How good is Bose?

75woody · July 17, 2005

I'm picking up a 2003 Sierra LT next week, one of the reasons I went with "LT" was to get the Bose system but after reading some of these threads I'm thinking Bose isn't all that great????? I don't need anything that rattles windows I just want a good sounding stereo. I'm coming from a '99 F-350 w/ a Sony deck, Rockford Fosgate amp and JL sub that I thought was fine. Is this Bose any better?

bigdogs · July 17, 2005

I have the Bose system in my 2003 Sierra and it's OK. I didn't get the LT option because of the Bose I wanted the leather seats and this one just happened to have the Bose. It does sound pretty good tho. If I need more I have a 7.1 Onkyo/Klipsch system at home I can listen to stuff on

vhato · July 17, 2005

I have the Bose system in my 2003 Sierra and it's OK. I didn't get the LT option because of the Bose I wanted the leather seats and this one just happened to have the Bose. It does sound pretty good tho. If I need more I have a 7.1 Onkyo/Klipsch system at home I can listen to stuff on

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The overall musical quality is several steps above the stock GM stuff. It is pretty hard to tell exactly where the music is coming from. After coming from a Fosgate amp and JL sub, you won't be impressed with the lows from the Bose. The Bose also reduces your highs and lows when you exceed 50% volume to prevent clipping and distortion. If you like it loud you will be less than satisfied.

I am satisfied enough with the Bose to not spend $1 upgrading it.

hutchyx · July 17, 2005

I am satisfied enough with the Bose to not spend $1 upgrading it.

I agree!

75woody · July 17, 2005

I'm feeling a little better so far. I'll have to see how it sounds when I get it. I'm in Utah and I'm flying to Michigan to pick it up & drive it back so I'll have plenty of time to listen to it. I just read on another post that I can change the XM to Sirius which is good news. I've got a Sirius account but was thinking I would have to cancel it and go to XM. I just wish it was a quick switch so I could do it before the 1600 mi. drive home. Is it possible to use XM for a few days then cancel or are there activation fees that wouldn't make it worth the trouble?

-Woody

bigdogs · July 17, 2005

I am satisfied enough with the Bose to not spend $1 upgrading it.

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That is my feeling too. Sounds good enough for me not to want to change it. I may add XM to it tho...

July 18, 2005

No highs, no lows, it must be Bose.

Go to a dealership and "test drive" the Bose. You'll know right away if you like it.

It's better than non-Bose and it's OK if you don't turn it up. The minute you hear your favorite Rock song and try to jam you'll be disappointed (assuming you're a rocker). There are ways to beef it up though.

The best thing about it is that you can upgrade to a NAV system pretty easy. Somethng you can think about since you're driving it 1600 mi back home. Hmmm, let's see buy the NAV, take it with you and installit in ten minutes while you're there. Use it to bring you home.

Don't worry about it enough to NOT buy the truck. You're gonna love it and there is PLENTY of advise here to spruce it up a bit.

75woody · July 18, 2005

Ok, what is the "NAV", where can I get it, and how much is it??? Just in Case. Is it really a 10 min install?<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZSzeb008' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_1_36.gif' border=0></a>

biochemist · July 18, 2005

HI there, I would say it is a fine starting point...I added a 10 inch Alpine sub and Amp (see sig) and that rounded everything out nicley for me. I do not care if people hear me coming down the street...it sounds really good with CD's also really hits hard and the highs are great. That is about all I would do/recommend is adding one sub under the back seat, it will give you the lows you wish and you do not have to worry about messing around with the factory speakers and amp which can be a hassle...later,

bigdogs · July 18, 2005

How difficult was it to patch that extra sub and amp into the factory system?

biochemist · July 19, 2005

How difficult was it to patch that extra sub and amp into the factory system?

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Well, I guess I am not sure as I had it done...but they dod not take very long, pretty simple I think. They have an in line adaptor for the Bose system that allows easy addition of a separate amp...so that is really all they did...I think Pac audio was the place that made this device...let me know if you need more info, later,

ElephantNest · July 19, 2005

I like the Bose system just fine. I have (2) 10" bazooka subs that I eventually want to get under the back seat, but the stock sounds pretty darn good.

I have had my '05 for about a month, and have only driven it once, besides the trip home from the dealer. ( selling other HD so I am driving it around for the exposure) But I do find myself sometimes out in the back yard, sitting in the new one, listening to the Bose. Lows sound pretty good to me, because I find myself listening to rap just to hear it thump. LOL

bigdogs · July 19, 2005

Well, I guess I am not sure as I had it done...but they dod not take very long, pretty simple I think. They have an in line adaptor for the Bose system that allows easy addition of a separate amp...so that is really all they did...I think Pac audio was the place that made this device...let me know if you need more info, later,

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Thanks, I'll check into them. I'm not real sure where I could mount a sub tho as I need to be able to fold the back seat up when Homer is back there.

biochemist · July 19, 2005

Well, I guess I am not sure as I had it done...but they dod not take very long, pretty simple I think. They have an in line adaptor for the Bose system that allows easy addition of a separate amp...so that is really all they did...I think Pac audio was the place that made this device...let me know if you need more info, later,

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Thanks, I'll check into them. I'm not real sure where I could mount a sub tho as I need to be able to fold the back seat up when Homer is back there.

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Hi, well you coul buy one and have them put in a wedge box that fits under the seat sub facing up...then either i) wrap the box in a towel (what I do to keep winter salt and dust out) when the pooch is back there as he will have the middle and other side anyway, or ii) have the installers equip the amp wires with quick disconnects (the amp will be installed on the back wall on the floor or on the wall itself) so you can just pop it out whenever you want with no screwing around...just a couple options, later,

Wingnut · July 19, 2005

You could also just go a little smaller with the subs and put them behind the rear seat. There's a lot more room back there than a lot of people realize. You could probably fit a couple of 8 inchers along with an amp back there.

Or, you could get a JL Audio Stealthbox if you don't mind losing 90% of your storage in the center console. **Click here.**

I've got a couple of friends that have had those, and they sound pretty dang nice.