Bose sound system: anybody upgraded the speakers?

I know teh entire system has a lot of speakers. I could imagine replacing the 4 dash speakers to clear up the high end and add definition.

Hello Jim, The speakers, along with the DSP amplifier equalization and tuning, are optimized to that car. In fact, the optimization of the tuning took many monthsto come up with (varies as car speed/engine change). Bose worked very closely with Porsche as the car was being designed to utilize and optimize the available space and reflectivity provided by the car. The amplifier can certainly drive non OEM speakers, but I somewhat doubt the level of improvement that just speakers would provide, given the design/performance of the existing speakers. FWIW, I work for Bose in Automotive Systems Division and design the DSP amplifiers for Porsche, Audi and Mercedes vehicles, so I guess I am somewhat biased. If you do proceed, I would be curious to hear your impressions of the final system in addition to what you feel are the shortcomings of the existing system.

Lewis, Thank. I know the brochure mentions the thousands of measurements, etc. Thanks for the tip. If I do upgrade, I'll let you know. Some CDs sound fine but others, the upper mids seem poorly defined. However, I do admit this varies with my position in the car (seat reclined to various degrees) and one is not in the center of the field of stereo separation for ideal sonic perception. Actually, the F1 cars would be great for this since the driver is in the midline of the car.

Itc: I am not an expert on sound systems, but have noticed that the demo CD that comes with the car sounds better than my CD's. What accounts for the difference in sound, assuming that it is not just my imagination the the demo sounds better?

Andrew, The demo CD is just carefully selected recordings. It is not tweeked to make the system sound better. The artists and recordings should be listed so you could go out and get the CD's individually. With a properly designed/optimized audio system (home or car) you will start to notice differences between recordings of the same piece. Bose has a very impressive library of recorded music (live, studio, etc) from almost every music type which is used when a demo disc is to be made. The demo CD for the home entertainment systems is quite good also. FWIW, I'm not a sound engineer or golden ear audiophile, just an electrical engineer who gets paid to design DSP amplifiers for really nice German cars, drive around and listen to music in them. Sometimes you just get lucky I guess

Itc: May I ask a question about modification of the Bose system? I plan on ordering a 996 and was not going to get the Bose option. Reason is that, when comparing home audio alternatives, I found that I did not care for the sound of Bose drivers compared to others I listed to (PSB, Monitor Audio, B&W) regardless of the processor/receiver behind the speakers. Perhaps it isn't fair to generalize that to Bose car systems, but there you have it. So, if I did order the Porsche-Bose system, primarily to get the larger speaker enclosures and DSP, and if I wanted to change some of the drivers for a different brand, would that disrupt the equalization that you've so carefully worked on? Do you think the sound would likely be degraded, if it is the case that the equalization is keyed to the Bose drivers? Put another way, if I order the Bose system with its custom equalization, am I forever captive to Bose drivers, so long as I keep the equalization module? Sorry this is so long. I appreciate any suggestions you can provide.

SDD, You are not captive in any way to the Bose drivers nor DSP amplifier. If you choose to order the Bose system just for the drivers/tuned port base enclosure(s)..somewhat expensive in my opinion.., then of course you can remove the Bose amplifier (Bose does not make the head unit...Harmon/Becker does) and replace it and/or the head unit with one of your choosing. To an afermarket stereo installer, the drivers are just speakers. You may perceive things such as a smaller soundstage, different frequency responses, etc, but it may still sound fine. This is sowewhat unusual since most people who wish to do this will merely get the standard sound package and go to an aftermarket company to replace the speakers/amplifier/headunit. I have never come across a topic as controversial or as subjective as sound. As an engineer, I can justify the differences between 2 systems based on measurements, however the bottom line is the individual perception. A system I think is well performing may sound inferior to someone else. Neither person is correct. Most people seem to like the sound of the Porsche/Bose systems (at least according to how many Porsches leave the factory with them) Ironically, with all the work I put into car sound systems, I hardly ever listen to one in my TT. I much prefer the sound of the motor and exhaust when I'm driving. Enjoy your car

Tone, like any perceived sense, is highly subjective. I think the Bose system in the 996 is very good but not excellent or audiophile quality. I keep the balance toward the rear (forgot what increment), bass at 0, treble +1 or +2 depending on the CD, balance 0 or +1R since I'm on the left. My contrast, the basic system that came in my '98 Boxster was an embarassment and the Bose in my wife's Merc ML320 sounds only fair.

