2023 Honda Accord - Bose 12-Speaker Sound System Review

Thank goodness the new 2023 Honda Accords come with a Bose radio, because old Accords were seriously lacking with their unbranded audio. And the Android Automotive touchscreen is great to use as well.
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0:00 Infotainment, sound settings, inputs
6:10 Speaker locations
6:47 Electronic (Illuminate)
8:05 Lo-fi/Chill (ChillShop)
8:51 Classical (The Travelling Symphony)
10:32 Rock (Homeworld Collapse)
12:19 Bass (Redlips)
12:59 Electronic (Muffin)
14:00 Electronic (Aimless Lyrics)
15:03 Final thoughts
Graphics by Skyler Benn.
This video was filmed with in-ear, binaural microphones, so if you listen with headphones, it will sound like you're sitting in the driver's seat!
WAV uncompressed audio tracks used:
Muffin by Raven & Kreyn | • Raven & Kreyn - Muffin...
ChillShop and Redlips by Deoxys Beats | / deoxysbeats1
Homeworld Collapse by Arthur Vyncke | / arthurvost
Aimless Lyrics and Illuminate by Punch Deck | / punch-deck
The Travelling Symphony by Savfk | / savfkmusic
Twenty Nineteen Americana Instrumental by Wayne John Bradley | / ayneohnradley
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
#accord #bose #honda

[@magfav]

This is the first video of yours I’ve seen. All I have to say is I’VE FOUND MY PEOPLE!! I’ve never seen a channel dedicated to car audio reviews. THANK YOU

[@wavy2k]

Same i saw this comment and remembered to like + sub

[@planetfabulous5833]

His audio reviews are the best - bar none! Thanks Charlie we love you!

[@Heretickay]

I’m happy I found this channel. Thank you for ur content !

[@jeffbrubaker5228]

I purchased the 2023 Accord Touring about a month and a half ago. While driving it home from the dealership I turned on the radio and thought to myself how horrible it sounded. I was almost ready to turn around and return the car hahah. However, later that night I started to play around with the settings. The factory default setting sounds flat. You need to turn the mid-range down to about 25% and turn up the treble and bass to 75%. That adjustment alone made it sound 200% better. If you're listening to the radio, the Bose Centerpoint Surround works well. It does not work well with MP3 files. MP3 files sound much better than the radio period. I also adjusted the sound slightly more to the rear using the touch fader and it takes a lot of workload off the side speakers in the doors. Overall I agree with you on the rating. I give it a "B" as well.

[@IAMT3XAS]

How does the bass sound? Is it weak or sound bad?

[@ChillPokePulls]

i have a bose sound system in my 12 Maxima. USBAudio/Carplay > 3.5mm aux > radio. the clarity difference between even the 3.5mm and the carplay was crazy good. also audio over bluetooth is always compressed. although the difference might be negligible. with a better and better sound system, bluetooth should lack at some point.

[@jkuberski]

I agree 100% with your accessment. I added a powered JL sub and bumped it up to a B plus.

[@stephenkahn5475]

Please review the Bose system in the new Pilot (wished they offered it in the Trailsport, even as an extra cost factory option). I really appreciate your channel for actually caring about creating dedicated car audio system reviews. Thanks!

[@pfbell]

I just got the Accord. Love the Bose sound system. I had the same problem with the USB. The Honda USB port can only read USB drives formatted in FAT32. This limits you to a 32GB USB (or smaller). Still plenty to put hundreds of songs. Larger USB drives are now formatted in exFAT, which Honda won't recognize. I purchased a 32GB USB stick, put some lossless music files on it, and it works beautifully (and sounds fantastic).

[@mjohnston1986]

If you use command prompt then you can get around the 32Gb restriction. you can format up to 2Tb drives this way which is the theoretical maximum for FAT32. If you have already formatted a larger than 32Gb drive into 32Gb then you will have to go to Disk Management to delete the partition and re-create. Use this command to format in command prompt. Example. format F: /fs:FAT32 /q

[@IAMT3XAS]

Do you have the same 12 speaker system? How does the bass sound? Is it weak or sound bad? Do you use the centerpoint on?

[@GuillermoRiesgo]

Is this a problem for phones as well? I bought a Sony phone to carry my 200Gb of FLAC files. Also, does the USB option read FLAC? My last car wouldn't and I'm probably going to buy a 2024 Civic this week

[@KT_One]

Thanks for your review. Honda really needs to step it up in audio systems and accessibility. One of the top 3 reasons on why our 2019 Accord Sport 2.0t and 2021 Odyssey EX-L will no longer be welcome in our garage is the audio quality is terrible. This system should be in the EX-L and above, not just at top tier.

