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[TheBoy]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

[TheBoy]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

Because its plug and play....the bose loom plugs into the existing, the speakers are easy to swap and require no adaptors, the amp bolts in place.

Its very easy to fit.

Aftermarket speakers dont fit easily in an Omega (adaptors and the like required), the amps require major re-wires plus additional supplies adding.

Plus the whole setup can be picked up for not much more than the cost of a good night out  

Blimey, you're obviously not a cheap date

[Dave DND]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

The sound quality of the "gaypod" depends on how the material is compressed and recorded.

Did you see the Gadget show the other week? very very interesting blindfold experiment with Jason and Suzie trying to compare CD / MP3 and Vinyl.

Although The MP3 was actually compressed at a rate 7 time higher than most people download -(takes up more memory but gives a significantly higher quality) I must admit that I would have lost an awful lot of money should I have bet on the outcome, in fact we were all speechless at the result - (and that takes some doing)

The MP3 won !!!!!            

[TheBoy]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

The sound quality of the "gaypod" depends on how the material is compressed and recorded.

Did you see the Gadget show the other week? very very interesting blindfold experiment with Jason and Suzie trying to compare CD / MP3 and Vinyl.

Although The MP3 was actually compressed at a rate 7 time higher than most people download -(takes up more memory but gives a significantly higher quality) I must admit that I would have lost an awful lot of money should I have bet on the outcome, in fact we were all speechless at the result - (and that takes some doing)

The MP3 won !!!!!            

I'm tone deaf.  Thats probably why I think the Bose is more than good enough

But even I can tell the difference between a good source, and a 128kbit mp3...

[zirk]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well ? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

The sound quality of the "gaypod" depends on how the material is compressed and recorded.

Did you see the Gadget show the other week? very very interesting blindfold experiment with Jason and Suzie trying to compare CD / MP3 and Vinyl.

Although The MP3 was actually compressed at a rate 7 time higher than most people download -(takes up more memory but gives a significantly higher quality) I must admit that I would have lost an awful lot of money should I have bet on the outcome, in fact we were all speechless at the result - (and that takes some doing)

The MP3 won !!!!!            

Just as well I missed that, think I would snapped my remote control in half if that was the case (is she tone deaf).

Although I accept that it depends on the compression rates etc of MP3 formats, it still makes me cringe what rubbish some people listen to these days.

Spent most of my youth aiming for that magic 20 – 20 KHz +/- 1db without hiss and crackles, then finally it happens, PCM recorders, CD and DAT tape, wonderful. Then what do we do a few years later, compress the freck out of the music losing all the lower a higher harmonics to name a few and making the sound quality inferior!!. All for the sake of a few Mbs of space which are cheap and plentiful now anyway.

Grrrr  

[Dave DND]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

The sound quality of the "gaypod" depends on how the material is compressed and recorded.

Did you see the Gadget show the other week? very very interesting blindfold experiment with Jason and Suzie trying to compare CD / MP3 and Vinyl.

Although The MP3 was actually compressed at a rate 7 time higher than most people download -(takes up more memory but gives a significantly higher quality) I must admit that I would have lost an awful lot of money should I have bet on the outcome, in fact we were all speechless at the result - (and that takes some doing)

The MP3 won !!!!!            

I'm tone deaf.  Thats probably why I think the Bose is more than good enough

But even I can tell the difference between a good source, and a 128kbit mp3...

Not all MP3 is 128kbit - Gadget show have now proved that if recorded properly, it can actually sound quite good !!  We are going to have a bit of a play here and see if we agree - will let you know how we get on.

 :-/

[zirk]

why do you lot go mad for a 20 year old system?

a moderm head unit  would trounce it in every way

compaired to the stock system is is an improvement but spend a few hundred quid on speakers and a decent head unit and  the bose system really starts to sound a but duff

Doug

I couldn`t agree more

Even if you could get the BOSE system to sounds its absolute best, and play it back through a set of BOSE speakers that did not show signs of having aged the last 20 years, you are still left with a system that although sounded reasonable(?) 20 years ago, does not compare in any way to any modern stereo that has evolved over the years. Audio technology has come a long way, and if you do not agree, then why are you all trying to fit iPods as well? (with the exception of TB who still likes listening to the wireless)

I know that many of you like to keep the originality of the head unit, and do not like the look of modrn ones, and I can fully accept that argument, but to faff around rewiring and adding hideaway amps for little gain really does puzzle me.

