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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.
Not sure there is anything in the aftermarket that is better than the factory system, whether 10 speaker (1LT) or 14 speaker (2LT and 3LT).
You piqued my curiosity as to whether anyone has changed the factory system out or if it’s possible. Meaning if there are aftermarket audio systems available for the C8.
I did a quick search and found nothing.
Last edited by Chemdawg99; Mar 29, 2022 at 05:33 AM.
Not really needed. What is really needed is a good signal processor. Any good car stereo shop can install a good signal processor to clean up the sound and make it much more tunable. The simple Bass, Mid, High equalizer that comes on the car is junk compared to what a proper signal processor can do. This is what I will be doing to my car.
Not really needed. What is really needed is a good signal processor. Any good car stereo shop can install a good signal processor to clean up the sound and make it much more tunable. The simple Bass, Mid, High equalizer that comes on the car is junk compared to what a proper signal processor can do. This is what I will be doing to my car.
Interesting…
Forgive my ignorance here, but could you expand on the bold for my (and others) edification?
I personally love the premium audio system in the 2LT and 3LT, but perhaps I’m missing something. What is a signal processor for the audio system in the C8 and how does one go about upgrading it?
I am talking about an add on signal processor such as the ones from Audison (Bit10d) and Audio Control. Audio control makes several. A good installer can tell us which is best for this car. What they do is convert analog signals from the stock system to very clean digital signals, provide the ability to adjust crossover points, and give many additional equalization bands (usually 30 plus bands). This provides better quality sound and allows the system's sound to be fine-tuned to your liking. Beyond this I will quickly get in over my head, so I will leave it to the experts.
Personally, the bass in the car could be tighter and less boomy. The highs are a bit harsh, and there is not enough tunability in the mids. A good signal processor will help greatly in addressing these issues.
I am talking about an add on signal processor such as the ones from Audison (Bit10d) and Audio Control. Audio control makes several. A good installer can tell us which is best for this car. What they do is convert analog signals from the stock system to very clean digital signals, provide the ability to adjust crossover points, and give many additional equalization bands (usually 30 plus bands). This provides better quality sound and allows the system's sound to be fine-tuned to your liking. Beyond this I will quickly get in over my head, so I will leave it to the experts.
Personally, the bass in the car could be tighter and less boomy. The highs are a bit harsh, and there is not enough tunability in the mids. A good signal processor will help greatly in addressing these issues.
Thank you for elucidating your previous post. Your post is not only helpful to me personally, but might be of value to the OP and others. I might consider looking into a signal processor myself.
Would you happen to have a link to a good installer, even if it is just local to you?
FYI, the premium sound system is digital and uses a DSP, NOT analog. Here is a great article on the sound system.
The all-new 14-speaker Bose Performance system in the 2020 Corvette Stingray sets a new standard for sports car sound with highly advanced signal processing and tuning that delivers the loudest — yet clearest — Bose audio experience ever in a two-seat coupe cabin. And it continues a tradition of collaboration between Bose and Chevrolet that began with the 1984 fourth-generation Corvette.
“The new Corvette Stingray is phenomenal, and it delivers a special kind of experience that doesn’t happen very often. So, getting every detail just right is critically important — and that includes audio,” said Tobe Barksdale, chief audio engineer, Bose Automotive Systems. “The next-generation Corvette already delivers a thrilling soundtrack, courtesy of the engine. And when it comes to adding music to the mix, the custom-engineered Bose Performance Series system brings the moving emotion you’d expect in a legendary vehicle like this.”
Engineering a World-Class Sound System Bose engineers worked closely with Chevrolet to develop the sound system during the most significant transformation in Corvette’s storied history, as it moves to a mid-engine design from the more conventional front-engine layout.
Shifting the engine location changes the size and shape of the vehicle cabin compared to previous generations and impacts the way music and sound is heard inside the car. This presented new challenges to the Bose system engineers, requiring innovative and creative techniques to deliver the best listening experience possible. Using a deep understanding of psychoacoustics — the study of how we perceive sound — along with advanced tuning capabilities, the Bose team designed an offering unlike any other in more than 35 years of engineering sound systems for Corvettes.
“From the beginning, we knew we had to have an audio system that carefully balanced the need to isolate the occupants from the engine compartment in the rear, while providing live performance-like audio clarity,” said Tadge Juechter, Corvette executive chief engineer. “The Bose system technology in the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray delivers that careful balance.”
With 14 precisely placed speakers inside the cabin — the most Bose has ever put into a two-seater — each occupant is surrounded by a diverse mix of high-quality and lightweight loudspeakers.
Across the instrument panel, 2.5-inch and 3.25-inch neodymium Bose Twiddler speakers help establish a broad and spacious sound stage, along with a combination of 4-inch neodymium wide-range speakers and 1-inch neodymium tweeters in each upper door. A pair of 5.25-inch neodymium wide-range speakers and three additional 3.25-inch neodymium Twiddler speakers in the rear of the cabin deliver rich, immersive sound. Deep, impactful bass performance is provided by 10-inch Bose Nd woofers creatively integrated in each door.
