Does anybody know the dealer invoice price for a M35X with the premium options (including the 14 speaker Bose sound system, Nav, back-up camera etc.)The list price in Canadian dollars is $65,800...
I've commented here before on the Bose audio system, but allow me to weigh in one more time. Prior car was a 2003 Corvette with Bose stereo, and it was mediocre, AT BEST! They (Bose) seem to think lots of bass will be perceived as good stereo sound. I love bass, but it must be clean, tight, and rattle free. Someone skimped on the vette audio!
When I first heard the M's std sound (journey), the bass was the first weakness I noticed. The 5.1 system in the tech pkg was a different story. They seemed to make significant improvements, and for the first time in many years I can say I like this Bose stereo! (I'm no Bose fan, and have yet to hear one of their home systems worth the money... IMHO). If audio is (really) important to you, get the tech pkg. If audio is REALLY important, go aftermarket.
I got tech and journey, plus rear spoiler and full size spare. The price wont be decided until delivery, but the MSRP is $50,440 or something like that. I'm hoping that by June they will be more willing to come off of MSRP a little. Plus, maybe they'll get a similar car in in May and offer me a deal to take that one. That's what happened before I decided that I really wanted AWD and none of their inventory has it. We'll see!
I specifically asked the salesman, during the run through, if the key fobs could be programmed to adjust the seat, mirrors, etc. He said that Infiniti didn't offer that feature, so I was surprised to learn in the manual that it does. You're right--reading the manual is a big job and I keep discovering new things.
My second question is why does the phone book limit you to recalling 15 stored names/numbers while the car is in motion while it actually holds 40? Is there any way around this limitation?
Another question: I would like to leave my bluetooth phone in the car. If I leave it plugged into the lighter all the time, won't it drain the car battery when the car is parked and the engine is not running? If it's not plugged into the lighter, you have to flip the phone or otherwise activate it before making a call because of the battery saver. How do you deal with this?
For those who have ordered an M and are waiting to receive it, here's a little light reading to get you familiar with the car before hand: it's the owner's manual. Enjoy!!
"No highs, no lows, must be Bose," is, I believe, the correct epithet, from the days when, through the magic of equalization, Bose speakers were electronically made to emphasize Bass and Treble with what are essentially tone controls.
The big Bose speakers had 9 pretty good midrange speakers and they were then overdriven on high and low frequencies. Some folks liked the sound. Some didn't.
Bose, IMHO, has made huge strides in the automotive world. It has now gone from mediocre to fair and has leapt to fair to good. Some applications actually seem very good (the Technology Package in the M may fall into this latter group).
I wonder why Infiniti didn't choose the components from its namesake unless the fact that Daimler-Chrysler uses them would be a negative.
Overall, I guess I'd give the M/Bose partnership a B+.
I don't get into the technical spec's too seriously, I rely more on my ears. Having spent huge money on aftermarket stereos to the point of winning competitions years ago, I feel that I have been exposed to some very decent auto sound systems. I actually was so unimpressed with the stock Lexus system in the 01 GS300 that I ended up putting in a couple of thousand dollars into a leased car just to get some bass and volume. I must say that with a DVD-Audio disc in the M35 premium system I have heard some of the best separation ever. Using the standard CD player it's pretty easy to get to the max volume and still want more but using the DVD option you can get all the volume you want. True it doesn't move your hair like I used to strive for but I guess now that I'm older that's not as necessary. Still one of the better stock systems I've ever heard especially since I've never been a Bose fan.
STEBRO: Tell management and that salesman's job's toast. He's absolutely not doing his job the way his boss expects him to. Hold his feet to the fire. This is Infiniti, not Yugo. I just bought my second Infiniti ... the first was a new '94 Q45. I bought my M35 Wednesday ... the salesman spent a half hour with me going over the tech specs and admitted it was "overload". He told me to call "anytime" to schedule an appointment for additional tutorials. I took him up on it Friday, another half hour. I have another appointment with him tomorrow. The sales manager made the same offer.