A good quality modern amplifier and a good set of modern speakers hidden away, yet powered by the existing head unit is going to blow away any BOSE system. And if you disagree and think that the BOSE is better, then I would certainly like to come and visit YOUR car audio shop for a side by side comparison.

 

LOL - gayPod's audio abilities shows that most people aren't that insterested in sound quality  .

The sound quality of the "gaypod" depends on how the material is compressed and recorded.

Did you see the Gadget show the other week? very very interesting blindfold experiment with Jason and Suzie trying to compare CD / MP3 and Vinyl.

Although The MP3 was actually compressed at a rate 7 time higher than most people download -(takes up more memory but gives a significantly higher quality) I must admit that I would have lost an awful lot of money should I have bet on the outcome, in fact we were all speechless at the result - (and that takes some doing)

The MP3 won !!!!!            

I'm tone deaf.  Thats probably why I think the Bose is more than good enough

But even I can tell the difference between a good source, and a 128kbit mp3...

Not all MP3 is 128kbit - Gadget show have now proved that if recorded properly, it can actually sound quite good !!  We are going to have a bit of a play here and see if we agree - will let you know how we get on.

 :-/

If its higher than 128kb (think thats what your saying), then quality (real) would improve. but what about Headroom and Dynamic Range?, let us know when you have a play with it (compare with real PCM if you can).  

[Dave DND]

128kbit is about the standard that most programs compress to by default, there are other settings, but lets face it, who looks at anything other than the default settings? The more info you put on your MP3 player, the better it will sound.

We are going to have a play in a car with an iPod using as high a compression ratio as we can get, and will compare with a standard CD on a 24 bit player and an SACD as we have also have a player for that one also. ICE equipment will be with Audison amps on Focal speakers and also on a dedicated Clarion system as well.

Hope to have some results mid / late april

 

[Marks DTM Calib]

I wouldn't trust a gadget show test as they rarely base line the players etc they use.

MP3 is a lossy compression and that happens no matter what bit rate you record at as it still removes what it thinks are in-audiable sounds and uses substitution as the compression technique.

Its this that results in its lack of depth and makes it a tiring format to listen to.

Will be interesting to hear (reports on) your results Dave!

[Kait]

I just found out that I have nowhere to insert this grey connector....
Took radio out and there were no remote wire  for amp in ISO plug also:(

Do I need to have one more loom that goes from A-pillar to radio?? Is this loom separate from others?

Everybody on ebay are selling bose system with from rear to A-pillar loom....

I really need your help quickly.....

[TheBoy]

I just found out that I have nowhere to insert this grey connector....
Took radio out and there were no remote wire  for amp in ISO plug also:(

Do I need to have one more loom that goes from A-pillar to radio?? Is this loom separate from others?

Everybody on ebay are selling bose system with from rear to A-pillar loom....

I really need your help quickly.....

On a facelift, you may need to extend the loom from back of radio.  Someone with a facelift should be able to confirm

[tmx]

I wouldn't trust a gadget show test as they rarely base line the players etc they use.

MP3 is a lossy compression and that happens no matter what bit rate you record at as it still removes what it thinks are in-audiable sounds and uses substitution as the compression technique.

Its this that results in its lack of depth and makes it a tiring format to listen to.

Will be interesting to hear (reports on) your results Dave!

