No matter how much fiddling I do with the bass, treble and fader control I can't get a good balance. Something that sounds decent for music makes disk jockey banter sound like they're on major reverb.

While the amp can put out decent raw power I find kicking volume above 20 results in too much distortion and the interior starts vibrating/buzzing like mad. Very frustrating.

What makes it worse is I'm comparing apples to oranges. I have a $12k aftermarket sound system in my primary car. But honestly, I think even the stock S2000 stereo sounds better than this.
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What do you expect, it's a Bose. :(

No highs, no lows, must be Bose.:p

<RANT>Why oh why oh why do car manufacturers install BOSE systems if they are SO inadequate. I just don't understand it. After the debacle over the 350Z's audio nightmare I truly assumed that Mazda wouldn't put an inferior system in the RX-8. One of their promotions insisted it to be the equivalent of an $80,000 home system! Yeah right. Does anyone know WHY Bose systems aren't thrown out once and for all? Why do Bose have such control over car makers? Don't the designers WANT decent kit in their vehicles: I JUST DON'T GET IT!!!

Originally posted by javahut
You spent $12K on an aftermarket stereo, but your complaining about not being able to get good sound from an FM radio broadcast in your 8? There's one problem right there. Playing your BOSE at the "20" volume level, you won't have to worry about hearing much for too long anyway.:p

that settles it... he works for them ;P

You spent $12K on an aftermarket stereo, but your complaining about not being able to get good sound from an FM radio broadcast in your 8? There's one problem right there. Playing your BOSE at the "20" volume level, you won't have to worry about hearing much for too long anyway.:p

While I agree, BOSE has some weird audio configurations, and is definitely not the primo to be had, the system in the 8 has very good audiophile quality for what it is. It's just seems to have become very popular to dis Bose equipment, I guess because they don't try to reproduce the over hyped low & top end compression that's populer in hi-watt, huge subbed, high priced after market systems. If you're used to enough volume and thump to make your car hop up & down, then I don't think you'll get enough audio in the 8 without filling up the trunk with after market equipment. And even then it won't be accurate, because it's almost impossible to reproduce any kind of accurate sound stage and frequency response in the small space with the proportions of the RX-8's cabin. I'm happy with the Bose system in the RX-8 and think Mazda gets an A in that department. Some of the people complaining about the system wouldn't have been happy unless they stuck 12" subs in the trunk with a couple of kilowatts of power amps, and that's just unrealistic for original eqiupment in a sports car.

Originally posted by Cylo
that settles it... he works for them

Nope... don't work for Bose, and wouldn't buy a Bose system on it's own for any application. But I do have quite a bit of experience with audio, and I just don't think the system is as bad as many make it out to be.

Originally posted by javahut
You spent $12K on an aftermarket stereo, but your complaining about not being able to get good sound from an FM radio broadcast in your 8? There's one problem right there.
I spent $12k on an aftermarket stereo, so the difference between "good sound" and BOSE is all the more apparent--even for FM radio broadcasts.

If you're used to enough volume and thump to make your car hop up & down, then I don't think you'll get enough audio in the 8 without filling up the trunk with after market equipment.
Don't attack other people's strengths through your own weaknesses. :) Doing the gansta rap thang is easy with raw power but my system is aimed at listening to artists like Sheryl Crow, Enya and Train.

Some of the people complaining about the system wouldn't have been happy unless they stuck 12" subs in the trunk with a couple of kilwatts of power amps
Like I said previously, I am much happier with the stock sound from an S2000 than I am with the "improved" sound from the RX8 BOSE.
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Originally posted by javahut
You spent $12K on an aftermarket stereo, but your complaining about not being able to get good sound from an FM radio broadcast in your 8? There's one problem right there. Playing your BOSE at the "20" volume level, you won't have to worry about hearing much for too long anyway.:p

