Bose surround stereo

[jsmoov24]

hey guys, a frined of mine just bought a 2005 Cadillac STS (awesome car!!). he bought the car with a package that includes the BOSE 5.1 surround system which includes 15 speakers scattered all over the place including in the seats themselves, near the headrests. it also has a DVD navigation system with a 6 changer cd/dvd player that plays all formats including DVD audio/video, cdr/cdrw etc.. he was asking me about upgrading his system and i'm asking for your opinions.

1. He wants to know if there is a way to change the setting in order to play DVD movies while the car is in drive. Currently, it only plays movies while in park. Can it be changed by an aftermarket shop?? He doesn't want to change the radio as it has the controls for the surround sound.

2. Again, it has 15 BOSE surround sound speakers all over the place and he wants to know if he can upgrade these to a better speaker like Focal, Dynaudio, etc.. with a better amp as well. I'm not sure what amp is currently used but do you guys think he should change the speakers and amp or keep the current setup?? If he changes the speakers and amp, can the surround sound controls still be used by the factory radio??

3. He wants to add a subwoofer(s) in the trunk, he's thinking maybe 2 JL Audio 12w7's or a single 13w7 with the JL Audio 1001 amp or any other 1200-1500 watt amp. If he decides to keep the default BOSE speakers, do you think the JL subs would be tooo much bass that it will tune out the BOSE surround setup??

Any information you guys provide will be appreciated...

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[RattlinStratus 10+ year member]

My uncle just got the same car, its pimp! It doesnt drive it glides! Anyways why would you change the speakers, I thought they sounded pretty sweet, especially for stock. You can get an aftermarket amp and keep the stocks HU and speakers and I dont think the sub will drown them out. You can always adjust the level of bass and treble to keep a good balance.

 

[jtomsic 5,000+ posts]

well bose is tricky...if he wants to amp them speakers i think hes going to have buy new speakers and amps. as far as the subs in the trunk, its hard to get cadillacs loud man, the leather seats in the back put a real hurt on ur bass and the trunks are sealed really well.

 

[jtomsic 5,000+ posts]

and your subs will drown those bose speakers out, they are crap.

 

[RattlinStratus 10+ year member]

i have never been a fan of bose car speakers, I think they are terrible. I heard the ones in the cadillac and they were descent for stock, probably some of the best stock. It is like you are surrounded by music, but then again I will be getting surround sound in my Stratus. I would swap everything out, and sell the rest on ebay.

 

[jsmoov24]

I think really wants to swap out the speakers with Focal Utopias. i'm assuming the radio has the 5.1 surround processor and not the amp right? so when he changes the amp will he have to purchase some other processor or not? also what about the feature of playing dvd movies while the car is in drive. can a shop bypass that control?

 

[jtomsic 5,000+ posts]

hes probaly going to have to replace everything for it to sound good to be honest. i tried running my stock crap for a minute and i wanted to scratch my ears off.

 

[stocktires 10+ year member]

I just got a Sierra with a Bose factory system. Nothing special, but for being stock, it's awesome.

 

[6three6mafia6 10+ year member]

those dynaudio would be an excelent choise, you will probaby never change those again, but yould would probably wana do the whole thing to get the best sound(HU, amps, alternator)