As far as the phone draining your car battery, not to worry. That phone can't drain your battery in any time that you wouldn't be driving the car and recharging your battery. Bart
m35girl: I just bought my M35 Wednesday. Loaded with everything ... touring, nav, spoiler, etc. I left the Infiniti store ~ 4:30 frozen at MSRP, and that for a base M35 w/ only nav. No flexibility whatsoever. By the time I got home @ 4:45 there was already a phone message offering me $2,500 off MSRP for the floor model loaded unit. Drove it home 2 hours later. Oh, and they didn't have much inventory ... this was the ONLY loaded M35 they had and their total inventory was four cars; they're getting six cars per month, 15 coming between now and the end of June. Something motivated them and I don't know just what it might have been. Oh, another thing: between last Saturday, April 2, and Wednesday the 39 month lease (I didn't lease) dropped from $599 to $499. Can it be they're not selling as fast as they had anticipated? Bart
Mark, in one of your earlier posts you stated that in many instances you'll answer a question in your field with it "depends"....this holds true for pretty much any topic thread, be it audio systems, interior quality of vehicles, etc.
With that being said, many offer up opinions like "real RMS" such as Levenson, going with efficient speakers w/ less watts as opposed to an array of speakers w/more wattage and if one should go aftermarket or OEM. All are correct to a degree.
Levenson is no better then any others in terms of reporting "real" specs. A poster above stated how specs really mean nothing, they do and they don't. In regards to specs the one thing consumers should be aware of first and foremost. Is that there is no governing body that regulates this. For example Infiniti could state their audio system is 200watt or 1000watt, neither would be incorrect per say.
More speakers less wattage or less w/more power? this could be it's own thread... I'm trying to keep this one short.
Now aftermarket vs. OEM and how important it is for you? In my above post I tried to basically state if "you" the listener regardless of specs etc. are happy with the audio systems performance then it's "good" enough for you. If it's not and you plan to upgrade as others have mentioned. This may be useful for the original poster "2bdriven" who is so unsatisfied and may consider an aftermarket upgrade. One thing to consider first and foremost is how any aftermarket equipment integrates with your car. The aftermarket mobile electronics industry is trying unsuccessfully to date to stop manufactures from having non audio functions run threw the radio unit itself. In some instances, I'm sure the M is no different, you will lose functions (steering wheel audio controls, Navi functions) or displays (in the dash) if you were convinced to change the "head".
I for one would not change anything in the M audio wise, unless of course you plan on using it as others posted in audio competitions. The business I co-own has been in many of these competitions and I outside working with other well knowns on projects, which mean very little. I recall a few years back a project I worked on for an IASCA event. The project took the better of 8 months. We placed first and I have the trophy and bragging rights to prove it.... funny though since our car was the only entry in the segment. Or last July, when I was called in to be a part of a three day event and pilot episode for a show that was to compete with a successful program MTV airs... that show to date has not been bought :P
Lastly, Infinti the car is Nissan owned, Infinity the speaker is a Harmon product.
I've been the proud owner of a beautiful blue M45 Sport for about 21 hours now. Got it with the technology package with XM, the journey package, and the mobile entertainment system. My Motorola V551 works perfectly with the Bluetooth system. I got the graphite leather with rosewood. My teenage boys think it's too cool for words and my wife loves it. And all I want to do is drive drive drive. It's a huge step up from my 2000 BMW 528i.
I have a question for you diehard M fans. I refuse to ruin the lines and aerodynamics by mounting a roof rack but I still need some way to carry a couple of bicycles. Has anyone tried mounting a 1.25" or 2" hitch on an M45? The dealership told me it was certainly possible but that was something they would not do. I'm looking for one of those square hitches (not the ball thing) into which I can insert a hitch-mounted rack (Thule or Yakima probably). Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Great forum, by the way. I read a few pages last night and learned a few helpful things about the car.
Leased a M45 Sport with tech, journey and MES three weeks ago. All I want to do is drive this car. I woke up at 4am this morning and couldn't get back to sleep so got in my car and drove almost to San Antonio from Houston. It is a dream. I used the intelligent cruise control and like the way is adjusts. I haven't really pushed the car hard yet but one run up to a high speed, convinced me it will scream when I cut it loose. My sales man told me to keep it under 4000 RPMs until 1200 miles or so, I am almost there now and ready to rock and roll with it this coming week.
Ah, the 901s. Those speakers which have been around since the '60s are STILL Bose's flagship for home hifi speakers. They are up to series 7 or 8 by now. I guess you and I differ on what the definition of "pretty good" midranges are. I saw a 901 with its grills off, and it just looked like nine 4" paper drivers to me. No Seas, Scanspeaks, Focals, Dynaudios, or anything I'd consider "good".
I agree that their car systems have improved significantly, but the Lifestyles and stereo speakers are the same garbage with the same obscene prices.
