BOSE OR NOT ???

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jamhot

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Some one told me at an audi dealership that the bose isnt as good as standard system, surley this cant be true ????
 
They Lied.

Its worth it just for the badge on your doors alone.

6935776709_c03e87853d.jpg
 
I think its worth it for the grilles, not so sure the sound quality is that much better if you go by a lot of opinions I've read on here?

I dont have it :(
 
BOSE IT !!
once you hear the quality of the sound it produce out and then listen to a standard one then you decide who is best ;)
 
BOSE is very good compared to `standard` VW, BMW sytems I have experienced.
 
I'm afraid Bose is never "epic", but it is particularly average in the A3, better in other models. You need to listen to both as some people (who've never heard a decent system) think it's fantastic and others can't wait to upgrade it.
If you go for Bose then it is harder to upgrade it as everything has to be replaced, but if you've no intention to upgrade then it's money well spent.
 
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Bose is in the A3 Black Edition as standard and available as an option: I think it's standard on S3 and RS3 base models, but don't hold me to that.

As with any audio system, it's only as good as the source - if you're running 128kbps MP3s through the headphone jack of a phone, it's going to be ****. If you get some proper music (I use apple lossless rips of CDs, via my iPod's dock connector and AMI) then it's decent.

It needs a little tweaking, the top end is a little too high for my taste - turn the treble down (NOT the bass up) and job done. It's also a bit nicer with the fader set with a slight rear bias.

It's not as good as the B&O system in the higher end cars, but it's really not that much difference. If you're a sound engineer you'll be able to tell. If you're an audio enthusiast then you might be able to, but you'll probably only notice at those times when you're listening for it - I'd say that if your home speakers cost less than £600 for amp, sub and a couple of speakers, you'll probably find that your car sounds better.

Worth having, and better than the stock system by a decent margin: but as I said, sort your source out first - if you play **** quality music on it, don't be surprised when it gives you **** quality back. Audio rule #1 - sort the source component before the playback hardware.
 
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audigex said:
Bose is in the A3 Black Edition as standard and available as an option: I think it's standard on S3 and RS3 base models, but don't hold me to that.

As with any audio system, it's only as good as the source - if you're running 128kbps MP3s through the headphone jack of a phone, it's going to be ****. If you get some proper music (I use apple lossless rips of CDs, via my iPod's dock connector and AMI) then it's decent.

It needs a little tweaking, the top end is a little too high for my taste - turn the treble down (NOT the bass up) and job done. It's also a bit nicer with the fader set with a slight rear bias.

It's not as good as the B&O system in the higher end cars, but it's really not that much difference. If you're a sound engineer you'll be able to tell. If you're an audio enthusiast then you might be able to, but you'll probably only notice at those times when you're listening for it - I'd say that if your home speakers cost less than £600 for amp, sub and a couple of speakers, you'll probably find that your car sounds better.

Worth having, and better than the stock system by a decent margin: but as I said, sort your source out first - if you play **** quality music on it, don't be surprised when it gives you **** quality back. Audio rule #1 - sort the source component before the playback hardware.
Click to expand...

This man speaks the truth
 
can u change the system to bose from standard ? also would you need to change the door panals to have the BOSE logo on them or can you buy them on there own... any advice guys ?? cheers
 
I've had Bose and non-Bose A3s and the difference between the two is very noticeable, bose being better.
Trust my opinion because I part-ex'd my old A3 that had Bose and then drove off in my new A3 that didn't have Bose, so basically heard the two systems back to back playing the same song within minutes of each other.

I'm not saying Bose is wonderful but it is a significant enough improvement over the standard system. Especially bass-wise.
 
Aye thumbs up here for the bose even better with andymacs sub upgrade this is where the bose comes into it self
 
Bose issues (Bose Autopilot GALA) can be improved with a bit of VCDS coding, but I have to say whilst it sounds better than OEM basic, it falls way short of my old system (full Alpine with dual amps and DVC sub).

