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Chevrolet Impala Audio

1569 messages,  Last post on Apr 25, 2013 at 1:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Impala, Audio, Sedan

Messages Page 146 of 158

#1448 of 1569 EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems by dave138

Mar 27, 2007 (7:26 pm)

I have just leased a 2007 Chevrolet Impala LTZ that includes an upgraded audio system. I also lease a 2005 Impala LS with the same type of audio system. Both vehicles have the XM, FM and AM bands.
 
My problem is the radio’s EQ button in the 2007 Impala. When the EQ (equalization) button is pushed the only choices received are the “Talk” and “Manual” settings. I should be able to choose between all of the preset equalization settings, such as CLASSICAL, ROCK, NEWS, COUNTRY, etc. The 2005 Chevy Impala LS audio system does have preset equalization settings.
This is a terribly disappointing inequity. I am not sure anyone, and I mean anyone, in the Chevrolet Organization realizes what limitations this gives to the customer that expects the upgraded audio system, with the upgraded Bose speakers, to produce top quality musical sounds and tones.
 
I have had several Dealer Salespeople, Dealer Service personnel, and Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center personnel and as of today a GM Service Expert tell me they didn’t realize this shortcoming. I was also told that Chevrolet actually chooses not to offer this feature to their customers this year and that GM outsourced the radio to Panasonic. The first two responses make no sense.
 
Why would Chevrolet Motor Division intentionally leave out the preset equalization/tone settings when Chevrolet touts a new feature of 36 possible favorite station settings? You can’t even set a different manual equalization setting for an individual station and then save another manual equalization setting for another station. There is one possible manual equalization setting. Imagine listening to a great classical piece with equalization set for Rock or Pop; again doesn’t make any sense.
Allowing one manual setting means the driver has to adjust bass, midrange and treble every time he or she switches station categories, such as Country to Jazz or Jazz to Classical and so on. This is a SAFETY issue, as the driver has to take his/her eyes of the road to adjust the tone or choose to pull over every time he/she changes radio stations or CD music.
The Owner’s Manual includes the following statement on page # 228:
 “EQ (Equalization): Press this button to select preset equalization settings.”
I have checked other GM products and found, for example, the lower priced Pontiac Solstice has the exact same radio that includes a screen of preset equalization settings when the EQ button is pressed. Why not the Chevrolet Impala LTZ?
 
Does anyone out there know of a fix for this?

#1449 of 1569 Re: EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems [dave138] by quietpro

Mar 28, 2007 (4:07 pm)

Replying to: dave138 (Mar 27, 2007 7:26 pm)
Dave,
  Welcome to the club, my friend. You are just now discovering what all of us Bose owners have discovered shortly after buying our cars. In the new "Black Tie" series of stereos, they all look very similar but there are three levels with different features in each. With the Bose system, you don't get the various EQ presets. That is a feature on the mid-level units. But, you not only lose the various preset EQs, but the earlier models had problems with the amps that caused a steady hiss to be heard whenever the stereo, turn signals, door chimes, or hazard signals were used. That was MOSTLY fixed by replacing the amp but the hiss is still there with us, just reduced. Some of us also feel that the levels available to adjust aren't adequate and there is an overboosted level between mid and treble that is very annoying. For me, I can't bear to listen to certain songs very loudly because when they hit certain notes, it feels like my head will explode.
 
In my opinion, it is not worthy of being called a premium sound system. I will likely never buy a Bose product again. I know for a fact I will run ANY sound system through its paces before buying it. I was foolish and just ASSUMED that a system with the Bose name and a PREMIUM price would be of the highest quality. I'm embarrassed to admit that I barely turned the stereo on while test driving the car.
 
Sadly, there is no fix other than to replace the unit. Yours is working as it is supposed to...it's just not designed well. Sorry...
 
Ron

#1450 of 1569 Re: EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems [quietpro] by pbaranello

Apr 04, 2007 (6:33 am)

Replying to: quietpro (Mar 28, 2007 4:07 pm)
I think that it is safe to say that no matter what radio you have in any new Impala, the sound system is terrible.
 
