What should I upgrade first?

K50 · #1 10-13-2009, 03:58 PM

I want to get a better sound from the stereo in my truck, but I'm not sure what I should upgrade- amp? sub woofer with 6's? 6x9s? My truck has the Bose stereo, and for the most part it has decent output- it's reasonably powerful (it's either 200W or 300W) with okay bass, but man, the treble is terrible!! I want something with way more mid-range performance!

A friend of mine upgraded his deck and had 6x9s, I was blown away by the sound of his stereo, and from what I'm told it wasn't even a 'great' setup, just 'average'...

I don't want to spend more than $300 to get great sound. What works with the Bose stereo? Should I just swap speakers?

Thanks for any advice...I'm clueless around this kind of stuff...

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Cowboy_Customs · #2 10-13-2009, 08:13 PM

I would start with the basics first. Upgrade the factory speakers. Then move on to a head unit.
I am partial to Kenwood. So in my opinion, what ever stock sized replacement they got would be a great start.
I am surprised you dont like your Bose. My uncle got an 04 GMC W/T package. and the stereo was.... ok. All he did was get the Bose head unit and I think it sounds great! -

**rkadcock** · #3 10-13-2009, 10:39 PM

I'm also partial to Kenwood, my whole system is kenwood. I have a set of 6x9 4way Kenwood Excelons in the front and 5 1/4 3 way Excelons in the back. And I run them with a 600 watt Excelon amp. I can crank up my system all the way and they don't cut out and are crystal clear and overcome the 2 12" subs. But I agree, upgrade the speakers first then move on to a deck then a sub(s) -

K50 · #4 10-14-2009, 12:16 PM

Originally Posted by Cowboy_Customs

I would start with the basics first. Upgrade the factory speakers. Then move on to a head unit.
I am partial to Kenwood. So in my opinion, what ever stock sized replacement they got would be a great start.
I am surprised you dont like your Bose. My uncle got an 04 GMC W/T package. and the stereo was.... ok. All he did was get the Bose head unit and I think it sounds great!

The Bose is pretty decent, but it's certainly not great. I have the treble set down most of the way and it still comes out sounding too sharp, not enough midrange punch. The bass however, is excellent for a stock unit. It's powerful, clear and responsive even at fairly high volume levels. But as I said, my main complaint is the excessive treble that the speakers seem to put out and lack of midrange.
I listen to all kinds of music, but I'd like something with huge midrange and good bass that would be suitable for heavy metal.

Originally Posted by rkadcock

I'm also partial to Kenwood, my whole system is kenwood. I have a set of 6x9 4way Kenwood Excelons in the front and 5 1/4 3 way Excelons in the back. And I run them with a 600 watt Excelon amp. I can crank up my system all the way and they don't cut out and are crystal clear and overcome the 2 12" subs. But I agree, upgrade the speakers first then move on to a deck then a sub(s)

Thanks for the advice guys.

Any more opinions? post them! -

Wyatt Earp · #5 10-14-2009, 12:51 PM

The OEM stuff that was in my truck - infinity was junk. I yarded it out as it broke down or quit working.

I'm partial to high end sony gear and rockford speakers and subs. I still have no amp or sub but will one day.

I have a High End Mobile ES deck, a signal processor that allows me to plug in anything from an IPod, MP3 or any sort of USB device. I can hook up TV's to it as well. Then from there I have a MiniDisc player and a 10 CD stacker under the rear seat. The speakers are all upgraded and the OEM amp is bypassed. I ran my own heavy gauge speaker cable and run high end monster interconnects.

A sub and a nice amp are next on the list but for the stuff I want it has to wait as it will be around $800 I think by the time I'm done with all the bits and bats. -

K50 · #6 10-14-2009, 04:05 PM

How does this look as a component set?
Future Shop: Car Electronics: Car Audio Speakers: Alpine 6 1/2" Component Car Speaker (SPR-17S)

I heard Alpine is good stuff...
Has anyone upgraded the Bose stuff in their truck? -

Wyatt Earp · #7 10-14-2009, 04:29 PM

My opinion, component stuff is over rated and problematic however, if you find a good set and it sounds good, with your music then bite.

Alpine to me usually requires an amp right away as it tends to be a bit tinny with very little low end response. This is my opinion and may not reflect what this set sounds like.

