Studio on Wheels - Sound Impressions
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 466
Likes: 4
From: Bellevue PA
I drove a couple rental g35 08 sedans while my car was in the shop and the stereo in my car sounds way better than the rental Bose stereos....my Bose system sounds amazing in my opinion...just add 1 10" sub and your set
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 35
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coming from a saab 9-3 this stereo is sweet. I love the sound it produces. Yes the radio doesnt sound all that great but thats like watching tv without hd, you have to listen to cd's or mp3's to get the true sound. As soon as I flip over the ipod, i notice immediate differences in sound and love listening to the system. I comment to my wife almost weekly how much better this sounds than the old car. I hear things I have never heard before out of car audio system. Very impressed.
Are there better ones out there? Sure, but for the whole car package i could not be happier
Are there better ones out there? Sure, but for the whole car package i could not be happier
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4
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From: Southeastern PA
Bose employs the Burr-Brown 24-bit digital converter in their implementation of their 'Studio on Wheels' system. For 2007 it is a pure 2-channel stereo system with the intention that the 'soundstage' be in front. In 2008 they added a 'Precision Spatial feature' that simulates moving the left speaker 4" to the left of the driver's window, to provide the driver with a more realistic and widely spaced soundfield when driving alone. Both versions are good sounding systems though not intended to blow the doors off the vehicle or make the car change lanes on bass notes or kick drums.
The Bose system in my 2001 Audi A6 definitely sounds better, especially after having infiltrated the 'secret' equalizer Bose hides inside the unit and tweaking it to my liking (I think its 'stock' factory setting would be about the same as the G's). I wonder if such a thing exists hidden in the Infiniti units too?
The Bose system in my 2001 Audi A6 definitely sounds better, especially after having infiltrated the 'secret' equalizer Bose hides inside the unit and tweaking it to my liking (I think its 'stock' factory setting would be about the same as the G's). I wonder if such a thing exists hidden in the Infiniti units too?
Last edited by Doobster6; Nov 15, 2010 at 08:23 PM.
Although sound is subjective to most people, the SOW deserves respect in its own right. I've said it before and i'll say it again, it's no SPL monster, but it's quite good in the SQ department.
p.s. Doobster, this might help you out a bit.
http://caraudiomag.com/articles/stud...niti-g35-sport
I can't find the other "high-end" review of the SOW at the moment.
p.s. Doobster, this might help you out a bit.
The electronics of the "Studio on Wheels" are said to use high-quality components, such as 24-bit Burr-Brown D/A converters and op-amps. The head unit specifications provided should help garner a faithful music reproduction with claimed measurements of 0.0037 percent THD and a dynamic range of 100dB. System power is rated at 374 watts, thanks to an 8-channel, 270-watt digital amp and a 104-watt two-state modulation amp for the rear 10" subwoofer.
Being a bit of a 2-channel monger, I was really interested to hear how this "stereo" system would compete in a world that's gone surround sound. I started out with the track that smashed my impression of Audi S8's B&O system, Rebecca Pidgeon's "Spanish Harlem." To my surprise, the system was composed with only slight resonance at certain points. The image stability of Pidgeon was great and well-focused above the dash, while the instruments across the soundstage were placed with near pinpoint accuracy. The system response was very linear and everything was upfront, including the bass. This is about the best I've heard this track on a factory system - and it was done without surround sound.
I was equally impressed with other tracks. The soundstage presentation of Monte Alexander's "Sweet Georgia Brown" was incredible, both wide and focused. I noted only that some of the instruments lacked realism, sounding over-EQ'ed. With Sting's "Fragile," the depth to the soundstage was unbelievable and the sense of "airiness" to Sting's vocals was superb. If not for the lack of definition in the bass in both tracks, the overall sound quality would have been practically perfect. Playing tracks by Green Day, Usher and Ziggy Marley, I was able to confirm the bass shortcoming. The songs were missing the low fundamental tones of the instruments, and they came across sounding dry and over-damped - the sensation of feeling the bass more than actually hearing it.
I finished up with Kirk Whalum. His sax work was solid, and details like his breath between blows were clear. This track affirmed the high-quality audio of the Infiniti/Bose stereo system. In fact, the G35 ranks right up there with other high-end OE cars recently reviewed in CA&E.
The G35 Sport is a performance sedan on many levels, and its Bose "Studio on Wheels" sets a new standard for OEM offerings, at least in terms of stereo sound. But while I'm a huge fan of 2-channel audio, I'm not sure it makes sense in today's market to offer an "upgrade system" of this stature that's limited to CD and MP3 media, particularly when multi-channel media is on the rise. But, if your collection is comprised of CDs, then you'll be happy to know that hi-fidelity 2-channel audio is still alive and well in the G.
Being a bit of a 2-channel monger, I was really interested to hear how this "stereo" system would compete in a world that's gone surround sound. I started out with the track that smashed my impression of Audi S8's B&O system, Rebecca Pidgeon's "Spanish Harlem." To my surprise, the system was composed with only slight resonance at certain points. The image stability of Pidgeon was great and well-focused above the dash, while the instruments across the soundstage were placed with near pinpoint accuracy. The system response was very linear and everything was upfront, including the bass. This is about the best I've heard this track on a factory system - and it was done without surround sound.
