Audio
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 31
Likes: 37
From: Tallahasee, FL
No highs, no lows...it must be Bose! That said I've heard both the base 10 speaker and the upgraded 14 speaker versions and they both sound much better than previous Bose attempts, the 14 speaker system especially so.
It sounds better than the Meridian system in my Jag F-Type R but not as good as the Bowers & Wilkins system in my X5 (but that was a $3,400 option so not really fair to compare them IMO).
Worst Bose system ever is in my C5, even the C4 system sounded better. Bose and GM should have been embarrassed to advertise it as a "premium" sound system.
It sounds better than the Meridian system in my Jag F-Type R but not as good as the Bowers & Wilkins system in my X5 (but that was a $3,400 option so not really fair to compare them IMO).
Worst Bose system ever is in my C5, even the C4 system sounded better. Bose and GM should have been embarrassed to advertise it as a "premium" sound system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 1,061
Never heard a C7 system, but the comparison to a C6 is light years. When you do hear one, don't fully judge the audio quality until you hear some high bit rate audio files from a thumb drive. I ripped a number of these from some old CDs and am very pleased, more so after the system speakers have been broken in. HD radio is not bad, but I avoid compressed audio sources from XM, etc. unless it's pure talk radio.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 5,767
Likes: 2,967
From: Rural NW Georgia. GO DAWGS!
2024 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I’ve owned a C4, C5, C6, and a C7. If you search head units in the C6 section of this forum you’ll see that most of the owners replace the OEM head unit, leave the Bose speakers in the car, and it sounds so much better. I couldn’t believe how bad the OEM head unit sounded in my C6 until I replaced it with a Sony - huge improvement.
The head unit in the C6 was an embarrassment for GM. I have no doubts that I’ll love the sound system in the C8 when I get one.
The head unit in the C6 was an embarrassment for GM. I have no doubts that I’ll love the sound system in the C8 when I get one.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 377
Likes: 169
If you listen to a good music source the system is awesome. If you listen to Sirius Radio than it will sound like any other lame system. Because it has such great range, low bit rate compressed music will sound exactly like,,,,,, compressed music. If you search on Amazon for discounts on Amazon unlimited and unlimited HD music and wait a few days you will probably see a 3 month free trial offer. Worked for me.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 300
Likes: 219
If you listen to a good music source the system is awesome. If you listen to Sirius Radio than it will sound like any other lame system. Because it has such great range, low bit rate compressed music will sound exactly like,,,,,, compressed music. If you search on Amazon for discounts on Amazon unlimited and unlimited HD music and wait a few days you will probably see a 3 month free trial offer. Worked for me.
Question, if I listen to Sirius XM through their app is that the same as Amazon Unlimited? Also, I mostly use Spotify, is that considered compressed music?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 4,840
From: One Hour From Boston!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 4,840
From: One Hour From Boston!
If you listen to a good music source the system is awesome. If you listen to Sirius Radio than it will sound like any other lame system. Because it has such great range, low bit rate compressed music will sound exactly like,,,,,, compressed music. If you search on Amazon for discounts on Amazon unlimited and unlimited HD music and wait a few days you will probably see a 3 month free trial offer. Worked for me.
Free 90 days seems to be the standard offer.
Racer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 377
Likes: 169
I am not sure how Spotify compares to Amazon. Sirius has one of the lowest bitrates available. When I played a couple of downloaded high bitrate songs on the stereo compared to Sirius it was night and day. If you search on the streaming services and their bitrates or quality you can find comparisons. Also, you should turn on the Bose Audiopilot in the cars settings.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 505
Likes: 341
From: West Virginia
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 757
Likes: 470
From: Dallas/Fort Worth
Being a musician, my life has always centered around music. There is serious audio in my entire house.
When driving in any car, the radio is off most of the time. I actually prefer the "quiet" sounds of nothing. The only thing the audio system will be used for is directions when navigating to an unknown location.
So...10 speakers, 14 speakers, 94 speakers, makes little difference to me.
Yes, I agree with the comment "Bose Blows". There are a number of other manufacturers that would have been a far better choice. GM must have their hands tied to some kind of contract / marketing agreement.
When driving in any car, the radio is off most of the time. I actually prefer the "quiet" sounds of nothing. The only thing the audio system will be used for is directions when navigating to an unknown location.
So...10 speakers, 14 speakers, 94 speakers, makes little difference to me.
Yes, I agree with the comment "Bose Blows". There are a number of other manufacturers that would have been a far better choice. GM must have their hands tied to some kind of contract / marketing agreement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,720
Likes: 1,061
Comparing the C8 audio system to high-end home or studio recording systems isn't what most people are asking about. Most are curious about how it compares with other OEM auto systems, especially those in prior generation Corvettes. In this context, the system is very, very good. I've not seen anyone post that they've heard a better OEM system in any prior generation Corvette. Anyone know of a better OEM system in a two-seater? I'm very happy with it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 757
Likes: 470
From: Dallas/Fort Worth
Audio in any car is of little concern. Certainly some owners want / need the best audio available. It would not be hard to improve on previous Corvette generations sound system quality, however. Past Bose systems sucked. I did a custom Alpine installation in a beautiful 1969 VW, with 9 speakers including a 10" Subwoofer. It sounded like a first rate recording studio.
Note that when there are automobile audio competitions, they never have the engines running. The cars are all parked in the event arena, and then they crank up the sound.
When actively driving the car in a spirited manner, the radio will be off. For me, the driving experience is only the goal. But that's my personal problem.
A Flagship car like a Corvette deserves (actually requires) a world class audio system.
Note that when there are automobile audio competitions, they never have the engines running. The cars are all parked in the event arena, and then they crank up the sound.
When actively driving the car in a spirited manner, the radio will be off. For me, the driving experience is only the goal. But that's my personal problem.
A Flagship car like a Corvette deserves (actually requires) a world class audio system.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 625
From: Southeast, FL.
Being 70 years old it doesn’t take a lot to impress these old ears. The Bose in the C8 is much better than the C7. It was a little flat when I first got it. Turning the Audiopilot on made it better. Adjusting the sound with the equalizer made it much better. To me.... it sounds great.
