350 Z Sound System

I am almost ready to place an order for my 350Z, but I am not sure about which model I want - Enthusiast or Touring. A big factor is the sound system. I have heard that the Bose 7-speaker system has some flaws, and a number of owners are not happy with it for the extra money. I would like to kow if the standard radio/CD system sounds good and clean. If so, this will probably swing me toward the lower priced Enthusiast Model.

I currently have the Track model with the standard CD/Radio. Personally, I would not get the Bose, as I have heard it, and it's definitely not worth the price! The standard one is ok. Base is a bit boomy, but that can be corrected. Midrange is good, and highs are not bright, without turning up the trebles.

You should try and listen to them both before deciding. If you're planning to upgrade the stereo anyway in the future, then get the standard CD/Radio. More versatility and compatibility with aftermarket products...IMO.

I have not had a chance to hear the two but i'm an expert at car audio and i will tell that the upgrade isnt worth what u would pay for it u could go out and get an after market system for less and with twice the quality!

Originally posted by 350z4me
I have not had a chance to hear the two but i'm an expert at car audio and i will tell that the upgrade isnt worth what u would pay for it u could go out and get an after market system for less and with twice the quality!

Agreed

Bought my Z a couple of months ago (second one the dealer sold) and the car is a dream to drive. Nissan did an incredible job except for the sound system. I have the touring model that came with the Bose stereo upgrade. What a piece of %*#$&!

Car and Driver said it best in their December issue ".. sounding like the seven speakers were stuffed with dryer lint".

I also have a 2000 Maxima with a Bose stereo and that sounds AWSOME compared to the Z! What the hell did Nissan do?

My advice, stay away from the Bose stereo; run don't walk!

I am currently looking for ways to improve the sound without spending 000's to replace the custom CD/Tape/Radio. My best shot is probably the speakers but I am not sure that they are the problem. Anybody with experience?

I had already ordered my Z with it when my dealer finally got one in for me to check out. The stereo was not that great. I guess It definately does not compare to the Alpine deck with 6 disk changer, kicker resolution component sets with 125X4 kicker amp, 15 inch Kicker Solobaric with 1000 watt @ 2 ohm kicker amp, audiocontrol EQT's, audiocontrol electronic crossover, and an audiocontrol center channel processor with spatial restoration I currently jam to in my accord. It was like stepping out of a concert hall and into a very comfortable tin can. The bass on the Bose system was virtually none existant.

I completely agree about the Bose system. My Z has that piece of crap system that sounds like a low-level GM Delco. The dealer will tell you that they are having trouble with the rear amp, which runs the sub and two highs behind the headrests, but how do they account for the dull highs in the front. Personally, if I had it to do over again I would never have spent the money, since for the around the same price as this system cost I had a sound-stage quality stereo in my last vehicle. This especially hacks me off since I opted out of the DVD Navigation because I couldn't justify both. Two thumbs way down! :mad:

One other thing. When I talked to the dealer about my system they informed me that they had to order a new amp, which takes THREE WEEKS to get in. I am hopeful this will correct some of the problem, but my pessimistic attitude tell men that I will have thrown that money away for that stereo.

Thanks for the reply. I spoke with the dealer about the stereo and they are willing to work with me to resolve the problem. Unfortunately there is about 2 feet of snow outside and my Z is tucked comfortably away for the winter.

When the snow and salt are gone (sometime in April) I'll take the car back to the dealer.

Let me know how you make out. If enough people let Nissan know about their dissatisfaction with the sterwo, Nissan may actually do something about it.

yea... BOSE is not the way to go. I currently have a 96 maxima and it wuz a pain doing all the re-wiring and stuff for my aftermarket head unit :/