2023 Bose Speakers system

[Proto Z]

I recently took my car down to Car Toys, and ask them about installing Focal speakers in the Z. They said that I would need a higher power amp, then the stock one. I recommended that they listen to the stock Bose system before judging. I am using an Astell&Kern SP3000 DAC, via Bluetooth. They sat in the car, and said that it would take over $7K to make it sound any better. They said that it was the best stock system they had ever heard. They recommended that I do nothing lol. Since my first posting the car stereo has broken in. I’m very pleased with the stock system. My advice is to get a good DAC, as the system itself is really good.

Respectfully... Recommend a second opinion.
Stock system is a 6/10 at best.

You don't have to spend a huge amount of money to make it better though.
Focals are an option, as are a number of other cones, but these all need more amplification - a testament to how average the stock infotainment is. This itself isn't expensive, but getting it balanced properly with quality crossovers is time consuming. This would greatly improve sound quality, even with a compressed source, since it would have the right cones handling the right frequencies.

As I've said quite a few times (and posted images), upgrading the sub, especially with some sound deadening in trunk is very budget friendly and effective upgrade.
Cost me AUD$650 all in.

If you are handy with trim removal, sound deadening in the doors would make a huge difference for stock speakers also.

 

[Brock]

All opinions are welcomed here!

 

[jdm-rhd]

curious...so what kind of music are yall judging the sound system by?

classical...metallica...gangsta rap?

 

[Brock]

House/Trance/Dubstep/Jazz

 

[Proto Z]

curious...so what kind of music are yall judging the sound system by?

classical...metallica...gangsta rap?

I listen to anything (like literally anything, on any given day, including classical/instrumental and OG ganster rap)... except country.
Not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I really like listening to music.

If I'm testing a new stereo, I'll usually play Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. It's probably a little unconventional, but:
* Theres a good deep bass drum hit
* There is a selection of high cymbals and crash hats
* Well defined electric guitar
* Well defined vocals
* Harmony

It also helps that I know the song quite well, and because I have played it on everything (including compressed and lossless sources) I know how it *should* sound to me.

Usually I'll also run through Daft Punk's Random Access Memories album too within the first few hours of owning a new stereo system. Again, not for the music itself (though, sometimes I'm in the mood), but because it's a well produced album. Very clear and harmonious separation across the range, which really helps identify which speakers are doing what.

Oh, and I probably listen to podcasts for like 40% of my driving time lol

 

[zermatt]

My music tastes are wide:
For car driving, I been listen to XM radio and I like the variety of music styles. I really the like jam bands like Goose, Moe, and Allman Brothers. I like the old west Canadian - folk singers: Pharis & Jason Romero.

I love the British's 80 stuff like Simple minds and Chameleons etc
I also have a large collection of French female singers: Patricia Kass and Natasha St. Pier and cant forget reggae bands.

No RAP, and no American pop music either.

 

[theboosh]

In case it helps anyone else, the sound out of my system streaming Spotify was ok but mostly pretty average. I turned off the EQ within Spotify and it's a night and day difference, so much better.

 

[MCN1SMO]

I listen to anything (like literally anything, on any given day, including classical/instrumental and OG ganster rap)... except country.
Not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I really like listening to music.

If I'm testing a new stereo, I'll usually play Metallica's Nothing Else Matters. It's probably a little unconventional, but:
* Theres a good deep bass drum hit
* There is a selection of high cymbals and crash hats
* Well defined electric guitar
* Well defined vocals
* Harmony

It also helps that I know the song quite well, and because I have played it on everything (including compressed and lossless sources) I know how it *should* sound to me.

Usually I'll also run through Daft Punk's Random Access Memories album too within the first few hours of owning a new stereo system. Again, not for the music itself (though, sometimes I'm in the mood), but because it's a well produced album. Very clear and harmonious separation across the range, which really helps identify which speakers are doing what.

Oh, and I probably listen to podcasts for like 40% of my driving time lol

I usually use " The Good Soldier" by NIN to set up the equalizer on a car stereo because it has a lot going on and every thing is crisp it has clean vocals with a deep base hit tambourines bells and a lot of melody ect.

 

[Proto Z]

I usually use " The Good Soldier" by NIN to set up the equalizer on a car stereo because it has a lot going on and every thing is crisp it has clean vocals with a deep base hit tambourines bells and a lot of melody ect.

Nice!
I'll check it out

 

[Hammo25]

I usually use " The Good Soldier" by NIN to set up the equalizer on a car stereo because it has a lot going on and every thing is crisp it has clean vocals with a deep base hit tambourines bells and a lot of melody ect.

Had a listen. Cracker of a track.

 

[fliplover]

This is my go to song when checking out a sound system It has a bit of everything.

 

[MCN1SMO]

Had a listen. Cracker of a track.

I totally forgot about the Live version of All time low. one of the best modern groove/funk songs ever made. this is great to check out on a sound system

 

[theboosh]

I totally forgot about the Live version of All time low. one of the best modern groove/funk songs ever made. this is great to check out on a sound system

My favourite from them live is definitely Dead Souls. There's always a pretty long lead-in & it's epic to see played in person.

 

[MCN1SMO]

My favourite from them live is definitely Dead Souls. There's always a pretty long lead-in & it's epic to see played in person.

Oh yeah I've seen them like 9 times

I once got to see a private soundcheck and meet trent

 

[Spartan]

I recently took my car down to Car Toys, and ask them about installing Focal speakers in the Z. They said that I would need a higher power amp, then the stock one. I recommended that they listen to the stock Bose system before judging. I am using an Astell&Kern SP3000 DAC, via Bluetooth. They sat in the car, and said that it would take over $7K to make it sound any better. They said that it was the best stock system they had ever heard. They recommended that I do nothing lol. Since my first posting the car stereo has broken in. I’m very pleased with the stock system. My advice is to get a good DAC, as the system itself is really good.

sorry for the n00b question, never heard of a DAC before. Can you recommend one? does it require installation or do you plug it in somewhere? some details please