I run a forum of my own where we have an area dedicated
to generalized conversation.

In that area I posted a question as to if given a "choice" if
people would pick an Acura RL or Cadillac CTS, since these
are the two cars I am considering leasing (I already drive
a '05 RL).

Okay....

The results were mixed. I was surprised to learn that many
who drove both said the Navigation and Bose system in the RL
is better than the CTS.

So I ask those of you with a CTS....

Do you think the Bose radio kicks ass?

I like my music (I listen to alternative adult) to be loud, with
lots of bass. The RL has a nice subwoofer that I can feel. It's
a damn good system.

I'm just a little worried when some people I have talked to reply
that the Bose system in the CTS sounds less than spectacular (not
saying this is true as I have not heard anything but lousy XM on it).

Thanks as always folks!

I dont really notice a difference particulary because I keep my music/talk shows pretty low....

My CTS is non bose, but it sound pretty good for stock. (the bass is better than I expected). In the future, I'm going to replace the whole system.

I thought they were all Bose, some just have 5.1 with more speakers and others don't.

I've got the "top of the line" Bose surround in my CTS; to me it sounds better than the similar system in my 05 STS; I'm a music "man" (teach instrumental music), so I'm particular about sound systems. I'm very pleased with it (and, for that matter, the Nav system, which is far better than my 05 STS).

I find the Bose 5.1 system to be exceptional. The bass response isn't earthshattering, so you may want to add additional bass in the trunk via a small sub. It is very clear though, and has no distortion.

Does it have a ear splitting bass, no. Does it sound great, yes. In addition it not only has 5.1 surround sound, it has DTS sound. Put a concert DVD in that is in DTS and it's awesome. While the picture will go out when you go into drive, the sound continues. Next light, take it out of gear till the light changes and you can watch the show. Throw in that my Nano works perfectly off the screen and I have a fillable 40 gig HDD of music and I can put in 4.7 gig DVD of mp3's into the drive that will show on the screen and XM,FM,AM and Traffic Nav with weather updates and if I arrive somewhere while a great song is on the radio, I push a button and it will record that channel for the next hour to play back on my return, all other system's pail by comparison.:cool:

hehe... this will be fun, whien I get to work I will bump and thump in a CTS and give you my impressions! From what I have heard in them they do sound prety darn good. The bose in the CTS it tons better than in my G35! and on par with my wfes BMW.

Trijicon,

I look forward to your "bass" review.

Thanks so far for the impressions you have provided here.

Both the stock and upgraded Bose systems sound great. I have the upgraded system in mine and I find it provides excellent "natural bass response". If you're looking for "skewed bass response", you'll want to do some upgrades or look elsewhere.

I think it says a lot that most people seem to be impressed by the system. In most forums on previous cars that I've owned, you usually get a 50-50 response on the system no matter how good it is..

hello 08cts i live 20 minutes from boston i hope you are enjoying your cts............ GO RED SOX POOR PATS LOL.......

I love it. SO much better than the Bose in my Nissan. Very clear. Very low distortion. Yes, the Bass is weak and cannot reproduce (accurately), music like the Ace of Bass. But it is so "clean" it really doesn't bother me. For 90% of my music it is clean, tight and accurate.

I think it says a lot that most people seem to be impressed by the system. In most forums on previous cars that I've owned, you usually get a 50-50 response on the system no matter how good it is..

I think some of that may be the demographics, too. Cadillac owners generally being a little older than owners of other cars. They're probably expecting something that sounds clean and crisp, while younger buyers want something thumping and booming.

I think this is reflected in how Cadillac is marketing the car too - I haven't seen any figures with regards to wattage for either sound system in the CTS.

I wonder how it'll compare to the Pioneer system in my Cobalt. I'm a little apprehensive about Bose crap - I wouldn't put it in my home, but I guess if it comes with the car I'll live.

Ok, I am on my way out to do some thump testing for you!

For reference I am running a kenwood deck / 2 JL 10w 6's / a 1-1000 and a 4-450 amps / crossovers / JL speakers / and CD tech speakers - tweaters in my current car because I did not lilke the stock set up... Oh... And I have 5 TV's stuffed in my "G" with a 22" LCD in the trunk LMAO :D

I will let you know what I think.

the system is great....not as good as with my DTS (bigger trunk, deeper bass). i list to alot of house music, and am more than pleased with the sound.