Just got my M45 w/ tech. I agree that Bose home products are technically compromised, but I was impressed with the premium sound in the M. That is until I drove it for 36 hrs. suddenly I got silence which I still have several days later. Took it to my local dealer. They said they would need to talk to Infiniti because they didn't have a clue. Symptoms: no sound including nav response, volume indicator doesn't show, stations including XM display and can be changed. Does anyone have any ideas as to a solution. Thanks for any help. Otherwise great care. I've had a good opportunity to listen to it up close and personal for a few days.
If you can tell me any way a specification of, let's say "400 watts" by itself has any meaning other than marketing hype designed to impress an uninformed consumer please explain.
I am, as are many of the people who participate in this type of automotive forum are auto enthusiasts. You probably have friends and family who are not. They probably don’t understand the time and money that go into your passion for performance automobiles. After all their Honda Accord gets the job done quite nicely for a LOT less money! You many try to explain to them your passion but they just don’t get it. I am also an audio enthusiast and those of you who are not probably won’t understand the importance of a highly accurate sound system when the Bose 5.1 sounds “great”. Of course what works for each individual is all that really matters, be it cars, audio or anything else.
In my original post I suggested that 99.9% of M owns would disagree with my opinion of the Bose 5.1 auto system. Based on the responses I believe that holds true. Many have said that specifications don’t matter and we are actually better off without them. Spec’s are meaningful if you understand them and ALL related info is provided i.e. Watts, RMS, THD, etc, etc . The system will not sound any better or worse when you know what the spec’s are. The reason for my interest in the audio spec’s are primarily to determine which after market components might be compatible with the Bose system. Also it may be useful in determining which components might be the weakest link. More information is never a bad thing (well, almost never).
Anyway enough about sound systems, I love my M45 Sport!!
Thanks for that lease info, because I'm going to lease mine. I called the salesman today to ask him a question and he wanted to know if i wanted one in inventory. I said I already checked and nothing interested me. I dont think I'll have an issue with getting one under MSRP by the time June gets here
Since I bought/leased my M35x from an Internet dealer, and even when I filled out the credit app for the lease, that was done via fax AND since I was going to be in Columbus Ohio anyway, yesterday, I thought I'd actually go see the dealership that will be delivering my new Infiniti sometime in July (hopefully).
I called the Internet sales manager and set up a time to meet and greet and even take a LONG test drive in a representative of my ordered car.
The car I test drove had the Bose system in it -- but NOT the Technology package. As I said earlier, the M/Bose collaboration in my opinion is a B+. Now I think B+ is quite good, actually. But let's just say that simply "meets my [pretty high] expectations." I would not, in a leased car be tempted to upgrade the "middle" grade M sound system, that is.
After the test drive (which simply reinforced my decision about the M), I asked the sales person if I could get a demo of an M that had the Technology package in it, because I had brought two DVD-Audio discs with me to test the Surround Sound upgrade that is part of the Technology package.
The salesperson, a car sales guy to pay the bills, but a professional musician ("I play anything that you don't blow into," he said) spied my new Mark Knopfler DVD-Audio and my new DVD-Audio by "Fourplay" discs and took me to a parked M35x with all the toys on it and fired it up, turned on the A/C and first played the Infiniti demo disc (containing both DVD Video and Audio apparently.) He gave me the "audio test drive" before putting my two DVD-Audio discs in and playing 2 songs off of each disc.
I sat first in the passenger seat and then in the back seat.
It was darn near an epiphany -- this may be the best or tied for the best audio I have heard in a car. The source material, certainly contributed to this experience, and I did not put my new U2 CD in for comparison, but I did play my new Brian Wilson "Smile" track of 'Heros and Villans.' Superb.
In the scheme of grades, this collaboration has now moved up to at least an A- in "high fidelity" and a solid "A" for surround sound.
In other words, I have modified my earlier grade report -- the middle child M/Bose collaboration is quite good. The upgrade to the top system is much better. However, if I "had" to live with the middle system, I would not consider it all that painful. The fact that it comes with the Technology package may or may not justify your selection of this option. In my case the main draw was the Nav System -- the high zoot hi-fi plus sat radio (I chose Sirius) just makes it all that much easier to justify.
Finally, I did not ever mean to imply that I thought Infiniti and Infinity were even related to each other. I had heard some "Infinity" sound systems in some Chyrsler products over the past years and thought they were decent. Having said that, the similarity of the sound of their brand names was my point, nothing further.
