VictorD

Whats the difference? Is it really all that much better?

jasonrxeight

base has smaller speakers and the amps are in the head unit.
bose has bigger speakers and each speaker has individual amplifier.

if you ever gonna replace the stock ones its easier on the base model cuz you dont need to deal with amplifiers.

VictorD

sound wise, Jason, is it noticeably worse to have base?

Grog

iTrader: (5)

Small question that is somewhat related...

If I have a base model 8 and just want a more "bose"-ish sound, or even better, would I just need to pop in some nice tweeters and I'm done? The stock amp wouldn't need to be replaced?

I have a base and the sound isn't bad at all. It is much nicer than most cars' base sound systems. Though, if you've ever been in a car with a bose system you can definitely tell the difference and would definitely prefer the bose over the stock, lol. I guess the best way to put it is that there's absolutely nothing special about the base model's sound but it isn't "unacceptable" and I have no problem even blasting music with it.

VictorD

I owned one with bose, with my dad, and its gone now. I was looking for one for myself, and the one im looking at has base sound. I didn't know if it sucks, or whatever. I am a sound fanatic. It has to be good when it comes to sound, so I wanted to see if the base system is any worse. Does the base kick hard?

jasonrxeight

BOSE is obviously better than base to me, but it think it depends on each person's taste.

VictorD

Ive heard alot of different things though. I've heard the bose is pitiful, and doesnt hit as hard as it should. I heard there wasn't much of a difference between the two. I've heard both sides of the story to be honest.

Pico

iTrader: (2)

The Bose system isn't really that good in my opinion.

When you hear the word BOSE you think quality, but not so much when it comes to the mass production OEM audio components.

Grog

iTrader: (5)

No, not at all.

I personally don't even think the bose kicks that hard. It more or less just drowns out actual sound quality with this muffled "typical bose" bass.

jasonrxeight

base has smaller front mid/low speakers and no tweeter all four corners I think.

VictorD

hmm... so how about the bass. I heard bose doesnt hit hard and I had it. I thought it was nice. Compared to the base model, how is it? any different?

Marklar

I really hope that Bose is better than the base, because the base is terrible.

jasonrxeight

it really depends on personal taste. I like a balanced system. most people think a truck shaking sub is good but its not.

lateralus

iTrader: (1)

Depends on what you are comparing it to. The Bose system is definitely good for a a factory sound system. But if you are asking if the Bose system is really good compared like compared to most after market systems people put together, its not as good (like Jason said, depending on what type sound you are looking for).... I have the Bose system and wouldn't really want more out of it. But I just like having a system that sounds good while I'm driving, I don't really care about turning heads with my music..... So if you want a system that just plays your music good so you can enjoy it while you drive, yeah Bose is great. If you want a system that makes your car go BOOM BOOM BOOM around the block, probably not quite.

Razz1

All you need is a good set of speaker for the Bose.

terch1

iTrader: (2)

I have the Bose and honestly its the best sounding factory system I have ever had in any of my cars. I am in my mid thirties and have had my fair share of cars. The system throws plenty of bass in my opinion.

9291150

Myself and the kids think the 8's Bose stock system is better than my wife's stock Harman Kardon or my trucks 400watt stock Alpine.

Otherwise, all are still way too loud for me.

PaPaBear

I have had both, 2004 base - 2008 Bose. The Bose sound is much better.

VictorD

alright. thankss.

SmallsRHIT

I tried both back to back when shopping. I preferred bose over base by a narrow margin. I'd argue that if this is your primary criteria between sport and gt models, get the sport.

Also, I thought I cared about the stereo, but now rarely use it because I prefer to hear the engine!

VictorD

I hate hearing both sides of the story. haha. I knew it would turn out like this. That is my primary thing to go with the gt. Sound system is second in line behind the car to me. engine roar is 3rd. :p

mike[piston eater]

iTrader: (3)

base model is a joke, bose was alright but not very krisp, the bass was muffled, it was pretty good though for a stock system

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

I didn't read every post but I'll give you my opinion since I have spent time in both. I am storing and driving another members 8 while he is playing soldier in the desert. He has a 2005 Sport that I drive once a week to work. I have a 2004 Touring with the Bose. Going to the Base Stereo from my Bose in extremely painful. I'm not saying the factory Bose is perfect but it kicks the **** out of the base stereo.

I actually recently bought a Bazooka Bass tube for mine to compliment the Bose system. My friend has the same setup in his R3 and it sounds great.

But if you have the base stereo already, obviously upgrading to aftermarket stuff is the way to go.

VictorD

Nope. Just looking at one, and it was the sport package. Doesnt have bose... so i am skeptical. why drop that much, if you can add a few 100$ to get a gt?

Marklar

There are some good reasons some people go for a sport instead. It's a bit lighter, has room for a helmet, and it has some damn nice cloth seats which are a lot more comfortable in hot weather than the leather. And the sat-nav on the GT blows, or at least the early ones did.

There isn't much difference in price, it depends on what you want. If you are considering autocrossing, you might want a sport.