I run a huge forum website (very much like this one) dedicated to
Home Theater and related audio.

I bring this up because I know the reputation of certain products
and if you came to my forum and even dared to mention the word
Bose, you would get a lot of angry feedback from the membership.

Over the years I have come to learn that Bose is a rather nasty
name amongst audiophiles. Most people will tell you that the company
is known to make overpriced product that is vastly inferior to what you
can buy elsewhere. Once you start matching their specs against lesser
brands you realize how inferior a product Bose puts out.

When the dealer took me for a test drive he was naturally touting the
fact that the RL had a Bose system installed. I kept my mouth shut
because I knew my personal opinion would mean nothing to him.

After owning the RL for over a month now, I am sort of living the
Bose blues. I don't find this audio system to be anything
spectacular. In fact, I had a better customized Kenwood system
in my Mercury 2000 Cougar that I had recently traded in.

Some even say the audio system in the Acura TL sounds more dynamic
than the one in the RL.

I look around this board and I see people not only complaining about
the Bose system, but actually posting their success stories over
installing better audio components in their RL.

So, I suppose the point of this post is to find out exactly what my fellow
RL owners think of their installed audio system.

Look forward to your replies.

 

Um, it is one of the top OEM systems in any production car. My folks have a Lexus LS430 with the Mark Levinson system (touted as the best in any production car) and the Bose system is damn close on radio/CD and obviously surpasses it when playing a dvd-a. The only diff is the ML system has slightly more clarity/detail.

IMO anyone who thinks this system is avg or not good is simply being biased because the name Bose is attached. If it was anything else people would be praising it like crazy. I have heard previous Bose systems in cars that werent that good (so typical Bose) but this one is a diff beast all together.

As for people replacing the system, I think those you read doing so are replacing the Bose system in the previous gen RL not this one. To replace this RL's surround system would be a huge butcher job to the dash and such but hey, if someone has I'd be interested ins eeing pics and what components they used to replace the whole system.

Note that I voted best system simply because there is nothing between avg and best. I dont think it is the best but it is awesome none the less.

 

Personally I think it is excellent. After owning the TL and now the RL, I can say that I believe the RL is better. On the ohter hand, I am not audio savvy like many others.

 

I've also owned a 04 TL and now a 05 RL and agree that the RL is much more superior. Additionally, I have both the BMW DSP & Logic 7 system and found it equal to the RL. The only advantage that the BMW has is the ability to set "Room Size" and "Echo" level.

 

This is best automotive audio system I've heard in a factory
installed situation.....I took advantage of the Bose Gift Card
and received a 5.1 DVD-A....fantastic sound in such a small,
confined space...if it were a $1000 option would I pay extra
for it? ...yes...I'm very satisfied.

BTW in the NSX, the Bose system is horrible; all Bose is not
created equal.

Steve
Seattle

 

Best OEM system I've heard.

But that wasn't a poll option . . .

 

Great system. I had a 2004 Lexus GX470 with the Levinson audio and 14 speakers. It was a good system, but the Bose cabin surround surpasses it when playing CD's and especially with DVD-A's IMO.

Lexus has come out with a Levinson surround system in their 2006 models that I haven't heard yet, so I can't compare the two.

I wish the satellite radio sounded as good as CD's in the car, but I still like the variety.

The RL system is very good and most everyone that has been in my car comments on how good it sounds compared to their audio system. I am very happy with it.

 

I have Bose in my 2000 S4 and it's great. Audiophiles will always find something to b1tch about. Cars are notoriously poor listening environments. The noise, distractions (hehe) etc. All it needs to do for me is amplify without crackle and distortion with rich bass. That it does admirably. I haven't heard the RL audio yet but I have no reason to doubt it's great.

 

I'm very satisfied with the bose system. The highs are crisp and the bass is strong.

