Bose to provide sound system for 2006 M

[paulb]

from nissannews.com (http://www.nissannews.com)


Bose Studio Surround Sound System Announced For All-New 2006 Infiniti M Sedan [June 11, 2004]

SAN FRANCISCO (June 11, 2004) – Infiniti, the luxury division of Nissan North America today announced that an advanced Bose® Studio SurroundTM sound system with 5.1 channel decoding and 14 speakers has been selected as the featured premium audio system in the new 2006 Infiniti M sedan. The all-new Infiniti M, which was previewed as the M45 Concept at the New York International Auto Show in April, goes on sale in North America in spring 2005.

“As Infiniti’s latest expression of power, refinement, technology and style, the Infiniti M is the ideal showcase for Bose’s new multi-channel audio engineering technology,” said Mark Igo, vice president and general manager, Infiniti Division. “It is the perfect match for the new Infiniti M’s highly personalized, enriching interior atmosphere – which is designed to engage the senses in new and invigorating ways.”

The premium Bose Infiniti M system includes 14-speaker 5.1-channel decoding with two Personal® surround speakers mounted in each front seat and is designed to take full advantage of the latest surround sound recordings. Whereas a typical stereo sound system delivers only two channels of sound, the 5.1-channel format makes use of six separate channels (five discrete channels of sound plus a separate channel for bass).

For application in the Infiniti M, Bose proprietary SurroundStage™ signal processing circuitry ensures a balanced, accurate surround sound experience throughout the interior. Personal® surround speakers in each front seat enhance the experience by delivering better balanced and more defined left and right surround sound.

The Studio Surround™ sound system in the Infiniti M supports a broad range of surround playback options, giving owners a wider choice of disc formats that can be played through the system. In addition, Bose Centerpoint™ signal processing circuitry automatically processes stereo recordings to five independent channels, delivering a multi-channel surround experience even from conventional stereo CDs.

The advanced Bose system also includes a Bose digital amplifier with TrueSpace™ and SurroundStage™ signal processing circuitry, AudioPilot® noise compensation technology and 12 channels of custom equalization. The system’s 14 speakers include 1-inch speakers in each upper door, a 3-inch Twiddler™ mid/high-range centerfill speaker in the middle of the instrument panel, a pair of 2-inch Twiddler speakers in each front seatback, 6.5-inch high-performance neodymium speakers in each front and rear door, 3-inch Twiddler mid/high-range speakers on each side of the rear deck, a 10-inch Nd® woofer mounted on the rear shelf and an AudioPilot system microphone mounted in the overhead console.

“This is the finest audio system ever created for an Infiniti vehicle, with sound performance every bit the equal of the car’s sensational driving performance,” said Igo.

The 2006 Infiniti M will be offered in several models and will feature a choice of an available 4.5-liter V8 or 3.5-liter V6. In addition to the Bose audio systems, the Infiniti M interior will feature an array of driver and passenger-oriented technology features, including the Infiniti Intelligent Key system, Infiniti Navigation System with voice-activated destination entry, HVAC/audio and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, RearView monitor and Intelligent Cruise Control.

Bose, which has been supplying audio systems for Infiniti vehicles from the luxury brand’s launch in 1989, will make two systems available for the Infiniti M: the Studio Surround sound system and a 2-channel premium stereo system with digital amplifier and 8-speakers that also provides an exceptional level of clarity and authentic sound reproduction.

The announcement came during the Nissan 360 news media event, a three-week program in San Francisco featuring the automaker’s current and future worldwide product and business plans. Also at the event, close to 500 reporters had the opportunity to drive nearly 70 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles to familiarize themselves with the breadth of Nissan’s global product lineup.



I think I speak for everyone when I say WTF!!! Nissan should ditch Bose and go to another audio company (Klipsch, Pinnacle, Paradigm, RBH,...). Every Nissan/Infiniti car that I have been in (G35, FX35, Maxima, Altima, QX4, Pathfinder, I30) the sound system has been the biggest disappointment. The Bose is always too bassy and is never crisp enough.

[NewsReporter]

Give me a 3,000 watt sound system so I don't have to do it after I buy the vehicle

[1995Q45]

For a true 3K watt RMS system, the alternator would be over 100 lbs. by itself.

I'll settle for a 36 volt system.

[tmds]

I think I speak for everyone when I say WTF!!! Nissan should ditch Bose and go to another audio company (Klipsch, Pinnacle, Paradigm, RBH,...).



Normally I don't like people speaking for me, but in this case, I totally agree! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Bose should be tossed aside in favor of a speaker manufacturer that understands midrange. I fuss and fuss with the settings on my I30's Bose system and I'm never satisfied. Crank the bass, drop the bass, turn up treble, kill treble. It always sounds muddy because the midrange is basically missing.

