Bose "Centerpoint" Sucks

[Sooner1]

For the first week driving my FL5 I thought the Bose sound system sounded so bad that something had to be wrong with it - like a set of speakers was not hooked up. Changing the source did not matter (satellite, Carplay, even podcasts). I endlessly adjusted the treble, mid, and base settings with no improvement. I am not an audiophile but it sounded very hollow or flat. I found the setting for Bose Centerpoint, turned that off and it transformed the sound. It is full and amazing by comparison.

I have no idea why anyone at Honda or Bose thought this setting should be an option.

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[MERAKIAUTOWORKS]

I have to try this out today cause I'm in the same boat as you.

-Josh

 

[TypeRD]

I’ve been into audio (mostly home stuff) for over 2 decades and Blose has never made any TRULY great products except maybe noise canceling headphones. An argument could be made for the audio system in the 1990’s RX7, I suppose. I know they did some innovative things back in the 70’s too. But since then they’ve relied almost solely on marketing hype and brand recognition to sell overpriced, mediocre, stuff. I’m not mad about the Bose system in my FL5, but I know it wouldn’t take much to improve upon it either. It is what it is.

 

[CTR]

I tried turning the Bose Centerpoint off expecting it to be way better but after toggling back and forth I personally think it sounds better with Centerpoint on.

Maybe my ears are different or I don't know any better.

 

[Clark_Kent]

I tried turning the Bose Centerpoint off expecting it to be way better but after toggling back and forth I personally think it sounds better with Centerpoint on.

Maybe my ears are different or I don't know any better.

Same. It's on for me and sounds better than when it's off. I also don't claim to be an audiophile and my hearing can be questionable at times.

 

[Sporky McGeuschky]

For the first week driving my FL5 I thought the Bose sound system sounded so bad that something had to be wrong with it - like a set of speakers was not hooked up. Changing the source did not matter (satellite, Carplay, even podcasts). I endlessly adjusted the treble, mid, and base settings with no improvement. I am not an audiophile but it sounded very hollow or flat. I found the setting for Bose Centerpoint, turned that off and it transformed the sound. It is full and amazing by comparison.

I have no idea why anyone at Honda or Bose thought this setting should be an option.

And here I thought the porter blew out my door speakers while driving my brand new 25 FL5 Type R from Austin down to my dealer in Central TX. (I REALLY should have made the dealer load it onto a truck and deliver it with zero miles for the markup I paid those highway robbers.)
Nope, it just turns out the Bose system is just plain weak. All I hear is the six tweeters and a little bit of occasional lows from the small sub in the trunk. Overall very high and a bit tinny. The four door speakers have very little punch. It is extremely disappointing to have such weak sound that is missing almost ALL of the midrange frequencies... especially for what these cars cost. The Centerpoint setting does seem to "fill the cabin" better than the stock audio setting but doesn't make the sound much "clearer", if at all.
I absolutely would have opted out of anything from Bose touted as an "Upgrade", if it was an option.

At least hook me up with some Cerwin Vegas for crying out loud. I may just have to do that myself.

 

[blueroadster]

From what I understand, the stock Bose "system" got the label approval because a Bose amplifier was used to drive non-branded speakers. Another words, the non-branded speakers got a Bose nameplate on the grill simply because the overall "system" is driven by a Bose amplifier.

The stock Bose "system" definitely sounds better with Bose Centerpoint turned off for most music IMHO. Poly fill can also be added to the sub to help with bass somewhat. As for clarity across all ranges, the amp and all speakers need to be replaced. It would be cool if an audio upgrade kit was available using stock speaker locations with a better amp and speakers.

"No highs, no lows, it must be Bose"

 

[Nanook]

Not a fan of the Centerpoint at all. Just like the op I turned it off. Also like @Sporky McGeuschky I found the sound very tinny. I just finished putting sound deadening in the trunk, making sure to add some behind the subwoofer. Hopefully will get a chance to test it in the next couple of days and report back.

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