While I agree, BOSE has some weird audio configurations, and is definitely not the primo to be had, the system in the 8 has very good audiophile quality for what it is. It's just seems to have become very popular to dis Bose equipment, I guess because they don't try to reproduce the over hyped low & top end compression that's populer in hi-watt, huge subbed, high priced after market systems. If you're used to enough volume and thump to make your car hop up & down, then I don't think you'll get enough audio in the 8 without filling up the trunk with after market equipment. And even then it won't be accurate, because it's almost impossible to reproduce any kind of accurate sound stage and frequency response in the small space with the proportions of the RX-8's cabin. I'm happy with the Bose system in the RX-8 and think Mazda gets an A in that department. Some of the people complaining about the system wouldn't have been happy unless they stuck 12" subs in the trunk with a couple of kilowatts of power amps, and that's just unrealistic for original eqiupment in a sports car.

Well that's a bit more cheerful on the subject. I should point out that I've not heard the system, I've just read some poor reviews. I'll reserve my judgement until I get my car from now on. It can't be worse than my current distorted mess though.

BTW... I like the bose system for how I use it... it has enough clarity and punch to satisfy me under most circumstances (and I like to crank it)

now that i have my car and have heard the Bose system, i'll have to say that i'd rate it a 7 out of 10...it's not great but it's not quite as bad as everyone is putting it out to be...it's true it has very poor highs and lows, but sound quality is there...

i mean, i have a THX-certified home theater at home so i do know what good sound can sound like but i'm not in my car watching a DVD, i'm listening to music, driving...

Originally posted by BRx8
i mean, i have a THX-certified home theater at home so i do know what good sound can sound like but i'm not in my car watching a DVD, i'm listening to music, driving...
Totally off topic but THX surround sound is geared towards reproducing movie sound, not music. It's primary emphasis is center channel vocals which is why a standard music CD played through a surround sound decoder comes out mostly mono through the center speaker.
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Originally posted by PUR NRG

Totally off topic but THX surround sound is geared towards reproducing movie sound, not music. It's primary emphasis is center channel vocals which is why a standard music CD played through a surround sound decoder comes out mostly mono through the center speaker.

THX is a standard designed by LucasFilm. It certifies that audio reproduction equipment meets a particular (high) standard. Surround sound has many forms: predominantly Dolby ProLogic, Dolby Digital and Digital Theatre Systems (in the home). DTS in particular is ideally suited to multi-channel music reproduction and is the primary audio encoder for music DVDs, none of which emphasise the centre channel(s if 6.1/7.1) as I can happily confirm.

I'm not dissing Bose just to dis Bose. I'm dissing them because there are better options out there, but car manufacturers refuse to explore them.

I do agree that most people tend to pump up the bass and highs to get a sound they like (I do NOT). I like a good ACCURATE, flat reproduction - which Bose does NOT produce. It does create clean sound, but is very thin. It lacks body, realism; that "you are there" feel.

Again, there are better options out there!

I put 2 12inch jl subs in my rx8 and it helped. However the mids and highs are pretty weak too. I'll just have to replace those too

Originally posted by mikeb
I put 2 12inch jl subs in my rx8 and it helped. However the mids and highs are pretty weak too. I'll just have to replace those too

If you go to the Bose web site/car audio, they say that installation of subs, added to their system won't work!!

http://www.bose.com/auto/vehicles/

Originally posted by TybeeRX-8


If you go to the Bose web site/car audio, they say that installation of subs, added to their system won't work!!

http://www.bose.com/auto/vehicles/

I think that this description of their appalling system for the 350Z says it all:

Just as the award-winning V6 engine is specifically tuned to the Z, the Bose® sound system is tuned to the precise acoustics of the cockpit.

Not entirely trustable methinks!

