Alot of the sound is blocked by the seats when a sub is put into a trunk, or otherwise separate from the inside of the car with the listener, especially around 80 Hz and above, which is normally where the output of the sub blends in with the midranges. Also, depending on the car, location of the subs, and other such things, the output of the sub in the cabin will not be as consistent at different frequencies. Don't forget, all of the sound has to transmit through the materials between you and the sub in the trunk, so all of the different resonances and properties of those materials change the sound, and dampen the impact.

Can you pump up the amps to the subs so that you can hear it in the car? Of course you can. But even so, all else being equal, it is much better to have the subs output in the cabin with the listener, than in the trunk.

---jps

 

extremely low and extremely high frequencies will ruin your hearing, by about 40 y/o. I've played in different bands since I was about 12 and I'm 30 now, I can definitely tell a difference. I have overcome most of it by training my ears to hear different frequencies. I've sat in at many a mastering house to help engineer & I've heard what you hear when you buy your CD's being played with. They listen at 80dB, you have to have perfectly resonant speakers with no echo. And placed in geometrically challanging spots. So let's say I know a little about music. When you have the volume down and it sounds muddy, I believe that is the Autopilot compensating for the Fletcher- Munson curve, that's where year ear hears differently at lower volumes. The midrange is more prominent at low volumes so you have to compensate by raising the treble and the bass. People on this list bust on Bose so much. I've had 2 Bose tower speakers with 10" subs at home for about 10 years, new they were $1,500.00 each. Best speakers, (acoustically) I've heard on a home system. I also had a set of 15" Cerwin Vega Tower Speakers with mid range cut and they still sound better. I can understand if you are into Hip Hop that the bass doesn't override the rest of the sound, but for music that needs clarity, it's a great system.

 

I've seen a few people refer to volume levels around 3, when talking about problems with the audio pilot feature.

3? I rarely have my volume below 15. Except in rare circumstances, I never have it below about 7 or 8.

Am I the only one who thinks that 3 is preposterously low?

 

When I'm by myself, I usually have the volume between 12-15 (or more, depending on the CD). But, If someone else is in the car, it's usually around 3-4 -- you know, to allow for conversation.

 

Before my GT RX-8, I had a 03 Accord Coupe V6. The stock stereo (dont know the mfg) was better in the honda than this BOSE "premium" sound system.

 

for those wanting more oomph, check out the Infiniti Basslink. It's a small powered sub that won't take up your trunk.

 

i wonder if there is interest in perhaps 7" midbasses mounted in the doors, and component sets in kickpanels or something.

granted, it's much more expensive, but it locates the 20-250 Hz range up front, and leaves the trunk open, albeit except for an amp or two, which could be mounted in the wheel well, or on the back of the backseats.

 

That's what I figured, thanks.

 

N0 HIGHS NO LOWS MUST BE BOSE!!!!
Bose is just a great marketing company and that is all, my new Bose really blows......I had to spend big to sound good....McIntosh amps, MB quartz.
Mercedes-Benz has quit using Bose in favor of Harmon K. and so has a number of builders that are in the know......Just remember NO highs No lows must be Bose!!!!!!

Kind regards,
Doug
Las Vegas

 

While the BOSE system definately needs some fill in the high-end, and some fill in the low-end wouldn't be bad, for an off-the-lot system, it's pretty damn good. Remember, even the PREMIUM sound systems from the Mfg are intended to meet the listening requirements of the widest possible population group. Most people are not audiophiles. This sound system is designed to pleasant for most people, not kick-*** for Mr Bass. How often do you see Mr Mid-Life-Crisis thumpin' the tunes. How often does the Little Old Lady from Pasedena shake the block with her subs.

Want more highs, $120 and an hour of your time will bring them in nice and crisp. Want more lows, a couple hundred bucks and about an hour will bring them ery richly.

 

Once you're used to having a sub in the trunk, it's difficult to be satisfied with the stock stereo of any car on the planet. I had a JL 12" in each of the last two cars I owned, and the 8 is getting one as soon as I can afford to do it again.

 

I feel the same way

every car I've owned has had subs, tinted windows etc,etc

 

I'm pretty happy with the Bose but agree that it sounds a little "muddy" at low volumes. What I have found it that at higher volumes...15 and up...it sounds pretty damn good to me. Then again, I listen to 70s-90s rock mostly,, with some new stuff like Dave matthews, etc. thrown in. Guess I'm just not a true audiophile, but suggest you turn it up before you upgrade. I like my music loud when I'm not listening to my 8's engine, exhaust. Enjoy.

 

A true audiophile wants accurate sound reproduction. That's all. Period. Not exaggerated highs, lows, or anything else. Now you may certainly have any audio system you want in your car, just don't claim to be an audiophile when your bass is sounding more like ArcLight (a B-52 strike for all you too young to know) than music. Your car; your sounds -- cool. But please don't inflict them on others. OK?

 

Please read the preceeding..."not a true audiophile" But I know what I like and this is a car, not a studio. In any case, there will be some tire noise, wind noise, engine noise (even with a rotary) that will interfere with the clear listening experience. Only at very high volumes will these "noises" be drowned out of the listening experience. So, be a little more realistic. And I'd bet my car that I'm older than you!!!

 

This should have been a poll - I think the results would be surprising to those who say Bose blows. And no, I have no intention of 'upgrading'.

 

It's not upgrading, it's tuning.

I think the BOSE does a great job. Now I'm just filling in the sound where I want a little more deapth.