Bose Audio Upgrade

Dixie ZL1 · 09-20-2019, 12:54 AM

I’ve read many posts on the topic and it seems that folks either go big with OE integration DSP processors and full systems or decide to live with the stock system. I’ve recently heard a new resurgence of discontent and I also was unhappy with the Bose system in a $60K car, so I thought I’d post my compromise system that I’m very please with.

Audio is very personal, but my two issues were front speaker bias sounds stage and empty mid bass. I listen to a very wide range of music, but I will sacrifice deep, deep bass for balanced and tight. Unfortunately the stock Bose system didn’t provide either.

I decided to leave the dash & doors alone with the idea that enhancing bass down to about 30Hz and the sound stage with improved voice and high end accuracy in the rear of the car would create a much improved sound stage.

******** offers a nice trunk box for a 10” sub and a plug & play high level harness. I used a very inexpensive AudioContol LC2i high to low level converter with level control and remote turn-on to provide RCA outputs to a JL 600/1 amp driving a JL 10W6v3 10” sub, but any decent quality mono amp and 10” sub will work fine. It’s forward facing behind the rear seat, so there’s lots of attenuation anyway. I have the subharmonic high pass on at 30Hz and adjustable low pass set to 100Hz.

The biggest issue is stage and the Bose system uses 2ohm speakers for efficiency, so I chose to replace the stock 5” one-way rear side speakers with 6.5”, 2-way, 2.5 ohm infinity Kappa 62ix speakers with a range from 45Hz to 25kHz. These speakers have built-in cross overs and adjustable tweeter direction.... they sound amazing and cost $100 shipped from Amazon. Installation of the infinity speakers takes about 2 hours and they mount to the stock location without modification using supplied adaptors and fasteners. I’m sure they will be a significant improvement without the sub, but I did both at the same time, so I can’t quantify one without the other. I considered a similar JBL, but decided on these based on reviews that the JBL highs are too bright for some. The Infinity’s are also about $50 cheaper for exactly the same published specs.

For tone settings I have fade set to about 10% - 15% rear bias because the Kappa’s aren’t quite as loud as fronts as they are 2.5 ohm; treble is set at about 80% high, mid is at 0, and bass at about -5%.

Balance is much better than stock with much clearer voice / highs, and tighter bass. It’s not optimal for very deep low end response, but audio quality is now respectable for this quality of car and you can do it on a reasonable budget.

red_johnny · 09-20-2019, 03:12 AM

Nice, I may go similar when I get around to doing my build.

tecboy · 09-20-2019, 05:57 AM

Its tough to upgrade the Bose system...most either do subs only or a complete upgrade like i did. problem is if you leave the Bose amp in the mix, you will always be fighting the gains, eq curve, bass roll off, delays and other signal processing the Bose amp is doing...

Dixie ZL1 · 09-20-2019, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tecboy

Its tough to upgrade the Bose system...most either do subs only or a complete upgrade like i did. problem is if you leave the Bose amp in the mix, you will always be fighting the gains, eq curve, bass roll off, delays and other signal processing the Bose amp is doing...

Totally agree this approach wont have the sound quality of a full tear out, but with noise cancellation defeated it’s a good compromise for the $$ IMHO. I wasn’t willing to make the full rebuild investment and I’m really happy with this result.

ctrlz · 09-20-2019, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixie ZL1

I chose to replace the stock 5” one-way rear side speakers with 6.5”, 2-way, 2.5 ohm infinity Kappa 62ix speakers with a range from 45Hz to 25kHz.... they mount to the stock location without modification using supplied adaptors and fasteners.

Hmmm... How hard is it to pop the rear panels off?
I have a pair of 2 ohm 6.5" JBL GTO's sitting in a box somewhere (GTO 627's, to be precise).

Now that you have the stock 5" speakers out, any chance you could measure the voice coil resistance? I am curious to see if Bose speakers actually come close to 2 ohm. Most speakers advertised as 2 ohm are actually in the 2-3 ohm range. Impedance will vary with frequency, but can never go lower than the VCR.

tecboy · 09-20-2019, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dixie ZL1

Totally agree this approach wont have the sound quality of a full tear out, but with noise cancellation defeated it’s a good compromise for the $$ IMHO. I wasn’t willing to make the full rebuild investment and I’m really happy with this result.

That is the most important thing...you are happy with the way it sounds

TRZ06 · 09-20-2019, 12:36 PM

IMO, this car is too loud to spend money on the Audio system, it's not a Lexus.

