Opinions, please...is the $650 Bose upgrade noticeably better than the standard Symphony? Worth the money? (I'm not interested in aftermarket audio, will live with whatever factory system I end up with.) Thanks.

You should spent 10 minutes at audioasylum.com. You have no idea what a traveling carnival criminal enterprise that is. "better should through research"
they are the only company that doesn't give specifications.
201,301, 501,901 or whatever the numbers are and the worst of all time "Lifstyle." Check out their ad in Car and Driver. "contempary thought said the automobile was too harsh an enaviornment for true stereo sound" blah blah blah. Bose has the worst reputation among people who know about audio period. It's such a crock. Plenty of people here can tell you- look at the archives- that the Bose system is inadequate. If you bought the bose system, don't get all defensive. You got ripped off. Don't embarass yourself by telling us about it. True bose information is available on the internet to any smart consumer who questions the Bose name and the number of watts issue be for bitting the hooked and getting taken.

I've read all the opinions on Bose speakers on the various Audio websites. I've also listened to Bose speakers when I was shopping for a new pair of speakers (ended up purchasing a set of Paradigm's and I am <b>very</b> happy with my decision).

Anyway, I also have the Bose option on my '97 1.8T because I absolutely did not want to go through what I consider to be the hassle of having a system installed. For those of us who do not want to install an aftermarket system but want a little better system than stock, it's an OK deal. I've had stereo systems installed in my last two vehicles, and I was never 100% satisfied with the results. Either it wasn't what I was expecting, or I ended up with more interior squeaks or I ended up with an empty wallet. Sure, perhaps these issues could be resolved by doing the install yourself (I don't feel capable of installing electronic components....mechanical stuff is another question) or perhaps I should have searched for a better installer (the one I went to was reputable). Anyway, my point is that the Bose system is not as bad as you make out and makes sense for folks that don't want an aftermarket system yet want a bit more punch from the factory. My $0.02

<A HREF="Mailto:andy_hedin@hotmail.com">Andy Hedin</A>
'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Garrett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, APR/Borla Exhaust, Euro Headlights, more...

I actually was a design engineer for Mark Levinson audio products in the early 90's and developed the No 31. CD Transport, which is an $8000 reference product. So I have been around high-end audio for years. However, when I got around to buying my A4, I was not interested in any aftermarket upgrades to the sound system. I did that in the past to my 3 other cars and no longer have the inclination.

So I listened to both the Bose during my test drives and then sat in a non-Bose for about 30 seconds before I said "no-way" that really sucks.

So the point is that for many cases the Bose provides decent enough sound for anyone who does not want to modify their system. I feel that I got my money worth with the Bose. I really enjoy listening to some Stevie Ray Vaughn blastin' away while I cruise my favorite country roads. When I want to do some serious listening to music I do it at home.

Arch57 99.5 2.8QMS w/Bose/Leather/Moonroof/Trip

I like the Bose sound. Very flat response. I use my $10K system at home when I need to get serious about the music.

Reggie

98.5 30vQMS w/bose