QUOTE(culain99 @ May 6 2026, 04:37 PM)
Many owners did, however most of them admit the clarity of original stock amp+hu+speakers cannot be matched no matter what high end you fit in. That bose tuning is superb. Myself I give up, will change car this year or next and make sure without Bose/Harmon kardon/burmeister/etc. then can upgrade myself
Right, so it's now more to car audio than home audio. This is interesting, as the observation that you mentioned somehow coincides with my viewpoint on upgrading the stock audio systems in vehicles although I have to admit that I have limited experience in car audio mainly because I don't have interest to spend a lot of money here despite the fact that music and sound quality are important to me.
I have listened to stock audio systems in the Mazda CX5 2.5 (Bose) and Ford Focus 2.0 (Sony). The tuning of the audio system for both are completely different, and to my ears and preferences the Sony sound system in the Ford Focus sounds better. The Bose tuning is very clean and clinical, lean with good separation and detail. However, the bass is severely lacking, and even though the bass was bumped up to the maximum in the settings, there is very little change to the bass punch and presence. With the Sony, the music sounds much more dynamic and has punch mainly contributed by the bass. There is wallop down there which extends up to the midrange, giving a fuller sound. It's a fuller and warmer sound with punchy bass with the Sony, and with the Bose it's a lean and clean sound but without bass, comparatively speaking.
I have spent RM5k+ with Pete's car audio upgrading the speakers and adding DSP and subwoofer about two years ago with my new vehicle. I usually don't spend money in car audio system and prefer everything stock. My previous Ford Focus which I owned for 10 years has an outstanding stock Sony system which sounds fabulous, no upgrade necessary. However, the Nissan Almera which I currently have has a poor sound, lean, flat and lacking bass and dynamics. I could choose to stay put but anyway decided to just spend the money. Although it is a clear upgrade from the stock audio system, to be frank I still prefer the stock audio system of the Sony in the Ford Focus.
Contrary to you, if considering a new vehicle in the future, the audio system will be evaluated although it's not the primary importance, although still important. However, for me it is likely I won't be upgrading the stock audio system and will just live with it. For this reason, the Mitsubishi XForce remains as one of the top contender as it has a Yamaha audio system. I'm not sure what other vehicles are fitted with branded audio systems though but I guess those vehicles must be quite upmarket.
Coming back to service or repair of amps, in this thread I"m particularly focusing on the service of home audio amplifiers and not car audio amps which is quite different. It is surprising to hear that nobody is willing to repair the Bose amp in your vehicle despite some effort of asking around, but used for 10 years I guess it's fine as it can be replaced with a new one. The whole package of the audio upgrade in my vehicle also costs RM5k+ but that is inclusive of the DSP amp, front speakers and subwoofer, all branded. Touch wood they will last for a long time but if anything goes, I can foresee the installer whom I bought the system from will recommend to replace with a new one, judging from your experience.