Although not perfect, the ipod connectivity and music options in the infiniti are better than most current OEM options out here. Compared to most other more expensive options, I think Infiniti did a great job of design and implementation and the limitations (ripping options) and overkill (CD changer in the trunk) are overshadowed by how well everything works. These options were a major reason I selected the G35 and although not prefect, are better than most similar options available today.

 

Well I'm glad they have good ipod connectivity. That must be only on the 2008s though because my 2007 just has RCA in, meaning that it doesn't interact with the input at all. It just plays whatever goes in. Not that I care. I don't even own an ipod. I'm sure the interaction is cool for ipod owners, but in my opinion having a hard drive in the car virtually eliminates the need for any other music source. I mean, I understand if you have a friend in the car who wants to play his music off of his ipod then it's handy to have the ipod interaction. But the most convenient aspect of the music system in this car is the hard drive, and that should really be the focus. That's what makes this car's sound system stand out among the rest.

 

I am pretty sure the front sub's are not paper cones.

 

?? I have three MP3 CDs in my changer right now, for a total of about 35 albums - works great.

 

i honestly think it sounds really good for a stock system.

 

Really? I haven't used the changer one single time since I got my 07, but I was under the impression that the changer didn't support MP3 CDs. Good to know.

 

I have to agree with jagguar with respect to the inconveniences imposed upon you in using the hard drive for music. It’s apparent that Infiniti is trying to protect themselves by limiting you to ripping ‘original CD’s’ to the HD. If I was a sceptic, I would say that Infiniti was accusing its clients of being music pirates. Guilty until proven innocent. This is similar to locking you out of the Nav functions while in motion, although safety is a more valid reason. Why can’t the Nav be linked to the passenger seat sensor so when you have company they can control it? Sorry, I get on tangents pretty easy and often.
Anyway, they offer all these music features in a vehicle (which BTW, no one would argue, is great that they cover so many media formats) and then place restrictions so you can’t use them in an efficiently sensible manner. Frustrating to say the least!
BTW, I don't have the HD or media card slot, I do have the in dash 6 disk player and it plays MP3 CDs.
jagguar, i know you say you don't own an iPod and considering what you pay to get the extra music features you shouldn't need an iPod in your car. I completely agree with you on that. I do want to say that if your not opposed to getting an iPod I would really recommend it even with what you already have in your car. They are great. I have a 5th gen 60gig iPod video which can also be used as a portable HD (in case you didn't know iPods can do this). Just plug it into your AV jacks and listen to a playlist or even watch a movie from the iPod. You don't need to use iTunes either. There are many other freeware ways of putting music, movies, photos, calendars etc. on an iPod.
Also, you may want to keep you eyes on this thread: https://g35driver.com/forums/v36-audio-video-electronics/209497-hard-drive-nav-tech-pack.html

 

Yep - in fact, I only have those three CDs in the changer right now, because I haven't gotten around to installing the iPod integration kit (was waiting for the '08 kit, but looks like that may not happen - maybe I'll try the everythingg35.com kit), and the 35 albums more than covers my taste in music

Editorial: If we could get good iPod integration, that to me is the way to go. Only have to synch one device, and carry it anywhere.

 

Really? The manual says that the changer plays wav files only. I could have sworn I tried one too but I don't remember. I'll have to try it.

Nonetheless, I still feel that the HDD is the best way to go. I see no reason to use anything else if the HDD didn't have all the convenience issues. I know ipods are great, but I don't need one. I have a great stereo at home connected directly to my computer and a HDD in my car. I see no reason to get an ipod.

I fantasize about hacking the HDD to be able to copy mp3 directly from any source onto the HDD and also adding a digital EQ to the system so I could tune my system better. If I could do that and add a better sub, I would cry with joy. I love this car, it's the closest thing there is to perfect.

 

i have 4 tracks on my musicbox. They're from the CD that the dealer gave me when I bought the car. A small Jazz compilation.

I never use the musicbox, why? because it's too small, and I've already got my entire CD collection ripped to mp3s for my ipod.

I have around 60GB of mp3 music and at any given time I could be in the mood for any of it, thus the musicbox is completely useless to me.

I'm actually glad my car doesn't have an ipod interface. The ipod interface is proprietary, an aux input is universal. I'm at a stage where apple's business practices and technology ethics are pissing me off, so this will probably be my last ipod, meaning, the aux input will be much much more important to me in the future when I go away from the ipod. and I don't find it that much more difficult to select songs on the ipod than it would be to select them on the G control center interface.

 

In regards to the audio system as a whole, i think it is very good for an OEM system. It is worth the price, IMHO. But since I am an Electrical Engineer, I have to nitpick on some things:

1) When reading MP3's from CD's it takes a while for it to load up and play, maybe 30 seconds. (anyone else notice this? it could be just me)

2) When approaching near max volume, the amplification of the bass seems to taper off, only the mid's and high's increase. Either the bose amp can't supply the current to the 10" woofers or the amp was designed that way to not overload the amp or damage the woofers.

3) Bass could be louder, IMHO, since I'm im used to hard hitting high powered subs. This applies to bass freaks only, haha.

4) Should be able to scroll through the mp3's on the disc without them playing as soon as you stop scrolling.

5) There should be an user controlled/preset equalizer. Not a big deal since the sound quality is very good naturally.

Thats all I can think of right now, I've owned my G for about 3 weeks, this is my impression of the Bose studio on wheels system thus far. I would like to install a better amp and better subs, but I don't want to sacrifice trunk space. If anyone has the same or different comments on the system as mine, feel free to chime in.

 

Yep and yep, have noticed both things. On "4", guess we're spoiled by the menus in iPods, DVRs etc., where you can scroll around to find exactly what you want before selecting it to play.

Not a big deal though, and I just ordered the iPod interface so will have that installed in a few weeks.

 

Actually, I have tried the ipod interface on my '08 with my sister's ipod nano. I thought it was pretty good, although i havent used it that much since i dont have an ipod. But after my brief experience witht the interface, I have been considering getting an ipod. That would solve the slow loading mp3 CD issue, bye bye discs . I currently have the 3 month XM complimentary subscription, I have been using that mostly since there are lots of good stations. Once that expires, I'll probably get an ipod then. Let us know how your ipod interface installation goes.

 

Did you order the iPod kit, that connects to Sat. harness, from EverythingG35. I just ordered it and hope after I install it that it meets expectations. Where do you plan on running the iPod cable. I saw on this forum, a guy just ran it to the rear seat armrest cubby. that works pretty easy so I'll probably do that initially. I don't know where I can get an iPod cable long enough to reach from the trunk to the glove box, which is where I would ultimately like to keep my iPod.

 

I thought the Bose system sounded bad when I tested it last september before I got my G. After few months my opinion has changed. The Bose system is pretty good, a lot of bass and treble, very clean and clear, overall power is not too high so it's not super loud. Nissan decided to put huge speakers in the G35 sedan. One 10 inch rear woofer and the front door speakers are big, seems to be 10 inch too or at least 6x9 inch.
_________
2008 g35 journey5at,ivory/stone+prem&sportpkg.