2024 Mazda CX-90 - Bose 12-speaker Sound System Review

The beautiful new Mazda CX-90 comes with a 12-speaker Bose audio system in the top trims. Like the other Mazda Bose radios, it sounds quite good. However, when you're getting into luxury prices like this, it's not class leading.
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0:00 Infotainment, sound settings, inputs
5:55 Speaker locations
6:43 Electronic (Illuminate)
8:01 Lo-fi/Chill (ChillShop)
8:48 Classical (The Travelling Symphony)
10:29 Rock (Homeworld Collapse)
12:21 Bass (Redlips)
12:55 Electronic (Muffin)
13:58 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/...
#cx90 #MazdaCX90 #bose

[@electrikoptik]

Passenger loves the CX-90 so much he wore matching pants.

[@Jpiperdog]

I just see a pair of shoes on the floor

[@jackykimes]

My wife's purse matches the interior of ours.

[@bryanbuff]

John Cena

[@StgVirus1]

I have 2023 Mazda 3 Turbo, and can absolutely say I love the Bose 12 speaker setup. It's pretty much the best speakers for it's price point except maybe Acura.

[@Brad4rdHay]

Stereo Mode: Linear vs Standard is a target frequency curve setting, it doesn't change the spread of sound front to back (despite what the GUI shows). Compared to Linear, Standard gradually boosts the bass by as much as 6db, starting around 120hz, accompanied by a 2-3db midrange dip between 1khz-2khz. Linear, despite its name, isn't a flat curve, but rather a tilted target curve a calibrated system in a room should aim for, and is preferred IMO. When Centerpoint is engaged, the curve unfortunately defaults to Standard even if you explicitly select Linear, at least on my 2020 Mazda3.

[@killmurer]

Is the linear the target Harman curve?

[@Brad4rdHay]

@@killmurer yes exactly

[@jackykimes]

Agree. "Standard" has does have a dip which produces that hollow sound. Do yourself a favor and listen in "Linear" mode for more accurate reproduction.

[@lucasrocha633]

recently bought CX50 with 12 speaker, I guess isn't CX90 same sound system but Linear is it better than Standard?? I saw some reviews and some guys put Bose center 3.

[@Brad4rdHay]

@@lucasrocha633 same sound system. It’s ultimately whichever sounds best to you, but Linear is a more accurate curve.

[@pstephens__]

Man I felt like I was in the car with my headphones on. I looked to the side when you got out to open the door! 😂😂😂 I enjoyed the video. I subscribed.

[@stevew7964]

As a long time automotive sound quality competitor, I can really appreciate your approach. I love that Mazda has used bass drivers far forward in footwells. Id like to learn more about how they are mounted, size and the enclosure type (sealed chamber, aperiodic venting, etc). Nice review, subscribed

[@patrickwalker6698]

I work at MTM in Huntsville, Alabama. The Dash woofers seem to be around 5 inches and they're in a ported enclosure.

[@exirion9557]

According to Mazda's specs, woofers are 4.5" and each ported in a 4 liter enclosure. @@patrickwalker6698

[@shelbymoe1211]

Footwell is sealed, trunk "bass box" is ported

[@roberthamilton1301]

Nice review once again. Thanks Mate 👍

[@OhioStateBuckeyefanstuckinMI]

Has Bose improved over the years? Recently they’ve consistently been getting upper B tiers to even some A tier rankings.

[@Gritt982]

Yeah it seems like it. I was not really impressed with their car audio before my 12 speaker Mazda3 and a (not mine) 14 speaker Cadillac, everything Bose until recently sounded a bit muddy to me

[@exirion9557]

I've known Bose since the 80s when they were mostly known for their Acoustimass systems. The concept for all their speakers has usually been: cheap components with heavy equalization to make up for it. Still not a fan, although the Bose systems in my Mazda 3 and CX-5 were ok. Usually the bass is boomy and treble a bit harsh. Soon I'll have a CX-60 and hopefully it's also an audible upgrade from the CX-5.

