We Coupe BOSE users got STIFFED!
#26
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2002 C230, 6 Speed, Bose Stereo, 6 CD Changer
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I have Bose and the 6 cd changer in my coupe and I enjoy it's sound quality immensely. Not having any apparent sound coming from the rear of the car takes some getting used to though. When I switch between our families 2000 Land Cruiser, 84 Land Cruiser and 90 Camry, and then back to the Kompressor, I miss the sound coming from the rear of the car. After driving the kompressor for awhile, I focus on the sound quality, and not where it is coming from. I can turn up the volumn on the kompressor sound system and it is clear and precise, especially from a cd source. I have Bose 901s for my home system for almost 30 years, so I guess you could say I'm a fan.
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#27
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2002 C320 Sport Wagon
Why does anyone want the sound to come from the back on stereo program material? As far as I care, the only reason for rear speakers is for rear seat passengers. Since I rarely have the latter, I prefer the sound to come from the front.
BTW, I do have a DVD-A in which the solo pianist is placed in the rear channels and only ambience is in the front channels. The producer opines that this should be less problematic for drivers who do not have the distraction of imagining a performer on the front hood. Apparently, he believes that imagining them in the boot is less distracting.
BTW, I do have a DVD-A in which the solo pianist is placed in the rear channels and only ambience is in the front channels. The producer opines that this should be less problematic for drivers who do not have the distraction of imagining a performer on the front hood. Apparently, he believes that imagining them in the boot is less distracting.
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#28
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2000 300m, 2003 C-Coupe
I have the Bose, it sounds pretty good to me, but certianly could be better, and I don't whine about it. The rear sound generally is the Base from the rear shelf speakers, otherwise it is just rear channel sound easily detected coming from the rear. The ambient sound setting blends a little better than Driver mode.
Only difference in a 2003 over a 2002 is the 1.8 engine and a couple cosmetic changes on the HVAC controls. everything else you might have heard is just rumor, except the late arriving bi-zenons.
Only difference in a 2003 over a 2002 is the 1.8 engine and a couple cosmetic changes on the HVAC controls. everything else you might have heard is just rumor, except the late arriving bi-zenons.
#29
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C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
Originally posted by grn300m
The rear sound generally is the Base from the rear shelf speakers
What rear shelf speakers?
The ambient sound setting blends a little better than Driver mode.
Driver mode biases all sound to the driver's side of the car. Ambiente (correct spelling) is the surround sound mode that takes full advantage of the center fill speaker in the dash vent
Only difference in a 2003 over a 2002 is the 1.8 engine and a couple cosmetic changes on the HVAC controls. everything else you might have heard is just rumor, except the late arriving bi-zenons. [/B]
The rear sound generally is the Base from the rear shelf speakers
What rear shelf speakers?
The ambient sound setting blends a little better than Driver mode.
Driver mode biases all sound to the driver's side of the car. Ambiente (correct spelling) is the surround sound mode that takes full advantage of the center fill speaker in the dash vent
Only difference in a 2003 over a 2002 is the 1.8 engine and a couple cosmetic changes on the HVAC controls. everything else you might have heard is just rumor, except the late arriving bi-zenons. [/B]
#30
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Only difference in a 2003 over a 2002 is the 1.8 engine and a couple cosmetic changes on the HVAC controls. everything else you might have heard is just rumor, except the late arriving bi-zenons. [/B]
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Current : '91300D Turbo (124) & 89 190D Past: 240D / 300SD / 300D Turbo(123)
#33
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Bose knows what?
Certainly not sound design in the coupe - that's for sure. In fact, your insistence that Bose knows... made me write and send this letter to Bose:
Lets see what they have to say. I truly find it ridiculous the way our sound systems sound. But, that's to be expected. I challenge each and everyone of you to walk into any high end (NOT best buy, circuit city, fry's) audio store and ask the sales pukes how Bose compares to Boston, Paradigm, Polk, Definitive, NHT, oh hell even Infinity. I think you may be surprised at the answer you'll get - that is if you are a Bose fan.
Who knows! Maybe they actually have some customer service that is even 10% of their marketing muscle... maybe, they'll even issue a TSB replacing the elements with something that is more fitting of our cars.
Certainly not sound design in the coupe - that's for sure. In fact, your insistence that Bose knows... made me write and send this letter to Bose:
I recently purchased a Mercedes C230K Coupe. I purchased the Bose upgrade - assuming the quality that went with the hype would be there.
