horrible compared to the Mazda. I'm really spoiled by the simple usability of the Mazda control knob interface. Job well done Mazda!

Regarding the source, I really notice the difference between HD Radio stations and non-HD on my Mazda. Non-HD are muddier. I believe HD radio is 96 bits per second, but they can split that for multiple channels.

2018 Mazda 6 have the tweeters mounted on the door pointing right at the driver and passenger and I've heard the stereo sounds better. Also, it's a quieter car which probably helps.
 
#15 ·
The Bose system sounds fine in my 2018 GTR but i’m a 66 yr old geezer and my wife says I need hearing aids so factor that in on this vote. MP3 music from a flash memory stick sounds great depending on the original source. I do agree with other comments regarding the XM radio quality, much poorer than any other car I’ve owned - anyone know why?
 
#16 ·
This system in my 2018 is significantly better with bass and treble at 6, and it highly favors acoustics and rock, with 311 and sublime sounding majestic along with the clash, but muddier rock like Metallica has some trouble every now and then. Also, rap doesn't sound the best, as it is lacking low down bass to the point that some of the lower bass hits from a rap song actually do not register in the system and you actually miss some of the song's bass
 
#17 ·
I have an '18 Signature with the Bose and I'm impressed with it when playing music from my phone thru CarPlay. XM radio is too compressed and isn't even as good as the HD FM stations. I've had 2 Lexus cars with Mark Levinson systems and 2 Acuras with the ELS systems and the Bose in my 6 is very close to those. I've had other Bose car audio systems and some kinda sucked but not this one.
 
#18 ·
I also have a MT 2018. So I upgraded the sound system. Changed out the front speaker with high end aftermarket with amp, put in a 12" sub with amp and used audio control LCQ-1 to mange the sound. I also installed a sub control knob that works with the lcq-1 (arc-2). I did nothing with the rear speakers.

The outcome was just amazing. I listen to everything flat so I do not turn up or down the base or treble. The sound quality is just amazing, it's crazy at how good the car sounds. I used Bestbuy to do the install at Marlborough MA (the guy there does amazing work - Mike). Best Buy has this deal... you pay $200 total in labor and that is it. I also got them to install a radio (with car play / android auto) and backup camera on my wife's 2012 Forester and I also had a radar detector hardwired... all for the original $200.00.

Now you can't even compare my system to a bose system. And I never turn up the sub to max because it becomes just way to bassy even if you play hip hop. And I have yet to try max volume... I usually have my volume between 22 - 36(and that is LOUD!) and my gains on my amp are not even maxed out.
 
#19 ·
Since I opted for the MT, the Bose/moonroof package was out of play.

Wondering if I am missing out on some incredible sound that even non -audiophiles can appreciate.

Anyone with a GT or the package care to share their impressions on the value of the 11 speaker system and whether it's a juggernaut of some sort?

I also have a MT 2018. So I upgraded the sound system. Changed out the front speaker with high end aftermarket with amp, put in a 12" sub with amp and used audio control LCQ-1 to mange the sound. I also installed a sub control knob that works with the lcq-1 (arc-2). I did nothing with the rear speakers.

The outcome was just amazing. I listen to everything flat so I do not turn up or down the base or treble. The sound quality is just amazing, it's crazy at how good the car sounds. I used Bestbuy to do the install at Marlborough MA (the guy there does amazing work - Mike). Best Buy has this deal... you pay $200 total in labor and that is it. I also got them to install a radio (with car play / android auto) and backup camera on my wife's 2012 Forester and I also had a radar detector hardwired... all for the original $200.00.

Now you can't even compare my system to a bose system. And I never turn up the sub to max because it becomes just way to bassy even if you play hip hop. And I have yet to try max volume... I usually have my volume between 22 - 36(and that is LOUD!) and my gains on my amp are not even maxed out.
Well, an amp Gain knob should never be maxed out. It's not a volume knob lol. For the LC1 the AccuBass should be off and the Subwoofer setting maxed, the Gain on the amp itself should be adjusted to avoid clipping.
 
#20 ·
It's an above average system for a car in that class but it is not a premium system. My 2015 Sonata has an infinity system in it and it blows my 2018 mazda gtr's system. Puts it to shame actually. There is just not enough bass and not enough high either. Again, it is not a true premium system imo.
 
#22 ·
As hi-fi fanatic I can say that these sound okay and better than your average car stereo system but honestly not that great. As someone said, it's kinda boomy. Generally bose is somewhat of an overrated brand that depends mostly on audio processing and not that much on quality speakers.
 
#23 ·
I have a 2018 Signature and my BF has a 2018 Sport manual so I've heard both. He used to have competition sound systems in a few of his previous vehicles. He was able to adjust his and my settings to get them to sound pretty good for stock systems. If I turn off Centerpoint, then they sound similar. Only time you really notice the extra 5 speakers is with Centerpoint turned on.