I have a 3LT or LT3 however you want to say it. It had everything I wanted, 3.9 motor, sun roof, radio has XM and all the goodies except I did not buy the premium system. Basically I am missing the amplifier.
 
Without the amplifier the radio does not have enough power to power all 6 speakers, I am always just about up at the limit of the radio volume. If I apply to much rear speaker I am definitely up at the end of the radio volume power.
 
I actually thought something was wrong with the radio but from what I have been reading, the system is just well below standards.
 
As far as the Bose system goes, anything you buy from Bose is over priced and over rated. This goes for A/V home systems as well.

#1451 of 1569 Re: EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems [pbaranello] by wbowl99

Apr 04, 2007 (6:56 am)

Replying to: pbaranello (Apr 04, 2007 6:33 am)
I've got the '06 LT with non-Bose system and no XM. I thought at first my hearing was going because I had to turn the volume up so high to hear it. Thanks to all the complaints in here, I know it the cheap radio instead. I have to turn it even higher because of road noise and wind noise that I'm told is normal for my car. When there's a crosswind, it's ridiculous.

#1452 of 1569 07 impala radio adapter by 07impala

Apr 04, 2007 (8:32 pm)

I just bought an 07 Impala and I was wanting to put an aftermarket radio in it. I have the radio adapter and interface out of my 03 Cavalier are they the same or will I have to buy a new one?

#1453 of 1569 Re: 07 impala radio adapter [07impala] by mymitties

Apr 05, 2007 (3:20 am)

Replying to: 07impala (Apr 04, 2007 8:32 pm)
Hey 07...
 You can go to posting # 1422 " How to install an after market Radio" in this discussion title...This should help you...!!
 
             Frank

#1454 of 1569 Re: impala sound [mjags] by tdear

Apr 05, 2007 (10:12 pm)

Replying to: mjags (Mar 26, 2007 9:59 am)
I have an 03 impala and out of no where the sound was gone. I don't hear anything. My door chimes or the low gas warning does not work it is just silence. I called a chevy dealer and they want $96 an hour to just diagnose it!! I don't know if anyone has actually come to a conclusion with their radio but if so could you please advise me.

#1455 of 1569 Re: EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems [wbowl99] by mymitties

Apr 06, 2007 (4:58 am)

Replying to: wbowl99 (Apr 04, 2007 6:56 am)
pb
 
 Well, I too have an '06 LT(2)Impala and I have had my girl now for about 6 months... Just love my Chevy..!! Sorry, I get carried away sometimes..!! Anyway, at the time, I innocently chose the 8 speaker Premium Bose Sound System (with amplifier) in mine, and so far, I'm honestly quite pleased with it. "Cheap Radio"...I'm not too sure if I personally feel the same as some here.!! It's similar to how I feel about my Goodyear's..while I know they are not the very best, there is alot worse out there... So,it's interesting... I have had always extremely good volume and without all the other frustrating "stuff" that others talk about here..i.e. hissing sounds, wind noises, etc. etc. But, one thing I will admitt though, is I really miss the various EQ pre-sets!!. Boy did they (GM) ever miss the boat on this one..!!
Anyway, about your road & wind noise... I assume that you are aware of Speed/Noise sensitive Volume control feature in your radio that automatically changes the volume slightly with vehicle speed to compensate for these various noises.. ???. The Settings can be set at LOW - MEDIUM or HIGH..
Personally, I have mine set at MEDIUM and it is working fine so far.
                Enjoy your ride...
                  Frank

#1457 of 1569 Re: EQ Settings Missing ON Chevy Impala Audio Systems [mymitties] by mymitties

Apr 06, 2007 (5:22 am)

Replying to: mymitties (Apr 06, 2007 4:58 am)
Mornin' Wanda...
 
Geeee, it must be too early for me here... My previous message (to pb ??) was supposed to go to you..
Oh well, the fog will lift soon...I hope..!!
And , noticeably , I did spell my name correctly...!!
        Have a great day....
             Frank

Messages Page 146 of 158

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