Stereo sucks
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
The audio in that Acura must really suck for anyone to say the C7 Corvette has even good audio quality.
I have had both 1LT (9 speakers) and 2LT (10 speakers) Bose systems in the C7, and both suck in the same way - not great clarity, boomy lower frequency (80-120 hz) mid-bass and far too much midrange. You can adjust out a fair bit of the dominating mid-range, but there is no cure for the clarity or bass issues. The extra subwoofer in the 2LT doesn't improve the sound and makes the bass issue more pronounced.
My three Jeeps with the Harmon Kardon stereos are way better than the Bose crap in my C7's.
I have had both 1LT (9 speakers) and 2LT (10 speakers) Bose systems in the C7, and both suck in the same way - not great clarity, boomy lower frequency (80-120 hz) mid-bass and far too much midrange. You can adjust out a fair bit of the dominating mid-range, but there is no cure for the clarity or bass issues. The extra subwoofer in the 2LT doesn't improve the sound and makes the bass issue more pronounced.
My three Jeeps with the Harmon Kardon stereos are way better than the Bose crap in my C7's.
I agree that the HK systems in my Jeeps are way better.
Nonetheless, I give Bose a lot of credit as they have been brilliant in successfully marketing mediocre equipment for decades.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 11,905
Likes: 2,148
I have a 2011 G.C. that has better sound than my Z06.
Picked up a 2018 Overland recently that is better still.
Even my wife, who is not exactly an audio quality geek, noticed the Vette comes off 2nd rate.
Generally speaking and IMO, a street vehicle's price tag should reflect a certain amount of quality in its creature comforts.
If GM wants to slap in the Bose system as Standard Equipment, fine.
But it should offer a higher performing system as an option.
All I ask is a CHOICE.
Nonetheless, I give Bose a lot of credit as they have been brilliant in successfully marketing mediocre equipment for decades.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
Ditto that, guys.
I have a 2011 G.C. that has better sound than my Z06.
Picked up a 2018 Overland recently that is better still.
Even my wife, who is not exactly an audio quality geek, noticed the Vette comes off 2nd rate.
Generally speaking and IMO, a street vehicle's price tag should reflect a certain amount of quality in its creature comforts.
If GM wants to slap in the Bose system as Standard Equipment, fine.
But it should offer a higher performing system as an option.
All I ask is a CHOICE.
TRUTH.
I have a 2011 G.C. that has better sound than my Z06.
Picked up a 2018 Overland recently that is better still.
Even my wife, who is not exactly an audio quality geek, noticed the Vette comes off 2nd rate.
Generally speaking and IMO, a street vehicle's price tag should reflect a certain amount of quality in its creature comforts.
If GM wants to slap in the Bose system as Standard Equipment, fine.
But it should offer a higher performing system as an option.
All I ask is a CHOICE.
TRUTH.
A stand-alone upgrade option would be ideal, which is not an unreasonable request considering the availablilty of other amenities.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I agree. 10 speakers on the 2LT promised to be awesome but they suck. However, I bought my c7 in the fall and just had my first extended drive with the top down. The stereo sounds so much better. I don't know if the ragtop absorbs certain frequencies more than others or what. Of course that doesn't explain sucky performance on a coupe. Makes me wonder of the radio just doesn't perform well at lower volumes. Of course with the top down I have the volume turned up more than with the top up. Do you coupe owners have similar experience with the targa top stowed?