What happened?! I think my kids boom-box sounds better. There is next to no Bass even at +10 setting on the head. Mids are washed out and the highs are limited with no head room - seems they must have a dynamic range of 10hz! I listened to the C320 sedan's system and they don't sound anything alike. I've also listened to other C230 coupes to make sure mine wasn't faulty - alas, if anything is faulty it is the design.
Please let me know how i can improve this system. Ideally I'd like to increase bass (well the sub is tiny so I can't see that happening). But most importantly I need to fix my staging - front mid and tweets. What are the specs of your speakers so I can keep the amp and just upgrade the components?
The last car I sold had over 12,000 in custom audio - and I can't compare a cheap factory upgrade to that, but I really would like to sound at least as good as the sedan version.
Please reply - and with more answer than a canned marketing reply. This is a big issue for me and I am sharing my views and experiences in this process with a large audience.
What happened?! I think my kids boom-box sounds better. There is next to no Bass even at +10 setting on the head. Mids are washed out and the highs are limited with no head room - seems they must have a dynamic range of 10hz! I listened to the C320 sedan's system and they don't sound anything alike. I've also listened to other C230 coupes to make sure mine wasn't faulty - alas, if anything is faulty it is the design.
Please let me know how i can improve this system. Ideally I'd like to increase bass (well the sub is tiny so I can't see that happening). But most importantly I need to fix my staging - front mid and tweets. What are the specs of your speakers so I can keep the amp and just upgrade the components?
The last car I sold had over 12,000 in custom audio - and I can't compare a cheap factory upgrade to that, but I really would like to sound at least as good as the sedan version.
Please reply - and with more answer than a canned marketing reply. This is a big issue for me and I am sharing my views and experiences in this process with a large audience.
Who knows! Maybe they actually have some customer service that is even 10% of their marketing muscle... maybe, they'll even issue a TSB replacing the elements with something that is more fitting of our cars.
#34
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2000 300m, 2003 C-Coupe
Bose does know. I have been a fan for 12 years or so when I bought my first Bose system. My Pathfinder had Bose as well. I personally think that for the speaker size and placement, they make a fine system. Bose is used as a factory premium sound in a large number of cars/trucks. Many luxury cars such as Mercedes, Acura, Nissan/Infinity, and GM, just to name a few. It is impossible to appeal to all listening tastes for the masses, so the best alternative is appeal to the sweet spot, which to me are the customers that have no desire to modify their cars with pulley's, neon lighting, and stereo equipment. All these mods are fine and good, but just not for my car as I have better ways to spend my money.
Rick, 'What rear shelf speakers', that was a generalized statement about cars and the purpose of rear speakers, or at least perceived purpose. Also, thanks for the spelling lesson, but I am pretty sure everyone was following along. Just a different way to say the exact same thing.
Peet, yeah 2003 is a 1.8, 3 less HP, less weight = same performance as 2.3 (non-modified).
Rick, 'What rear shelf speakers', that was a generalized statement about cars and the purpose of rear speakers, or at least perceived purpose. Also, thanks for the spelling lesson, but I am pretty sure everyone was following along. Just a different way to say the exact same thing.
Peet, yeah 2003 is a 1.8, 3 less HP, less weight = same performance as 2.3 (non-modified).
#35
No offense Ted and grn300m but if you say the Bose system in the coupe is awesome you obviously dont know much about car-hifi. It´s true that Bose makes good systems too, but the one they put in the coupe is definately not spectacular. Just because it says "BOSE" on a sticker somewhere doesnt mean that it sounds great. Bose has "the name" and it is quite easy to sell systems if they have the Bose sticker ![Smilie](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
I have some good experiences with Bose too, but in my opinion the Bose in coupes suck
. I have put aftermarket speakers and aftermarket HU in my coupe (no amps no subs) and the sound is far better than the Bose.
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I have some good experiences with Bose too, but in my opinion the Bose in coupes suck
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#36
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2002 C320 Sport Wagon
The Bose name is no guarantee of anything. In the home audio market, they are not even in the running for high quality, only for small size. (That, btw, is their marketing position of choice.) In auto audio, it is the name recognition that has the value as the components seem quite ordinary. OTOH, there's worse out there.