Right now he's got mine set at +2 or +3 bass and +2 or +3 treble depending on what I'm listening to. -2 or -3 fade to the rear and 0 balance. I prefer -2 for fade because there is a slight front bias but there is more rearward sound you can actually hear. -3 fade puts a slight rear bias on it which sounds a bit odd for me. We found that if you don't move some more sound to the back then you can't get it to sound balanced, especially with Centerpoint on. With 7 speakers basically in front of you, 0 fade sounds like you are at a concert being blasted with sound.

The only other "fancy" radio system I've had in a vehicle was my 18 Subaru Legacy with a 12 speaker Harmon Kardon system. Even though it had a from factory mini-sub in the rear deck, it was hard to make it sound good. Sound was clear just hard to balance it out. All my other previous vehicles (mainly GM ones) had the stock 6-7 generic speaker setups that I was able to make sound good for my ears.
 
#25 ·
As a long time musician, sound tech/audio engineer, installer and car nut:
Turn the Center Point off. All it does is add more midrange and takes out low end in the door speakers lowering the sound stage and bringing it closer to your body position in the middle of the car instead of "in the dash" where a band would be if at a concert. In my 6, i did a +1 or 2 to the front, but in my 3, i did a -1 to the rear as it balances the rear door speakers which are almost in line with my ears.
I posted elsewhere that the BT and USB suck vs. the AUX input, so i run my phone through the AUX and use that for my music. Because of this, i can use the EQ on my phone and ive attached the settings. This actually gives the Blose a decent, almost balanced sound with "plenty" of low end, although it only comes from the doors (it doesnt transmit to your butt as well as a body mounted sub would).
With these EQ settings, you can adjust the "global" settings with the stock system a click or two as needed, but i keep mine on +6 all the time, save for bass heavy music and take 1 or 2 out.
 

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#26 ·
As a long time musician, sound tech/audio engineer, installer and car nut:
Turn the Center Point off. All it does is add more midrange and takes out low end in the door speakers lowering the sound stage and bringing it closer to your body position in the middle of the car instead of "in the dash" where a band would be if at a concert. In my 6, i did a +1 or 2 to the front, but in my 3, i did a -1 to the rear as it balances the rear door speakers which are almost in line with my ears.

With these EQ settings, you can adjust the "global" settings with the stock system a click or two as needed, but i keep mine on +6 all the time, save for bass heavy music and take 1 or 2 out.

Ok, I will try that too. I predominately listen to SiriusXM or FM radio and if nothing is to my liking I’ll plug in my USB drive. So my settings are geared more towards those types of audio.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
#30 ·
I am not sure. It is possible. When I took the car in (I bought it 1 week prior) They said that both RT and L door speakers needed to be replaced. I didn't notice a problem with the RT door. The left was really bad. I am actually checking different areas of the panel (hard pressing) to see if it affects the buzzing or not. I would hope that it's not the speaker (I play my music on the loud side, but not that loud!)
 
#31 ·
Even if its the speaker, you can fix it easily. I play mine loud and EQ'd for a ton of bass, with a preamp, so it really pounds compared to plain stock.
 
#33 ·
It took a bit of getting used to, and playing with the settings (I got a great tip that setting the bass and treble all the way to max balanced the sound better-and it did)
I like the sound quality better now, especially with CD's, and ipod (2016's didn't have Google car play or Apple play).
 
#35 ·
Not a thread, but i keep screaming on how to make it sound better and no, Centerpoint isnt the way.
 
#36 ·
Depends on the song and person, I personally like the CenterPoint with songs that have vocals as it creates a single point, kinda like if someone is actually singing in your car. On the other hand, for dubstep or other music, CenterPoint is awful as a more surrounding feel is better. I set my Treble & bass to max (6) and move the fade two clicks to the back. Centerpoint is on usually, not sure what autopilot really does but I change it every time I get on the settings to hopefully notice a difference and understand it.
 
#39 ·
I have a particular quirk on evaluating sound separation between channels. Onto my phone I downloaded a song titled “Lucky Man,” by the 70’s rock group, Emerson Lake, and Palmer.

if you have never experienced this song on a quality sound system, you’re missing a real treat. Stay for the end!
 
#41 ·
I went to YouTube and listened to that song and I know exactly why you would use it to test a stereo system. The guitar riffs are amazing. The overall arrangement is amazing, to be honest, because I am hearing some pretty solid percussion as well. At timestamp 3:30 or so...maaaaaaan! That psychedelic wah-wah sound made with the Moog synthesizer is intoxicating.



My go-to for evaluating a stereo is actually something with a little less technical arrangement and acoustics. I use a remix of Ed Sheeran's "I See Fire" by Kygo. Believe it or not, the only stereo to outdo the Bose with this song was the Infinity system in the Kia Optima. I came close to choosing that car, but opted for the Mazda because it was more attractive and had, frankly, a better reliability track record (reports of the oil-burninging issue of the 2.4L engine along with lackluster Hyundai/Kia responses were starting to come out).

 
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