14 Bose speakers << 2 real speakers.

[Jason B]

The current Q's system is pretty darn decent. It was in the top 10 rated factory systems.

A ton of mid in that one...

[pelucidor]

If Infiniti has to choose BOSE (probably because they are getting a special deal at $50 a car - still overpriced) then I really hope it is not part of any option package but is stand-alone. That way we can load up a car with $5k worth of extras but leave off the crappy BOSE that is worth -$1000.

The unbranded and standard 5.1 channel Panasonic in the Acura TL is vastly better than the extra-cost BOSE junk in my Acura MDX.

[Vans]

i don't know - bose is pretty overrated and everyone pretty much knows it - and if they don't, shame on them. I wish they would have gone with someone else, and PLEASE do not have clarion make the headunits..... they do a horrible job of getting them right

[I35YD]

Well I guess I can cancel that dream of continuing my loyalty to the Infiniti nameplate. I will never again buy a vehicle that has a Clarion H.U.

[NewsReporter]

Bose headunits blow, mine broke 2 times...the second time around I just threw it in the trash.

[Deadpool]

Well I guess I can cancel that dream of continuing my loyalty to the Infiniti nameplate. I will never again buy a vehicle that has a Clarion H.U.



Oh here's a perfect reason not to buy a car. But hey it's your money. Good luck with it.

[1995Q45]

Bose headunits blow, mine broke 2 times...the second time around I just threw it in the trash.

Bose does not make the headunits. Clarion, Alpine and others do to Bose specification.

[NewsReporter]

Right you know what I meant

[I35YD]

Well I guess I can cancel that dream of continuing my loyalty to the Infiniti nameplate. I will never again buy a vehicle that has a Clarion H.U.



Oh here's a perfect reason not to buy a car. But hey it's your money. Good luck with it.



Yes its a good reason not to buy a car. If I am paying over 2 grand for a stock system that works about as well as one for 50 bucks. Priorities young lad, priorities.

[Deadpool]

Priorities young lad, priorities.



Good advice. You should really look into it yourself. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif

[NewsReporter]

Cat Fight

[CoCo_PuFf]

Well I guess I can cancel that dream of continuing my loyalty to the Infiniti nameplate. I will never again buy a vehicle that has a Clarion H.U.



Oh here's a perfect reason not to buy a car. But hey it's your money. Good luck with it.



Yes its a good reason not to buy a car. If I am paying over 2 grand for a stock system that works about as well as one for 50 bucks. Priorities young lad, priorities.



priorities indeed. basically you're saying that the sound system in the car is more important than the car itself.....so by this logic you would rather buy an uglier car with less appeal if it had a better sound system.

I admit that BOSE has disappointed in the past (Except in the Altima) but a 14 speaker 5.1 decoding theatre surround sound system is probably not going to sound crappy.

i agree with deads on this one......you need to get your priorities checked.....you can always modify the sound system......plus you can get the base 8 speaker system if you don't want to pay the extra $$$$.

[I35YD]

You people are very very weird. My priorities are in check here. You mean to tell me you would rather purchase a vehicle (regardless what type of sound system it has) knowing they head unit will have problems? I did not say the speaker setup will be crappy, but the HEAD UNIT! And where does an ugly vehicle come from out of my statement? And who said I would want to buy a $40,000 luxury car and need to spend over $5,000 in adding an aftermarket sound system. Please, don't make assumptions like this gang. Thats an ugly word contains 3 letters that spell out what one makes of themselves from the action. But in all fairness, to answer your question and put this escalating "retarded internet cat fight" to rest, I would not buy an ugly vehicle just like I will not buy a vehicle with a [censored] sound system, rough ride, cheap interior, underrated power, overrated reputation or reliability issues.

Now, getting back to the topic, Yes this is an important priority to me. Unlike some of you here, I spend a lot of time on the road. So "comfort" is something I find as neccessary for my decision in purchasing a vehicle. Theres nothing comforting about listening to your favorite song on cd, then suddenly a moment of silence dispells without warning. This is not good for a expensive luxury car. A not so reliable head unit in a cheaper price vehicle is something I could tolerate. But when I am spending over $30,000 for a vehicle, I expect the quality of that vehicle to be inclusive with the power, handling, styling, etc. In laments turn, why buy a luxury car so you can dump more money into to fix a problem that should not be an issue to start??? So yes I want something that is comfortable and reliable. Hence my statement. If the h.u. in the new M series is as shoddy as the h.u. in my I35, I will not buy it, period.