I currently power my home theater with a family product (no longer made, as far as I know) called Proceed (a poor person's Mark Levinson, perhaps?) Now, that would be a cool car audio product, I suspect, if they had ever ventured into that arena.
The M, at its price point, seems to set or meet (a/an already existing) new high standard in audio -- especially with DVD-A discs.
36 months/15K miles - 2.10 39 months/15K miles - 2.15 42 months/15K miles - 2.25
Car_man_host in the leasing forum says these should be 1.73, 1.75 and 1.75 respectively. Either the dealer is trying to gouge me (suprise!?) or Car_man_host is off. Anyone have any vital information about lease money rates
Mark I stopped at Best Buy today to check out their DVD-Audio collection -Very disappointing - Maybe 30 DVD's - They said not enough demand - Could this be the Quaddrophonic bomb of the early 70's or the Beta of DVD's? Are we getting something that doesn't provide enough material to justify the purchase? Do you have a source for DVD-A that goes well beyond Best Buys Supply? I really appreciate your input in this forum as you appear extremely knowledgeable in the area of this vehicle & its attributes. Thanks again
BB has a sporadic colection of DVD-A and SACD, which varies by location. I think Circuit City doesn't even stock them anymore although some music stores (ex. Sam Goody) still stay somewhat up to date.
Better luck is on-line, with Amazon and Red Trumpet, both of which have seperate DVD-A sections or stores.
DVD-Audio, SACD (even DTS music discs) may have been the answer to a question no one was asking.
I believe the "saving grace" for this wonderful audio medium -- if there is a saving grace -- is the automobile. Why?
I'll start by answering a question with a question: when is the last time you put a CD in your player, sat down in the "sound sweet spot" and listened to the entire thing? Think of this activity as the same as watching a movie but without pictures.
The lifestyles of most people have changed since the days when people actually would sit down and watch the radio on Saturday night -- and how.
HiFi Mono started things (after LowFi Mono 78 RPM records), followed by HiFi Stereo and so on -- quad sound was a novelty and it required a lot of money to get it right, which basically was pretty good, but difficult to enjoy "if you did it right."
Stereo got better and better, home theater started happening, and home theater started down the path towards becoming ubiquitous. Dolby and DTS came out and transformed sound from Matrix to Discreet and from 4 to 5 to 5.1 and more channels (in the quest for sound envelopment during moving watching [at home]).
Movies demand that you sit still, often for 2 hours. Music never has (outside of concerts) and surround sound music takes more equipment and to really enjoy and appreciate what can be done with multi-channel music, well, you really do have to pretty much sit still.
The original question used to begin the answer still stands.
The only place I can imagine that people sit still for any period of time is when they are involved in "travel" -- and driving just springs to mind as a place where there is a captive audience (you and me). If DVD-Audio and SACD has any chance whatsoever, it will be because of the automobile.
I buy my DTS, DVD-Audio discs (I may have 15 of them) from Amazon. No place stocks them and the only place I will be able to play them and enjoy them is in my car. I have several DTS discs and if I am alone on a dreary Sunday afternoon, I may pop Santana's Abraxis in DTS in or the Alan Parson's project On Air (also in DTS) for a wonderful sonic immersive experience. If I get up and walk around, though, the entire effect is lost, so, I usually only play these discs when I am alone or when my wife will sit still (rare) -- and I can imainge if you had friends, relatives or neighbors over for an evening, they would not be too keen or sitting on your sofa "watching the stereo, or multi-channel audio thingy."
Then there is the issue of the software -- they're ain't much of it. What little there is is too expensive to leave the novelty category. When you hear it though, it does make you want more of it.
The issue for some folks, though, is that a "DDD" audio CD crafted by the likes of Donald Fagan (Steeley Dan, etc.) or Dire Straights or Alan Parsons or Pink Floyd or some of the wonderful classical offerings of Telarc or the great recordings on Nonesuch are pretty darn good and without some nice playback gear and some medium to high end speakers, perhaps the current state of stereo is "good enough" for the great masses -- for the Wal Mart shoppers, etc. Er, no offense meant to anyone, I too, shop at Wal Mart.
Of course this is just my opinion, you may be holding back just 'cause you think there isn't enough software. Or you may be holding back until the players drop in price (again).
Many of your comments about multi-channel audio discs rang true for me.
