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[QUOTE=meadowz06;1604935446]Not true. My 2022 C8 base system is actually quite good. Good separation, dynamics, and very clean. And I have a extremely expensive 2 channel home system, so I have heard the best of the best. Think Krell, Audio Research![/QUOTE
Audio research and Older Krell( not great after Dan Dagastino sold out) are some of the best audio equipment on the planet. Way above any Bose system. Those who have heard this equipment know the difference. You failed to mention your speakers. If you heard Wilson’s , Magico, or Magnepan you may not like your Bose system!
So far nobody has stated how much a modification to, or replacement of the Bose system would cost, or if there is any place to put the equipment in a C7. My hearing is pretty shot but I can still appreciate a good sound system. Is it really worth it to (if possible) pump thousands of dollars into a Corvette for an upgrade? I'm not sure.
Not true. My 2022 C8 base system is actually quite good. Good separation, dynamics, and very clean. And I have a extremely expensive 2 channel home system, so I have heard the best of the best. Think Krell, Audio Research![/QUOTE
Audio research and Older Krell( not great after Dan Dagastino sold out) are some of the best audio equipment on the planet. Way above any Bose system. Those who have heard this equipment know the difference. You failed to mention your speakers. If you heard Wilson’s , Magico, or Magnepan you may not like your Bose system!
I like the Bose system. It’s not bad for a stock factory system. I currently am running Magnepan loudspeakers. Been an audiophile for over 30 years. Had Thiels, LaScalla’s, B&W’s, Vienna Acoustics, Duntech Princess, Dynaudio, etc. Amplification, had/have Audio Research, Krell, Pass Labs, B&K ref, Hafler, M&K, Altec Lansing, etc. So I know good systems. Had them all!
I like the Bose system. It’s not bad for a stock factory system. I currently am running Magnepan loudspeakers. Been an audiophile for over 30 years. Had Thiels, LaScalla’s, B&W’s, Vienna Acoustics, Duntech Princess, Dynaudio, etc. Amplification, had/have Audio Research, Krell, Pass Labs, B&K ref, Hafler, M&K, Altec Lansing, etc. So I know good systems. Had them all!
Are you saying that you replaced some or all of the 10 or 14 speakers in the C8 with Magnepan "loudspeakers"? If so, that is exactly what the OP was asking, and you would be the first in this thread to report doing so in the C8. Can you say more about what speakers you put in each location in the C8, etc.
Last edited by Andybump; Mar 30, 2022 at 09:56 AM.
[QUOTE=Caymanspyder;1604931209]FYI, the premium sound system is digital and uses a DSP, NOT analog. Here is a great article on the sound system.
FYI- output to speakers is analog, which is where the sound enhancement may help. Speakers are analog devices, on any device. Digital processing is done at a lower level, prior to speaker output. If you were to listen to a digital signal on a speaker you would hear a mess of noise. Even your digital cell phone outputs to an analog speaker using a digital to analog convertor circuit. As a retired EE I worked in digital private radio systems where we did a lot of extensive work in sound quality of digitally transmitted voice. Typically anything audible is by nature analog. Audio transmission or processing prior to speaker output is typically digital. Digital audio must be converted back to analog for our ears to process it!
FYI- output to speakers is analog, which is where the sound enhancement may help. Speakers are analog devices, on any device. Digital processing is done at a lower level, prior to speaker output. If you were to listen to a digital signal on a speaker you would hear a mess of noise. Even your digital cell phone outputs to an analog speaker using a digital to analog convertor circuit. As a retired EE I worked in digital private radio systems where we did a lot of extensive work in sound quality of digitally transmitted voice. Typically anything audible is by nature analog. Audio transmission or processing prior to speaker output is typically digital. Digital audio must be converted back to analog for our ears to process it!
That's right. Check post 13 with some C8 specific detail on that. And the member in post 18 has placed an additional DSP processor in the analog side, between the amplifier and the speakers, on a GMC Sierra, and says the sound has been improved.
I find this particular subject fascinating and intriguing, but I have to wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze in replacing or adding a DSP to the factory audio system and/or replacing the speakers. I’m satisfied with the Bose system as is. However, I’d like to see a viable process to improve this system along with the cost.
I find this particular subject fascinating and intriguing, but I have to wonder if the juice is worth the squeeze in replacing or adding a DSP to the factory audio system and/or replacing the speakers. I’m satisfied with the Bose system as is. However, I’d like to see a viable process to improve this system along with the cost.
