BOSE Premium Sound, Really?

hawk99gt

Active member
Joined
Jul 22, 2023
Messages
179
Media
40
Reaction score
92
Points
28
Location
North GA
A complaint I have about the radio in my LT TB is.... for being premium sound in a $64K US truck, I have heard way better from basic setups. My old truck for one. This truck is totally lacking bass, which I see in other premium packages that include a sub- woofer. I have gone into the EQ and played with the settings and fader and still not even getting close to the sound I had in the RAM. Without adding an after market add on, has anyone found the sweet spot for your current setup? It is really sad that I have to add to something that I paid for in the first place. Usually, when I by anything BOSE anything, it has always been top notch, heck even 12 years ago we had an Nissan Armada with a BOSE system in it and it was awesome. Definitely thinking about the next time I am at the dealer, complain to them about the non premium sound I am getting from my stock premium sound. Sorry just me venting. But I would be interested if anyone has maybe found a good setting for the STOCK premium sound. I do see a lot of info on YouTube adding a subwoofer which would definitely help this setup extremely. But I just feel I shouldn't have too.
 
What year is your truck? I have read that in the refreshed models, the bose system is not as good as it was. I have a 21 trail boss and even though it is not earth shattering sound, once its cranked up I have no complaints, at least for me.
 
What year is your truck? I have read that in the refreshed models, the bose system is not as good as it was. I have a 21 trail boss and even though it is not earth shattering sound, once its cranked up I have no complaints, at least for me.
2023 born on date 06/23
 
Ok so first, Bose is not premium sound. It never was. Second, the "premium" system in my Silverado, which I believe is exactly the same as yours, is pretty solid. It's been a long time since i've heard a truly GOOD sound system in ANY vehicle. I believe the Harman system in my 2012 LaCrosse was the last. The Revel system in my 2013 MKZ was abhorrently bad and the Bose systems in all the Cadillacs i've had since have just been passable. I feel like sound system design has gone the way of the dinosaur and automakers just use formulas these days rather than putting any developmental effort into it.

But yeah, i'm quite happy with the system in my 2021 TB.
 
I have a '21 TB and my BOSE sound is perfect for me. Coming from a Tundra with JBL system, I realized how much I missed the BOSE system in my '14 Z71. Can't speak for the newer models, but mine is perfect for me.
Does yours come with the sub-woofer? Mine doesn't and I see that some BOSE systems have that included.
 
Ok so first, Bose is not premium sound. It never was. Second, the "premium" system in my Silverado, which I believe is exactly the same as yours, is pretty solid. It's been a long time since i've heard a truly GOOD sound system in ANY vehicle. I believe the Harman system in my 2012 LaCrosse was the last. The Revel system in my 2013 MKZ was abhorrently bad and the Bose systems in all the Cadillacs i've had since have just been passable. I feel like sound system design has gone the way of the dinosaur and automakers just use formulas these days rather than putting any developmental effort into it.

But yeah, i'm quite happy with the system in my 2021 TB.
I get what you are saying, but I am sorry it says right on my truck sticker "BOSE Premium Sound System" as part of the options listed for over $4000. What I believe is lacking is the BASS in this truck, whether they should have installed none full range paper speakers or at least added a sub woofer.
For the money spent I just feel it could be way better. I see so many people online that are either replacing their BOSE speakers with other after markets or adding their own subwoofers.
My old truck was a RAM Tradesman with basic factory sound, with a 5 inch display. Sounded way way better. Didn't even replace anything in that truck. Now I am considering doing that down the road in this truck.

Thanks for the input.
 
The "premium" system should include a subwoofer. If you don't have one then it appears that you don't have the "premium" system. In the pre-refresh trucks the base system didn't have Bose logos on the speakers. Perhaps they changed that with the refresh?
 
Bose has been and remains a marketing gimmick based on the only product they ever made that would be considered high-end or "premium". The 901 speakers of the 60-70's. Focals are arguably the best high-end speaker that is somewhat affordable. Many amps are great. Compare their THD @ 8 ohms for quality sound. Same thing with the head unit. If you amplify crap you will get louder crap.
 
The Bose system in my 2020 TB is just fine for a factory installed unit, IMHO. I have good bass response and clarity with mid to high trebles. The sub is under the console unit.
That being said, I realize that audio quality perceptions are extremely personal for the individual listener. What is fine in my opinion for my music needs, will be called trash by the next reviewer. If it ain't working for you, spend the money for a new system to meet your needs.
Do your research though, as I understand there's quite a bit of wiring to be done to interface with the Bose head and it needs to be done by a knowledgeable professional installer, if your retaining any of the original system.
 
The Bose system in my 2020 TB is just fine for a factory installed unit, IMHO. I have good bass response and clarity with mid to high trebles. The sub is under the console unit.
That being said, I realize that audio quality perceptions are extremely personal for the individual listener. What is fine in my opinion for my music needs, will be called trash by the next reviewer. If it ain't working for you, spend the money for a new system to meet your needs.
Do your research though, as I understand there's quite a bit of wiring to be done to interface with the Bose head and it needs to be done by a knowledgeable professional installer, if your retaining any of the original system.
See... that is what I am lacking. Mine did not come with a subwoofer, especially in the location you mentioned. I honestly I think if my TB came with one I wouldn't be here making a beef about it. It is really making me think that the manufacturer forgot something when they installed the "Premium Sound". I might see if the dealer can do anything about it.
 
The "premium" system should include a subwoofer. If you don't have one then it appears that you don't have the "premium" system. In the pre-refresh trucks the base system didn't have Bose logos on the speakers. Perhaps they changed that with the refresh?
Here is what my sticker says in the image:
 

Attachments

  • IMG_8391.jpg
    IMG_8391.jpg
    331.7 KB · Views: 100
Here are instructions for repair/removal from Crutchfield for the system on your 2023 TB.
But, it sounds like you need to get your dealer in the loop.
 

Attachments

  • CrutchfieldInstructions-2641200049.pdf
    3.1 MB · Views: 208
Spoke with the dealer service department and they said that's how they are coming now without the sub. They said that they just install larger door speakers to get around having to put a sub in. Then I asked about what it would cost to have a factory sub put in and he said that I couldn't due to the BOSE amplifier that is installed already. I would have to go aftermarket in order to add a sub. Oh well. Other than that he did offer me to swing by and have them check the settings and if there was something wrong that they would fix it.
 
Augh!! Sorry to hear that. Damn, GM cost cutting measure I'm sure.
 
Back
Top