New Bose Stereo Problems

Half you guys must be deaf...

wow 42 i rarly get out of the teens.

I listen to music pretty loud on CD source (IMO) and never get the volume above 15-20. Less if I engaged the ALC to 1.

No wonder some of you think the system is weak and horrible sounding, you're over-driving it!

I have no doubt that the system is designed to limit bass frequencies at certian volumes so as not to destroy itself. I believe the Bose system uses the same speaker components as the regular system. With the only difference being the sub and the amplifier which does the DSP. As many have already mentioned the Bose head unit is flat at the outputs.

Another possibility: Are you guys sure you're not hearing the Audio-Pilot noise cancellation?
 
People listen, as I am tired of repeating myself. The NEW 2008.5 RADIO has a volume resolution from 0 to 62. The old radio in a 2007/2008 has a volume from 0 to 32. So Antonio when you listen to YOUR radio at 15-20, it's the same for us new guys at volume 35. I don't know how more simpler than this I can get. So for the last time and already documented with Mazda is the radio is definitely malfunctioning and we are all awaiting a software update.
 
People listen, as I am tired of repeating myself. The NEW 2008.5 RADIO has a volume resolution from 0 to 62. The old radio in a 2007/2008 has a volume from 0 to 32. So Antonio when you listen to YOUR radio at 15-20, it's the same for us new guys at volume 35. I don't know how more simpler than this I can get. So for the last time and already documented with Mazda is the radio is definitely malfunctioning and we are all awaiting a software update.

lol ...... dude don’t even worry about these guys man if they are not gonna read the posts before they decide to post they only look like the ass..... My friend just picked up a 08.5 and he has the same problem and no matter what he tells ppl they all they try to do is reference the volume # to there car and don’t LISTEN to what he’s saying..


This is a good informative thread posters should learn to read all the posts b4 stating there opinion.....keep the updates comming this needs to get fixed ASAP!
 
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By no means am I trying to deny it being a problem. I'm just merely just pointing out the logical possibility that the system could have been designed to function this way for a reason. With the same other reasons Mazda has installed little watchdogs to prevent problems.
 
Sorry

People listen, as I am tired of repeating myself. The NEW 2008.5 RADIO has a volume resolution from 0 to 62. The old radio in a 2007/2008 has a volume from 0 to 32. So Antonio when you listen to YOUR radio at 15-20, it's the same for us new guys at volume 35. I don't know how more simpler than this I can get. So for the last time and already documented with Mazda is the radio is definitely malfunctioning and we are all awaiting a software update.


Missed that detail.

If that's the case and there was a change then I would point to a bug. Of course the question is whther the volume resolution was changed in software or whether it was part of a parts change. My guess it was a software change that is now. Do we know if the 2008.5's use Bose Audio Pilot?
 
I went to actually see my car in person today. Noticed the volume double from 34 to 35. That's pretty significant, although i'm not gonna lie, it sounds way better. It goes from real muddy and dry to loud and pronounced! I guess it's all or nothing with the radio!

And I don't think I heard the driver at all under the passenger seat, I only felt it a few times with my hand. Weaksauce.
 
It's not even just the volume, it's like the whole tone changes. It's almost like hitting a "loud" button if that makes sense...
 
REPOST!

Well, at least I mentioned it before ... in the thread about the things you hate about the MS3.

I have a 8.5 MS3 Sport, so I don't have the Bose system. I have a single disc MP3 CD player. Going from 34 to 35 makes it sound like someone turn on the "bass enhancement" or "loudness" button. I thought it was just my picky ears, but my brother confirmed that he hears it too.

Actually, the difference in bass level is large enough that I must say you actually FEEL it once you hit 35. Another thing I noticed is that if I go beyond 35 a bit (such as 36 or 37), after while it seems like the bass level goes back to normal very slowly (slow enough that I didn't notice). Why i say this? Because if I hit the volume down once (to go back to 36 or 35), instead of lowering the volume, the bass goes back up!

So I guess I'm not the only one! And it seems the stereo changed a lot, not just the addition of MP3 decoding.

BTW, in case you're wondering, I tried the trip computer unlock trick on the new 8.5 Sport, but it didn't work. Oh well...
 
Did people who have this issue rule out any conflicts with the Auto-Loudness? As in...doe these changes between 34-35 or whatever exist with all AL settings?

If Mazda/Bose cut out bass at the upper levels it wouldn't surprise me the least bit. After the number of MSP kenwood subwoofers they at to replace I can easily see them putting in precautions to make sure they aren't dishing out new speakers to everyone who owns one.
 