 

I owned a 01 CL Type S before purchasing my 05 RL. I had (& always have) customized my sound systems and this is a step down (as I told the Bose customer rep when I called to inquire about upgrading) from my Alpine deck, 2 amps, JL sub, w/12 disc CD changer w/XM Radio that I had in it. By the way - Bose told me that there is no upgrade and the 'RL system is customized to the cabin. To change it in any way would degrade the current setup'. Although I have Bose speakers in my home theatre system, the Bose folks are full of themselves.

 

I must admit, I too am an audiophile...there, I said it.

I must also admit, that I would never have any Bose system anywhere around my home, simply because the quality is just not sufficient for my ears. Bose typically makes generically sounding home units that tend to appeal based on how they look rather than how they sound...and they do really well in this market. They are not focused on the high-end market.

BUT...I will admit that I was, and still am, impressed with the system in the RL. Yes, it's a bit bass light on the lower end of the sub, but for a factory installed system I think that it rates among the highest I have experienced. Is it possible that Bose spent the money on how it sounded, rather than how it looks?

Can you compare it to a state-of-the-art head unit, with multiple amps driving many speakers in a tuned system? My answer is that it is unlikely to rate among the higher systems, but that it might hold its own among some of the mid-to-lower end systems that are out there.

My conclusion is that for most people the system is the RL will be impressive and more than adequate.

Pete

 

I test drove a GS 330 with the ML (Mark Levinson) option and have to say that my TL sounded a lot better. I mean, if the TL was a 10, the GS was a 5. The RL is alot better now. I love the system. I have to give the RL a 10 compared to the TL close 8.

 

Agreed.

I find it sorta silly people will compare this or any other OEM system to an after market system and then bitch how the aftermarket sounds better and imply the factory RL system isn't good because of that. They need to compare the RL system to other factory systems then come back and say it is only avg or whatever...

The only real shortcoming of the RL system is that I think it could go a little lower in the bass extension...I feel it is "loud" enough but just doesn't go low enough. That's it. I find that many don't understand overpowering bass isn't good bass and they equate bass volume to actual bass output which IMO is wrong. I want to scream when I get in cars and people have the bass janked and every song is just bass washing out all the other frequencies. Gah, sounds like complete shit yet those same people will go on about how good the bass is.

 

Pretty awesome IMO. If you want to hear something incredible...don't laugh, now...listen to the Blue Man Group DVD-A in the RL... Holy Moses!

 

What model year is your RL?

 

Ditto - that's why I didn't answer the poll. I'm not a Bose fan, the system in my 'vette is pretty lame (the Infinity system in my old Intrepid was far better). But . . . this system in the RL is the best OEM system I've ever heard, period. Granted, I've never heard the ML system that Lexus offers and I haven't spent a lot of time in Aston Martin's or other ultra high-end cars so I'm sure there are better OEM systems that I haven't heard. Still, I'm kind of picky and I've been impressed with this even though it's got the Bose name. Sorry the OP is disappointed with his ride but I'm happy with mine.

 

I own the 2005 RL.

Didn't mean to rattle any cages....I just am not a fan
of Bose products and the audio doesn't have the punch
of a lesser system that I had in my older car.

 

No disrespect intended, but I don't seem to recall any posts in this forum regarding '05 RL owners having installed different audio systems ... Could you possibly point me in the right direction?

 

427,

Look in the Audio section of this forum.

I could very well be mistaken that these are
2005 models being modified -- but we are still
talking about Bose systems.

In fact, I recall reading one of the members
referring to Bose as Blose

 

Just for reference...what are you going to change in your RL system to make it
better than what it already is?....send some pictures when you do!

 

They are for the previous RLs not the 05.

You are flatly stating your bias against Bose is the reason why you don't like this system since it performs NOTHING like any other Bose product I have heard and I've herad Home systems, other car systems, etc.

I am 99.5% certain if this system didn't have Bose on it you'd love it.

As for "punch" you of all people should know that good audio isn't just about "punch" it is about balance. The system in the RL has good balance.

 

No, let's get this right....

