Studio on Wheels - Sound Impressions
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Joined: Oct 2006
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I wasn't too impressed with the sound in my new G to start and then I got XM radio activated and it got better, still it wasn't perfect. I have since added the best of my picks to a couple of CF cards and I am now very, very impressed. I'm wowed with the clean and crisp sounds, bass and highs are clear, clean and not over done. Every note is felt and heard distinctly and not lost in distortion or brash harsh noise. Its easy to lose yourself in sound and feel of the car, a nice combination. Don't let others tell you how good or bad this system is, take your favorite tunes along for a test drive and hear for yourself.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 688
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From: SC
Flat is fine, but most people don't want their music "flat". That's fine, just turn up the bass and treble. The system in the G35 has enough mid range to cut your head off but it simply cannot be adjusted to produce the "fat" (as opposed to "flat") bottom end that most people like. I want "thump" and this system not only has no "thump", it can't be adjusted to "thump". The 07 G35with bass on max is about equivalent to the the Bose system in my 03 G with the bass adjusted dead center.
I give the new Bose system in the 07 G35 a 4.5 out of 10 score.
I rate the Bose system in my 03 G35 around a 6.5 out of 10 score.
Are the midrange and highs on the 07 G35 clearer than my 03 G35? Yes.
Is the bottom end tighter and less muddy than my 03 G35? Yes.
Does that make up for the lack of any adjustment to get a level of bass
that most people like? No.
To sum it up, I love the way the 07 G35 drives but the sound system
sucks.
I've let several people I work with ride in my car since I got it. Both of them said the same thing about the sound. "turn up the bass". Both were surprized when I said, I can't, it's all the way up. Their response "oh... I thought you said it was going to have a good stereo".
Sadly, that's what 90% of people that hear the sound system in the new G
will say and because of that, a year from now, the publics perception of the new G will be "drives great, but the sound system sucks".
I give the new Bose system in the 07 G35 a 4.5 out of 10 score.
I rate the Bose system in my 03 G35 around a 6.5 out of 10 score.
Are the midrange and highs on the 07 G35 clearer than my 03 G35? Yes.
Is the bottom end tighter and less muddy than my 03 G35? Yes.
Does that make up for the lack of any adjustment to get a level of bass
that most people like? No.
To sum it up, I love the way the 07 G35 drives but the sound system
sucks.
I've let several people I work with ride in my car since I got it. Both of them said the same thing about the sound. "turn up the bass". Both were surprized when I said, I can't, it's all the way up. Their response "oh... I thought you said it was going to have a good stereo".
Sadly, that's what 90% of people that hear the sound system in the new G
will say and because of that, a year from now, the publics perception of the new G will be "drives great, but the sound system sucks".
Last edited by Railgunner; Nov 17, 2006 at 09:33 PM.
Originally Posted by Railgunner
Flat is fine, but most people don't want their music "flat". That's fine, just turn up the bass and treble. The system in the G35 has enough mid range to cut your head off but it simply cannot be adjusted to produce the "fat" (as opposed to "flat") bottom end that most people like. I want "thump" and this system not only has no "thump", it can't be adjusted to "thump". The 07 G35with bass on max is about equivalent to the the Bose system in my 03 G with the bass adjusted dead center.
I give the new Bose system in the 07 G35 a 4.5 out of 10 score.
I rate the Bose system in my 03 G35 around a 6.5 out of 10 score.
Are the midrange and highs on the 07 G35 clearer than my 03 G35? Yes.
Is the bottom end tighter and less muddy than my 03 G35? Yes.
Does that make up for the lack of any adjustment to get a level of bass
that most people like? No.
To sum it up, I love the way the 07 G35 drives but the sound system
sucks.
I've let several people I work with ride in my car since I got it. Both of them said the same thing about the sound. "turn up the bass". Both were surprized when I said, I can't, it's all the way up. Their response "oh... I thought you said it was going to have a good stereo".
Sadly, that's what 90% of people that hear the sound system in the new G
will say and because of that, a year from now, the publics perception of the new G will be "drives great, but the sound system sucks".
I give the new Bose system in the 07 G35 a 4.5 out of 10 score.
I rate the Bose system in my 03 G35 around a 6.5 out of 10 score.
Are the midrange and highs on the 07 G35 clearer than my 03 G35? Yes.
Is the bottom end tighter and less muddy than my 03 G35? Yes.
Does that make up for the lack of any adjustment to get a level of bass
that most people like? No.
To sum it up, I love the way the 07 G35 drives but the sound system
sucks.
I've let several people I work with ride in my car since I got it. Both of them said the same thing about the sound. "turn up the bass". Both were surprized when I said, I can't, it's all the way up. Their response "oh... I thought you said it was going to have a good stereo".