Well, I had two JL audio W3 subs put in my rx8 last saturday along with a audiobahn amp

Just a note to RX8 owners wanting to maximize the stock sound system potential. The "Audiopilot" Bose feature is about half tech jargon (a new "feature" to SELL) and half truth. Although noise cancellation and and background-noise-throttled-volume-level controls are real technologies, I don't think I want them on this system. Although I have not performed any "A-B" tests (which are really the way to go when it comes to evaluating audio claims), here's my logic:

1) Stock audio systems typically use head units and amplifiers with below average signal generation and amplification quality (signal-to-noise, dynamic range, and, especially, harmonic distortion levels are allowed to stray). Therefore, I don't feel that there is any margin that justifies harming audio quality to ANY extent on stock systems.
2) The more "stuff" in the audio chain, the more net quality penalty.
3) AudioPilot is completely unnecessary signal processing in the audio chain.
4) Turn off AudioPilot.

So far, I've found the Bose to be pretty good for most of my mp3s, awesome on some, and not quite right on very few others. I think my inconsistent results is due more to inconsistencies with my ripping and encoding, and the mastering on a couple of albums. I definitely feel some bass in the seatback without sounding boomy, with great mid-range clarity, and just enough high-end sparkle. That would describe 85-90% of my listening experience in the 550 miles I've accumulated. I have not turned off the AudioPilot, yet, and I do occasionally need to adjust the levels for different mp3 folders. I haven't tried the radio much, as I don't care for the stations in my area, and I hate FM radio sound.

The thing you guys have to realize is that for a major portion of car owners out there, the stock stereo is just what they want. So, it is the right choice for Mazda to put into this car, or the 6, or the Miata.

And also realize that there will be very few of us who upgrade the stereo the same way. It will be different. And person 1 is probably not going to spend the extra money to get person 2's stereo setup. So, in most cases, it does not make fiscal sense to offer something more to the general public.

If you are one who isn't satsified, and wants a better system, then by all means go forth and create. But realize that Mazda and Bose did not put this system together to compete in IASCA. They put it together to get the best sound for the general public for the money.

---jps

Damn, Sputnik, do you have to be so logical?!? ;)

For me the car comes with the Bose, its base UK spec for them all.

Personaly I hate Bose home Hifi, bloody awful stuff, expensive, cheaply made etc.

By what I understand most of the (bose)in car stuff is 3rd party rebadged stuff, not so in the rx8 I believe, they make the additional amp and (all)speakers.

If it sounds acceptable I will be happy, I'll be upset if it stinks. But I'm not buying the car for Hi-fi, Ho-Fi in cars is a loosing game before you start. The interior of a car is AWFUL for real hifi, I prefer to keep that at home under controlled enviroments, and thats where I will keep it.

If I want to listen to top quality music I'll use my reference system at home, music in a car is to entertain while I drive somewhere .

The question is can I add a sub with minimal effort? There is an amp sitting RIGHT there in the trunk. Could I just replace it and use a crossover on the speakers in the back and power another amp for say 2 10"'s or something. Then I have to figure out what to do about the mids and highs.

It sounds ok though, not the greatest but OK.

I like the audiopilot as I come from a car that just was TOO loud on the highway and I was constantly fiddling with the controls.

I have been driving my RX8 for a couple days and I am pretty happy with the Bose system (9 speaker), I don't consider myself an expert, I do have a set of B&W speakers at home and a Rotel intergrated amplifier, but if you really want to hear terrible car audio from what is supposed to be an upgraded audio package, listen to the Monsoon system in a VW Jetta. I turned my '00 Jetta in for the RX8, that sound system was awful.

Originally posted by firstmazda
I have been driving my RX8 for a couple days and I am pretty happy with the Bose system (9 speaker), I don't consider myself an expert, I do have a set of B&W speakers at home and a Rotel intergrated amplifier, but if you really want to hear terrible car audio from what is supposed to be an upgraded audio package, listen to the Monsoon system in a VW Jetta. I turned my '00 Jetta in for the RX8, that sound system was awful.

Ahhh, praise from some with Some bowers&wilkinson pluged into rotel... aaaaaand relax....

So, let me get this straight, are you folks saying i should cancel my order and carry on saving up for that aston martin vantage with the Linn stereo?

Hhhmmmm, that would only mean waiting another 15 years or so.(without a car)

Tell you what, if the bose gets anywhere near my somewhat antique alpine unit i'll be happy.

