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Sedans Chevrolet Impala 2006+ Impala Bose Stereo Pros & Cons
17 messages, Last post on Jan 26, 2008 at 8:01 AM
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There are still several people who have issues with the '06+ Bose Premium Sound System. I would like to get to the bottom of this issue, once and for all, so that we might have some recourse. I'm inviting anyone with the system in their car to comment. I would like to build some consensus and gather data for those of us who are still having issues. Please note the model year of your car, whether it is factory original or if you had any replacement work done, and whether or not you're satisified with the quality of the sound as it is now.
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Replying to: quietpro (Nov 11, 2007 7:13 am) Disregarding the hiss, my main complaint is the quality of the sound. Although at first impression it does sound very good, there is a level in the upper mid-range that is non-adjustable with the three levels, that seems to resonate terribly for me. This is not a problem with any other stereo/headphone/etc that I listen to and makes it impossible for me to enjoy listening to this system at reasonably high volumes. I have seen others mention the same issues with their Bose systems here but they don't necessarily seem widespread. I understand the issue sound quality may be due to personal taste but the residual hiss is objective. If others could verify whether their systems have that remaining hiss (either after service or straight from the factory), it would be a big help to those of us trying to rectify this issue. I'm hoping that their may be a newer amp that was introduced after my stereo was serviced that may also address the sound quality. While I can't expect a service manager to hear how those particular tones resonate in my head, I can expect them to hear the hiss. If I can make them fix the hiss and fix the other problem at the same time, I will be MUCH happier with my car and be able to enjoy listening to music in it once again. Thanks in advance to anyone who will help!  
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Replying to: quietpro (Nov 11, 2007 7:29 am) Our Bose system is still working A1 OK and I'm sorry to hear you are still having problems. You said you were going to do a comparison test with new cars in the Dealer lot. Did you ever get to do this? |
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Replying to: quietpro (Nov 11, 2007 7:13 am) No hiss. Sounds great. No complaints.
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Replying to: priggly (Nov 13, 2007 3:16 pm) As for going to the dealership and comparing against other cars...no, I haven't. To be honest, it has been an issue I felt was never going to be resolved and I still feel that way for the most part. Without some real firm data to back up my case, I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle. Also, the dealerships here locally always seem to have few cars on the lot whenever I around and none had the Bose sound system. I still have time left on the warranty and hopefully I'll get some more feedback in this thread to make a better case. Thanks again!
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Replying to: quietpro (Nov 18, 2007 7:18 am) By the way, for what it's worth, I recently had my hearing tested extensively due to a tinnitus issue. Although I suspected I may have suffered some hearing loss during my time on the flight line, it turns out my hearing is nearly perfect and way above average. So, it's not me but I may actually be hearing things that some people just can't. We'll soon see...
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Replying to: quietpro (Dec 12, 2007 4:36 am) For what it's worth, my sister wasn't able to hear the hiss. This leads me to believe it's an issue for those of us with exceptional hearing. I'm not bragging, just clarifying and as stated in my earlier post, I just had my hearing tested extensively and the results showed I have above average hearing and can hear things at extremely high frequencies...which is where that hiss is. More to follow...
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Replying to: quietpro (Dec 23, 2007 8:41 am) With regards to the "hiss", I have heard it in mine but only when starting the car or turning it off. I cannot hear the hiss during driving or while listening to music (radio, cd, or mp3/aux.) This may be a shot in the dark, but what volume do you have your "tones" set at in the Driver Information Center (DIC)? The Impala uses the car's audio system to transmit tones (turn signal tone, etc.) Mine is set to low and the hiss is hardly audible (and only during initial start-up or when turning the car off). Perhaps if the tone volume is set to high, the hiss is more audible as a result? Just an idea.
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Replying to: ryster (Dec 23, 2007 9:12 am) I have my tones set to low. I have experimented with that setting, though. There is no difference in the level of the hiss with any change of any setting. I have posted in detail about this in the past but I'll give a quick summary: If you want to test for the hiss, you can isolate in several ways. With the ignition and ventilation system off (to limit background noise), turn the ignition switch to on (the check engine light and other dash lights will be on) and engage the turn signal. You don't have to lock it in position, just move the lever enough to get your three flashes. You'll hear the tick/tock sound and after it completes, you'll hear the background hiss for an additional 1-2 seconds. You can also hear it if you turn your stereo to the lowest volume level and then one more detent to where it is muted (not the actual mute button). Turn the knob repeatedly from the lowest setting to silent, back and forth, and you'll hear the hiss alongside the nearly silent radio/CD/etc. With the ignition off but the keys in the ignition, open your door so that the key reminder chime sounds. Shut the door so that the chime stops and for that exact same 1-2 seconds, you'll hear the hiss. You can also do this with the hazard flashers...exact same 1-2 second hiss. I think that's every occurence but I could be wrong. The issue is DEFINITELY related to the Bose amp. It's not ALL Bose amps as my buddy's Nissan has absolutely no hiss and I've heard the same about other GM models. This appears to be defect in the Bose amp designed for the Impala. There also is no hiss in the lower level stereos. I will mention one thing, though. Hearing it in my sister's car is a bit of a relief. Although the hiss is still there, at least now I know I'm not alone. So many others have stated they can't hear it but I wasn't sure if it was a limitation in their personal hearing or that there was actually a better amp out there. Having heard it in the '07 LTZ assures me it is a defect and that it wasn't corrected by the replacement amp or any concurrent releases. It's not the best answer but it helps. 
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Replying to: quietpro (Dec 23, 2007 9:32 am) My parents had a 2003 Impala LS with the premium stereo (no Bose back then) and they also would notice a hiss through the speakers at certain times. They always attributed it to the OnStar system since it would occur with the stereo turned off. It was especially noticeable with the car turned totally off after just getting in (it seemed to be initiated by opening a door). If you were to get into the car, shut the door, and just sit there for a minute or so the hiss would stop. The only things that would use the speakers with the stereo and ignition turned off would be the tones and the OnStar system. The hiss in their car wasn't obvious once you got going with the radio, HVAC system, and road noise. I am not so sure I would go so far to say this is a defect. Especially since I have heard the hiss in a previous generation Impala with a premium, non-Bose stereo. It would be interesting to see if the hiss was still there on a Bose equipped Impala with the Bose amplifier temporarily disconnected. If it totally goes away, then I would agree it is related to the Bose amp. If it is still there, then it is definitely not a Bose issue and probably related to the DIC/BCM interface or the OnStar.
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