Was expecting the Standard system to be really lousy, but it was slightly better than I thought it would be. It's definitely decent for top-up cruising. Didn't test it with the top down while driving. I would say it's about 90% as good as the premium sound system in my $30K Jeep. You can just tell that it peaks on the highs and you feel like there's something missing. It doesn't give you the punch in vocal clarity that makes listening to music really satisfying.
The Plus system? It's marginally better as one might imagine. Maybe 110% as good as the system in my Jeep, so about 20% better than the Standard system, IMO.
The BOSE system on the other hand, is very good compared to the other two. I would say it's twice as good as the system in my Jeep and at least 100% better than the Standard system and 90% better than the Plus system. I know a lot of folks on here say that the BOSE is not worth it. As far as audio makers go, BOSE definitely isn't one of the best. But compared to the Plus and Standard systems, it is leaps and bounds better. Perhaps I experienced a greater difference than most because my ear is pretty well attuned to very minute details in sound; I'm an audiophile. Even as a $1,400 option on the non-S Boxster, I think it's absolutely worth it if you love listening to music as I do.
I tested all of the above using the AUX port connected to the headphone jack of my iPhone and played the same 3 specific songs on each system.
On the S, it's a no-brainer to get the BOSE. On the non-S, if you can spare the cash, I highly recommend it. But honestly, it all comes down to your ears. Go down to your local dealership and give both systems a listen and see if you can tell as much of a massive difference as I was able to. I warned the salesman that I'd be turning it up real loud and he appreciated the warning so that he could step out of the car while I tested the sound systems.
I think a Harmon Kardon system would have been better, but the BOSE really is quite good and if you like listening to music I think you'd regret not getting it.
The only thing I found annoying was the sub that seems to be mounted in the driver's side door. While driving, I rest my knee against the door and it was vibrating my knee like crazy. I found that I could readjust my leg though in a different spot to where it wasn't resting up against the door and was still comfortable so I didn't get the annoying vibration in my knee.
+1 on the Bose.
The system sounds great to my 61 year old ears that have endured rock concerts in the 60s/70s, loud cars since my teens (including The White Rat), air tools and now shotguns.
I am going to say it again, Bose on the 981is great for the price especially if your is an S. It would be perfect if Porsche/Bose throw in BT streaming standard and a sub and mid adjustment option.
Thank toy for your CONTRIBUTION to the forum. (Finally
)
OK, I'm going against.
No audiophile I know of considers BOSE HQ, regardless of marketing. I wonder if OP would defend it as well on an audio forum. Afterall his ears are very attuned to the system in a $30k Jeep.
:taunt:
P.S.
At one time in my life I fell for the marketing hype as well: if it cost more it must be better. Then I got edumacated.
If you haven't tried the 981 Bose system, don't knock it. It is a HUGE improvement over the 987 Bose system. I am sure there are better systems, but this one is better than the premium system in my wife's Lexus. And no way am I going to let some local audio shop take my car apart to install an aftermarket system! :taunt:
I cruise the audiophile forums too, its really easy, and popular to be a BOSE hater. Like BH, I believe in listening to a system if possible before trying to pass judgement. I heard both, and was happy enough with the Bose to include it in my order.
Now, if the Burmeister system (from the Cayenne) was available, I would have happily forked over enough for it.
There was a contrast in sound quality in my two previous convertibles. The Miata was a more traditional roadster, and the sound suffered from it. Having speakers in the headrests, and installing a new amp and upgrading all the speakers, it was tolerable. The problem was the road noise, and very open cockpit. Luckily the exhaust note was tuned for a big grin.
The Lexus SC430 on the other hand had a very different cockpit, where even its good, but modest sound system was good to listen to top up or down. I think there was an equalizer built in that switched from top up to top down settings.
I believe the 981 to be in between. I do look forward to some listening sessions!
