[CurrentEvent]

I recently upgraded to a 2016 Volt from a 2013 Volt. I'm very impressed with the Bose sound system. I'm especially impressed with XM satellite radio. In the past I've thought it wasn't worth the money to pay for radio (after the free trial period runs out). But with the Bose system (mostly newer) music sounds great, with thundering bass and great range and separation. Modern music has a lot of bass. I've listened carefully, but I haven't heard any buzzing or rattling or distortion. It sounds very solid. Of course it is new. I'm rethinking paying for radio. I wonder if anyone can tell me where the sub-woofer is. Or is there one?

 

[WallyVolt]

The subwoofer is in the trunk area, on the passenger side wall. You'll see the speaker grille there, though there's no Bose logo on it. I'm glad you like the Bose system. Some of us are not so thrilled by its performance.

 

[CurrentEvent]

Maybe I don't have a lot to compare it with.

 

[accelerus]

I'm normally not a fan of Bose myself... I had it in my 05 RX8 (sucked), my 08 Z06 (sucked) and now in my 17 Volt... and it's not as bad as previous generations it seems. It's not perfect by any means, but for the cost of the system, and if you aren't into modifying or doing your own work, it's not too bad. I added it to my build sheet just because I didn't want to have to rip apart my car and spend a weekend or two wiring in a bunch of new stuff.


In both my previous cars, I ripped out and did custom work... and I might be doing a sub replacement in the Volt here soon just because it's so cheap and easy and everyone is saying it clears up some of the muddy bass.

 

[Tomt]

I'd rate it about equal to the Sony system we have in our other vehicle...

 

[BAZINGA]

We owned two Gen I Volt's (2012/2013) with the Bose system and now a 2017 and the new system is definitely better. And yes XM does sound better, especially the high frequencies.

It pretty darned good for $600.

 

[turnbowm]

The Bose audio system in our 2015 Volt is much better than the "premium" JBL system that was in our 2008 Prius.

 

[Noremacnova]

The Gen II Volt Bose setup is 'ok' subjectively, but when I drive my 2010 Infiniti, also equipped with a Bose system, the sound is noticeably better. I'm making that judgement when listening to SiriusXM. I'm not disappointed in the Volt Bose, but there are certainly better designs out there!

 

[Kraven]

The Gen II Volt Bose setup is 'ok' subjectively, but when I drive my 2010 Infiniti, also equipped with a Bose system, the sound is noticeably better. I'm making that judgement when listening to SiriusXM. I'm not disappointed in the Volt Bose, but there are certainly better designs out there!

I believe the Bose system in the Volt is different than what you would experience in other cars because the Bose in the Volt is specifically designed to draw less power, to conserve energy. The output will be less and therefore sound won't be the same. I'm not an audiophile so not a good judge, for me the Bose in the Volt sounds pretty good, certainly good enough.

 

[simplex]

in my 2013 (with bose) even with original CDs the sound was not loud enough event at maximum volume.
with the 2017 (with bose) the same tracks are now playing loud enough and I never had to reach the maximum volume to obtain enough amplification. On the quality side the 2017 is better too. the tiny 4" subwoofer in the 2013 was mediocre.

 

[namja]

All my audiophile friends make fun of BOSE. Some of the funny things they say that BOSE stands for:
"Buy Our $h**ty Equipment" or "Buy Other Sound Equipment"

I think they sound okay.
Just very overpriced.