Did people who have this issue rule out any conflicts with the Auto-Loudness? As in...doe these changes between 34-35 or whatever exist with all AL settings?

If Mazda/Bose cut out bass at the upper levels it wouldn't surprise me the least bit. After the number of MSP kenwood subwoofers they at to replace I can easily see them putting in precautions to make sure they aren't dishing out new speakers to everyone who owns one.

I can personally attest that I made sure that ALC was off.

And it's the opposite situation you presented- bass actually comes on LOUDER past volume level 35, making it sound more muddy, and it shakes the plastic door trim!
 
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Read This So You Can All Stop Posting Dumb Suggestions

OK, wow. I wanted to let you guys know an update on the Bose solution and had to read through 500 posts from people who clearly don't know what they're talking about before I could know for sure someone hasn't already mentioned this.

There is a problem with the Bose system that Mazda DOES know about now. I have an IPM also with the same problem at 34 - 35 and then subwoofer kicking on and off as well. Brought it into the shop and problem was confirmed.

YES, THE VOLUME INCREMENTS ARE DIFFERENT IN THE 08.5s AND NO, MY F@!#ING ALC IS NOT ON SO DON'T EVEN GO THERE WITH ME.

The technician told me that Mazda is aware of the problem and there will be a fix available for it by the end of April or early May. He said it will either be a software update or replacement of the stereo all together.

I apologize if someone already posted this and I managed to miss it as I slit my wrists about halfway through reading these and am now anemic and nearly unconscious. Now everyone can stop posting stupid F@!#ing suggestions regarding the ALC, etc. Enjoy the new Bose system when it comes out...assholes.

Sincerely,
Chris
 
Great post! I was sick of reading the same suggestions as well.

BTW, did you ask if it also applied to the non-Bose as well? Mine's a Sport, so it's not a Bose, but it still happens as well. I don't think it's your sub per-say. I think it's the HU itself bumping up the bass. The reason why is because mine doesn't have a sub (obviously), but the bass still explodes when hitting 35. Since you 8.5 Bose people have a sub, it may seem like it's the sub or the sub's amp or something sub-related.

I really want to avoid going aftermarket, so if a firmware update or replacement HU is in the works, I will be happy! Along with the cheap tweeter, capacitor, and inductor mod, I don't think I have to touch aftermarket stereo stuff at all (which is my goal).

Of course, I hope this isn't just another dealership saying anything to make you leave type of thing. My dealership wasn't very helpful when buying the car (just the place that got it in first at a decent price), so I don't feel like asking them about this. I'll have to find a good Mazda dealership...
 
cakelly4,

Are you sure this isn't due to ALC? Wait, your HU goes past 33?


LOL, J/K. I read the whole thing too and the only reason I was prodding is because no one seamed to post that all ALC options have no effect on this. Most just said "my ALC was off" which didn't rule out the damn thing working if ALC was on. I was assuming the problem was unrelated but its always good to try all options before coming to that conclusion.
 
You should post the TSB number on here because i noticed this problem also and my dealership always says they know nothing about recalls or anything. I really hope they fix this for us

OK, wow. I wanted to let you guys know an update on the Bose solution and had to read through 500 posts from people who clearly don't know what they're talking about before I could know for sure someone hasn't already mentioned this.

There is a problem with the Bose system that Mazda DOES know about now. I have an IPM also with the same problem at 34 - 35 and then subwoofer kicking on and off as well. Brought it into the shop and problem was confirmed.

YES, THE VOLUME INCREMENTS ARE DIFFERENT IN THE 08.5s AND NO, MY F@!#ING ALC IS NOT ON SO DON'T EVEN GO THERE WITH ME.

The technician told me that Mazda is aware of the problem and there will be a fix available for it by the end of April or early May. He said it will either be a software update or replacement of the stereo all together.

I apologize if someone already posted this and I managed to miss it as I slit my wrists about halfway through reading these and am now anemic and nearly unconscious. Now everyone can stop posting stupid F@!#ing suggestions regarding the ALC, etc. Enjoy the new Bose system when it comes out...assholes.

Sincerely,
Chris
 
cakelly4,

Are you sure this isn't due to ALC? Wait, your HU goes past 33?


LOL, J/K. I read the whole thing too and the only reason I was prodding is because no one seamed to post that all ALC options have no effect on this. Most just said "my ALC was off" which didn't rule out the damn thing working if ALC was on. I was assuming the problem was unrelated but its always good to try all options before coming to that conclusion.

lol
 
I'll try using ALC on my next drive to see if that affects anything. Even if it doesn't boost the bass anymore, I rather not have ALC on at all, since I've always hated that feature.
 

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