The offset, no more hours of peeling the car to bits to fit and remove, breaking trim clips, and a reasonable sound for fair money. Sub is the weakest part of the chain, run close by rear speakers which sound dry as a nun's chuff. Considering an AndyMac sub at some point to rectify the artificial Tupperware bass. I'm not convinced Brown Bread sound deadening will help it.
 
jamhot said:
Some one told me at an audi dealership that the bose isnt as good as standard system, surley this cant be true ????
Click to expand...

I am guessing they are trying to sell you a car already in stock, and I bet it does not have BOSE??!!
If it had BOSE, they would be saying the complete opposite, typical dealers!
 
You can retrofit Bose but it's a huge job, complete rewiring front to back, rewiring all speakers, replacing all speakers, rewiring and replacing subwoofer and installing the amp. For the effort vs improvement you'd be far better off going aftermarket.
Just the grills can just be swapped, you don't need to change the doorcard.
 
warren_S3 said:
Bose issues (Bose Autopilot GALA) can be improved with a bit of VCDS coding, but I have to say whilst it sounds better than OEM basic, it falls way short of my old system (full Alpine with dual amps and DVC sub).
Click to expand...

Got any more info on this Warren? It is starting to pee me off.
 
Bought my car used then discovered that it had Bose when I picked it up which was lucky !! If I was buying new I would spec it but see if you can listen to with and without at the dealers and make you're own mind up if it's worth the extra over the other options.

Also agree that the rear speakers sound a bit muffled and that it sounds better in the wife's A4 Avant although I guess being a larger car it has more speakers and a physically bigger sub.
 
Definitely go with the bose.. I have spent many thousands in the past on ICE (for the car, not crystal meth before anyone makes any wisecracks!) But the Bose sound quality is more than adequate and substantially better than the standard.... Plus you can get these:

53113ee1.jpg
I guess it depends on how much of an audiophile you are.. Take some Dr.Dre down to the stealership and crank it up in both systems, whichever gets them shouting at you quicker is the winner!:lmfao:
 
Quattro -have you got illuminated 'Bose' grilles ? ....... Was this standard in your car ?
 
@quattro - I think I just got a bit too excited when I saw your illuminated BOSE grilles. Were they a lot of work? Not a fan of fitting bose grilles to a non-bose car though, where does it end?! S3 badges on a TDI?

Having had both, the BOSE is substantially better than the stock setup. I'd also go as far to say it's better than the Harmon Kardon (sp) setup in my mates beemer, YMMV depending on the sort of tunes you listen to.
 
Yes I have got illuminated grilles.. No they were not standard! They came from CarStyle4you
and were fitted expertly by Nige (NHN) :wub:
Its not a massively tricky job, but does involve wiring into door card illumination and Nigel is well used to taking door cards on and off, so saves the expense of breaking things along the way!!
To be honest I'm not normally a fan of aftermarket lighting, but the fact that most people don't notice them, or think they came as standard tells me that they go well with the interior and are not worthy of a post on barryboys :lmfao:
 
danA3T said:
@quattro - I think I just got a bit too excited when I saw your illuminated BOSE grilles. Were they a lot of work? Not a fan of fitting bose grilles to a non-bose car though, where does it end?! S3 badges on a TDI?

Having had both, the BOSE is substantially better than the stock setup. I'd also go as far to say it's better than the Harmon Kardon (sp) setup in my mates beemer, YMMV depending on the sort of tunes you listen to.
Click to expand...
AS far as fitting Bose grilles to a non Bose car goes - ask paddy and I'm sure he'll give you an opinion on that one! And I agree, the Bose does sound marginally better than the harmon kardon I had in my M3, I'd rather have the new B&O gear that's in the new 3 door a3 tho.. That's just design porn!:hubbahubba: Nearly as nice as the home equipment..
 
quattro 1981 said:
Definitely go with the bose.. I have spent many thousands in the past on ICE (for the car, not crystal meth before anyone makes any wisecracks!) But the Bose sound quality is more than adequate and substantially better than the standard.... Plus you can get these:

53113ee1.jpg
I guess it depends on how much of an audiophile you are.. Take some Dr.Dre down to the stealership and crank it up in both systems, whichever gets them shouting at you quicker is the winner!:lmfao:
Click to expand...