#38
Mercedes paid Bose the absolute minimum required to use the Bose name. Worse, Bose was not allowed any input into the design of the system. Mercedes specified the size, locations and numbers of speaker to be use. I'm sure Bose did the best they could given the budget and physical constraints imposed by Mercedes.
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2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
I used to work in the car audio/home audio industry and we had a saying," No Highs- No Lows, it must be Bose". Now I do have a set of 601's for home now because they sounded a lot better then the old Bose BookShelf type speakers. They do not have a low range, even with two 6.5" speakers in them, but I have a 12" sub so it does not bother me. I have a Neon now that the factory speakers actually sound good in with an aftermarket deck, now I am ordering my C230K with the Bose system, just because I want a little more but do not want to lose my Steering Wheel controls. Anyhow from the sounds of this thread I will not be all that impressed by the Bose, but I did not really expect to be, I just want the sound quality, as I am sure after I look at it that something may be able to be done. I will let you know in three to four months when I get it. Although they should not charge as much as they do if it does not sound that much better than the factory one. But does the Audio 10 work flawlessly with the Bose system?
#40
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That Audio 10 upgrade really does make a world of difference. It truly makes the Bose sound like it should have from the get go. But that is to say as a Bose should sound - still not great, but light years from the cassette system.
And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great. Of course, no way you're going to fit those in a car!
And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great. Of course, no way you're going to fit those in a car!
#41
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2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
No I used to have 3- JL 10W6's run off an Orion 250HCCA at 1 Ohm back in the day. Then I upped to 3 15W6's just to be loud and obnoxious. The bass drum kicked with those. Now I am getting older and just want a little fill because I enjoy trunk space in one car. My wife has 2 10's in her car with the Sirius Sat Radio. That is the other ***** I have about MB, no sat radio...
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2002 C320 Sport Wagon
Originally posted by peet
And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great.
And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great.
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#43
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2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
I would have prefered another brand. I could not find them where I currently live and forgot the name, I believe they were Nuance. They sounded great and were about half the price of the Bose. I use the Bose for home theater, DVD 5.1 Digital Audio. SO they fit that scenerio very well, but for music they sometimes lack in the high end. My wife liked them and I liked them enough to buy them for the Surround sound system.
#44
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Now did I say really great - I don't believe so...
Ok, let's disect.... WERE - GOOD
Hell, Klipsch 'used to be' good.
I myself am running Definitive 3000tl bipolar towers - now those sound GOOD - well no, they sound GREAT. Flat response curves, amazing imaging and ONE HELLUVA BASS PUNCH!
Other speakers I put in the great category B+W (pretty much any one of theirs), NHT, and Linn.
Of course all bets are off when it comes to car audio. None of the 'Greats' have a mobile audio line.
For that My vote (in this order).. Dynaudio, a/d/s, Boston, MB Quart.
Even in that group... Dynaudio and ONLY the a/d/s P series are great - the others Very good.
Hopefully that clarifies my position![Big Grin](https://mbworld.org/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
P
601's and 901's were really good
Hell, Klipsch 'used to be' good.
I myself am running Definitive 3000tl bipolar towers - now those sound GOOD - well no, they sound GREAT. Flat response curves, amazing imaging and ONE HELLUVA BASS PUNCH!
Other speakers I put in the great category B+W (pretty much any one of theirs), NHT, and Linn.
Of course all bets are off when it comes to car audio. None of the 'Greats' have a mobile audio line.
For that My vote (in this order).. Dynaudio, a/d/s, Boston, MB Quart.
Even in that group... Dynaudio and ONLY the a/d/s P series are great - the others Very good.
Hopefully that clarifies my position
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P
#45
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2002 C320 Sport Wagon
The emphasis on the past-tense does clarify your position but you did say:
"And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great. "
I, unintentionally, combined your 'really good' with 'did sound great' which seemed to be more than simply a positive feeling. FWIW, I never thought these models ever sounded either really good or great but the 601 was a better value.
Sandy's DefTech speakers are very good bang-for-the-buck.
"And you're correct, the 601's and 901's were really good speakers (that needed subs). But they really did sound great. "
I, unintentionally, combined your 'really good' with 'did sound great' which seemed to be more than simply a positive feeling. FWIW, I never thought these models ever sounded either really good or great but the 601 was a better value.
Sandy's DefTech speakers are very good bang-for-the-buck.