For me, the Bose sounds good enough. If I want to listen to high quality Audio, I go home and listen to my B&W home system.

Everyone has their preferences of course.

ctrlz · 09-20-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRZ06

IMO, this car is too loud to spend money on the Audio system, it's not a Lexus.

Basically, I am of the same opinion. But I don't mind "helping" the audio by deleting the sound tube, switching to non-run-flat tires, and popping in speakers I already own. Replacing the 5" speakers with 6.5" coaxials might actually be noticeable. If I do it, I'll probably do one side then A/B it.

Dixie ZL1 · 09-20-2019, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctrlz

Hmmm... How hard is it to pop the rear panels off?
I have a pair of 2 ohm 6.5" JBL GTO's sitting in a box somewhere (GTO 627's, to be precise).

Now that you have the stock 5" speakers out, any chance you could measure the voice coil resistance? I am curious to see if Bose speakers actually come close to 2 ohm. Most speakers advertised as 2 ohm are actually in the 2-3 ohm range. Impedance will vary with frequency, but can never go lower than the VCR.

Voice coil resistance is 1.7 ohms on the stock Bose speakers I pulled out.

The GTO’s should fit perfectly as they are almost identical speakers to the Kappa’s. Side panel removal is extremely easy; removing the seat bottom was the most difficult part for me because is was tentative to pull hard enough.

Shouldn’t take longer than 2 hours for the job. I installed sound deadening material while it was apart.

Dixie ZL1 · 09-20-2019, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRZ06

IMO, this car is too loud to spend money on the Audio system, it's not a Lexus.

For me, the Bose sounds good enough. If I want to listen to high quality Audio, I go home and listen to my B&W home system.

Everyone has their preferences of course.

The speaker box and sound deadening material have a dramatic impact on ambient cabin noise. It might also help that I don’t have a sunroof.

I enjoy good audio in my car and home, but your point is valid. I do use the stealth exhaust mode frequently.

17rsvert · 09-20-2019, 06:22 PM

Are you getting good high end from the new speakers? Do the stock 5" Bose speakers get sent enough high frequencies from the Bose amp to make the switch to 2 ways worth it? I was under the impression from reading other posts that the amplified signals going to each speaker are not flat and not full range.

Aragorn · 09-20-2019, 07:51 PM

Ty for sharing. I’ve always had subs in my cars and will get a 10 for this one also next year. . Do not have Bose so my setup will probably be different. Can I ask where you got your box? Ty

Dixie ZL1 · 09-20-2019, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 17rsvert

Are you getting good high end from the new speakers? Do the stock 5" Bose speakers get sent enough high frequencies from the Bose amp to make the switch to 2 ways worth it? I was under the impression from reading other posts that the amplified signals going to each speaker are not flat and not full range.

The two- way speakers sound great and definitely have nice high frequency response, so I’d say they’re receiving a full range signal

protovack · 09-21-2019, 02:09 AM

Nice write up. Some good detailed information, much appreciated. Most with the Bose system don't need or want to do a full tear out.

Although I am by no means an audiophile, I love music. I usually don't even have the stereo system on for daily driving, but when I do a long road trip, I use it as an opportunity to listen to music. Unbalanced frequency response is fatiguing to listen to, and if you want to listen to a whole album or shuffle songs on a long roadtrip, this stuff is super important.

If I end up deciding to keep my current 2.0T forever, I will do a full tear out of the stock system.

