Okay, I made a point of listening to the factory Bose stereo in the white Z at the GroupZ event.

IMHO it sounds mediocre.

When sitting in the cabin, the overall sound is not unpleasant, but not spectacular.

But what I then did is put my ear up to each individual speaker, and individually they were quite lackluster.

Now I know that the installed Bose system brags about how its tuned for the car, blah, blah, blah, but I can't help but feel that an even average aftermarket setup would be vastly superior.

Any thoughts car audiophiles?

 

funny. I went to the bose store today in fashion valley and they had the most eloborate set up. Leather chairs, tall chrome clad speaker, fancy listening rooms. I was like, wow this stuff is nice, maybe I should pick something up...

BUT THEN I LISTENED! I cant believe this sh*t. Its garbage. Bose is a low roller in audio, and a hi-roller in advertising. They are probably the lowest bidder when it comes to creating a "hi-end" stereo, and this is why they are used.

And they can afford to make a cheap system b/c all bose does (after lookng in the store) is offer a cheap speaker with fancy duct work. WTF, this is a speaker not an a/c

 

We with 300ZXs call the factory Bose system BLOSE because it sucks so bad. BLOSE systems use individual amplifiers for each speaker (attached to speaker), so if one goes out, then you have to send in the speaker and costs upwards of $200 to replace one. Additionally, this makes it very hard to install a new cd player etc because it won't work with the BLOSE speakers. I'm not positive this is the way the 350Z works, but I know in my parent's 2002 Pathfinder LE, the BLOSE system is not impressive at all (also is speaker selfamplified).

 

The factory Bose system in my RSX-S is pretty disappointing too.

 

I think the mark levinson in the SC430 is the bomb. An audio magizine was reviewing it and said if it were an option instead of being standard equipment it would cost like $9K. The Bose system in the Z is probably costing less than a grand maybe a lot less.


The thing I like about the Z that may not be the case in the Z06, or the S2000/Boxster/Z3 is that there is room for speaker placement so they don't have to be at your feet, or behind the seat. That ugly hatch area may not be ideal for luggage, but I bet it can accomidate a few speakers.

 

Brianz,
check out this thread from our resident pimpin' audio man nizl
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....ighlight=audio

 

Removing the stock system, might leave HU at first, will be my first mod, nothing intended to be super lousd jsut sound very nice.

 

I don't even want to KNOW! I don't think I'll be able to change it out fast enough!!!!

 

I've heard the stock Bose on a newer Acura TL, and a slightly older Maxima. Neither could be described as amazing, however, both are more than adequate for the average person on the average drive. Most people are not audiophiles and know nothing about the intricacies of how a stereo system is put together. At best, they know that if it sounds loud, it sounds good. These are the people that listen to FM radio or to a CD for enjoyment. For this population, again, the VAST majority, the Bose system will be awesome.

Now, if you're thinking about putting in a video system, have ever picked up a copy of any automotive stereo magazine, or own multi-thousand dollar home theater equipment, the Bose system probably isn't for you. However, you're probably in the tiny minority. On this selective board though, you form a loud majority.

Nissan has made the right decision in that they have installed what will be considered by the public to be a middle to high-end system in the 350Z. Most people will be pleased by it. Some hard core folks will decide to put their own selections in. I'd be curious to see what percentage this will eventually be. Obviously, the cost savings of not putting in a standard $9,000 Mark Levinson system that the average guy wouldn't appreciate is passed on to the rest of us. If you think about it, we should be almost grateful.

Personally, I'll probably eventually replace the Bose system, mainly because I'm interested in having other AV options. A word to those who are concerned that their new Bose system will sound like a $30 table top box, don't worry, it won't. Let your ears decided, not what your eyes read here.

 

the stock stereo, while not being as "fancy", will be better b/c of mods. My plan...

line converter for the head unit to add amplifier. This will be the wink link in my stereo, but I am absolutley sick of the face plate life. I just wanna get out and go!

After the amplifier (cadence or JL per nizl's advice) I am planning on some quality front components, no rears, and my JL audio sub. This should aound pretty ok...

FYI: there are compnies that offer line converters for bose audio so that you can do what I am talking about.

 

Well with the hype in the 350Z marketing materials you'd almost think the Bose would sound "ok" but it doesn't.

 

I agree, especially the 240 watt system in the Touring model.

 

I liked the Bose systems that did not have the sub. This is why I passed on the bose this time. I do think bose car systems have problems with certain kinds of music (rap, techno, bass) but is does sound real nice with other types of music.

By the way, for those of you who said they listen to each speaker at a time, all bose stuff does this. It is designed with the environment in mind . . . "Better sound through research." It sounds blended when you listen, thats their deal. They want you to not know where the sound is coming from. Very fulfilling.

Can you tell I am kind of partial to bose? I have it in my home and have had it in my cars before. It is not the best (especially for cars), I agree, but I like it. It sounds awesome in my house, and always get complements on the sound.

 

I listen mostly to talk radio, will the stock unit be ok in the track?

 

Yes.

 

Oh no! All this talk and I'm getting a base model .

oh well, aftermarket is more fun.

 

I am by no means an audiophile, my music ability is limited to the volume control, every once in a while the tone...but I work with this guy who claims to be one and swears that HIFI ended with the vacuum tube! For my abilities I'm sure the Bose will be more than enough.


Enforcer

 

BrianZ, was the 350z a Touring model w/ the sub woofer or otherwise?

 

Yeah, it was a touring. It had the sub.

 

OK..I wasn't going to say anything but someone has to get up and defend Bose....(besides Rouxeny & Enforcer)...As most of you know, I have made a living for over 30 years now as a "critical listener" using some of the most high end professional systems that exist...until my wife bought her 2001 Maxima, I had not heard a Bose system in a car..I can tell you that neither my wife or I have a problem with the system...(BTW..my wife produces shows and has a great ear...she actually has two great ears but you know what I mean)...now I must admit that because of what I do for a living, I'm not the most critical listener when driving but if there was any obvious deficency in the response of the system or problems with clarity I think I'd notice..I fully expect the 240W system to be more than exceptable to most drivers..if I get the car and find out differently, I will ammend my statements....On the home front...my 5.1 Dolby Digital system is Bose with dual subs driven by a HK amp...it is awsome..it is clean..it is clear...and oh yes..it is loud