[gromitim]

Ok, I got the Premium stereo upgrade with the Bose system in my C230. I wasn't overly impressed with it though. It has great clarity but poor range. I've tried all kinds of music but I just can't get the bass to sound really full. I'm not trying to rattle people's windows or anything but it's just not quite as I expected. Anyway, when I took my car in for some work, they gave me a loaner with the regular non-Bose stereo in it. I could hear no difference between that and my Bose. Also, I can hear NOTHING (other than air) coming out of my center-fill speaker. Shouldn't I be able to hear something? Anyway, my question is: Has anyone listened to both systems and was there a noticeable difference? Also, shouldn't I be able to hear SOMETHING in the center fill speaker?

 

[dmatre]

I'm sure that there is a difference, but when I drove the C230K (normal stereo) and the C320 (Bose is standard), I could hear no significant difference between the two.

Both the highs and the lows seemed equal in both systems.

I've read that the speakers are actually different (somewhere in one of the forums the speaker manufacturers were listed). However, it may be that the quality of the speakers is similar enough that there is no audible difference between the systems. At least, I couldn't hear any difference . . .

 

[Kal Rubinson]

There is a difference in clarity and range although many will find even the Bose system inadequate in both categories. As for the center channel, the output depends on your settings. Obviously, 2 channel music has no center channel unless it's synthesized.

 

[Mark08859]

Also, I can hear NOTHING (other than air) coming out of my center-fill speaker. Shouldn't I be able to hear something? Anyway, my question is: Has anyone listened to both systems and was there a noticeable difference? Also, shouldn't I be able to hear SOMETHING in the center fill speaker?

Check your listener preferences. Perhaps the mode has to be set to AMBIENT in order for the center fill speaker to be used. Many drivers probably have the setting at DRIVER. Also, I would imagine the fader setting shouldn't be full rear. Just a thought. Good luck.

 

[Gambit]

http://www.bose.com/products/auto/faq.html#specs

You bose speakers are in the doors. The center grille is the air vent.

I find that Jazz sounds the best in the car.

 

[Lynn]

http://www.bose.com/products/auto/faq.html#specs

You bose speakers are in the doors. The center grille is the air vent.

I find that Jazz sounds the best in the car.

Wrong. The center grille is both an air vent and the location of the center fill speaker if the car is equipped with the Bose system. There is no center speaker with the standard audio system.