[@jppilotadventurez5251]

When the time is right for myself, I’ll be trading in my 22 pilot sport and getting this new accord fully loaded. 😊 I’m too antsy though!

[@djijspeakerguy4628]

Fun fact, the unbranded audio systems in the last few generations of Civic are actually secretly made by Pioneer! The 9th and 10th gen accords, both the base and premium systems, were made by a relatively unknown company called Foster, which has been a long term manufacturer of OEM car audio, also supplying many of the base model sound systems, not just for Honda but for Subaru and a few others as well. I think the 8th gen might have had a Bose trim, but not sure about the base stereo. 7th gen and before back to at least the 4th gen were likely all Panasonic (or Panasonic’s old parent company Matsushita I believe.) Not sure who makes the base and non-Bose upgraded 11th gen accord stereos, but I suspect it’s either Foster or Pioneer.

[@kidsfuturesareworthit.8673]

Hey, thanks for the review! Totally agree. I got the 22 Civic sport touring hatchback with the Bose 12sp system… the front door woofers are mounted too low and is producing too much low/mid-bass. Most likely because the 8” sub in the back just isn’t loud enough and is out in a small ported plastic enclosure. So I changed out the sub for a slim sealed box with RF amp and 10# woofer. Then changed out all door woofers and the center channel speaker with infinity Kappas. Much better now but still not perfect as I can’t change some of the Bose colouration… Cheers! Subscribed:)

[@kidsfuturesareworthit.8673]

Oh forgot to mention that I had to do the sound deadening for the doors and floor/trunk, lots of work, but worth it! Cheers

[@ronaldovillegas1]

Did you have any recommendations for eq in the settings? I recently had a Lexus es and used your settings and really enjoyed myself. Hoping you had preferred settings for the accord now that I switched mostly to save on gas

[@rookietoprobuildz]

The review I needed to find, thank you! 🔑can't wait to purchase the 11th Gen Accord

[@stevenkeller5297]

Thanks for the review. Do you know how many watts the amplifier for the premium Bose system has? The Honda website tells you for the lower level Accords if it's 160 Watts or 180 Watts, but not for the Bose. Thanks.

[@MoNoK15]

The Bose system in the Pilot Elite is phenomenal!!!

[@pdg61met]

Couldn't agree more also, I test drove the Accord sport with the regular sound system. Lets just say it's an insult to one's ears

[@14U2C]

Wish they could have put that in the previous gen accord.

[@SimirJohnson]

Hello. Any idea how the Bose system in the Accord rates against the Harmon Kardon system in the Subaru Legacy?

[@TheRaazberry]

Wonder how the default audio system is on the EX-L Hybrid

[@Splashman24]

His comments are exactly why I added a 10in JL sub. I now have that "wow" factor.

[@pluvse]

You connected the Sub to the existing amp?

[@Splashman24]

@@pluvse No. Added a separate amp to power the sub.

[@Eli-pu8ob]

how does it sound? and what did you do to connect it? thinking about buying one but sound system is something that matters to me. if i did i would go with the 13.5

[@Splashman24]

@@Eli-pu8ob I had it installed at a car stereo shop. The amp is mounted to the back of the seat. The sub is in a freestanding box. They ran a wire for power from the car battery through the firewall and vehicle to power the amp. I did not have them install a remote control for the amp as I use the sub only to add a "natural sounding" bottom end. On music without a lot of bass, you wouldn't know that the sub is there. Only when the music itself has low end impact does the sub make itself know. I use the same philosophy as I have done with my home theater. I wanted it to blend and not boom.

[@Eli-pu8ob]

@@Splashman24 you kept stock battery? and how are the rattles for me a bunch of rattling in the cabin ruins it for me.

[@digginglow]

Just found this channel awesome. Question, is this Bose system most 25 optical ?

[@DailyMotorSound]

I'm not sure, sorry

[@sultanal-sulami1678]

What you think of air isolation while driving?

[@verytoe5371]

Plz do bmw 228i grand coupe with Harmon kardon 14 speakers I would like to see how the base model plays with a “higher end price of the speakers” compared to the 10 speaker system

[@ethanfloro6934]

Hey Charlie! How would you compare the Accord's Bose system to the Civic Hatchback Sport Touring bose system? Thanks! Love your reviews.

[@DailyMotorSound]

Thanks! Very comparable. Nearly the same.

[@doughnut5871]

Man! That’s a loud car!

[@jukelyrobcraft]

Whats ur opinion the Accord Bose vs the CRV bose? Would you say that the CRV bose is better?

[@BIGFKING]

very nice

[@papayamango7507]

You compared this to the Civc's new Bose system, which I 100% get, but what do you think of the Accord's system relative to other midsize sedans in the class like the Camry, Sonata, and K5?

