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C5 Bose vs. Non-Bose

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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 01:29 PM
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Default C5 Bose vs. Non-Bose

Been looking at C5s and noticed that some do not appear to have the Bose system. The cars that I have tried out all had the Bose system. How does the non-Bose sound in comparison? Is the non-Bose easier to upgrade?
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 01:40 PM
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I thought the Bose system was standard on all C5s, however I may be wrong.

I replaced the stock system in my 2004 when I installed a double din NAV system. I still have the little Bose plastic decals on my speaker grills so I guess I'm a poser.

However my system sounds better than stock now that I have added a sub, better speakers and better head unit. So I guess I'm doing Bose a favor with my false advertising...
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 02:06 PM
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I too am pretty sure the Bose is standard. Options were cassette, CD or changer.

The systems sound awful. I ditched my Blowes and installed a double din nav system.

When you get a car, contact Dennis at Double D Mods. He will do you right.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 03:43 PM
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I replaced the Bose with infinity and kept the stock radio. sounds much crisper and deffinately more base.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 03:49 PM
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I too think the Bose system came standard - just a matter of what level your radio is (i.e., cassette, CD or Multi-CD).
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 04:06 PM
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My 99 FRC came with a non Bose radio/cassette. It was replaced by the PO though with Alpine. Then I replaced the speakers

The odd thing though was the rear 5.25 speakers did say Bose, but the fronts did not.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by MSG C5
I thought the Bose system was standard on all C5s, however I may be wrong.

I replaced the stock system in my 2004 when I installed a double din NAV system. I still have the little Bose plastic decals on my speaker grills so I guess I'm a poser.

However my system sounds better than stock now that I have added a sub, better speakers and better head unit. So I guess I'm doing Bose a favor with my false advertising...

I love my double din system and 12" slim line sub.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 04:44 PM
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Bose is stock. Changed mine for pioneer with focal speakers years ago, much better all round, double din
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 04:51 PM
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Don't mean to hijack the thread, but when you guys replaced the bose speakers did you put regular speakers in their place? Is there amplifiers that need to be replaced with the bose speakers or is this a speaker for speaker swap?
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 04:55 PM
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I liked the Bose in my 04.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 05:23 PM
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Bose sucks
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 05:24 PM
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I kept the Bose bass speakers but added Boston Acoustics midrange and added Polk tweeters for use with my double din nav system.

Sounds great.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 05:39 PM
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The fm radio in my 03 sounds awful, terrible reception. The stock Bose speakers and cd player sound pretty damn good IMO, by far the best stock sound system I've ever had in a vehicle. I'm not much of a stereo person though, I'm sure aftermarket systems blow it away.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 08:54 PM
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Kenwood head unit with Bluetooth and iPad connector in the console and Pioneer speakers and love it. It's the only way to drive a C5.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 10:10 PM
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Nope, they all came with the Bose System.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 10:32 PM
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Not all of them, i've seen so many 99 and 2000 FRC that came without bose as it was an option.
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 06:59 AM
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My Bose sounds great! With the following criteria met:
L/Tubes, full exh w/Corsa sports(?), intake, cam,
TPS @ 75%<, rpm 3.5k<,
volume 0>.


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