Ok, just tested the 10 speaker system and it is very nice!! Sound is crystal clear and the base hits pretty darn good!... I have pictures of the sub in the trunk and the audio set up that sounded the best to me. I also tested it in a CTS that had the fold down seats... When I put the seats down I could feel the base hitting in the car so all in all I would give the system a thumbs up for a great stock audio set up!

Hmmm.

As someone who knows much about home theater I concur about the comments
concerning Bose. Would never buy it for the home. I'm surprised it's such a big
selling point for the car. Their stuff is basically overrated!

It's not just this car, it seems every manufacturer sells Bose systems in their cars now, and often as an uplevel solution, or on higher-end vehicles (or both). The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti even features a Bose system!

I'm not really familiar with their automotive products, but their home theater stuff is over-priced under-performing crap.

but their home theater stuff is over-priced under-performing crap.

Thanks for saying that! It needed to be said, but I just wanted to be nice!

The Bose system in my 08 sounds great with my classical CD's or XM ( don't need the thumping bass ). By the way DavidL, the Musicman also teaches instrumental music.

It's not just this car, it seems every manufacturer sells Bose systems in their cars now, and often as an uplevel solution, or on higher-end vehicles (or both). The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti even features a Bose system!

I'm not really familiar with their automotive products, but their home theater stuff is over-priced under-performing crap.

Bose is a marketing company not an engineering company. Spend enough money on advertising and even if it is a middle of the road product a significant number of people will believe the advertising. Look at what advertising did for yogurt. Some people actually believe you can eat the stuff.

i spent $6500 replacing my speakers, putting in a sub, and of course the amps and equalizer to take the BOSE signal and process it into the other signal. It sounds pretty good right now, but the only thing that makes it distort is the BOSE headunit because of course, it's not meant to put out a prestine signal. I wish there was some way 2 find a headunit that would fit in that spot, and still allow me to have the steering wheel controls.

Of course the BOSE headunit is gonna be cheaply made since it's mass manufactured. It sounded decent b4 i switched it but i needed something i can turn up...im used 2 having a nice system.

My BOSE system in my '02 Altima 3.5SE sounds much better than my CTS. Although the line in levels are much better in the CTS, the overall clarity of the radio and CD/DVD is not as good.

Puhlease!
Bose has 8000 employees. Their CEO is Amar Bose. Professor of Electrical Engineering, MIT.

They do make inexpensive Home electronics. They ALSO make many of the headsets found in commercial and private Jets. They ALSO make Professional quality Music/PA systems. You can find out what the REAL pros think at http://bose.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x
It's a forum. Much like this one except it is populated by Professional Musicians.

And if you want to see what a professional music mag (Keyboard) thinks of the engineering, just go to http://tinyurl.com/2b8v4f
Its a review os a small professional system suitable for clubs, etc.

They have contracts with the AF,Army, NAvy etc.
They are on Broadway in most of the theaters.
They do the sound at many of the world largest sporting events. Like the Olympics.

Has any of the Bose detractiors ever been to their facility in Framingham (And we won't talk about their facility in Stow, MA that just does R&D on automotive systems. BTW they are working on an active suspension system there)? There are 2000 people who work there. Only a few are in Marketing.

If youu have never heard of a Bose 901, you don't know speakers.
No engineering?

We can all disagree with a technical, but subjective point.
But the conversation is not enhanced by calling the product that you don't like "crap" (And therefore calling into question, the IQ of people who would like/buy such a thing) and talking about a Corporation that you obviously know little to nothing about.

And yes, like their competition, they build to a price point. So, it is always possible to buy more and better. Sounds like Pyro has a Gooooooood system!

BTW, there are three jobs posted at Bose Framingham right now.....A project manager, an Engineering manager and a Component Engineer.
If anybodu here knows enpough engineering, here is the Job listing:

Bose has an opening for a Supplier Quality / Component Engineer with an interest in passive electrical components. In this position, you will work with design engineers in the selection and application of components used in new Bose products, perform analysis of component performance, quality and reliability, and work closely with the supply base to complete qualification, process audit, and change notification activities. This is an exciting opportunity to have a direct impact on the design and delivery of Bose products, while learning and working in an innovative and technically stimulating environment.