[@DJLOUIE1000]

How does it compare to the Camry JBL system?

[@WoWdOm18]

I ended up going with a sport touring cr-v because when i tested the accord it sounded like it had no subwoofer at all. The cr-v definitely has a stronger subwoofer. Or is Atleast tuned better.

[@Arr0wLIVE]

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Acura Integra's ELS sound system. I know y'all have done other ELS systems before but I'm curious how Acura's entry-level vehicle performs in comparison to Honda's top trims with the Bose system, to see if the difference is worth the jump.

[@DailyMotorSound]

It's in my driveway right now! Definitely a large step above the Civic, but not S tier. It's a very bright system, and I don't much care for that.

[@ShreyaVerma-ej5mk]

@@DailyMotorSound Can you do a full review of Integra's ELS please please? I would really love to have your input before I make the biggest purchase of my life.

[@ShreyaVerma-ej5mk]

Just saw you posted the review. Many thanks!! You are my favourite!

[@jaganchnv4959]

Does anyone know where to download the high quality loss less audio files to test it out in my 2024 Honda ACCORD touring witH BOSE system?

[@kyron2092]

Low and one-sided sound stage, pretty much no bass from the subwoofer, lack of power and crispness is inappropriate for a $40k car imo. I tested this system and wasn't too happy.

[@HATMTX]

What about the nissan altima ?

[@kyron2092]

@HATMTXGAMER my biggest complaint with the altima is that a lot of sound is heard below you on the floor. The Altima has speakers on the dash but the sound is saturated at the level of the speakers. It doesn't have the full and high soundstage im used to. However, you can get bose on the altima on most trims. Honda makes you pay for the top trim for the Bose. Altima does have decent clarity, which I appreciate. Bass is good for a car without a subwoofer

[@kelloncupid]

How does this Boose system compare to the Mazda 3 Boose system?

[@brandenlomeli1194]

Pls do the 2023 Honda civic premium Bose audio 🙏🏽

[@flamegaming760]

Hey Charlie hows it going? I'm curious how this system compares to the Mark Levinson in the Lexus ES? I'm in the market for a hybrid sedan and would like to know your opinion on which one is better. Thanks!

[@terpsfannc2002]

I traded in a 2013 Lexus ES300h with Mark Levinson for the 2023 Honda Accord Touring. I think the ML sounds a lot better than the Bose but the ML adds a lot more to the price so it's not a fair comparison. I think the ML adds $2700 to the ES.

[@cameron6249]

mark levinson is a high-end brand, bose is mass market... that's the sound difference

[@flamegaming760]

@@terpsfannc2002 You are right it is a big price difference. I was thinking new 2023 accord or used 2019 ES around the same price. I think I'll go with the Mark Levinson because I've got a 2 hour commute and really care about audio quality. Plus used Lexus' are very reliable so that is probably my best bet.

[@flamegaming760]

@@cameron6249 That is true man, although apparently some Bose sound systems are better than others. Mazda > Chevy Bose.

[@koven1497]

Check out the Chinese PHEV accord. That is the vehicle we should’ve gotten here…

[@bandguymichael]

Would you be able to test the Accord LX? I'd be curious to see how a 4 speaker system would sound and how it would be rated.

[@lixiaochen6]

I test drove the 8 speakers, and that one was terrible. (D+ maybe?). I will be surprised if the 4 speakers do any better).

[@bandguymichael]

@@lixiaochen6 I wouldn't be surprised if it's one of the few (if not the first) E-rated system. I'm pretty sure it's just 4 woofers and no tweeters. My grandmother has a 2018 CR-V LX and even with the treble cranked, it sounds terrible.

[@nathansalazar6775]

Most base systems suck. In my 2007 accord I have the 6 speaker system it sounds decent.

[@nathansalazar6775]

The speakers are Pioneers.

[@amgil475]

​@@bandguymichaelhonda sounds bad , base or premium , for the price , its the worst , mazda is miles ahead and they are the best ever for the price , i woudnt be surprised if toyota's jbl is better than honda's bose .

[@dawsonsc1]

no builtin Sirius XM and no native android automotive OS at the moment. only option is app on phone though android auto

[@jayo8484]

I got this car and went from a 2004 Acura RL to this and the stock Bose system bass in my old 2004 Rl is way better than this lol. Don’t get me wrong the sound quality is great and is perfect with certain songs and is a beast when listening to audiobooks books or podcast. But when it comes to the bass it leaves room for improvement but other than that it’s great.

[@DylanandJazi]

Yea my friend has a 2022 Honda accord sport and the speakers in my 2007 Acura tl sound better. One thing I noticed is how clear the Accord’s speakers were but I’m assuming just cause it’s newer it sounds clearer.

