Hey everyone, I would put this in electrical section but I think its a little too newbie to be there. So anyways, my question is, what is the difference between bose speakers and normal speakers? I have never had to change any speakers yet for my car or get any sound systems but why is bose always so expensive? Do they have better technology or something? And why is it that car companies give you a choice to upgrade to bose and not any other companies? Or is that only mazda? thanks in advance.[/b]

Bose is okay, but its more of a name product. I mean, people see "Bose" and cream their pants, but really the bose isn't that great.

Basically, when you buy a bose, you are paying for name and product, but a larger percent of the cost goes to name.

For regular audio listeners, the Bose is adeqeuate. However, when you line it up and compare it other sound systems, Bose doesn't even finish in the top 3.

 

Bose is okay, but its more of a name product. I mean, people see "Bose" and cream their pants, but really the bose isn't that great.

Basically, when you buy a bose, you are paying for name and product, but a larger percent of the cost goes to name.

For regular audio listeners, the Bose is adeqeuate. However, when you line it up and compare it other sound systems, Bose doesn't even finish in the top 3.[/b]

Thanks for the reply . Thats what i didn't get because my cousins recently bought a bose home theater system and it was $200 more then all the other companies and I'm always looking around on head phones and every bose headphone is about $100. I might be starting to save money for an after market sound system so what would you say the top 3 best picks are?

 

Thanks for the reply . Thats what i didn't get because my cousins recently bought a bose home theater system and it was $200 more then all the other companies and I'm always looking around on head phones and every bose headphone is about $100. I might be starting to save money for an after market sound system so what would you say the top 3 best picks are?[/b]

Um...I'm just pulling names right now that I've heard of. My dad has a JBL Synthesis sound system in his Toyota 4runner Limited. Its really nice, but I haven't tested the extremes because I don't drive his SUV that often. Another good one is Infinit(i) (sp?) They have good sound systems. Harmon Kardon, and Rockford Fosgate are also great systems. Those are all suggestions. It just depends on what you personally want. Try out all the sound systems, and if you intend to listen to them at the top of the sound system range, test it out. Bring a favorite cd or something.

 

the problem is there is no best when it comes to after market, if you have a half-assed install it will sound bad, if you properly design an audio system it will sound infinitely better. we would need to know more what your music tastes are, budget, how much space your willing to give up to give you recommendations for an upgrade.

as for why mazda only gives two stereo options, it depends on who they have agreements with. bose has agreements with a number of companies to provide premium audio systems, and they usually aren't too much of an upgrade from the base audio systems, they'll have an external amp and usually a small subwoofer. other stereo companies have agreements with other manufacturers. Harmon Kardon with BMW, Mark Levinson with Lexus, RF with Nissan.

if you are looking for a quick sound upgrade you could probably do a simple 5 channel amp and single subwoofer, the downside is that there is no dash kit available for the 06's yet, so you will need LOC's or wait until the dash kit is available

 

i dont think the bose system is that great personally. I agree you are primarily paying for a name. Find something you and your budget will enjoy and go with that. I think from my experience with my car and the bose that the system lacks a good deal of midrange.

 

ok thanks a lot guys, I don't plan to upgrade anytime soon cause i'm saving for other things. When i do I will be looking for a sound system for mid range and maybe something that won't sound bad in the higher range in case i feel like turning it up. But again, not any time soon just curious about why people paid so much for Bose but you guys answered that. Just one more question, why can't I use the stock head unit with the after market speakers, subs, and amps? thanks guys

 

If you ever get the chance to look at the Bose speakers out of the car, you will see that they are made of paper and have very small magnets. Bose makes speakers that sound great at rather low volumes, but when you turn up the noise, they sound like crap. So, they are really good for people that don't care for loud music. That is why the aftermarket speakers are around for those that like it loud!

 

I just recently bought a new 6,it happened to have the Bose system in it already, so i just took it.I'm not impressed with it. i mean, maybe it's better than the standard stock stereo,but doesn't even compare to an aftermarket system.IMO, Its just an 'upgrade' for people that want the best, but don't know what a real system sounds like,lol. (also may hold you over for awhile if your a bit apprehensive about takin apart ur brand new ride to do an aftermarket system) lol
As for stock HU/aftermarket speaks.... I dont know too much about the 6 stereo particularly, but knowing systems,the short answer is---runnin aftermarket speaks with a stock HU won't nearly show the true potential of the speaks...stocks HU's dont allow you the customization you really need to get a good sound, among other reasons. i'd think it'd be waste of money. :dmetal: All or nothing baby,lol

 

You should check out the Bose threads in the In car electronics forum, they cover the Bose system, the basic system, and after market systems.