But, if my stereo moving device turns out to be an acceptably quick and sharp handling piece of equipment, well, then i'll be delighted.

(not quite B&W but my Sony / KEF combo seems to hit the right notes, couldn't resist the 'personalised' speakers)

Originally posted by KEF
So, let me get this straight, are you folks saying i should cancel my order and carry on saving up for that aston martin vantage with the Linn stereo?

Hhhmmmm, that would only mean waiting another 15 years or so.(without a car)

Tell you what, if the bose gets anywhere near my somewhat antique alpine unit i'll be happy.

But, if my stereo moving device turns out to be an acceptably quick and sharp handling piece of equipment, well, then i'll be delighted.

Considering your username (http://www.kef.com/) this is highly amusing. ;)

I like the Bose and plan to improve upon it myself. The system doesn't have the power "to hit" like some of you guys might want.

I plan to supplement the sound system with improved tweeters in the doors and a 10" woofer in the trunk.

But for a factory system, it is pretty darn good (yes, the trebble needs to be at +6 and the bass at +3 to +5). The only system that I've heard that I think that is noticeably better is in the Volvos. The new Volvo SUV has Dolby Pro-logic II and it does wonders in processing stereo music.

I give the Bose a solid A for a factory system and a B+ in sound quality to me. (best Bose system that I have heard)

-Mr. Wigggles

Ps. any thread with "SUCKS" in the title probably a troll and I guess I bit. And I've already stated the above in previous threads.

I think it is a matter of your expections. Any car has very poor acustical properties and on top of that you are battling road noise. If you go into a car expecting it to sound like your home system or a heavly modified after market system you will be dissapointed.

First Mazda I agree with your statement about a Monsoon system in a Jetta, horrible stuff, I think anything will be better.

I'd have to agree with the B+ grade for the Bose system (on a stock system scale). Although I would highly object to any one calling this system "audiophile" quality, as they obviously don't know the meaning of the word, I also don't condem the system saying it "sucks". Actually, in many ways I like the system. Excluding the low lows and high highs, it is quite ballenced and fairly clear sounding. Also I like the high up forward sound stage.

In my opinion the greatest weakness of the system is the front tweeters. It's these that drain the "life" out of the sound by failing to reproduce the high highs that provide all the detail in the music. I attribute this failing to Bose's selection of 2" drivers, which probably measure flat on axis, but are too directional at high frequencies to work correctly in the car environment. From an engineering standpoint, I understand why Bose went this route, but the result keeps my rating at a B+ where it might have been an A had they taken a different approach (1" tweeter with the ressonance point and xmax to operate with a 2k crossover).

To reach an A+, the lows would also need to be addressed. Currently, there isn't as much low end as with a dedicated sub, but the bass has decent extention, and is ok in quality. I'm guessing a Q of 1 to 2; not particularly tight, but not horrible like the jetta monson system which is god awfull. For the most part I'm forgiving of stock systems not extending that low as long as they hit what they do without major problems.

BTW, when I say A+ I'm talking stock a setup scale. On an absolute audiophile scale, there is quite a bit more room to go. But as many have pointed out a car environment is non-ideal for scoring high on this type of scale. Also high quality well setup aftermarket car sytems lie on a different scale as well. I'd rate the Bose somewhere around a C on that scale, but the comparison isn't quite fair concidering the significantly greater expense and experience nessisary for setting up such a system. I suspect that many people are bad mouthing the Bose setup because it fails to perform on a full aftermarket scale, where in truth no stock system realy competes on this scale.

The real question is what's the easiest method for improving audio quality while keping expence reasonably.

Just my 2 cents :)

This cost $20 + little time. Improvement (high-side) = surprisingly major. Value = amazing

After driving my 8 around for the past week, I've come to this conclusion:

TURN AUDIOPILOT OFF

Everything sounds much better.