[@Gritt982]

I'm surprised how identical the system interface is to my Mazda 3 Bose. would dont mind it in fact after living with a 2022 Mazda3 since Feb 2022 I'm really quite liking it.

[@bedru89]

Thanks charley for the review 👍. Can you please do the LEXUS RX 21 speakers Mark & Levinson

[@DailyMotorSound]

Should be this summer! And you're welcome!

[@danilkim80]

thanks for the review! One unrelated question I have is why amber triangle of BSM system blinks on the left mirror? Did you have a camera mounted there or it's a glitch?

[@DailyMotorSound]

You're welcome! I think it was malfunctioning...

[@davids7998]

Does the subwoofer located in the trunk give it extra noticeable bass? And is there a way to control its levels?

[@justkflesh]

Hi, DM❤ I currently own 2021 cx9 top trim. Sound system is nice, but I cannot find the feeling from the ML sound system in previous generation Lexus ES. If my next car price range is around 55~60k. What car do you recommend? I was target new NX ML, but after I read your website review. I not quiet sure it is good enough. Maybe new RX can be a potential car? What car would you recommend that I can feel a lot of upgrade from CX9

[@DailyMotorSound]

Strictly sound system? XC60/XC90. Mercedes would also be a good pick, but tough to get in your price range. Acura MDX.

[@iancharik2837]

How do you display the source (radio station) details with the navigation map?

[@user-mp5hi5tp5m]

Bro,when audi s8/a8 d4 bose 14-speakers?? Good luck to you!)

[@bryanwesleyko564]

Out of all tested, which Mazda do you think is the best? seems like they're so close in ranking

[@yournightmare9999]

Cx9 cx5

[@DailyMotorSound]

This

[@jackykimes]

Turn off all the Bose spatial processing junk. Set the listening position to "Driver" and i believe that midrange hollowness will be reduced. I notice an artificial sound in the frequency response from the Bose 3d setting. I turned it all off in my own CX-90.

[@ARMIMZAQ]

Does this sound system comes to the level of the mark levinson 15 speakers sound system in the lexus rx?

[@AkiffHssn]

12:21 Yeah that bass sound, Mazda gooodjob! Lexus NX Fsport any chance of a review Thank you :)

[@DailyMotorSound]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3m6fq2kZax_lck

[@mediumrarepotato7385]

There need to be A- to A+ tiers

[@MrRerota]

Please can you test the Honda Accord 2023 Bose system? if it's possible.

[@DailyMotorSound]

Testing it next week!

[@kurtr1870]

Did you compare Bluetooth connection (inferior) to the wired connection?

[@Mulletsrock23]

I have a Mazda 6 signature with the Bose system. The Bluetooth is very good but I have a old ipod connected with the 3.5 mm jack and it sound better and louder. So the wired option is the best.

[@susie4045]

Is this the same Bose that comes on the 2023 Honda pilot? The pilot touring and elite has a 12 speaker Bose system, just not sure if it’s the same? I would love a review on it if not.

[@namelast9340]

Which he ranked B+ right?

[@DailyMotorSound]

Probably won't be the same. Bose in Honda is a big step over what they've had, but they still don't typically sound as good as Mazda. Just because they're both Bose don't mean they're going to sound the same. Haven't heard the Pilot Bose yet, but yeah I bet it'll be a B tier.

[@susie4045]

@@DailyMotorSound ok, thank you!

[@dudeski934]

Does it have HD Radio

[@michelinmann1776]

Can you review golf 7 dynaudio/ golf8 Harman kardon ?

[@DailyMotorSound]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/e37Qc2iZZtymeLs

[@belize0232]

How would you compare it to the MDX?

[@Jaykoolzboy]

Did some quick test earlier this week, the new 12 speakers Bose sounds great on the Turbo S Premium plus trim (A tier for sure) . With that being said, I love the MDX ELS 3D Studio (or Signature) more with more immersive experience (especially with real 5.1 DVD Audio files). Sounds are extremely subjective , so if stereo is the key factor for you to choose between MDX and CX90 , simply load up your USB stick and have a quick test for both.