Sadly, that's what 90% of people that hear the sound system in the new G
will say and because of that, a year from now, the publics perception of the new G will be "drives great, but the sound system sucks".
Buy some subs.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 30,233
Likes: 175
From: Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada
Arghh, I just can't wait to hear this system with my own ears and judge for myself. I don't like so much bass that it is shaking the windows, but I do like some thump to my music. I just can't wait to hear it with my own two ears.
Originally Posted by feng
That's a very good point.
Some folks like accurate frequency response, and for others, anything less than a +10dB bass boost doesn't feel right. There are no lack of young adults walking around that have hugely elevated thresholds, and who need smiley faced frequency responses to be able to perceive "flat" frequency response.
9 out of 10 times when I get into the rental car, the treble and bass are turned all the way up. This is still the case when I rent Jags and other lux. cars which DO have branded premium audio systems. That simply tells me the expectation/preference of many young people is not for accurate audio.
I've met plenty of self-anointed experts who couldn't tell me where the various string instruments are supposed to be in the sound stage of a standard orchestral recording. . Some of the cars that are held in high regard by some of you self-professed experts have sound stages that squishes most of the band to one corner of the car, or hugely boosted treble (for a false sense of clarity at low volume settings) or deeply scooped out lower midrange (for false sense of midbass cleaniness). My point is, the internet has made it possible for anyone to claim expertise in anything, and then support it via shear posting volume. But that's nonsense, because what this really is ... is just people expressing their personal preference for what is sometimes very inaccurate reproduction of audio. Yes, it absolutely means you should not take my preferences any more seriously than those of anyone else (like Rlampke, who is too afraid to even say who he really is ... surely the one hallmark of an expert).
As has been stated before (and pissed on by most of you guys), this system was tuned references consisting of: live music and stereo system that only the most tin-ear'd audiophiles would consider anything but reference class. It has been judged very successful in this goal by a range of top recording engineers, musicians, and high-end audio reviewers.
If you don't prefer that kind of sound, then clearly this is not the system for you. But, you can't say it is or isn't an accurate system until you have a valid reference to judge by (hear the band live, record them and mix a faithful stereo recording, use this as a reference).
John Feng
Some folks like accurate frequency response, and for others, anything less than a +10dB bass boost doesn't feel right. There are no lack of young adults walking around that have hugely elevated thresholds, and who need smiley faced frequency responses to be able to perceive "flat" frequency response.
9 out of 10 times when I get into the rental car, the treble and bass are turned all the way up. This is still the case when I rent Jags and other lux. cars which DO have branded premium audio systems. That simply tells me the expectation/preference of many young people is not for accurate audio.
I've met plenty of self-anointed experts who couldn't tell me where the various string instruments are supposed to be in the sound stage of a standard orchestral recording. . Some of the cars that are held in high regard by some of you self-professed experts have sound stages that squishes most of the band to one corner of the car, or hugely boosted treble (for a false sense of clarity at low volume settings) or deeply scooped out lower midrange (for false sense of midbass cleaniness). My point is, the internet has made it possible for anyone to claim expertise in anything, and then support it via shear posting volume. But that's nonsense, because what this really is ... is just people expressing their personal preference for what is sometimes very inaccurate reproduction of audio. Yes, it absolutely means you should not take my preferences any more seriously than those of anyone else (like Rlampke, who is too afraid to even say who he really is ... surely the one hallmark of an expert).
As has been stated before (and pissed on by most of you guys), this system was tuned references consisting of: live music and stereo system that only the most tin-ear'd audiophiles would consider anything but reference class. It has been judged very successful in this goal by a range of top recording engineers, musicians, and high-end audio reviewers.
If you don't prefer that kind of sound, then clearly this is not the system for you. But, you can't say it is or isn't an accurate system until you have a valid reference to judge by (hear the band live, record them and mix a faithful stereo recording, use this as a reference).
John Feng
FANTASTIC POST!
^^+1 - I challenge anyone to go into a real high end audio store and ask to audition the subwoofers that give the most thump. They don't exist except low end consumer equipment that you will find in a big box retailer. In an ideal setup the bass will be so blended into the music that you truely can not tell where the bass is coming from. There is no thumping. That being said if you really enjoy that type of sound I'm sure that there is a way you can modify the sound system to include a powered sub with out changing completely to an after market setup. To each their own.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 35
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From: Canada
Originally Posted by ballisticus
I don't know why anyone is surprised. There is not one, and I mean NOT ONE Bose system I have ever listened too that didn't belong in the garbage bin. I'm not sure what kind of people design their products, but they must be hearing impaired. I could install a better sounding system for $400 with some off the shelf components and loose caps/coils. Paying extra for this Bose trash is criminal and pure 500% profit for Infiniti. Be smart, forget the Bose and save your money for a powered sub like the excellent Infinity Basslink.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 392
Likes: 3
From: Aurora, IL
I did not know that...
