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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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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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Replying to: ryster (Dec 24, 2007 11:34 am) As for my other complaint regarding certain tones being painfully loud, I haven't had the chance to test head to head with my sister's Bose system yet. However, I'm pretty sure it will sound the same. Regardless, I doubt I'll be able to convince a service rep that it is a problem since they say they can't even hear the hiss. Also, I learned while being evaluated for tinnitus treatment, that along with tinnitus, you are also prone to have certain tones/pitches cause discomfort. So, in this case, it may very well be me with the problem and not the stereo. Unfortunately for me, this system doesn't have an equalizer so I can't adjust it to suit me. In that regard, I just have to accept it although I will definitely be a much more discriminating shopper in the future. No more ASSUMING a premium sound system actually has premium sound. All that considered, I still agree that this sound system is better than the other options available in the Impala.
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Replying to: quietpro (Dec 25, 2007 7:18 am)
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Replying to: ryster (Jan 02, 2008 10:42 am)
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Replying to: quietpro (Jan 02, 2008 6:11 pm) Apparently, they probably turned off this feature for Bose option (same head unit for Bose or non-Bose). To have decent Autotone, one needs more than just 3 bands (Bass, Treb and Mid range). Or may be Bose amp is so "advanced", one does not need it? jt
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Replying to: jnt (Jan 13, 2008 6:53 pm)
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Replying to: axinut (Jan 14, 2008 12:34 pm) 
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Replying to: quietpro (Jan 19, 2008 12:28 pm) Most low cost original speakers have little LOW (BASS) or HIGH (TREBLE). Their response is mostly MIDRANGE. So the BOSE speakers may just be $2-3 a piece and probably have better LOW and HIGH. But BOSE name alone is worth $100.00 . What a marketing marvel and brand equity ! Remember the $500 Bose Wave system for home (AM/FM/CD w MP3). It is just a mechanical tuned box with < $50 electronics. And they are selling $500 a pop. What a profit margin ! jt |
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