[@KAAnndrey]

Love the sound system of this Acura, too. I was hoping that this Accord would have the same, but judging by the comments, it is not up to the mark. That's a shame. Still thinking about buying the 2023 Accord.

[@xMarkuzx]

Is the ELS 3d surround sound better from the Integra?

[@DailyMotorSound]

Yes

[@texasmade9727]

So I bought a 2023 Accord LX. The system sucks! Do you think the Honda Dealership can slap the Bose 12 speaker system inside my LX Accord? I don’t want my trunk space taken up with a subwoofer box and I don’t want to void my Warranty by some random sound system company jacking up the wiring. Thats why I want to keep it all Honda. Even when I switch my Rims out it’s gonna be from the dealership. lol. Anyway. Do you think this is possible?

[@RealTalk532]

If you look at the back deck closely, there are vacant cut outs for two more tweeters like it Should have been a 14 speakers system

[@nathansalazar6775]

I think the speakers are the same ones in the Civic, but the Accord has more sound isolation.

[@cameron6249]

i have the 10gen civic/accord and the civic sounds better... possibly because the interior is smaller

[@kirbei7092]

@@cameron6249 no way the 10th gen civic sounds better, the speakers aren't even branded. there's little to no bass output and everything about it sounds tinny and cheap.

[@mikemccormick6128]

I don't really understand the logic. It sounds like you were impressed with the Civic system but disappointed with the Accord system even though they sounded exactly the same. To me, the sound is the sound is the sound. The price of the car should't matter at all. This reminds me of those movie reviewers who loved the first movie, but then gave the sequel a worse review solely because the reviewer said that it had already been done before. So if the second movie came first, then they would have liked that one better. Music reviewers do the same thing. They loved the first Linkin Park album, but not so much the second one because they said it was too similar to the first one. But if the second album would have come out first, then they would have liked that one better. That is just crazy to me. The music is the music is the music. It shouldn't matter what came first.

[@DailyMotorSound]

Ehhhh, but people paid the same price for each movie or each music album. If I'm willing to spend $35k on a car, that means I'm expecting a higher level of sound quality, especially if competitors provide it. If I'm getting good sound quality out of a low price point, I'm going to be more excited. And in the other direction, if I drop $150k on a luxury car, but a $60k Volvo has a better sound system, I'm going to be disappointed.

[@cameron6249]

looks like you left the settings at default, might sound better if adjusted. plus the 10gen has a setting buried in the menu for a slight improvement, not sure if this car has it.

[@aakarshangandhi6074]

how does this compare to other mid size sedan like camry or sonata or k5?

[@MukisaSS]

I’d say they're around the same.

[@snakeeyes9246]

​@@MukisaSS they're*

[@ilovejeffhardy3906]

How about Mazda 3 or 6?

[@damienamado]

@@ilovejeffhardy3906Mazda systems are always top of their class for audio systems. I’d say the 6 has the best audio quality in its class but lacks some bass because it’s missing a subwoofer. If you were to install one, then it would be great.

[@HiiImChris]

You should add a bass heavy track, like modern dubstep

[@MrCt302]

Honda should of had the Bose system in the 18 -20 accord. What's looks with out the sounds to go with it..

[@li-fq5ec]

BMW X1 +1

[@cesarinfantegonzalez3183]

Cuál es mejor sound system Alpine or bose!??

[@bhangraman7000]

This is typical Bose where they have a poor crossover set point. Their acoustic bass module in their home theater lifestyle systems have to handle both mid and bass frequencies since the jewel cube speakers have such small drivers.

[@Hamms-2021]

JPL Vs Bose How is win??

[@The_Noticer.]

Im so sad I can't buy this car here in Europe. And even a base-spec Civic costs 42.000 euro (45.000 dollar). So I wouldn't even fathom to guess what these would cost if they were released here.. Just to drive the point home, the Honda Civic Type-R FL5 costs 80.000 euro (86.000 dollar) here due to carbon taxes.

[@ferrarif430man]

Honda skimped out on the Sport L- speaker system. its pretty basic.

[@MarioSays713]

Subwoofer on the deck is definitely not the way to go. Too much vibration from cheap plastic. Hopefully they can just place it in the trunk and call it a day.

[@yujbbbghhhghhh2420]

bro didn’t play a single rap song

[@brenttitus2134]

Rap is crap is why and not music.

[@kevinryan4251]

The 'premium sound system' bass quality in my 2022 accord sucks ass. weak bass, sounds thin, no deep depth. Very disappointed coming from Cruze 'premium' pioneer system that does legit awesome job with bass.