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Ok so I am looking for an S4 B5, and the general queries regarding that are posted on the appropriate forum, however one of the things I am lookng for is the BOSE upgrade.

My question to you, is it really worth it? What is the difference between it and the symphony and concert systems. I don't want to go along the custom ICE route I just want a prefitted system. Some of the cars I am looking at don't have Bose and that is the only reason for me not considering them. Your thoughts?

Cant comment on the difference between Concert and Symphony but BOSE -

Tricky,

The main difference is that the BOSE is a distributed amplifier system. Without it you are just relying on the power from the head, and (unless someone corrects me) no opportunity to adjust front/rear balance. As well as more power and front/rear balance, BOSE also has a subwoofer (maybe only in the Avant?).

Some people criticise BOSE for it's sound quality. Although I am no audiophile, I find it fine. Symphony has the advantage of having an in-built graphic equaliser (only accessible through 'hidden' menus) which is not available on Concert or Nav +.

I would definately go for the BOSE option if you don't plan on a custom install. I thought most S4's would of had this option fitted?

I have the Bose speakers, and a custom head unit (CD changer, Radio, DVD, TV, Dolby 5.1, etc). All I have changed is the sub, and run the othe Bose components through a Directed amp, sounds great

Thats strange, I have Audi Sat Nav+ and my speakers have what looks like small onboard amplifiers on the back of them. No Bose Badges in my car and no sub.

I do still have Fader and Balance control.

Does this mean the Sat Nav system has no inbuilt amplifiers. Makes it a nightmare to update the speakers as I think I then have to buy amps.....

The sound is okay, but still not as good as my Pioneer system in my old A4.

So, unless you are playing music v v loud, would I really notice the difference. My interest is more in quality of sound, ie bass and treble being nice and clear, rather than being able to deafen myself! This could have quite an impact on what car I decide to buy as I reckon about 50% of the cars (roughly on Autotrader) don't come with BOSE as standard.

gavsteryoung wrote:Thats strange, I have Audi Sat Nav+ and my speakers have what looks like small onboard amplifiers on the back of them. No Bose Badges in my car and no sub.

I do still have Fader and Balance control.

Does this mean the Sat Nav system has no inbuilt amplifiers. Makes it a nightmare to update the speakers as I think I then have to buy amps.....

The sound is okay, but still not as good as my Pioneer system in my old A4.

That makes sense then. The Nav+ does have an amp, but only for the 2 front speakers. The outputs for rear are line, which is why the speakers are self-amplified.