I also have a minor collection of DVD-A, SACD as well as DTS music DVD's. Although the initial experience of good DVD-A's (and Dark Side of the Moon in SACD) were captivating, it is an experience that requires dedicated sitting time and preferably a properly set up system. With issues like bass management and properly equalized rooms, it also required some initial effort to fully pay off. I have found like you, that DTS DVD's are actually more exciting to watch multiple times and sound wise, can rival DVD-A's. Anyone wanting a visual and aural experience should pop in Roger Waters "In the Flesh" DVD or the Boz Scaggs Live DVD.
An automible however, is a place where sitting in the same spot is required and may find a renewed appeal for DVD-A as multi-channel units begin to become standard in cars. It also is a "controlled room" which can allow for hearing the sound as the engineer intended. Many home set-ups miss the entire point a good multi-channel sound media with poorly set-up systems, unmatched speakers and EQ which ruins the whole point of these discs.
"DVD-Audio, SACD (even DTS music discs) may have been the answer to a question no one was asking."
I think you pretty much nailed the entire problem of both formats right there. Think about the transition from tape to CD (very successful) and from VHS to DVD (extremely successful). In both cases, the new format allowed for huge increases in both convenience and quality. These differences also did not require a multi-thousand dollar audio system to appreciate. DVD-A and SACD were doomed from the start. First, there of course had to be a format war, and initially, players would play either DVD-A discs or SACD discs. Sony, as usual, refuses to even recognize that DVD-A exists, so you can forget about DVD-A on any Sony player. So, a miniscule catalog was divided in half. Eventually dual format players came out, but there were still plenty of problems. You can hook up a CD player however you want, but in piracy paranoia, the studios wouldnt allow optical or coax digital audio connections.
This means that you now have to go out and get SIX analog interconnects. If your receiver\SSP doesnt have a 5.1 multichannel input, you've got to get a new one of those as well. Even if it does, you've STILL got problems. The majority of multichannel inputs dont allow for crossover settings or distance\level corrections. So while you've got 6 speaker surround sound, the levels are wrong, the distance is wrong, and your bookshelf speakers are killing themselves trying to reproduce deep bass. As if that wasnt enough shooting one's self in the foot already, the iPod came along and gave both a double-barrel shotgun blast to the chest, putting them on extra extra life support. In my opinion though, the war is already over, and the winner is mp3. Its much more convenient than any 5" disc, regardless of quality level can be, and while it sounds either the same or worse than a CD depending on the encode, nobody cares. Pop music is made with abysmal production values anyway.
Proceed was indeed part of the Madrigal family, that also makes Mark Levinson, and many of ML's technologys trickled down into Proceed gear. Unfortunately they closed their doors a few years ago.
OK-Lets simplify this as best we can - Paragraph 11 answers part of it - but give me it in shorter and more concise answers if you would. I am not holding back -because I have already ordered the premium package. Do you think this is a novelty item? or do you think it will be around enough to increase the amount of DVD-A available? Thanks
I really like DVD-Audio, SACD and DTS discs. I have a few of them. I bought the Technology package "in part" for the improved sound system.
I have no clue how long it will be around -- I don't think it will die a sudden horrible death -- but don't look for all your favorite releases in multi-channel format.
I am not connected or wired in to anyone. I just read a lot of stuff. And much of that stuff is written by people jus' like you and me.
If enough auto mfg's offer DVD-A/SACD/DTS playback units, it will probablly muddle through for a few years. Or maybe it will take off like crazy once they figure out how to make headphones play it.
Given your affinity for great sound, have you ever heard of "Flim and the BB's" on the DMP label? If so, any knowledge on whether their albums like "Big Notes" can be had on DVD audio/SACD? Agreed about Alan Parsons On Air... you should hear it on a $100+K home theater system ;-) Wow!
Final note on this topic... have you listened to the Division Bell by Pink Floyd? On DVD-Audio?
I think you'll find the best place to find and purchase DVD-audio is going to be online. Mark mentioned Amazon but there is also a site called buydvdnow.com(not an advertisement by any means). They have approximately 300 DVD-audio selections which pretty much comprises the entire catalog of DVD-audio from what I've seen.
Additional hope for DVD-audio may be found in newer releases being made using the DualDisc format. While there is no guarantee that the DVD side of the disc will incorporate surround sound, you will be getting audio and/or video at the higher resolution. There is also a better chance of success because the DualDisc comes in at a price that is competitive with CDs.