Look around at Visions and Best Buy as well. -

K50 · #8 10-14-2009, 05:52 PM

Wow, Bose are a bunch of pompous pricks....just look at the crap I pulled from their website when looking for specs:

b. Can I add a new radio?
No. Each Bose automotive sound system is completely integrated, with the elements custom-engineered to work together as a whole. That's why the music sounds so rich and lifelike. To help achieve this sound quality, special circuits are built into the system, including the radio. If you install a new radio, you lose these circuits. This can result in decreased sound quality, incorrect bass and treble balance, distortion at high volumes, loss of bass at low volumes and in some cases, no audio output at all. In addition, changing the display, which is also known as a headunit, will void the warranty on your Bose sound system.
c. Can I add a subwoofer?
No. As noted above, each Bose automotive sound system is completely integrated, with the elements custom-engineered to work together as a whole. If you add a subwoofer to the system, its output is unlikely to be proportionate with that of speakers already in place. In most cases, adding a subwoofer will detract from—not enhance—the sound quality.

3. Can I get a list of technical specifications?
No, because our custom-engineered, complete system solutions largely supersede conventional audio measurements. Even some basic building blocks have been redefined—including amplifiers, speakers and equalizers. But most importantly, our integrated systems deliver results significantly different from those of conventional systems with individual, unmatched components. With a Bose automotive sound system, the location and design of the speakers can be much more important factors in determining output than a wattage power rating. The bottom line? The best way to test a Bose system's sound quality is to use your ears, not a list of specifications.

That is the thickest layer of BS I've seen in countless years....WOW... -

Wyatt Earp · #9 10-14-2009, 06:31 PM

Bose is and always will be junk in my opinion. The residential stuff is at the top of the pile.

I'm a bit of an audio nut (note, not an audiophile) and the main reason why it is what it is is nothing more than marketing. You physically can't make good sound from 1/2" drivers and crappy paper diaphragms.

I think your best bet will be to do some research and make your own opinion.

Cheers, -

Deezel Stink3r · #10 10-16-2009, 03:02 PM

Kevin,

it depends on the Bose amp. Some of them have a preprogrammed corrected frequency curves - like the Mercedes and Audi have.Thats the reason for sounding awful with aftermarket speakers.

The cheapest mod will be better speakers. The factory ones are usually crap. Wyatt has already mentioned those cheap paper cones.

I will not recommend any speaker brands, but if you shop for them: Don't look at that shiny grill. Turn it to the back side and have a closer look to the frame: is it cheap stamped steel or Aluminum, maybe thick plastic.

The size of the magnet is not a quality sign. A neodym magnet is small in size but powerful. Try to have a look at the connectors. Gold plated and solid or flimsy made?
Have a look at the overall appearance. Does it look solid made? Have a look at the voice coil, is it bigger or smaller than average? Bigger is better for response.
Remember, what you pay is what you get. Even good brands can be cheap made.
Listen to that speakers.
There is a tendency to decide. Titanium tweeters can sound harsh, Silk and plastik sound usually softer. But it depends on the quality of the crossover.

In My Jeep was a complete Infinity system. I kicked it. Same problem like yours. They were 13cm or 5 1/4" speakers and I replaced them with two sets of 2 way 10cm or 4" component speakers. Way better, but expensive. (JBL GTi's)
What I'm trying to tell is: bigger isn't always better.
I added a small 4x50 RMS Watt Helix amp ( German brand) I'm fine with that. You see- no wattage overkill-it is simply not neccessary.
Of course a sufficient sub is missing. But I wan't a good one- so I take the time to search. I built a so called Stealth box - JL stopped the production for the Cherokee Jeeps- so I did it by myself, same size, same dimensions. Maybe I will choose a JL sub, they are known for quality.

Bose has a very bad reputation in Germany. I don't know why they are used in Mercedes and Audi. Bose speakers are built by Nokia- the cell phone company.

Of course I can tell you about German international kown brands, but I think it is simply not neccessary. Just try to avoid those cheap steals.
Don't forget an acceptable wiring in a good dimension.

Michael -

Wyatt Earp · #11 10-16-2009, 04:28 PM

I've got harmond kardon in my benz... I wouldn't get anything with Bose, ever. -

rgnagy74 · #12 10-17-2009, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by Wyatt Earp

I've got harmond kardon in my benz... I wouldn't get anything with Bose, ever.

NO HIGHS, NO LOWES, MUST BE BOSE! Bose suck!

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