I was equally impressed with other tracks. The soundstage presentation of Monte Alexander's "Sweet Georgia Brown" was incredible, both wide and focused. I noted only that some of the instruments lacked realism, sounding over-EQ'ed. With Sting's "Fragile," the depth to the soundstage was unbelievable and the sense of "airiness" to Sting's vocals was superb. If not for the lack of definition in the bass in both tracks, the overall sound quality would have been practically perfect. Playing tracks by Green Day, Usher and Ziggy Marley, I was able to confirm the bass shortcoming. The songs were missing the low fundamental tones of the instruments, and they came across sounding dry and over-damped - the sensation of feeling the bass more than actually hearing it.
I finished up with Kirk Whalum. His sax work was solid, and details like his breath between blows were clear. This track affirmed the high-quality audio of the Infiniti/Bose stereo system. In fact, the G35 ranks right up there with other high-end OE cars recently reviewed in CA&E.
The G35 Sport is a performance sedan on many levels, and its Bose "Studio on Wheels" sets a new standard for OEM offerings, at least in terms of stereo sound. But while I'm a huge fan of 2-channel audio, I'm not sure it makes sense in today's market to offer an "upgrade system" of this stature that's limited to CD and MP3 media, particularly when multi-channel media is on the rise. But, if your collection is comprised of CDs, then you'll be happy to know that hi-fidelity 2-channel audio is still alive and well in the G.
I can't find the other "high-end" review of the SOW at the moment.
I'd love to be able to use my SACD surrounds and my DTS and DVD-A discs. It really help the system sound it's best if you don't use new overly compressed cds. I play mostly targets and org cds and the working much better.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: SHOWME
Well, I'm offering my services as a test dummy. I will spending about 10 days with my no mod'd SOW. Then, a JL Cleansweep and a 10" solo-baric L7 with a Memphis 450 watt mono amp. We shall see what this adds to the game.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 65
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From: lakeworth fl
i love my sound in my 07 prem pckg sounds great guys dnt think its going to raddle your plates or the trunk it thumps enough for u in the car n the loudness i love it sounds great thats wit mY ipod hooked up now cd n radio sounds good to just not as much base as when i use aux for my ipod but it does sound 10 times better then the one wit out prem pckg lol
Coming from an 05 Sedan with front and rear components, a headunit, and a 10" sub, I am more than pleased with the SOW. I think it sounds pretty clear and offers enough bass for me to get by.
I don't plan on changing a thing!
I don't plan on changing a thing!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 69
Likes: 2
I'm not an audiophile, but I've build many speaker systems as a hobby in my 35 years alive. I've done it all, from straight 6x9s and mids to a trunk full of Fosgate isobarik loaded cabs.
I think this system is nicely balanced and clear. It sounds like the frequency response is fairly flat for a car audio system. I can listen to it for long periods of time without my ears straining like most car stereos. I "upgraded" my coupe system with quality components and I don't think it could come close. Maybe I haven't thrown enough money into it, not sure.
I think alot of people's perception of "quality sound" depends on what they're used to, so if it's different it might be perceived as "worse".
I don't care for huge bass anymore, it just has to be controlled or tight. I think an additional sub in the trunk would cause all sorts of distortions and phase problems.
0.02$
I think this system is nicely balanced and clear. It sounds like the frequency response is fairly flat for a car audio system. I can listen to it for long periods of time without my ears straining like most car stereos. I "upgraded" my coupe system with quality components and I don't think it could come close. Maybe I haven't thrown enough money into it, not sure.
I think alot of people's perception of "quality sound" depends on what they're used to, so if it's different it might be perceived as "worse".
I don't care for huge bass anymore, it just has to be controlled or tight. I think an additional sub in the trunk would cause all sorts of distortions and phase problems.
0.02$
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: SHOWME
I'm not an audiophile, but I've build many speaker systems as a hobby in my 35 years alive. I've done it all, from straight 6x9s and mids to a trunk full of Fosgate isobarik loaded cabs.
I think this system is nicely balanced and clear. It sounds like the frequency response is fairly flat for a car audio system. I can listen to it for long periods of time without my ears straining like most car stereos. I "upgraded" my coupe system with quality components and I don't think it could come close. Maybe I haven't thrown enough money into it, not sure.
I think alot of people's perception of "quality sound" depends on what they're used to, so if it's different it might be perceived as "worse".
I don't care for huge bass anymore, it just has to be controlled or tight. I think an additional sub in the trunk would cause all sorts of distortions and phase problems.
0.02$
I think this system is nicely balanced and clear. It sounds like the frequency response is fairly flat for a car audio system. I can listen to it for long periods of time without my ears straining like most car stereos. I "upgraded" my coupe system with quality components and I don't think it could come close. Maybe I haven't thrown enough money into it, not sure.
I think alot of people's perception of "quality sound" depends on what they're used to, so if it's different it might be perceived as "worse".
I don't care for huge bass anymore, it just has to be controlled or tight. I think an additional sub in the trunk would cause all sorts of distortions and phase problems.
0.02$
I have yet to be impressed with any Bose OEM system I have heard or owned and I am amazed that manufacturers are still using them. It's a good thing that I don't buy cars based on sound systems. It's gotten to the point with me, that I would prefer that they not rape me for a system that sounds like crap just so I can have all the other stuff they have bundled in with it.
Matter of fact, I just added a sub and amp to my 08 Dodge Ram work truck for $600 and am completely amazed at how well the cheap OEM door speakers came alive. I was going to replace them eventually, but there is absolutely no need now.
End result is: A sound system should be designed to reproduce music how the artist intended it to be listened to. With the electronics world is advancing as fast as they are, this should be a walk in the park.