For reference, here's the type of music I listen to:

Sheryl Crow
Stevie Ray Vaughan
Barenaked Ladies
Fleetwood Mac
Rage against the Machine
Green Day

I haven't heard the bose system but they ones I heard in the past for cars was only ok. Mazda need to have Monsson make one for the RX-8. My father has a Camaro with an Monsson, and it is the best sounding system I have every heard from a factory stereo. An I know what good sound, sounds like I heard $300,000 home system that were so good they tricked you ears into thinking you were where the music was made.

I'm adding my two cents since we picked up my 8 this afternoon. I must say that I am a bit dissappointed in the "premium" Bose system- the stock system in the Boxster we drove had better sound, and only had speakers in the front! The 8's isn't horrible, but I feel like the bass isn't bass enough and the treble is either too muted or too shrill. Oh well. It is a stock system. We're going to be adding a 10 inch subwoofer if we can figure out a decent way to fit it in the trunk, and can find one that will work with the Bose system ok, and maybe some better speakers in the cabin.

Originally posted by Elara
I'm adding my two cents since we picked up my 8 this afternoon. I must say that I am a bit dissappointed in the "premium" Bose system- the stock system in the Boxster we drove had better sound, and only had speakers in the front! The 8's isn't horrible, but I feel like the bass isn't bass enough and the treble is either too muted or too shrill. Oh well. It is a stock system. We're going to be adding a 10 inch subwoofer if we can figure out a decent way to fit it in the trunk, and can find one that will work with the Bose system ok, and maybe some better speakers in the cabin.

DOH! Those lying Mazda snake oil salesmen... :(

i must have missed 2 speakers somewhere... 9 speakers?

1 center
2 tweeters
2 8" ? front door
2 6x9 rear deck

i looked at the rear door but there's not speakers
what did i miss?

for me, still debating if i should get a 10" sub
but will get some MB or Boston accoustic tweeters and 6x9

In terms of upgrading, a trick I found effective in a Z3 (now there's a challenge) was to place tweeters in the foot wells that were "aimed" at the driver. Putting them as far away as possible gave a more balance/realistic stage.

Personally, I feel that having a tweeter in one ear and another on the other side of the car is a bit like half wearing head phones.

Someone else I knew liked to bounce the tweeters into the windscreen - not my fav option.

Musical taste is a very personal thing. I had a Bose system in a TT that was more than adequate for most people and I didn't change it.

Originally posted by TerenceT
[B]i looked at the rear door but there's not speakers
what did i miss?/B]

The two rear tweeters.

I heard my first STOCK RX-8 stereo this weekend. Trust me, the BOSE setup IS premium compared to that muddy mono sounding set-up.

The Bose option in this RX-8, I admit isn't great, however I won't say Bose is all bad.

I had a $1200 Bose option in my Audi TT, and I have to tell you, it is the BEST sounding stereo system I've ever heard.

I think the car's acoustics plays a HUGE role in how it sounds. Not insisting that the equipment is of the same quality/value but perhaps the acoustics in the RX-8 makes the Bose system sound even worse than it already is.

By worse, I mean the bass and highs are not at all crisp. Very weak performer in all areas as compared to the Bose system in my Audi, which is the exact reverse. I would sit in my car just to listen to music.

The only thing I can point out that is really good about the audio setup in the RX-8 is the super strong antenna...

Originally posted by Squidward
The only thing I can point out that is really good about the audio setup in the RX-8 is the super strong antenna...

The antenna in the RX-8 has much worse reception than the antenna in my MX-6. Better than most in-glass antennas; not as good as a real antenna. I listen to three radio stations that are just barely in range in my MX-6 (another 20 miles to the west and I start getting static); they are heavily bothered with static in my RX-8.

-- Lee

well I've had a completely different experience..

My Civic has a full length antenna and doesn't get squat down past the first floor of my underground parking garage at work..

My TT faired much better but still received 50% signal loss by the time I got deep into the P2 floor of the garage.

My RX-8 receives FULL signal while at the bottom floor, p3...

Also, I don't know if it's using the same or different antenna, but the NAV system also works down there. My friend's BMW M5 doesn't get any signal in the garage at all with his NAV system.