[@DailyMotorSound]

Mazda is very good, MDX is excellent.

[@jackykimes]

@@DailyMotorSound seriously? The MDX Advanced package that I heard was awful. The Type-S system is livable. My review posted on several socials: "Most of all, one must go up to the $75k Acura Type S to get decent sound. The non-S trim sound is horrific. I couldn’t listen to such bloated junk. Seriously, “she sounds hideous.” Even Mazda’s Bose sounded like even spectral response in comparison. With all the Bose 3D spatial mess turned off the CX-90 is fairly true to name, “linear.” I can live with it for a while."

[@cash4920]

kinda disappointed it’s only a 12 speaker system. for this price point and size of a vehicle they definitely should have added more speakers. i can’t imagine the listening experience in the back is very good. 12 speakers is perfect for a car the size of the 3 but I would want more for a car this size.

[@LousyHealer13]

Right, I would’ve expected a 14 speaker system for this price point. A midrange and tweeter in the rear doors at least.

[@Quinton0520]

@@LousyHealer13 well it’s not a Volvo or Mercedes with 20 or more speakers

[@MattAB82]

the only thing is more speakers isn't always better. The problem with more speakers is that often OEM systems with lots of speakers rely on processing and excessive time alignment to create a soundstage that isn't muddled. The problem is all this processing often creates inaccurate reproduction. The reason 5.1 or 7.1 can be great for vehicles is that unlike a home stereo with let's say 2.1 you sit super close to either the left or right channel in the seats - the centre channel helps create a better sound stage in a small environment. Building a good system for 5.1 doesn't require that many drivers tbh. What is more important is placement and materials of drivers and mixing/tuning and time alignment of each driver. For good 5.1 in a car for example the rear door speakers shouldn't actually produce frequencies below 100 or 80hz as this can move the soundstage back behind front seats. I notice in the cx90 they have small twiddler drivers rather than 6.5" drivers in the rear doors and this is probably why. I just find there is this trend toward more speakers in cars these days rather than focusing on foundational elements like materials, placement, and flat response curves. Andy Wehmeyer - of AudioFrog has extensive information on car audio in various forums including diyma from his time at JBL developing the MS8 processor.

[@Quinton0520]

@@MattAB82 still 25 speakers vs 10! Bowers and Wilkins vs Bose! Yet mazda wants to be “luxury” 🤣

[@MattAB82]

​@@Quinton0520 But this is $65K in Canada for the top of the line. The $100K plus Volvos all have buzzy 4 cylinders engines - I'd rather do the Mazda inline 6 - test drove several Volvos and was not impressed although yes the B&W systems in the Volovs are great - I do wish more brands would include a third upper tier system like this as an option (like Audi, Volvo, and others) . And thing is I build car audio systems for a hobby so I would be able to mod this car's stereo pretty easily (front dash woofers would be the biggest issue); there are a variety of options including replacing some drivers, all drivers and amplification, or all drivers and amplification and processing. But the latter is like over $10K for good equipment. My dad's 2023 $100K F150 has 19 speakers B&O and tbh it's OK but reproduction isn't great - lots of eq and processing going on which I'm not crazy about.

[@mihailpopov1722]

How many watts ???

[@KuyaArbee]

what is better... the TX ML or CX90 bose! to see the 20-30k Difference between the top tier cars of the CX90 and TX, I am highly impressed by MAZDA offerings!

[@DailyMotorSound]

Very close, but maybe slight edge to the Mazda

[@ARMIMZAQ]

Which one is better in terms of sound quality, the cx 5 or the cx 90?

[@DailyMotorSound]

I'd have to test them side by side.

[@maxxbenzz7842]

Listen to the Lexi sound system in the Genesis. I know its apples and oranges but if you ever get a chance. Wowwww

[@hengli7372]

Cx90 vs gc summit? Any thoughts?