Like I said earlier audio is subjective. Worth it for some not so much for others. For me it’s worth it. I’m also they guy who dropped $30k on a home theater so the wife could tell me turn it down it’s to loud the whole house is shaking. Then she says can’t we just listen through the TV speakers why do we need all this. WTF! 😳 Sometimes I don’t even turn on the stereo in the car an I’ll just listen to the sweet symphony of all 8 cylinders firing in perfect harmony at full throttle. However there are times when I escape without the wife and crank up my favorite tunes and a audiophile quality system definitely adds to the experience. If you put a fart can Honda Civic muffler on your car you wouldn’t enjoy the sound of it anymore. Bose is that fart can muffler. It’s hollow it’s harsh it’s fatiguing to listen to at volume for any extended period of time and just doesn’t do your music any justice. Again this doesn’t apply to everyone some people love the Bose system. I wish I was one of them it would save me a boatload of cash 💵
Not true. My 2022 C8 base system is actually quite good. Good separation, dynamics, and very clean. And I have a extremely expensive 2 channel home system, so I have heard the best of the best. Think Krell, Audio Research!
Quite good compared to what? Other Bose, other OEM stuff? This is the problem with audio (and especially car audio)...sound quality is ALWAYS subjective to the listener. If you want to learn this lesson the hard way, bring an OEM Bose equipped car (or ANY unmodified car) to an SQL competition and see how it does. And just because it's expensive, does NOT mean it will sound good. I've had $1900/pair passive Focals absolutely get crushed by $30 active Dayton's. The output you hear is ALL in your processor. Bose processors are fleet built and perform at that level. And to compare Bose processing to that of any quality DSP is akin to comparing a school bus to an F-22.
I tried to fit my Thiel CS5s into my new C8 but couldn't quite get them to fit
Those were some great sounding speakers. Jim Thiel knew speakers. To bad we lost him and the company went down the drain. Arnie Nudell was another great designer Infinity was junk after he sold. I wish I could put my Ren 90’s would fit in my car.🙂
Quite good compared to what? Other Bose, other OEM stuff? This is the problem with audio (and especially car audio)...sound quality is ALWAYS subjective to the listener. If you want to learn this lesson the hard way, bring an OEM Bose equipped car (or ANY unmodified car) to an SQL competition and see how it does. And just because it's expensive, does NOT mean it will sound good. I've had $1900/pair passive Focals absolutely get crushed by $30 active Dayton's. The output you hear is ALL in your processor. Bose processors are fleet built and perform at that level. And to compare Bose processing to that of any quality DSP is akin to comparing a school bus to an F-22.
SQ competitions are judged by professionals, who sit in your vehicle and listen while taking notes.
Again, opinions. Who can say what a "professional" is?
I like the Bose system. It’s not bad for a stock factory system. I currently am running Magnepan loudspeakers. Been an audiophile for over 30 years. Had Thiels, LaScalla’s, B&W’s, Vienna Acoustics, Duntech Princess, Dynaudio, etc. Amplification, had/have Audio Research, Krell, Pass Labs, B&K ref, Hafler, M&K, Altec Lansing, etc. So I know good systems. Had them all!
That is some very impressive gear. I am sure you know good sound I just feel GM could do better. Lexus uses Levinson,Mercedes use Burmester and I’m not sure but I saw Revels in another car. Bose sounds very good and if you like it power to you. Imo they should try something else.
SQ competitions are judged by professionals, who sit in your vehicle and listen while taking notes.
Again, opinions. Who can say what a "professional" is?
Fair question.
How I reply is that if you use professional grade tuning gear with some of the most sophisticated software available to dial in your curves, you've crossed over to the "professional" realm. Also you could say that if you are an active competitor, and you are being judged against other competitors, awarded cash or prizes, that it's a safe bet that you're not just a hobbyist.
To put in some perspective, here's a pic of the rig we use...this is actually sitting in my personal car.
Most corner audio shops don't use rigs as nice as this. They're stuck with single mics and phone based RTAs.
And back to Bose...having seen multiple vehicles equipped with Bose have horrendous factory curves, impulse responses that are moving, no EQ adjustability, inefficient driver response, no time alignment, missing frequencies, etc...I can tell you with scientifically collected and mechanically accurate confirmation, that NOTHING Bose has to offer is impressive. The C8 is no different. Bose's solution to their inadequacy? Add more cheap speakers. If anyone here is in the Raleigh NC area and wants to offer up their C8 to be put on the mics to be shown how UNgood their system is...I'm happy to oblige.