I drive a lot of miles. I had a Broker negotiate my deal on an M45 Lux/Jouney/Tech/chrome/splash guards. He paid MSRP. I took a 24 Mo. lease with 30,000 miles a year, only 1st month and Calif registration down. My payment is $1018 including 7.25 tax. I turn the car in at the at the end of the warranty and get something new. I'm told my money cost was 1.67. Seems good to me. If I put the car on a 5 year note with the same money in, my payments would be about $100 more per month, and If I trade @ 24 Mos. with 60,000 miles I would be way upside down.
Hey richcream. I contacted one dealer today by e-mail for a lease quote. He e-mailed me to bring him any quote in writing from another dealership and he will try to beat it. I really hate playing these games. Should I just cross this dealership off my list? Suggestions? Thanks. hpowders
It looks like only 3 dealers received small shipments (guestimate about 12 total cars) so it looks like 16 cars were sold during the period - good faith estimate. So 12 dealers sold 16 cars or about 3.7% of their current inventories. My closest dealer is expecting another shipment on Friday. Note that for most dealers the inventory level breakdown was unchanged. The cars are not selling like hotcakes. Wonder what will happen when the dealers all receive their next big shipments?
Hey richcream. Thanks for the very comprehensive answer. Next time I go for a test drive, I will discuss figures face to face but I will wait for the end of June when the sales contest for the quarter is almost over and they are more willing to deal. Will read your post many times before I go. Thanks again! hpowders
I do not own a M35/45 yet, because I cannot afford it at the moment. I do however drive an '03 FX35 2WD with the Technology package, which until the new M came along was the king of the hill from a technology standpoint, in Infiniti's lineup. I would like to point out that despite the long responses from Mark (very informative though), I now make it a point to check this forum at least 3-4 times a day to see if Mark has posted anything new on this site. Mark, you are welcome to count me in as a fan of yours. Now getting back to my FX35, it is fully paid for with 30K miles, does anyone think I can trade it in for a 36-39 month lease, 15K miles/year which can be paid for upfront (trade-in value), on a M35 Journey/Tech& MES? As an aside Mark, I am also in the IT field as an employee. I am mainly an Exchange Server Admin (Metro ATL, GA). I hope I did not violate anything with this post.
Alot on here about the Costco program...the real deal IS $2,500 over invoice. Was working with one dealer in Chicagoland area who said NOBODY was participating in the Costco program on the M...also said no one is discounting below MSRP (This dealer has been listed on this board as being less than user-friendly.)
Applied for Costco program and a different dealer that was e-mailed to me. The salesperson happily (and honestly) walked me through the numbers. Saved me almost $2K on an 35 AWD w/ Tech/Journey. Said this is the "only" way to get below MSRP.
All the dealers in Chicago are slated for more Ms this week...could soften things up a bit, but options and color I wanted were hard to find...placed my deposit on an incoming vehicle and hope to break in my new 35 this weekend.
Can't wait...I've looked at the boards for the M, the GS and a few others...you all seem so happy here with your selection....can't wait to join you.
1. From the Setting menu select Navigation. 2. Select Address Book and then Stored Location or Stored Routes. 3. Highlight the location/route you wish to delete and press enter. 4. Select Delete from the next screen.
wagdaddy, good for you! I also bought my M35x using the Costco Auto Program, but my delivery isn't slated until end of June/early July. Just curious, which dealer said that NOBODY is participating in Costco's program and which dealer (the better one) did you end up going with to make your purchase? I bought mine through Motor Werks in Barrington and they were on the up and up.
Comments
When I first heard the M's std sound (journey), the bass was the first weakness I noticed. The 5.1 system in the tech pkg was a different story. They seemed to make significant improvements, and for the first time in many years I can say I like this Bose stereo! (I'm no Bose fan, and have yet to hear one of their home systems worth the money... IMHO). If audio is (really) important to you, get the tech pkg. If audio is REALLY important, go aftermarket.
My second question is why does the phone book limit you to recalling 15 stored names/numbers while the car is in motion while it actually holds 40? Is there any way around this limitation?
Another question: I would like to leave my bluetooth phone in the car. If I leave it plugged into the lighter all the time, won't it drain the car battery when the car is parked and the engine is not running? If it's not plugged into the lighter, you have to flip the phone or otherwise activate it before making a call because of the battery saver. How do you deal with this?
http://www.nissan-techinfo.com/infiniti/refgh0v/og/infiniti/m45/2006-Infiniti-M45.zip
The big Bose speakers had 9 pretty good midrange speakers and they were then overdriven on high and low frequencies. Some folks liked the sound. Some didn't.
