There is an improvement when sourced to the Ipod and I've pretty much concluded it's from the internal equalization options on the Ipod. Again, if the SOW system had it's own EQ, it would be a very very good system, but the treble/bass adjustments alone just don't do it justice.

I use the Treble Booster generally on the Ipod and it sounds rockin... if I need a tad more bass, I'll use... I think it's Rock, but I'm generally on the Treble Booster and it's crisp, clean and loud.

 

I toggle between Dance/electronic/rock/hiphop

 

Picked up an iPod today, ripped a few CD's to it, hooked it up and listened. Definitely the right best thing, love it. Besides the EQ settings, I like how fast one can change the song, instantaneous (as opposed to CD). Thanks for the heads up on how good this is and the inspiration to go get an iPod!

 

I have had 5 different ELS TL cars since 2004 and the biggest weakness to the car is the ELS. You are correct, only DVD-A sound good, XM soudns muddy and muted, I blamed it on XM for the longest time until I heard XM in the G35 and Genesis. Even the "improved" ELS in the 09 TSX (and I assume 09 TL) is not much better, XM is a tad clearer, and the lows and highs are accurate, but the power and presentation of the entire system is flat unless you have a good DVD-A !!

 

All in the ears of the beholder, I have owned a few Acura ELS TL based casrs sine 04 and I find the SOW to sound cleaner, although the lows while more powerful than the ELS are a bit boomy, the ELS lows are more accurate, but flat. The ELS excels on DVD-A and decent on CD, all other sources are muddy and flat.

 

I was told and/or read same thing, MP3s in dash only, glad that is not true then!!

 

I just got my g35xS today i have found the SOW to be sick.. Very clear great bass idk wat some of these guys are talking about.

 

o and i use HIP HOP on my ipod and it give me sick bass

 

I added a modest 12" sub...can't believe how good the SOW sounds. It was pretty damn good before, but for all the talk of woofer size, it just didn't have the bass impact.

 

I have an iPhone 3G (2nd Gen) and when I plug it into the iPod connection it can't charge, is that the same way it is with a normal iPod?

 

I haven't been terribly impressed with the sound system. It's certainly loud for an OEM stereo but it is very tinny on the highs and too boomy on the lows (around 70Hz), mids are just plain missing. The imaging is also pretty poor unless you turn on the Driver's sound stage.

I just got rid of an 06 C-Class with the Harmon Kardon premium audio and it wasn't anywhere near as loud as the G35, but it was far crisper. When I went shopping I listened to premium stereos in the IS and the CTS and I think it's on par with them.

Overall, a good deal considering all of the other options the premium package gives you, but if great sound is what you're looking for, go aftermarket.

 

I just came across this review today while looking through the Car Audio and Electronics website. I'll post the link in case it has not been posted here before.
http://www.caraudiomag.com/features/...ort/index.html

 

i use the ipod at high bit rates or lossless, and it's great imo. as with my home system, i can tell poorly mastered cds from good ones.

 

After listening to music for a month on this system I am not that impressed. I think the Bose system in my 99 Maxima sounds better! It really seams to be missing the bass as others have mentioned. Although I am pretty sure speakers also have a break in period so hopefully it will sound better over time. Just my 2 cents!!

 

The most impressive things about the SOW are the imaging and the neutrality. I can't tell you how many times I've heard aftermarket systems with big name components just thrown together that sound like crap. Sure the SOW has limitations, namely the lack of bass, modest volume limit before distortion and highs not that clear--but midrange neutrality is way more important than any of these.