Discreetly Packaged Bass Performance The Bose Nd woofers aren’t visible, but they produce a tremendous amount of low-frequency output, with minimal distortion, by using the architecture of the door itself as a massive bass enclosure. Unlike conventional systems that use a customized bass box with woofers inside, space limitations in the new Corvette made that approach impractical.
And instead of placing speaker grilles over the woofers, which could be abrasive to the driver’s and passenger’s legs when cornering the vehicle at high speeds, Chevrolet designed a smooth, padded surface for the interior door panel.
Custom-Tuned Bose AudioPilot Technology To preserve the listening experience, even when the new Corvette engine is roaring at full throat, the Bose Performance Series system features a custom-tuned version of AudioPilot noise compensation technology. Using microphones built into the cabin to continuously monitor noise levels and a sophisticated Bose algorithm to analyze and adjust the music signal, AudioPilot technology reduces the effects of external sound. But because of the power and lightning-quick acceleration of the new Corvette Stingray, this application of AudioPilot requires faster processing than ever before.
Additional Bose innovations in the Performance Series system include Chevrolet’s first application of Advanced Staging Technology to produce an extremely wide sound stage with detailed separation between instruments and vocals. The system also uses Bose Centerpoint stereo-to-surround digital signal processing and Bose SurroundStage technology for balanced, 360-degree sound at each seat. And it’s all processed through a Bose digital amplifier with 16 channels of custom equalization.
The Bose Performance Series system will be available as an option on the 2020 Corvette Stingray. A 10-speaker Bose Premium surround-sound system will be offered as standard equipment. More details on packaging and trim levels will be announced by Chevrolet closer to the vehicle’s on-sale date.
For more information about Bose automotive systems and technologies, visit BoseAutomotive.com.
About Bose Automotive Systems In the early 1980s, Bose engineers created the world’s first factory-installed premium automotive sound systems. Unlike conventional or aftermarket automotive systems, Bose systems were designed and tuned for a specific vehicle — and changed the industry. Since then, Bose has developed proprietary speaker designs, advanced amplification and signal processing technologies, exclusiveanalysis and design tools, and technology for controlling the sound environment inside vehicles — all based on a heritage of research and engineering.
Today, Bose automotive systems are recognized globally as the industry benchmark for performance and customer satisfaction, validated by independent research rating Bose as the top choice among car consumers in multiple global regions.
About Bose Corporation Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr. Amar G. Bose, then a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, the company is driven by its founding principles, investing in long-term research to develop new technologies with real customer benefits. Bose innovations have spanned decades and industries, creating and transforming categories in audio and beyond. Bose products for the home, in the car, on the go and in public spaces have become iconic, changing the way people listen to music.
Bose Corporation is privately held. The company’s spirit of invention, passion for excellence, and commitment to extraordinary experiences can be found around the world — everywhere Bose does business
@Caymanspyder I agree that yes, it is a good system. Better than most factory systems out there. If you are happy with it as is, more power to you. However, there are people asking about aftermarket components, which means they are looking for something better. I am one of those people. Even though the factory system has a DSP, it has a fixed tune with the exception of the 3 band equalizer it comes with. An external signal processor will allow the listener to fine tune the sound to their individual liking.
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.
Not yet but its on my list of upgrades in the near future. You can't just upgrade the speakers with the Bose system. You have to swap out the amplifier as well. Any competent audio shop will be able to integrate some higher quality amplifiers and speakers to the factory head unit.
My car is a 1lt with the 10 speaker system and it's awful to say the least so I can't wait to upgrade it.
Not yet but its on my list of upgrades in the near future. You can't just upgrade the speakers with the Bose system. You have to swap out the amplifier as well. Any competent audio shop will be able to integrate some higher quality amplifiers and speakers to the factory head unit.
My car is a 1lt with the 10 speaker system and it's awful to say the least so I can't wait to upgrade it.
dang, really? Leaning toward 1LT for my c8, bummer the 10 speakers system is no good ;(
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.
dang, really? Leaning toward 1LT for my c8, bummer the 10 speakers system is no good ;(
To me it sounds flat. It has no depth and it gets harsh as the volume goes up. It’s fatiguing to listen to for any length of time at volume. However you might love it. Sound quality is a very subjective thing. What sounds good to me might not sound good to you.
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.
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.
I guess I'm a unicorn then... I've been in the AV industry for 20 years, and am very familiar with high end audio. I tend to think home surround sound bose systems are junk, but have mostly enjoyed Bose systems in my Infiniti vehicles. I feel they do a decent job of making small speakers sound larger. And after listening to the system in my Alfa Romeo Giulia for the past 3 years... anything would be an improvement.
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.
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!
I’m a bit of a nerd…