#46
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E320 CDI Elegance auto
Any views on the bose system with comand, I have this in my saloon and it is quite strange that some tracks sound brilliant and other sound poor on the same cd. The bose system seems to pull out different levels to a normal system, this is my first experience with Bose.
#47
Not trying to pour salt in the wound
I have a C32, in the shop. C230K loaner.
Looks like same exact Bose headunit (not positive tho), but the system in the C230K doesn't sound very good at all, can't even adjust it to improve much. As soon as I turned it on I knew exactly what you guys were talking about. Even my wife noticed it right away. The Bose implementation in the coupe is not done well. Since I am staring at what looks like the same head, I assumed it was speakers or perhaps speaker placements etc. I feel you, the coupe needs some work done on the sound. To me, I am surprised that you can replace the head and get great improvements, but .... I have only had this loaner for a couple of days.
The C32 (C320) sounds far better. Some folks want to upgrade it too but basically it is at pretty acceptable.
Good luck all
Looks like same exact Bose headunit (not positive tho), but the system in the C230K doesn't sound very good at all, can't even adjust it to improve much. As soon as I turned it on I knew exactly what you guys were talking about. Even my wife noticed it right away. The Bose implementation in the coupe is not done well. Since I am staring at what looks like the same head, I assumed it was speakers or perhaps speaker placements etc. I feel you, the coupe needs some work done on the sound. To me, I am surprised that you can replace the head and get great improvements, but .... I have only had this loaner for a couple of days.
The C32 (C320) sounds far better. Some folks want to upgrade it too but basically it is at pretty acceptable.
Good luck all
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'05 c240 4matic wagon
Originally posted by Kal Rubinson
On the one hand, I have never heard a car system that sounded as accurate and balanced as a really good home system (and I have heard the Levinson/Lexus and other touted ones). On the other, that means that I have lower expectations and, since I cannot pay adequate attention to the music while I drive, my requirements are more modest.
That said, the system in my C320 is as good as any stock system I've owned. Some have had more bass but poorer integration of that bass. If the Audio 10 is better, good, but there's no need for more bass for the music I listen to.
BTW, although I review audio equipment (sort of) professionally, I lease my cars and, therefore, I am limited in what I could do IF I wanted to. For me, adding the CD changer will suffice.
On the one hand, I have never heard a car system that sounded as accurate and balanced as a really good home system (and I have heard the Levinson/Lexus and other touted ones). On the other, that means that I have lower expectations and, since I cannot pay adequate attention to the music while I drive, my requirements are more modest.
That said, the system in my C320 is as good as any stock system I've owned. Some have had more bass but poorer integration of that bass. If the Audio 10 is better, good, but there's no need for more bass for the music I listen to.
BTW, although I review audio equipment (sort of) professionally, I lease my cars and, therefore, I am limited in what I could do IF I wanted to. For me, adding the CD changer will suffice.
#50
Re: Not trying to pour salt in the wound
Originally posted by rrf
I have a C32, in the shop. C230K loaner.
Looks like same exact Bose headunit (not positive tho), but the system in the C230K doesn't sound very good at all, can't even adjust it to improve much. As soon as I turned it on I knew exactly what you guys were talking about. Even my wife noticed it right away. The Bose implementation in the coupe is not done well. Since I am staring at what looks like the same head, I assumed it was speakers or perhaps speaker placements etc. I feel you, the coupe needs some work done on the sound. To me, I am surprised that you can replace the head and get great improvements, but .... I have only had this loaner for a couple of days.
The C32 (C320) sounds far better. Some folks want to upgrade it too but basically it is at pretty acceptable.
Good luck all
I have a C32, in the shop. C230K loaner.
Looks like same exact Bose headunit (not positive tho), but the system in the C230K doesn't sound very good at all, can't even adjust it to improve much. As soon as I turned it on I knew exactly what you guys were talking about. Even my wife noticed it right away. The Bose implementation in the coupe is not done well. Since I am staring at what looks like the same head, I assumed it was speakers or perhaps speaker placements etc. I feel you, the coupe needs some work done on the sound. To me, I am surprised that you can replace the head and get great improvements, but .... I have only had this loaner for a couple of days.
The C32 (C320) sounds far better. Some folks want to upgrade it too but basically it is at pretty acceptable.
Good luck all
Trust me it is better with the Audio 10 CD in place of a cassette, the cassette is made in Japan and the Audio 10 CD is a true Becker.
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