09-20-2019, 12:54 AM	#1
Dixie ZL1 NOXQCES ZL1 Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Huntsville AL Posts: 307	Bose Audio Upgrade I’ve read many posts on the topic and it seems that folks either go big with OE integration DSP processors and full systems or decide to live with the stock system. I’ve recently heard a new resurgence of discontent and I also was unhappy with the Bose system in a $60K car, so I thought I’d post my compromise system that I’m very please with. Audio is very personal, but my two issues were front speaker bias sounds stage and empty mid bass. I listen to a very wide range of music, but I will sacrifice deep, deep bass for balanced and tight. Unfortunately the stock Bose system didn’t provide either. I decided to leave the dash & doors alone with the idea that enhancing bass down to about 30Hz and the sound stage with improved voice and high end accuracy in the rear of the car would create a much improved sound stage. ******** offers a nice trunk box for a 10” sub and a plug & play high level harness. I used a very inexpensive AudioContol LC2i high to low level converter with level control and remote turn-on to provide RCA outputs to a JL 600/1 amp driving a JL 10W6v3 10” sub, but any decent quality mono amp and 10” sub will work fine. It’s forward facing behind the rear seat, so there’s lots of attenuation anyway. I have the subharmonic high pass on at 30Hz and adjustable low pass set to 100Hz. The biggest issue is stage and the Bose system uses 2ohm speakers for efficiency, so I chose to replace the stock 5” one-way rear side speakers with 6.5”, 2-way, 2.5 ohm infinity Kappa 62ix speakers with a range from 45Hz to 25kHz. These speakers have built-in cross overs and adjustable tweeter direction.... they sound amazing and cost $100 shipped from Amazon. Installation of the infinity speakers takes about 2 hours and they mount to the stock location without modification using supplied adaptors and fasteners. I’m sure they will be a significant improvement without the sub, but I did both at the same time, so I can’t quantify one without the other. I considered a similar JBL, but decided on these based on reviews that the JBL highs are too bright for some. The Infinity’s are also about $50 cheaper for exactly the same published specs. For tone settings I have fade set to about 10% - 15% rear bias because the Kappa’s aren’t quite as loud as fronts as they are 2.5 ohm; treble is set at about 80% high, mid is at 0, and bass at about -5%. Balance is much better than stock with much clearer voice / highs, and tighter bass. It’s not optimal for very deep low end response, but audio quality is now respectable for this quality of car and you can do it on a reasonable budget. Attached Images

09-20-2019, 05:57 AM	#3
tecboy Drives: 2016 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 455	Its tough to upgrade the Bose system...most either do subs only or a complete upgrade like i did. problem is if you leave the Bose amp in the mix, you will always be fighting the gains, eq curve, bass roll off, delays and other signal processing the Bose amp is doing... __________________ 2016 Black 2SS A8 NPP Sunroof - Tinted Windows - Black Chrome Wheels - Custom Striping - ASC Sideskirts/Splitter - GM Lowering Kit - Complete Sound System - DD LED Sidemarkers

09-20-2019, 12:36 PM	#7
TRZ06 Drives: 22' Porsche PDK GT4 Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Bay Area Posts: 2,013	IMO, this car is too loud to spend money on the Audio system, it's not a Lexus. For me, the Bose sounds good enough. If I want to listen to high quality Audio, I go home and listen to my B&W home system. Everyone has their preferences of course. __________________ Current: 22' Porsche PDK GT4 (MCS 2-way remote dampers) Previous: 18' NFG 2SS *1LE* (ZL1 1LE solid rear cradle bushings & Corsa Exhaust) 16' F80 M3 (Ohlin R/T Coilovers) 13' Audi TTRS (APR Stage 1, MSS Springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' E90 M3 06' 335i (KW V2 Coilovers) 03' C5 Z06

09-20-2019, 03:12 AM	#2
red_johnny Drives: 2016 Gray 2SS M6 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Hermitage, PA Posts: 753 View My Garage	Nice, I may go similar when I get around to doing my build.

09-20-2019, 06:22 PM	#11
17rsvert Drives: 2017 HBM 2LT RS Convertible V6 A8 Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: NJ Posts: 654	Are you getting good high end from the new speakers? Do the stock 5" Bose speakers get sent enough high frequencies from the Bose amp to make the switch to 2 ways worth it? I was under the impression from reading other posts that the amplified signals going to each speaker are not flat and not full range.

09-20-2019, 07:51 PM	#12
Aragorn Account Suspended Drives: Camaro SS 1LE Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Phoenix Posts: 1,538	Ty for sharing. I’ve always had subs in my cars and will get a 10 for this one also next year. . Do not have Bose so my setup will probably be different. Can I ask where you got your box? Ty

09-21-2019, 02:09 AM	#14
protovack Drives: 2019 2LT 2.0T M6 Riverside Blue Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: WA Posts: 847	Nice write up. Some good detailed information, much appreciated. Most with the Bose system don't need or want to do a full tear out. Although I am by no means an audiophile, I love music. I usually don't even have the stereo system on for daily driving, but when I do a long road trip, I use it as an opportunity to listen to music. Unbalanced frequency response is fatiguing to listen to, and if you want to listen to a whole album or shuffle songs on a long roadtrip, this stuff is super important. If I end up deciding to keep my current 2.0T forever, I will do a full tear out of the stock system.

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