Bose, IMHO, has made huge strides in the automotive world. It has now gone from mediocre to fair and has leapt to fair to good. Some applications actually seem very good (the Technology Package in the M may fall into this latter group).
I wonder why Infiniti didn't choose the components from its namesake unless the fact that Daimler-Chrysler uses them would be a negative.
Overall, I guess I'd give the M/Bose partnership a B+.
As far as the phone draining your car battery, not to worry. That phone can't drain your battery in any time that you wouldn't be driving the car and recharging your battery. Bart
With that being said, many offer up opinions like "real RMS" such as Levenson, going with efficient speakers w/ less watts as opposed to an array of speakers w/more wattage and if one should go aftermarket or OEM. All are correct to a degree.
Levenson is no better then any others in terms of reporting "real" specs. A poster above stated how specs really mean nothing, they do and they don't. In regards to specs the one thing consumers should be aware of first and foremost. Is that there is no governing body that regulates this. For example Infiniti could state their audio system is 200watt or 1000watt, neither would be incorrect per say.
More speakers less wattage or less w/more power? this could be it's own thread... I'm trying to keep this one short.
Now aftermarket vs. OEM and how important it is for you? In my above post I tried to basically state if "you" the listener regardless of specs etc. are happy with the audio systems performance then it's "good" enough for you. If it's not and you plan to upgrade as others have mentioned. This may be useful for the original poster "2bdriven" who is so unsatisfied and may consider an aftermarket upgrade. One thing to consider first and foremost is how any aftermarket equipment integrates with your car. The aftermarket mobile electronics industry is trying unsuccessfully to date to stop manufactures from having non audio functions run threw the radio unit itself. In some instances, I'm sure the M is no different, you will lose functions (steering wheel audio controls, Navi functions) or displays (in the dash) if you were convinced to change the "head".
I for one would not change anything in the M audio wise, unless of course you plan on using it as others posted in audio competitions. The business I co-own has been in many of these competitions and I outside working with other well knowns on projects, which mean very little. I recall a few years back a project I worked on for an IASCA event. The project took the better of 8 months. We placed first and I have the trophy and bragging rights to prove it.... funny though since our car was the only entry in the segment. Or last July, when I was called in to be a part of a three day event and pilot episode for a show that was to compete with a successful program MTV airs... that show to date has not been bought :P
Lastly, Infinti the car is Nissan owned, Infinity the speaker is a Harmon product.
I have a question for you diehard M fans. I refuse to ruin the lines and aerodynamics by mounting a roof rack but I still need some way to carry a couple of bicycles. Has anyone tried mounting a 1.25" or 2" hitch on an M45? The dealership told me it was certainly possible but that was something they would not do. I'm looking for one of those square hitches (not the ball thing) into which I can insert a hitch-mounted rack (Thule or Yakima probably). Thanks for any advice you can offer.
Great forum, by the way. I read a few pages last night and learned a few helpful things about the car.
Thanks.
I agree that their car systems have improved significantly, but the Lifestyles and stereo speakers are the same garbage with the same obscene prices.
Otherwise great care. I've had a good opportunity to listen to it up close and personal for a few days.
Thanks
In my original post I suggested that 99.9% of M owns would disagree with my opinion of the Bose 5.1 auto system. Based on the responses I believe that holds true. Many have said that specifications don’t matter and we are actually better off without them. Spec’s are meaningful if you understand them and ALL related info is provided i.e. Watts, RMS, THD, etc, etc . The system will not sound any better or worse when you know what the spec’s are. The reason for my interest in the audio spec’s are primarily to determine which after market components might be compatible with the Bose system. Also it may be useful in determining which components might be the weakest link. More information is never a bad thing (well, almost never).
Anyway enough about sound systems, I love my M45 Sport!!
I called the Internet sales manager and set up a time to meet and greet and even take a LONG test drive in a representative of my ordered car.
The car I test drove had the Bose system in it -- but NOT the Technology package. As I said earlier, the M/Bose collaboration in my opinion is a B+. Now I think B+ is quite good, actually. But let's just say that simply "meets my [pretty high] expectations." I would not, in a leased car be tempted to upgrade the "middle" grade M sound system, that is.