For anyone that will try to counter my belief, allow me to say anything can happen at anytime to any part on an automobile. And that is what is great about warranty coverage. However, the Clarion H.U. used by Bose for Nissan\Infiniti have a track record of problems. This in itself is a true fact. From this fact, I would easily conclude that would mean the new M series will have problems. (Notice I stated the H.U., not the Bose speaker design.) Again, its all about priorities. Are yours in tact?

[NewsReporter]

My Bose head unit broke on me twice, the second time around I threw it out the window. For 60k, I should have a good sound system.

[I35YD]

My Bose head unit broke on me twice, the second time around I threw it out the window. For 60k, I should have a good sound system.



Thats exactly my point. How often do you hear about a H.U. in a Lexus, BMW, Mercedes Benz, even Cadillac that have problems???? Not too often.

[NewsReporter]

Doesn't Benz & Caddy use Bose also?The head units in our Lexus have never broken or given me any kind of problem. Let me share a story with you guys about the first time the head unit broke. I had to send it to Bose to get it fixed, the head unit was gone for two months. I had no way of listening to music in my car. It was horrible, just to look back on it is tough, I deserve a award for going that long with out tunes. Eventually the thing came back, costed $300 to repair. Six months later it broke, I wasn't willing to go another two months without it so it got thrown out the window. Bose head units suck!!!!

[jrock65]

http://www.intellexual.net/bose.html

Just thought this was interesting.

[Jason B]

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/58886/article.html

[I35YD]

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/58886/article.html



I am not attempting to be funny when I say this, but you have to realize that Edmunds is not the company it use to be. Once edmunds was a company that actually reported problems of automobile makers. Now, they don't. The language is much more sensitive, and usually the companies that advertise with them have a better review. On this review, doesn't Bose get 5 honors? Don't you find that a little weird? I do, especially when all of these articles in some fashion contribute ergonomics as a significant factor in making the decisions they have.

Automotive stereo systems are wwwwwwaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy more than just the ease of reaching controls. Being honest out of all the systems listed on this top ten list, only the H2 Monsoon system is worthy of true audiophile status.

You also have to realize, this was not an extensive test or a research done to determine spl, clarity, versatility, or music variety application capability. This was a comprised listing of the systems the editors found to have good ssounds for the average joe that knows nothing about DSP, Class D amplification, or "head room".

There are severeal manufatures that make sound systems for stock application, but they did not get a mention at all. (For example, the Infinity systems in Chrysler's 300M, or the Mach 1 systems found in Ford's Mustang.)

What I am saying is something that even stated in the #3 nomination (Volvo's S80). The only reason Bose recieves so much approval is because they are ergonomically designed with the vehicle in a way that anybody can use it and it looks neat.

[Jason B]

Good points.

The 95-99 S class had a bose 11 speaker system. The Q kills that. I remember, back in the day, that system was rated one of the tops out there.

[1995Q45]

My Bose head unit broke on me twice, the second time around I threw it out the window. For 60k, I should have a good sound system.


I have four cars with Bose specification head units (Alpine and Clarion; remember, Bose doesn't make any head units) with nary a problem. Now have I known anyone else wh had a Bose branded system have a head unit problem.

The speakers and their self-contained amplifiers (which are Bose designed) are nototorious for failure. But not on any of mine, yet.

[I35YD]

My Bose head unit broke on me twice, the second time around I threw it out the window. For 60k, I should have a good sound system.


I have four cars with Bose specification head units (Alpine and Clarion; remember, Bose doesn't make any head units) with nary a problem. Now have I known anyone else wh had a Bose branded system have a head unit problem.

The speakers and their self-contained amplifiers (which are Bose designed) are nototorious for failure. But not on any of mine, yet.



I pray you don't experience that problem at all. But all Bose head units I have known that have Alpine h.u.'s are not problematic. But the Clarion\Bose combinations are just garbage. (Unless of course Nissan has explicitly informed Clarion to get it right or else)

[TwinTurboZX]

Hey everybody let's all jump on the Bose hating bandwagon, it's the "IN" thing nowadays. They're like the Microsoft of the audio world.

[I35YD]

Hey everybody let's all jump on the Bose hating bandwagon, it's the "IN" thing nowadays. They're like the Microsoft of the audio world.



I take it you don't have a Nissan or Infiniti? If you do, you would not be mocking this. We are not on the "IN" bandwagon of hatred. All of the negative replies to BOSE you see on this thread are people who have actually had problems with what people consider so fine a product. BTW, the "IN" thing nowadays is to trash talk chrome wheels and 20's. (Sound systems were the last millineum hate topic.)

