2003 - Bose Sound System

[keywest]

Planning on a D/A 2500HD, CC/LT - in not too distant future.
Please tell me if the Bose Radio System sounds as nice as the Dealers say it does?
Also, is XM a good deal?

Thanks & Merry Christmas to you all, Paul

[conradv]

I really like the XM - it only cuts out on deep canyons and rarely at that. Most of the XM stations are "commercial free" and the others have minimal commercials. Some people think it's crazy to pay for commercials, but these are probably the same people who have a directv dish in their yard... ;)

I would rate the Bose stereo about a 8 out of 10.

- The Bass has to be turned up to max to get a real "bassy" feel, but it does sound pretty good.

- The FM radio reception in mine is terrible & I've heard that others are as well.

- The 6-cd changer built into the dash is pretty sweet. It reminds me of an old jukebox when it changes cds, and is pretty fast.

- The steering wheel controls are awsome. They make the radio worth getting right there.

- The volume is more than adequate for me.

- The #1 & #2 Driver's buttons on my SLT remember what CD or station you are listening to when you turned the truck off.

All in all, if I could figure out the poor FM reception, I would be very happy with it.

[FisHn2DMax]

KeyWest,

The 2003 Bose system sounds great compared to the non-Bose OEM offerings. I agree the XM is great if you don't mind paying the extra monthly cost. There is a major problem with the 2003 BOse systems FM reception!!! If your traveling and trying to listen to FM you'll need to use the AM, CD's or XM because the FM reception is pathetic! GM doesn't seem to think it's a problem because I've had it in 3 times and each new unit has the same issue. My dealer has had many complaints and people on this forum have mentioned the same FM reception complaint.

If you have Children, the rear seat DVD system is the ultimate Kid sitter! Now when they say "are we there yet" I just hand them a DVD and don't here a peep from them for a few more hours. It comes with wireless headphones or your can put the audio on the cabin Bose speaker system! The DVD sounds great on the Bose system!!The DVD system was one of the best option selections we made. The other option we've really enjoyed is the front bucket seats! They're really comfortable and if you live or travel to the north, those heated seats are heavenly on a cold morning!

Good Luck! :D

[NutNbutGMC]

^...IMHO...Forget the Bose and customize from the get-go. XM ready head unit, (much) better door speakers, a sub, an amp and satellite digital reception. Several here have done this, myself included. Do a search and find more than enough information and opinions. Bose is an OEM component that suffices for lack of anything else. Not that Bose is insufficient, but a customized install surpasses the Bose performance. Each to their own. No need for AM, FM, or CD... when you have XM.....

[NoMo]

I've been reading about the FM reception complaints and I wonder if the problem only occurs with the 6-disc changer model.

I have the CD/cassette model and was pulling in Tulsa stations almost all the way to Wichita, KS on Christmas. Granted, there isn't much between those places to block reception though. ;)

[Steve Cornell]

I also have the CD\Cassette with XM, Bose speaker system and no 6 disc changer and my reception is fine, I live in the hills of WV and the nearest transmitter is over 40 miles away and the reception is as good as any vehicle I've owned.

BTW, the only thing Bose are the speakers and outboard amp which I am replacing, the radio \ head unit is not Bose.

here is a link to my stereo install in progress http://www.rtol.net/scornell/TI.htm
or "click" the link in my signature below.

[ 12-27-2002: Message edited by: Steve Cornell ]</p>

[keywest]

Thanks very much for all the good advice, have to find out more on the FM problem & you/ve given me a lot to think about.
Paul

[Dmaxin]

I have an 03 with the 6 disk changer and bose speakers and havent noticed the fm reception problems everyone is talking about.

[conradv]

If you get the most basic radio (and swap it out for a different one later,) do you still get the radio control buttons on the steering wheel? Or is this an interior group option (SLT, etc...?)

[FisHn2DMax]

In the 03 models, so many things depend on and interface with the OEM radio, Onstar, XM, DVD, Steering Wheel controls, Door and & light chimes etc.. It seems to me it would be a huge hassle and expense to upgrade the OEM radio, especially in the 03's. I'll bet the 04's have even more cabin bells & Whistles tied into the OEM stereo system. It's going to get more and more expensive to upgrade to Non-OEM audio systems. :D