2016.5 Bose better? Upgrade thoughts.

[theallenchu]

So i've basically had custom audio setups for every car i've owned as well as helped friends install systems on their cars. I've dealt with factory systems ranging from JBL to Bose to Harmon Kardon to Nakimichi and found that most cars under $50k just have complete utter crap for "upgraded" audio. A few days ago I picked up a 2016.5 GT base and found that I actually really enjoy the stock Bose. Of course there's room for improvement but just streaming music ranging from jazz to hip hop to classic rock to edm and i've been sufficiently happy with the clarity and overall warmth. The staging to me has been the biggest issue as the system seems to be very front heavy.

Am I the only one that isn't completely unhappy with the Bose system? Did they do anything to change the 2016.5? This forum is horrible to search through but what are just some basic upgrades people are doing that have the most impact? I'll add a LOC and amp for the subs but is it worth running door and front speakers through an external amp?

 

[mazdadude]

Yep, big audio nut here too, did installs of the custom systems in many cars, never liked any "stock" systems ever...

I have had the BOSE in all 3 of our CX-5's and have never felt like I need to upgrade anything. It seems well balanced, and I usually find myself fading to the back a little.

I enjoy the CD player sound much more than the mp3 signals via USBstick, iPod, or phone...

Not a competition audio system by any means, so do not expect to be setting off car alarms with it... (eekdance)

 

[Toneb210]

I've also done systems in all my cars. This is the 1st one that I'm keeping a lot of stock stuff. I do think the dash speakers lack a little. Especially since they give you all your sound stage. I've got one of them replaced so far. As well as adding subs. But that's about it. Even if I left the stock dash speakers it wouldn't be horrible. One thing I absolutely wouldn't do is put a speaker with a tweeter in the stock location. To me the best upgrades would be sound deadener and dash speakers.