[pelucidor]

The BOSE in my Acura actually sounds worse than the awful BOSE in my Infiniti. Every single branded (and some unbranded) stock sound systems I have ever heard in cars have been better than these BOSE, including Infinity, Nakamichi, Mark Levinson etc. The fact that the Acura RL and the Infiniti M45 both use BOSE whereas the Lexus GS will use Mark Levinson is a small tick for Lexus in my book. However I will reserve final judgement until I hear each system - perhaps BOSE are finally producing more than advertising and marketing bull.

An audiophile friend who sells very expensive home equipment (I have seen a pair of $90k speakers in his store) just got back from an Aston Martin coming out party - their new cars use Linn systems which are even better than the Mark Levinson in Lexii.

[1995Q45]

The BOSE in my Acura actually sounds worse than the awful BOSE in my Infiniti.

My experience also. I preferred the base system in the Legend to the Bose.

Bose in the G50 is one of the best, and I think the Bose in the FY33 is a little more accurate in frquency response. Haven't had much opportunity for extended listening in the F50 or Y34, but no glaring faults detected either in my limited exposure.

It's all a compromise, and spending big bucks to weigh down an environment that produces >60dB of noise when it is working (i.e.- a very quiet car) is just plain nuts. Put the good stuff in a room where you can control the environment and there is no apprecialble noise floor that is audible.

[pjw1967]

Saw this on CBS Market Watch about the system in a 2004 4Runner:

"The interior was modern in appearance and well finished in the Toyota tradition. Our one disappointment involved the stereo - a bit surprising, since it was the optional $625 JBL system. It sounded liked a cheap transistor radio on FM, but performed a bit better with a CD going. We wondered if something wasn't hooked up correctly."

They should do like years ago and give us a radio delete option and just factory install the wiring so we can go get an aftermarket rig of our choice.

[biker]

With eveything so integrated these days it would be hard to eliminate the radio. About the only easy thing one could do is replace some of the speakers.

[TwinTurboZX]

Hey everybody let's all jump on the Bose hating bandwagon, it's the "IN" thing nowadays. They're like the Microsoft of the audio world.



I take it you don't have a Nissan or Infiniti? If you do, you would not be mocking this. We are not on the "IN" bandwagon of hatred. All of the negative replies to BOSE you see on this thread are people who have actually had problems with what people consider so fine a product. BTW, the "IN" thing nowadays is to trash talk chrome wheels and 20's. (Sound systems were the last millineum hate topic.)



Actually my dad has the Bose system in his 2002 Pathfinder. It's not perfect but it does sound pretty good, much better than the garbage most people make it out to be.

[paulb]

Anyone know if this is the same Bose system that Cadillac is gonna be using in the next STS? Both are 5.1, DVD audio and 15 speakers in the STS and 14 in the M.

[kgoetz97]

Hey everybody let's all jump on the Bose hating bandwagon, it's the "IN" thing nowadays. They're like the Microsoft of the audio world.



I take it you don't have a Nissan or Infiniti? If you do, you would not be mocking this. We are not on the "IN" bandwagon of hatred. All of the negative replies to BOSE you see on this thread are people who have actually had problems with what people consider so fine a product. BTW, the "IN" thing nowadays is to trash talk chrome wheels and 20's. (Sound systems were the last millineum hate topic.)



Actually my dad has the Bose system in his 2002 Pathfinder. It's not perfect but it does sound pretty good, much better than the garbage most people make it out to be.



Just wondering what other factory systems you have heard? I've got an '01 PF (same system as your father) and I really do not like it. I'd rate it a 5 out of 10. Now, I'll agree with you that it's not terrible, but....it sure as heck is not worth the grand or so that they charge for it.
In the end...Bose has a name that marketers cherish. Definitely not an image that is justified any longer though.

[NewsReporter]

I don't want Bose speakers on my vehicles, give me something that can handle the bass.

[kennycrudup]

give me something that can handle the bass.


What kind of bass? Solid bass, or "wake the neighbors" bass?

For all those who hate the Infiniti Bose systems- have you listened to the one in the FX? I have midrange, unlike what someone else posted (which is interesting, 'cause I thought the dis was "No highs, no lows, must be Bose"- but I have all three). I've been in a lot of premium vehicles, and I really like the FXes' system.

[NewsReporter]

Lol I need Wake the Neighbors bass. All kidding aside, I like to listen to hip-hop music, even with the sound not that loud the bass speakers just can't handle it. I'm forced to turn down the volume.

[1995Q45]

All kidding aside, I like to listen to hip-hop music...