I am unhappy with the sound system because it sounds
subpar to a cheaper system I had in my old car and knowing
the reputation of Bose amongst many audiophiles I can easily
see where the problem possibly lies.

Had it been a different manufacturer giving me the same quality
audio I would be just as equally dissatisfied.

Sound quality is subjective. Everyone is going to hear something
different based upon their individual tastes. I respect the the positive
feedback from members in this thread concerning their RL system. I am
certain my opinion is being respected here as well.

 

No problem. I guess I just haven't heard a better system ... That doesn't mean one doesn't exist. Heck, I sometimes enjoy the old AM/FM radio in my classic car ... But I'd rather hear the sound of raw horsepower barking out the sidepipes and shattering the clear night air.

 

Ron,

But the system sounds NOTHING like Bose systems that you know the rep of so your continual trashing of Bose is useless in this situation. That is my point. This thing is pretty much on par with the Mark Levinson system found in the Lexus LS430. If you have read up on factory car systems you would know the ML system is regarded as the top factory system IN THE WORLD. So using some simple logic, the Bose system in the new RL must be one of the top systems therefore your point is that you either find ALL OEM systems avg or subpar or you are biased towards this system simply because it was made by Bose...or maybe you just want a system that has overboosted bass rather than balance...that is fine too but it doesnt mean a system is supbar if it does things the correct/accurate way.

Try not to compare OEM/factory systems to aftermarket. It's silly.

I also am curious how you know the price of the RL's system when you made the comment:

"I am unhappy with the sound system because it sounds subpar to a cheaper system I had in my old car "

Since there is no price for the RL's system as it is standard. For all you know the Bose system costs 45 bucks.

Oh and I also find it amusing you say sound quality is subjective yet because the "audiophile community" does not like Bose that they are then crap...which is it? Is sound quality subjective or is there a correct opinion to have if it conforms with the "audiophile community"? If the precious members of the HTF praised the RL's system woudl you then feel it was one of the ebst OEM systems in the world?

BTW I dont like Bose (seeing as I actually have previous experience with other Bose car systems/home speakers and am not impressed) but I love this system. Again, it is nothing like the typical Bose sound you find in their home systems or previous car systems.

 

Note that I don't care if you like the system or not and respect whatever opinion you choose to take...I just am simply trying to point out that there is an obvious bias because it is a Bose branded system (if there wasnt a bias you wouldnt make a negative bose comment in every post in this thread) and trying to point out that this is almost as good as you can get in current factory systems.

 

I am admittedly NOT an audiophile, but I can share the following:
- The audio system in my 05 RL is the best that I have experienced.
- My RL's audio system has received glowing reviews from every single person that has heard it, including an Audi driver( "Wow this sounds amazing...pause... No it's REALLY AMAZING") and a Lexus LS driver ("Geez, this sounds better than my Lexus"). I should note that the LS that my friend drives is a few years old and probably doesn't represent the best that Lexus has to offer any longer. Both of these gentlemen are noted audiophiles whose judgement in this matter I regard much higher than my own.

Finally, allow me to add that any audio system can't be degraded just because it is made by Bose. Bose may have made a lot of average audio systems marketed to the masses, but that doesn't mean that their current effort in the RL isn't outstanding. Pre-judging all Bose systems is the equivalent to judging all Honda and Toyota automobiles by the Civic and Corolla.

 

By way of qualification. I'm somewhat of an audiophile. I have a top of the line Klipsch home theatre system, and another Polk XM/Bostan Acoustics system in my bedroom. I don't go so far as insisting on tube or separate components, as my testing has shown that good integrated receivers do a great job, so I'm not a total audio nerd. But I have a good ear and bad sound bother me. A lot.

My friends have home Bose systems they spent quite a bit of money on and I've never liked them.

I commute for 3-4 hours a day 2-3 days a week, and my tunes keep me sane. I won't buy a car with bad tunes. I went into test driving my RL thinking that the Bose system was a negative. I was wrong. This is the best system I test drove, and I listened to the Mark Levinson and Harmon Kerdon systems in Lexus and BMW. If music is an important part of your drive, this car will more than satisfy you.