Those that think Bose sounds good, have never heard good sound. Bose is and always will be junk. It's been that way in every Bose "premium" system I've heard. The old saying goes, "No highs, no lows, must be Bose." My friend and I were finally able to crack Bose's STOOPID "processing" (if you can call it that) by installing a Helix DSP Pro Mk2 and (2) five channel amps in between the bose amp output and the speakers. This was in my 2022 GMC Sierra AT4. The sound is FINALLY great. Perfectly time aligned, equalized, and balanced. I'd post a link to the build, but it's on another forum and I don't want to get dinged. OP if you're interested in all that's involved, send me a PM and I'll talk you through it. Warning you up front though...it's a VERY advanced install.
The Bose speakers in the 2LT are incredibly rich and crisp, and yes I have an ear for it. Ordinarily with Bose I am not impressed as it is muddy. I am VERY happy with the speakers in my Vette and I am very particular about my sound systems.
I agree, the C8 has a simple Bass, Mid, Low equalizer but I'm over in the other extreme: I'm always trying to keep the volume lowered (or the radio off) and the windows cracked open to listen the tunes of the C8 LOL <no highway, daily drive in a small town>
The Bose speakers in the 2LT are incredibly rich and crisp, and yes I have an ear for it. Ordinarily with Bose I am not impressed as it is muddy. I am VERY happy with the speakers in my Vette and I am very particular about my sound systems.
It's awesome that it makes you happy. That's all that matters. As always...how something sounds is subjective to the listener.
Like I said earlier audio is subjective. Worth it for some not so much for others. For me it’s worth it. I’m also they guy who dropped $30k on a home theater so the wife could tell me turn it down it’s to loud the whole house is shaking. Then she says can’t we just listen through the TV speakers why do we need all this. WTF! 😳 Sometimes I don’t even turn on the stereo in the car an I’ll just listen to the sweet symphony of all 8 cylinders firing in perfect harmony at full throttle. However there are times when I escape without the wife and crank up my favorite tunes and a audiophile quality system definitely adds to the experience. If you put a fart can Honda Civic muffler on your car you wouldn’t enjoy the sound of it anymore. Bose is that fart can muffler. It’s hollow it’s harsh it’s fatiguing to listen to at volume for any extended period of time and just doesn’t do your music any justice. Again this doesn’t apply to everyone some people love the Bose system. I wish I was one of them it would save me a boatload of cash 💵
I appreciate your response here. I also understand that this is subjective, like many things of this nature. I’m not the audio expert some of you here appear to be, so I really don’t know the technical details regarding what’s “off” about the factory Bose system. It sounds just fine to me.
However, my interest is more in getting the OP the info he wants to improve his audio system. This will obviously come at a cost and won’t be something that is easily done or that just anyone can do. Have you improved/modified/upgraded the system in your C8? If not, what is your plan to do so and what cost?
It's all about what pleases your ears. I played bass in a band for years, so I naturally listen to every instrument for tone and balance.
My C6 premium Bose system is OK, but as stated above bass mid and treble controls are just the minimum. I have had other cars with components, amps, and sub-bass that would blow away the C6, not just in volume, but clarity of sound. I hope the C8 system is better because I really do not want to start replacing OEM components.
@C5racecar I have a C6 (2005) with the premium Bose system and a C8 with the 14-speaker system. On a scale of 1 to 10, the C6 system is a 1 and the C8 is a 9.
The amplifier for the 10 or 14 speaker system includes extensive digital signal processing. And from what I can tell from the service manual, the audio inputs to the amplifier are mostly, digital inputs via the internal Ethernet (there are some lines going to something called "active noise cancellation schematics" that appear to be analog from microphones in the doors.) It will not be easy to intercept the digital audio signals at the input to the amplifier. They are very likely encoded. However, it appears that the outputs to the speakers are analog, but they are now already processed. The schematic for the 14 speaker system appears to show 14 separate channels. You could intercept those already processed signals and further process them in a downstream DSP, but to what end? Would you attempt to recover the unprocessed signal, then re-process, then recreate 14 channel? Or, if you did figure out how to intercept the amplifier inputs, would you then create a new DSP with 14 channels of output?
The 10 speaker system appears to show 8 channels, as some speakers appear to be driven by the same channel. But the same technical hurtles would need to be jumped.
I have included below the schematics for the amplifier power, ground, and serial data, the schematic for the "active noise cancellation" that is referenced in the first schematic, and the schematics for the 10 and 14 speaker systems.
no subwoofer in either system? Or did I miss it in the schematic?
<no highway, daily drive in a small town>