Whether or not that qulifies as music, we'll leave to another debate. However, the fidelity requirements are certainly not very high. As long as it thumps, its OK, hey?

What??? I can't hear you!!

[TheBeast]

What kind of bass? Solid bass, or "wake the neighbors" bass?

For all those who hate the Infiniti Bose systems- have you listened to the one in the FX? I have midrange, unlike what someone else posted (which is interesting, 'cause I thought the dis was "No highs, no lows, must be Bose"- but I have all three). I've been in a lot of premium vehicles, and I really like the FXes' system.



I agree, I love the system in my FX, the G35 not so much. I have had Bose in a few vehicles, my 94 Legend GS was pretty decent as well.

[Jason B]

I can say I'm pretty impressed with the Q45 BOSE system.

[michaelFX45]

What kind of bass? Solid bass, or "wake the neighbors" bass?

For all those who hate the Infiniti Bose systems- have you listened to the one in the FX? I have midrange, unlike what someone else posted (which is interesting, 'cause I thought the dis was "No highs, no lows, must be Bose"- but I have all three). I've been in a lot of premium vehicles, and I really like the FXes' system.

[/QUOTE]

The FX sound system sucks. The Bass on My Xterra (Rockford Fosgate) is so much better. Only problem is only drive that when I take my dogs to the park. I came from the a BMW Z3 and the sound system on that was terrible too.

I don't know why car audio systems are so bad. The only thing I can say positive about the Bose Sound System in the FX is that it is alot better than the terrible Bose sound system in the I35 loaner cars I get. That has to be the worst of all time.

I had a car where I had a VW Jetta that I put a $200 JVC CD Player/amp into and it was a 100 times better than the Bose System.

I had a friend who put an AC Convertor in his Van and put a 200 watt home system amp and Two huge home audio Speakers that he mounted on the door. That is what I really feel like doing now. I am really disapointed with the stuff they put in cars.

I have speakers from Harmon Karmon on my Apple computer that sound great but put Harmon Karmon speakers in a BMW and they sound terrible.

[kennycrudup]

The FX sound system sucks. The Bass on My Xterra (Rockford Fosgate) is so much better.


Let me guess- you're a "wake the neighbors" kind of bass?

It's becoming quite clear the ones who dislike the Bose in the FX are those who want the whole world to hear their cars. I can feel my ass bump with my FX's Bose; that's all I need.

[NewsReporter]

Waking the neighbors bass should come on all Infiniti's. That's luxury...knowing you have it when you need it.

[I35YD]

Waking the neighbors bass should come on all Infiniti's. That's luxury...knowing you have it when you need it.


Absolutely true. If Lexus and BMW can have that type of sound system, why can't Infiniti?

[RandyWatson]

http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=FX45&Number=67793934&page= 1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#Post67795513

Bose blows in cars and in home. Just a namebrand now.

Mark Levinson in the Lexus is amazing and the ELS in the new TL is oustanding too.

[kennycrudup]

Bose blows in cars and in home.


To the "wake the neighbors" crowd, I guess. Many people think it's just fine. (http://www.******************************/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=833)

[Doogie]

Dear Pelucidor:

Your comments have validity. But concerning your comment, "The Aston Martin's Linn sound system sounds better than the Mark Levinson in Lexi...." Did you consider that the Aston Martin costs about $250,000 a car versus a Lexus SC430 which maxes out at $70,000? I mean, what do you expect when you dish out over $200,000 for a car? I mean that car costs more than many people's houses! And what percentage of the population can afford Aston Martin's?? Tell me another car that has a sound system as good as the Mark Levinson in Lexus for UNDER $100,000 and I'll rest my case. A great sound system for a $200,000+ car is EXPECTED. A sound system like the one in Lexus for under $100,000 is too good to be true. And yes, I have a Lexus SC430 and the sound system is incredible. Of course, I know LINN is a world class brand. I would expect nothing less in a car for 200k. (True audiophiles also know that there is only a certain point to where the ears cannot perceive better clarity, even though the machine is producing it.)

[dseag2]

I can't believe someone actually resurrected this thread! Anyway, I don't think I commented the first time around but I will this time.

I had an '03 QX4 that I traded in October. The BOSE system in it was AWFUL. Highs, lows, and everything in between were muffled. I traded it for an FX35. I find the BOSE system in the FX to be decent, with clear highs and decent mids and bass.

I also bought an '05 RL in October, and it has the BOSE 5.1 Surround Sound system. It is the best I've heard (and I've also owned an SC430 w/ M-L). If the M comes with a sound system anywhere close to this it will be a winner. BOSE has proven in the new RL that they CAN make decent sound systems.