First off, the ability to play DVD Audio is very impressive, but I have to say that few can afford to convert their collection over to this format, and there's a linmted choice, so I don't play these that much. I've got a half dozen I use to impress people.

The real test of a system is what it will do with XM and CD sources on the road, which is what you play 99% of the time. The Acura RL system does this very, very well, partly because of the excellent noise cancelling system which weems to provide a ,more open sound theatre than other cars.

To get the most out of each format, you need to tweak the adjustments. One of my complaints is that the RL system doesn't remember the sound system settings by source type, so going from XM to CD and back means messing with the controls a bit. This is a nit, but high end home systems do it.

The nice thing is that the adjustments in the system are terrific, You can set surround system settings by speaker, and also adjust tone. For instance on, XM I find I need more Subwoofer and that's easy to do without boosting all on the low end.

The "Centerpoint" system may work well, but I'll never know since I'm always the one driving. Supposedly, it allows all listeners to hear balanced sound. This is the kind of Bose claim that I would be suspect of in their other equipment (wave radios etc).

All I can say is, this system rocks!

 

When compared to other OEM systems out there, I'd place it near the upper tier of what's available out of the box. But if compared to what an audiophile would consider to be great, no way.

Bose automobile technology to me is just a gimmick to make you pay extra for a few more speakers and a little more bass. I'd personally like it if we had more options by way of audio choices. Stock head/unit + Navi + amp & speakers of our choosing.

Anyways, the RL system has to be better than this:

 

Tippin on 44s

 

I echo the comments that this is the best factory-installed audio I've ever heard. With well produced music, it sounds great with the volume set at 30 (out of 40). I really don't want to hear music any louder than that.

When I think of aftermarket car audio, I think of overly strong bass that ends up rattling the whole hooptie, which eventually causes the purple neon undercarriage lighting to malfunction.

 

Volume set at 30?? I have never had mine above 20!! I usually listen at 12 to 15. The thought of keeping it at 30 is giving me a headache.

 

Don't get confused between clean bass and the "boom boom" bass that you hear from the severely lowered, neon-lit cars that are 2 blocks away

Good clean bass is smooth, giving great low-end response without distortion that doesn't have to disturb the neighborhood. It balances out the highs with an even amount of bass, typically lacking in most systems because it takes a lot of amps and speaker diameter to generate.

As for the "boom boom" crowd, I wonder what it must be like to sit inside of the car when you can hear it so far away, their brains must be rattling...I guess it must be a bit like a boxer getting punch-drunk !

Pete

 

I think there is a big gap in the poll between 'just average' and 'The best I ever heard'. I checked the 'Best' because it is the best I've heard. Also, I haven't seen the posts where people are complaining and replacing the factory components. No one has yet checked the option that they have replaced the components.

Sound systems are like cars when it comes to people's taste. We don't all like the same thing in a car and a sound system is the same way. That's why the tone controls are there. Most people are not audiophiles and there is no way a factory system could please everyone.

 

It is made by CLARION.

http://www.acuraautomotiveparts.org/...catdisplay.jsp

Is Bose and Clarion one and the same?

 

I think Bose just does the design and layout of the system and uses their speakers. I don't think Bose makes any automotive components, other than the speakers.

 

Nope, Bose is US company based out of MA. Clarion I believe is a Japanese company.

 

I read somewhere that the RL's system (not speakers) was made by Panasonic....

I think the NAV unit is Alpine......

 

I have a Bose in my S4 but all it is is a set of filters, an amp and different speakers. The headunit is identical although it 'knowns' it's attached to Bose equipment. I'm sure Acura uses a similar arrangement.

 

Correct on both counts! NAV by Alpine and head unit by Panasonic...

 

Doesnt putting a big wing on the back make the audio better?
http://www.laughatrice.com/gallery/d...?album=2&pos=9