Bose speakers boomy muddy sounding

dmawd · 07-06-2006, 12:56 PM

I have the nav with upgraded bose sound system and have read that the bose speakers sound tinny. My stereo sounds boomy and muddy in low /mid freq's when listining to the radio. Even turning down the bass all the way lows still sound exagurated - like crap. When listening to the CD do not get as much of the booming bass. Could this be a problem with the head unit?

Dueysan · 07-06-2006, 02:35 PM

No it's the sucktastic BOSE system....I have the same one. You are not alone. Here's a thread extolling the virtues of BOSE sound.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1436808

JLTD · 07-06-2006, 03:05 PM

Part of the DSP Bose uses in the GM system is volume-dependent. It works like a loudness control. As you turn the volume down, it boosts the low frequencies. At high volumes, it attenuates the low frequencies to protect the speakers from damage (GM does not want to replace speakers under warranty). I must qualify what is meant by low frequency; the boost is at 100 Hz to creat "pseudo bass" effect. The drivers included in this system are not very capable in reproducing low frequency. There is a lot of other equalization going on to mask the poor performance of the drivers as well.
Basically, what you are hearing is exactly how the system was designed to sound. Most people are supposed to find this acceptable because it's a high end Bose system. Many people grew up seeing Bose as high end and were educated about how things should sound listening to Bose in their homes.
There is a way to fix the sound without major surgery, check out my post in the C6 system sucks thread.

BigButtLover · 07-06-2006, 05:15 PM

I'm in the process of saving my $$$ so I can replace my stock Blose system as quickly as possible. I hear the same sound in my car and I hate it. Nothing you can do but change out the head unit and the entire system. They make it difficult so you can't change out the woofers in the door without adding amps to the system and buying all types of interfaces, etc. all to find out that it is still less than desirable. Then they hype Bose up like it's a premium system. It $uck$, but it's amazing what advertising can do. The person who designed this system need to be placed in front of a firing squad. Argh!!

dmawd · 07-07-2006, 11:02 PM

Thanks JLTD and everyone for the info. After reading up in other threads on our audiophile

grade bose system I will start by replacing the front/rear speakers and disconnect the front center channel. Next step will be to replace the bose amp and maybe add a separate sub box/amp in the rear. this way I will get to keep the HU/nav intact. I am not after a super high end system, but jeez the stereo in my truck blows this bose Sh*t away.

Steve Germany · 07-08-2006, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dmawd

I have the nav with upgraded bose sound system and have read that the bose speakers sound tinny. My stereo sounds boomy and muddy in low /mid freq's when listining to the radio. Even turning down the bass all the way lows still sound exagurated - like crap. When listening to the CD do not get as much of the booming bass. Could this be a problem with the head unit?

No - it is the amp and speakers. Here is where you want to be...
http://steved.smugmug.com/photos/77404190-M.jpg