[quote]Originally posted by ltc: <strong>SDD, You are not captive in any way to the Bose drivers nor DSP amplifier. </strong><hr></blockquote> Thanks, Lewis. That's what I wondered about : is the DSP so tied-in with the speakers that one risks degrading the sound by installing different speakers? You've answered in the negative. That's comforting information. I never considered the Porsche-Bose system merely to obtain the enclosures; my consideration was that the DSP/amplification could be worthy, even if I might not be interested in the speakers themselves. But I will certainly give a careful listen to the Bose system at the dealer, speakers and all. For MY2003, I understand the Litronics and Bose have been de-coupled from the previous Technic package. They no longer must be purchased together. It will be interesting to see what the installation rates of the two will be this year on customer-ordered cars. By the way, I'm with you on the sound system vs. engine sounds. Roll down the windows and take it in!

Just wondering if anybody has upgraded their Bose Sound System speakers without changing anything else yet with any results?

While we're on the subject, I can get no low-volume bass response from the Bose system in my '03 C2. Is it broken? There's no "loudness" mode as with the HiFi sound option, all parameters set to zero (elevating bass just makes my CD's sound muffled), AP is on, tried flipping the rear seats down, back up, and still no decent bass response unless I crank it up (I play a little bass and guitar, so I'm always listening for the bass line but it aint there). What's the story?? Cheers, -DT

Hi, I am considering purchasing a 2001 911-4. It has the DSP graphic equalizer. I'm not sure if the speakers are Bose or not. When this car was manufactured, was it possible to get the DSP with the non-premium audio/stero package, ie Bose. The actual sticker on the car does not show the DSP listed - Does it have its own code, or is it part of the Advanced Technic Package? Also, what exactly is included in the Advanced Technic Package? Thanks for the help!

I have a 2003 cab with the Bose option and the subwoofer enclosure is located in the passenger footwell. I am satisfied with the mids/highs of the system, but would like to improve the bass. I'd like it punchier, tighter, and less boomy. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to improve the sound of the woofer? I'm willing to replace it altogether.

i have a 99 cab and the bass on this system is horrible... way too much distortion.... although the highs are pretty good, but when i listen to hip hop or anything with bass, you get that bass shatter that sounds like it's loose (which it isn't b.c i opened it up and checked).... so what should i do?

wow - funny. I have a 99 C2 and thought the speaker on the driver door was lose because of all the vibration I get at even low volumes. Sounds like exactly the same thing you experienced Porsche_smile.

Itc ... don't the drivers have odd ohm ratings? I've heard you really can't change out anything for the Bose pieces effectively without changing all of it out .. amp, drivers, crossovers. Or maybe I'm thinking of the Harmon Kardon systems in BMWs. By the way, a friend of mine works at Bose testing speakers. He's not a Porsche guy, though.

Hi, I am looking at at 2001 911-4. The option code includes P04, which is the Advanced Technic Package - this includes headlights, Bose Sound System, Headlight Washers and 6 disc CD. The car also shows the code 490 which is HI-FI stereo. There is an equalizer on the dash. The speakers do not include the Bose logo. In 2001 was there a Bose stereo with the logo on it. Just trying to make sure I'm getting what I'm buying! Thanks

if the side on the speakers DON"T say BOSE on it, is my system a BOSE? b/c if it is, i'm not very happy with the sound quality......

Glenn...... i'm thinking that our system is NOT Bose......... but can someone chime in.... or will i need to take the door panal apart to find out?

Going back to the DSP, does this include any amplifier? Is it separte from Bose? If not Bose, how many speakers would I expect to find?