Quite a tidy little mod, and not hideously expensive either.

See they also sell these centre console fascia buttons!!! Can imagine the faces on unsuspecting passengers as they check out the dashboard from the passenger seat!

passenger_eject.gif
 
That's tempted me sooo many times Warren! I thought about the illuminated glove box handle thingy too, but mine already has "Quattro" engraved and I thought illuminating that too might be a step too far.........:think:
 
quattro 1981 said:
That's tempted me sooo many times Warren! I thought about the illuminated glove box handle thingy too, but mine already has "Quattro" engraved and I thought illuminating that too might be a step too far.........:think:
Click to expand...

I think you're right.

One thing I've noted in the 8P3 is that the interior light pack seems less noticeable at night on the centre console area and only the gear gaiter surround (which is alu in our car) shines any of the red LED light back. It needs something, but can't find anything tasteful!
 
BOSE, is designed and manafactured by Bang and Olfson...Premiership sound quality.

The term BOSE, is marketed for B.ang & O.lfson S.ound E.ntertainment
 
warren_S3 said:
I think you're right.

One thing I've noted in the 8P3 is that the interior light pack seems less noticeable at night on the centre console area and only the gear gaiter surround (which is alu in our car) shines any of the red LED light back. It needs something, but can't find anything tasteful!
Click to expand...
I agree with you here.. On mine it is piano black so you don't notice the red led at all until you reach towards the centre console or rearview, at which point your hand starts glowing red!
 
I think the perception people have on the BOSE system being crap is it doesn't put out enough base for them...for me it sounds good and still got clarity (once treble is turned down) at loud volumes :happy:
 
I wouldn't be without the Bose system in my car. My parents don't have it in theirs and you can notice the difference. However they listen to Radio 2 most of the time and so wouldn't get the benefit.

The B and O system in the A4 is good but I wouldn't say it was miles better then the Bose in the A3 from when I have have courtesy cars but then you get used to listening to your own system. Everyones listening opinion will vary so it's best to make your own mind up. I personally wouldn't by an Audi with just the standard set up in it whatever the model but that's because I enjoy my music on the car.
 
Agree with Quattro 1981 Bose sounds better than our M3 Hardon Karmon system, it is very clear and has enough bass for most people but different tracks on cd sound the business, like Chris Brown and "look at me now" I dont think it could get much clearer without bursting your eardrums and I wouldnt buy an Audi without Bose, I even like saying it!
 
normal Audi speakers are ok nothing wrong with them but if you are a music man Bose are for you they are much better if you want them.
 
where can i get some bose grills from for my speakers then lol..
 
As someone said it only amplifies the source. The RNSE is pretty crap compaired to the Symphony II from a radio perspective
 
RNS-e seems fine for me with iPod and Apple Lossless - I've not tried it with CD/MP3s yet, so I can't compare.
 
Alais DJA said:
BOSE, is designed and manafactured by Bang and Olfson...Premiership sound quality.

The term BOSE, is marketed for B.ang & O.lfson S.ound E.ntertainment
Click to expand...

Bose is nothing to do with B&O, it is a privately owned company founded by Dr Amar Bose from MIT, I'm guessing here but I think the term Bose is derived from his name
 
AndyMac said:
Bose is nothing to do with B&O, it is a privately owned company founded by Dr Amar Bose from MIT, I'm guessing here but I think the term Bose is derived from his name
Click to expand...

Indeed, B&O is Danish founded by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen, Bose is American and founded by Dr Bose as stated above...
 
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