Became very upset today...I need help!

[LS3 SS]

Dropped my 2010 SS off at the dealership today to get some transmission work done, and they gave me a 2012 Chevy cruze as a dealer loaner.

I started messing with the audio system, and I am amazed at the refined quality of the system in the newer GM models, and very dissapointed in the crappy quality of the BA system in the early model 5th Gens.

I know I am beating a dead horse, but I don't really want a loud sound system. I want something similiar to a system like the cruze, where the bass, the mid's and high's are crisp and clear.

What would be my best option?? I still haven't decided if I want to get an aftermarket subwoofer. Can this be achieved through replacing the speakers?

[darkrider01]

Start by replacing the Boston Amp. It's beyond terrible. You'd be amazed at how much better it sounds with just a quality amp.

Another option would be a JBL MS-8. It's a system integration processor. It's also an amplifier. I have heard some mixed reviews, but most people love it. I have also read some stellar reviews online for it. I was impressed enough to buy one myself, and I have already replaced all of the speakers and amps in my car.

[LS3 SS]

Pm sent

[Iwantone2]

Originally Posted by darkrider01

Start by replacing the Boston Amp. It's beyond terrible. You'd be amazed at how much better it sounds with just a quality amp.

Another option would be a JBL MS-8. It's a system integration processor. It's also an amplifier. I have heard some mixed reviews, but most people love it. I have also read some stellar reviews online for it. I was impressed enough to buy one myself, and I have already replaced all of the speakers and amps in my car.

This.

My audio shop also told me to get a processor, and that it would greatly enhance the system.

[jeepguy_1980]

I listened to a BA system once, and felt that the stock system sounded better. The BA system did have more bass, but worse sound quality overall. I know most people attribute the bad sound quality to the center speaker.

[strych9]

I don't think my BA has bad sound quality.

[jeepguy_1980]

Originally Posted by strych9

I don't think my BA has bad sound quality.

I only listened to it for about 2 minutes in another Camaro. There was noticeable distortion. It was one car, and it wasn't new on the lot. It is also well documented on this forum that the center speaker sounds terrible, and I'm sure that is what I was hearing.

I test drove a new Ram the other day, it had the base audio system. It was one of the worst audio systems I've ever heard. Far worse than the base system that the Camaro has.

[atma]

Originally Posted by strych9

I don't think my BA has bad sound quality.

from what I've been lead to believe, there's two reasons for that. one is that the '12s came with a different amp. maybe not necessarily better, but more appropriate? the second is that it's tuned way different. the center channel is now turned way down and acts more as enhancement for the stereo channels, rather than sitting loud and proud out front as one would on a home theater system.

this information is stuff i picked up along the way on this forum and did not come from any source which i can confirm as credible. take it for what you will, but I certainly have noticed apretty marked improvement in the 2012 when A/B'd to a 2010 or '11.

[Obzen]

Go on crutchfield, buy new front component speakers, install. Enjoy better sound. Simple as pie.

[Mach]

Originally Posted by strych9

I don't think my BA has bad sound quality.

Mine sounds great. I am happy with it.

[Iwantone2]

Originally Posted by Obzen

Go on crutchfield, buy new front component speakers, install. Enjoy better sound. Simple as pie.

As well as, change the stock BA amp to get WAY better sound

[strych9]

Originally Posted by atma

from what I've been lead to believe, there's two reasons for that. one is that the '12s came with a different amp. maybe not necessarily better, but more appropriate? the second is that it's tuned way different. the center channel is now turned way down and acts more as enhancement for the stereo channels, rather than sitting loud and proud out front as one would on a home theater system.

this information is stuff i picked up along the way on this forum and did not come from any source which i can confirm as credible. take it for what you will, but I certainly have noticed apretty marked improvement in the 2012 when A/B'd to a 2010 or '11.

You might be onto something here. I frankly can't even tell it the center channel does anything. I listen to popular music at higher volumes, and I must say, it does sound solid.

[akCamaross]

ya i was saying the same thing. expecting a little more out of a 35k car. i wish gm went back to bose in all there cars.

[darkrider01]

Originally Posted by akCamaross

ya i was saying the same thing. expecting a little more out of a 35k car. i wish gm went back to bose in all there cars.

A lot of people hate on the Bose systems, but my 04' Avalanche (with factory Bose subwoofer in console) sounds awesome. It's head and shoulders above the Boston system that was in my Camaro. It has excellent low end, midbass, mids, highs - it's been fantastic.

(Disclaimer - I replaced my factory Bose amp with the Bose amp and navigation head unit from an Escalade - it added DSP functions and just sounds better.)