John Feng was involved in the development of the Studio on Wheels.
http://www.stereophile.com/news/071706infiniti/
I just wanted to say that his posts have been logical and that many people's perceived shortcomings may very well be due to the expectation of being able to rattle house windows from a block away.
I am expecting my '07 G35 Sport AT with Premium and Nav to arrive in a couple of weeks. I am certainly not an audiophile (and did not even turn on the radio during my test drive before I ordered the car...and did not order the Premium package for the SoW), but can appreciate nice clarity in a sound system. Upon delivery, I will report back on my impressions.
Congrats to John for being involved in the development of such a sound system that I see has gotten rave reviews from lots of music-type folks.
I guess the big dillemma facing new G owners is whether to listen to the SoW or the intoxicating exhaust note.
Cheers.
http://www.stereophile.com/news/071706infiniti/
I just wanted to say that his posts have been logical and that many people's perceived shortcomings may very well be due to the expectation of being able to rattle house windows from a block away.
I am expecting my '07 G35 Sport AT with Premium and Nav to arrive in a couple of weeks. I am certainly not an audiophile (and did not even turn on the radio during my test drive before I ordered the car...and did not order the Premium package for the SoW), but can appreciate nice clarity in a sound system. Upon delivery, I will report back on my impressions.
Congrats to John for being involved in the development of such a sound system that I see has gotten rave reviews from lots of music-type folks.
I guess the big dillemma facing new G owners is whether to listen to the SoW or the intoxicating exhaust note.
Cheers.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 30,233
Likes: 175
From: Rothesay, New Brunswick, Canada
I for one am really excited to here the SOW and am sure it won't dissappoint my ears. 
Btw, here is an intersting excerpt from the link posted above by JMZ.
"For '08, we have it worked out so that when you're driving solo (or feeling selfish), you can flick a switch and center the image for the driver. The left speaker moves virtually to about 4' outside the left door. Now that's impressive."
Btw, here is an intersting excerpt from the link posted above by JMZ.
"For '08, we have it worked out so that when you're driving solo (or feeling selfish), you can flick a switch and center the image for the driver. The left speaker moves virtually to about 4' outside the left door. Now that's impressive."
Waxer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
From: Nashua, NH
I for one like it. Is it perfect, no but for me it's good enough for what I paid. I think it is an age thing. Young folks seem to like a lot of bass. I hate a lot of bass. I also think it is better then my '03.
Each one of you needs to listen to it. If it's not to your liking then change it. Upgrades are out there to make it perfect for you.
What do you do when you go to an audio store? You listen to different speakers and pick the ones that "your" ears like and why these places have so many to select from.
Each one of you needs to listen to it. If it's not to your liking then change it. Upgrades are out there to make it perfect for you.
What do you do when you go to an audio store? You listen to different speakers and pick the ones that "your" ears like and why these places have so many to select from.
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,054
Likes: 3
From: Rio Grande Valley, New Mexico
Originally Posted by JMZ_blkobsidian
John Feng was involved in the development of the Studio on Wheels.
http://www.stereophile.com/news/071706infiniti/
I just wanted to say that his posts have been logical and that many people's perceived shortcomings may very well be due to the expectation of being able to rattle house windows from a block away.
I am expecting my '07 G35 Sport AT with Premium and Nav to arrive in a couple of weeks. I am certainly not an audiophile (and did not even turn on the radio during my test drive before I ordered the car...and did not order the Premium package for the SoW), but can appreciate nice clarity in a sound system. Upon delivery, I will report back on my impressions.
Congrats to John for being involved in the development of such a sound system that I see has gotten rave reviews from lots of music-type folks.
I guess the big dillemma facing new G owners is whether to listen to the SoW or the intoxicating exhaust note.
Cheers.
http://www.stereophile.com/news/071706infiniti/
I just wanted to say that his posts have been logical and that many people's perceived shortcomings may very well be due to the expectation of being able to rattle house windows from a block away.
I am expecting my '07 G35 Sport AT with Premium and Nav to arrive in a couple of weeks. I am certainly not an audiophile (and did not even turn on the radio during my test drive before I ordered the car...and did not order the Premium package for the SoW), but can appreciate nice clarity in a sound system. Upon delivery, I will report back on my impressions.
Congrats to John for being involved in the development of such a sound system that I see has gotten rave reviews from lots of music-type folks.
I guess the big dillemma facing new G owners is whether to listen to the SoW or the intoxicating exhaust note.
Cheers.