No they tested a Panasonic Toughbook in the bath so when i attended apprentice college we attempted similar tests and proved the Toughbook DOESNT work under water

that beside i use MP3 or OGG i usually rip at 320kbps anymore and i cant fit all my music on my MP3 CD

[feeutfo]

personally found a few shortcomings in the 2015 head unit and associated gubbins that are rather annoying imho,
Such as lack of tmc(traffic) on the sat nav.(ffs)
Sat nav software itself is rather basic. Bloody works well tho.
Bose sound is "empty" at lower volume. Fine flat out tho.(again, imho)
No line in for audio/mp3 player.
No line in for video/mp4 player/freeview/what ever

But for all its short comings, which probably had no right to be included when designed, what is there to replace it that has all of the above but keeps all the good points without major surgery and bill to go with it? Ie,
Keep a colour screen interface in the dash near the windscreen view that keeps all the cars inputs, not forgetting check controle for low fluids and blown bulbs etc.
 The replacement system must also work with stearing wheel controls and have a phone option, and it would be nice not to have to rip out the current speaker system due to expense/ possible damage to interior but this, from what i gather on here, aint possible as the bose speakers work with nothing else due to the level of amps it uses? Or something like that.

In short, agreed the elite level ice aint the greatest, but what do you replace it with given the above? I have looked and found nothing close, esp when price comes into it. Please advise if anybody has a product in mind.

Cheers

Chris. :-)

Ps also bear in mind there is bog all room behind the head unit for all those lovely fat connectors that ice shops love so much.

[zirk]

128kbit is about the standard that most programs compress to by default, there are other settings, but lets face it, who looks at anything other than the default settings? The more info you put on your MP3 player, the better it will sound.

We are going to have a play in a car with an iPod using as high a compression ratio as we can get, and will compare with a standard CD on a 24 bit player and an SACD as we have also have a player for that one also. ICE equipment will be with Audison amps on Focal speakers and also on a dedicated Clarion system as well.

Hope to have some results mid / late april

 

Wow, I’ve yet to listen to one of those, where you going to get a decent source recorded material from? I would really be interested in coming up and being a spectator to your tests. My back ground is Electronics Engineer, Sound Engineer and Hi Fi Engineer before becoming, my lasted trade, Radio Communications Engineer.

Any chance of an invite for the tests, don’t mind travelling, (pm sent).

[Dave DND]

128kbit is about the standard that most programs compress to by default, there are other settings, but lets face it, who looks at anything other than the default settings? The more info you put on your MP3 player, the better it will sound.

We are going to have a play in a car with an iPod using as high a compression ratio as we can get, and will compare with a standard CD on a 24 bit player and an SACD as we have also have a player for that one also. ICE equipment will be with Audison amps on Focal speakers and also on a dedicated Clarion system as well.

Hope to have some results mid / late april

 

Wow, I’ve yet to listen to one of those, where you going to get a decent source recorded material from? I would really be interested in coming up and being a spectator to your tests. My back ground is Electronics Engineer, Sound Engineer and Hi Fi Engineer before becoming, my lasted trade, Radio Communications Engineer.

Any chance of an invite for the tests, don’t mind travelling, (pm sent).

One of the advantages of working so closely with the manufacturers is that we do get the occasional promotional and demo CD and these are often recorded at a much higher quality to ensure that when you are showing off systems to customers that they sound their absolute best.

SACD`s were in the shops around 8 years ago for a very short time, although some music specialists may still have some as they were never popular and seldom sold. We use a copy of Thriller that we were given when playing around with some pre-production In Car SACD players years ago, but I must admit that we will too have to blow the dust off both the disc and the player, as the discs wouldn`t play in standard CD players either, one of the other reasons they never caught on.

If you are going to ask if the sound of SACD is any better? well, when compared with a standard CD recording on a standard CD player, yes, its significantly better - but if you listen to a standard CD on a 24 Bit CD player, then I would have to say that the standard CD sounds just as good - no real difference, and it was because of this reaction that the manufacturers produced a range of high end 24 bit CD players for In Car use that would play ordinary CD`s instead of developing the SACD player any further.

Now, if the gadget show compared the MP3 player with a 24bit CD player, I suspect that the final conclusion may have been very different.

Zirk, by all means come down and see us, (Essex to Paignton is a long way to hear a CD) - But as I`m quite often in Stevenage,  I`m more than happy to meet up somewhere and let you have a listen sometime