[@mediumrarepotato7385]

Summit

[@ukaszrazny9472]

I have mazda cx-30 and dilemma centerpoint +1 or off xD

[@sgnfo]

Do you know what the power of the amplifier is, please?

[@DailyMotorSound]

Bose doesn't publish power output unfortunately

[@sgnfo]

@@DailyMotorSound I got it. It has 330 watts and speakers are: Item Rated impedance Size (ohm) (cm ) Front door speaker 3,6 8 Rear door speaker 3,6 8 Rear speaker 3,6 8 Front center speaker 3,6 6.5 {2.5} Cowl side woofer 1,10 11.5 {4.5} Tweeter 3,4 45414 Bass-box 1,24 13 I'm wonder that H&K in Volvo has more than 600 W.... but C-5 has 300 W and sound is strong.

[@sgnfo]

for addition: information above is about CX-60

[@gldflcn]

I absolutely love the Bose system in my 2021 Mazda3!!! If it wasn’t for the poor fuel efficiency I’d keep this car! Now I gotta start researching to see what sound system is gonna replace that D class rating for the new Prius 😅

[@amgil475]

Mazda 3 has poor fuel effciency ?! Bro what ? You have 2.5 turbo you mean ? Is it that bad or just expensive where you live ?

[@gldflcn]

@@amgil475 nah, no turbo thank goodness but even without that my Mazda gets about 27 mpg combined, with a 10 gal tank. I live in CA and drive over 90+ miles round trip 5 days a week. Gas is almost $5/gal out here my man so yeah it’s killing me financially

[@amgil475]

@@gldflcn thank allah in oman near me we have mazda 3 full option trim with 1.5 L engine , yes 1.5L! 😂.

[@gldflcn]

@@amgil475 daaaamn!! Y’all lucky af lol this car is awesome don’t get me wrong! I’ve seen videos of people slamming the Mazda3 and turning it into a drift/rally car, super sick!!

[@KevinWang-uv3rd]

Does it rattle when you turn it up?

[@jackykimes]

I have not noticed any rattle form the driver's seat. you do feel the midbass in/on the firewall.

[@cristiancondurache9583]

I have a CX-9 and I struggle to find where the "premium sound" is on this car. Previosly we had a Volvo XC-60 with Harman sound system. We miss that one a lot...

[@121476]

Well, you're coming from the automaker with the best audio systems so most others are going to sound like crap to you

[@joecool9739]

Thats insane because my CX9 has an excellent sound system, especially when compared to the stuff found in Ford Also its just asanine comparing the sound system in a budget brand to the sound system in a Euro luxury marque

[@christopherrmcg]

@@joecool9739 It's better than the Ford stuff but not Volvo. Those ford Sony systems were trash. BOSE in Mazda vehicles is often underpowered as mentioned. That's because that's what Mazda orders from BOSE. Volvo will be using BOSE but just like the HK systems in Volvo's (top tier), they will be built to meet the needs of of the OEM, which is why Volvo has Centerpoint 360 in their new BOSE system and BOSE' version of Dirac, which I haven't seen in any BOSE car audio systems before.

[@tommytufguy3432]

​@@joecool9739 nahh the system in the cx9. Isn't good at all. Especially with the doors and dash rattling.

[@joecool9739]

@@christopherrmcg Again, you cant do a 1-1 comparison on a budged branded vehicle vs a European luxury car

[@joecool9739]

8:01 Love the late-90s/early-2000s porno soundtrack

[@TheAceBase]

Only thing that kills this vehicle is the egg shaped rear

[@trilingualkid]

Seem like the only downside of this car is the stereo...too much V shape

[@jimmyvillatoro170]

Play some led zeppelin

[@youtubegarbage7876]

I commend you for not driving off the road listening to that terrible royalty free "music" Bose is not really a hifi brand...unless you think Walmart is a hifi shop.