Responsibilities:

As part of the Corporate Supplier Engineering group you will be responsible for the following activities:
* Perform technical risk assessments of components, and identify risk mitigation strategies. Primary focus will be on passive electronic components.
* Assess component performance over environmental conditions and to de-rating requirements, to ensure their suitability for Bose's product application.
* Evaluate component suppliers' qualification process and criteria. Analyze results to determine if components meet Bose's quality and reliability requirements.
* Advise system and circuit designers on suitability of selected components for their application and recommend alternatives when appropriate.
* Participate in design reviews, as the technical expert on passives.
* Review procurement documentation for proper specification of passive components.
* Define reliability and qualification requirements for new or unique component types.
* Coordinate between the supplier, corporate, and other Bose plants on the resolution of supplier performance issues.
* Perform Process Control Audits at supplier sites to verify FMEA, control plans, and process flows.
* Monitor Process Control Validation activities on mature and new high risk components.

Skills
* BS in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline.
* Knowledge of component selection, evaluation and qualification methods.
* Experience in designing, installing, troubleshooting, or repairing audio or other electronic systems.
* Working knowledge of SPC, TS16949, PPAP, and materials and manufacturing techniques for passive components.
* Ability to travel as needed (Approximately 15-20%).

Education
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related discipline.

They have a 70,000 sq ft building dedicated tio ebgineering. Th

Stereo sound systems are like most things- personal likes and flavors. The people who think Bose is overrated must not be old enough too sound systems to remember the 901's which in their day were cutting edge and had fantastic high end sound. The newer flavor of over stated bass has changed how people value good sound.

All in all (IMO) I would give the 5.1 system an very good rating, but strange enough it is one of two items on the 08 CTS which have not exceeded the quality that my 2000 Catera (Cadillac/Opel) had. An amazing 10 speaker sound system with a factory sub-woofer which would even today satisfy the biggest boom-hopper.

As far as my qualifications: My first stereo system back in 1978 was (3) B-1 Yamaha's Tri-amp'ed with 12 speakers (4) highs (4) mid (4) lows. in a round. Today: TL Audio (tube) based Home Theater.

PS The second item was the Sport Package Bosch brakes on the Catera. A sense of touch control like no other I've found yet.

I've been involved in professional audio production for 30 years. I'm definitely into good sounding systems. It's one of the reasons that I vastly prefer a 1976 Marantz 2325 blowing vintage JBL Century L100's for music listening to my Yamaha 5.1 setup in my home theater. I've got "old school" sound sensibilities and preferences. Behold:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t249/crackerzot/DSCF7112.jpg

I love bass as much as the next guy, but not the pimped out, feel-it-a-block-away variety. I like it tight and musical, not boomy and splashy. And loud, sure. Plently loud. I went for the 10-speaker Bose system and find myself slightly underwhelmed, but generally satisfied with the performance. The 5.1 staging is lacking, somehow. It's difficult to tell which speakers are discreetly firing when listening to DVD-A 5.1 discs at times. But on a scale of 1-10, I'd rate it at a solid 8+ after it's set up properly. You can crank it pretty good and the speakers don't distort. It's a very nice system for a factory setup.

And as with most audio setups, it's only as good as the source material you're putting into it. Garbage in, garbage out. Drop a well-masted CD or DVD like something from Steely Dan or Pink Floyd in there, and get ready to smile broadly. But listen to your iPod or mp3 player at 128k sampling and enjoy - but just don't expect miracles.

My first impression of the Bose stereo was ok but not outstanding when listening to just XM. However, when I saw it had 5.1 Dolby surround sound I put the "Fugative" DVD and listened to the scene where the locomotive derails and goes down the embankment. The sound was truly awesome. Then I copy a bunch of CDs onto the HDD and listened to them and was very impressed. The point here is the sound source makes a huge difference in the sound quality produced.

As far as an RL vs. a CTS4 DI, I would take the CTS any day. I had an 2001 MDX and like my 1982 Accord, there is a certain chintz in Honda products. Great engineering but lousy interiors by my taste. However, I rode in the back seat of my buddies RL and I believe there is more leg room than in the CTS if that is more important to you.

Wow, love the old school receiver!

I just spent 2 hours ripping CDs to the hard drive. While sitting in the garage and listening to CDs without any road noise I was very impressed. No, it's not as good as a top of the line home theater. But considering its a stock automobile system, I couldn't ask for more. It's CERTAINLY worth the $1K if you don't get Nav....

It sounds great!! way better than the mark levingston i had in my last car! The bass doest thump and i play mine loud all the time unless im listening to talk radio.

Puhlease!
Bose has 8000 employees. Their CEO is Amar Bose. Professor of Electrical Engineering, MIT.

They do make inexpensive Home electronics. They ALSO make many of the headsets found in commercial and private Jets. They ALSO make Professional quality Music/PA systems. You can find out what the REAL pros think at http://bose.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x
It's a forum. Much like this one except it is populated by Professional Musicians.

And if you want to see what a professional music mag (Keyboard) thinks of the engineering, just go to www.cadillacowners.com/2b8v4f
Its a review os a small professional system suitable for clubs, etc.

They have contracts with the AF,Army, NAvy etc.
They are on Broadway in most of the theaters.
They do the sound at many of the world largest sporting events. Like the Olympics.

My comments were strictly related to their consumer home theater products.


We can all disagree with a technical, but subjective point.
But the conversation is not enhanced by calling the product that you don't like "crap" (And therefore calling into question, the IQ of people who would like/buy such a thing) and talking about a Corporation that you obviously know little to nothing about.

That's exactly what they are though. Growing up, my family had a Lifestyle 12 system. I remember my parents paid a lot of money for it, and the sound quality wasn't that great. I also recall that interoperability is pretty much impossible - all of the speakers plug into the "bass module" which then plugs into the receiver, instead of each speaker plugging directly into the receiver. So if you ever wanted to swap out the receiver, you'd be stuck buying another Bose system. Same if you wanted to keep the receiver but upgrade the speakers. I just looked at the installation guide for the Lifestyle 48 Series IV, and this is still the case.


And yes, like their competition, they build to a price point. So, it is always possible to buy more and better. Sounds like Pyro has a Gooooooood system!


Except they build to a price point, then price it significantly higher. You can buy a quality receiver from Marantz, Denon, Onkyo, etc; speakers from Paradigm, PSB, Mirage, etc; and build a far better system for significantly less than anything Bose offers. Bose offers a product equivalent to a Panasonic or Sony Home Theater In a Box system you would pick up from Best Buy - only priced significantly higher.

I've heard of the 901s - they may have been good speakers, however that was almost 40 years ago, I don't think it really applies to Bose today. Even in the day, they weren't regarded as the best speakers on the market - Stereophile Magazine has a review (http://www.stereophile.com/historical/425/index.html) from 1975 where they discuss some of the flaws. The electrical equalization issues they discuss on page 3 I think are indicative of Bose's philosophy with future products (such as their Lifestyle home theatre systems).

I've no doubt Bose employs many talented engineers, however, I still feel their home theater products are sub-par, as well as over-priced.

The above post represents a clear, measured, reasonable reply that I can get behind. Bose is easily as good at marketing, as they are at design and manufacturing - maybe just a tiny bit better - which is probably the main source of those with such seemingly disproportionate grievances against the company.

All that aside, after listening to the Beatles Love 5.1 DVD-A in this car (granted, I'm a Beatles fan and not ashamed to admit it), I think I may have found one of the best demo discs for truly experiencing what this system is capable of. The music swirls all around the passenger cabin. At one point, I could clearly hear the bass rising from the door speakers - it was a gradual transition. I don't have the bass turned up all the way, but I've got to tell you, my awe turned to chills as soon as the song "Revolution" kicked in.

It's really hard to imagine that given the right source material, anyone would be disappointed with this sound system. It's pretty damned good.

Crackerz,

You make me laugh. I just returned from the dealer
an hour ago to take the CTS for a second test drive.
I used the DVD-A of LOVE to make a judgement of the
audio system.

You can read more about it in an upcoming post that
I'll be making shortly.

Yeah, well, "great minds" and all of that. I hope that you tweaked the bass, mid and treble controls a bit. The system sounds less impressive when set flat.

I look forward to hearing your impressions - but for me it was a near-religious experience. Heh.

[QUOTE=Southern;1419948]Puhlease!
Bose has 8000 employees. Their CEO is Amar Bose. Professor of Electrical Engineering, MIT.

They do make inexpensive Home electronics. They ALSO make many of the headsets found in commercial and private Jets. They ALSO make Professional quality Music/PA systems. You can find out what the REAL pros think at http://bose.infopop.cc/6/ubb.x

I have used their aviation headsets. Half the performance at twice the price.