After the test drive (which simply reinforced my decision about the M), I asked the sales person if I could get a demo of an M that had the Technology package in it, because I had brought two DVD-Audio discs with me to test the Surround Sound upgrade that is part of the Technology package.
The salesperson, a car sales guy to pay the bills, but a professional musician ("I play anything that you don't blow into," he said) spied my new Mark Knopfler DVD-Audio and my new DVD-Audio by "Fourplay" discs and took me to a parked M35x with all the toys on it and fired it up, turned on the A/C and first played the Infiniti demo disc (containing both DVD Video and Audio apparently.) He gave me the "audio test drive" before putting my two DVD-Audio discs in and playing 2 songs off of each disc.
I sat first in the passenger seat and then in the back seat.
It was darn near an epiphany -- this may be the best or tied for the best audio I have heard in a car. The source material, certainly contributed to this experience, and I did not put my new U2 CD in for comparison, but I did play my new Brian Wilson "Smile" track of 'Heros and Villans.' Superb.
In the scheme of grades, this collaboration has now moved up to at least an A- in "high fidelity" and a solid "A" for surround sound.
In other words, I have modified my earlier grade report -- the middle child M/Bose collaboration is quite good. The upgrade to the top system is much better. However, if I "had" to live with the middle system, I would not consider it all that painful. The fact that it comes with the Technology package may or may not justify your selection of this option. In my case the main draw was the Nav System -- the high zoot hi-fi plus sat radio (I chose Sirius) just makes it all that much easier to justify.
Finally, I did not ever mean to imply that I thought Infiniti and Infinity were even related to each other. I had heard some "Infinity" sound systems in some Chyrsler products over the past years and thought they were decent. Having said that, the similarity of the sound of their brand names was my point, nothing further.
I currently power my home theater with a family product (no longer made, as far as I know) called Proceed (a poor person's Mark Levinson, perhaps?) Now, that would be a cool car audio product, I suspect, if they had ever ventured into that arena.
The M, at its price point, seems to set or meet (a/an already existing) new high standard in audio -- especially with DVD-A discs.
36 months/15K miles - 2.10
39 months/15K miles - 2.15
42 months/15K miles - 2.25
Car_man_host in the leasing forum says these should be 1.73, 1.75 and 1.75 respectively. Either the dealer is trying to gouge me (suprise!?) or Car_man_host is off. Anyone have any vital information about lease money rates
I stopped at Best Buy today to check out their DVD-Audio collection -Very disappointing - Maybe 30 DVD's - They said not enough demand - Could this be the Quaddrophonic bomb of the early 70's or the Beta of DVD's? Are we getting something that doesn't provide enough material to justify the purchase? Do you have a source for DVD-A that goes well beyond Best Buys Supply?
I really appreciate your input in this forum as you appear extremely knowledgeable in the area of this vehicle & its attributes.
Thanks again
Better luck is on-line, with Amazon and Red Trumpet, both of which have seperate DVD-A sections or stores.
I believe the "saving grace" for this wonderful audio medium -- if there is a saving grace -- is the automobile. Why?
I'll start by answering a question with a question: when is the last time you put a CD in your player, sat down in the "sound sweet spot" and listened to the entire thing? Think of this activity as the same as watching a movie but without pictures.
The lifestyles of most people have changed since the days when people actually would sit down and watch the radio on Saturday night -- and how.
HiFi Mono started things (after LowFi Mono 78 RPM records), followed by HiFi Stereo and so on -- quad sound was a novelty and it required a lot of money to get it right, which basically was pretty good, but difficult to enjoy "if you did it right."
Stereo got better and better, home theater started happening, and home theater started down the path towards becoming ubiquitous. Dolby and DTS came out and transformed sound from Matrix to Discreet and from 4 to 5 to 5.1 and more channels (in the quest for sound envelopment during moving watching [at home]).
Movies demand that you sit still, often for 2 hours. Music never has (outside of concerts) and surround sound music takes more equipment and to really enjoy and appreciate what can be done with multi-channel music, well, you really do have to pretty much sit still.
The original question used to begin the answer still stands.
The only place I can imagine that people sit still for any period of time is when they are involved in "travel" -- and driving just springs to mind as a place where there is a captive audience (you and me). If DVD-Audio and SACD has any chance whatsoever, it will be because of the automobile.
I buy my DTS, DVD-Audio discs (I may have 15 of them) from Amazon. No place stocks them and the only place I will be able to play them and enjoy them is in my car. I have several DTS discs and if I am alone on a dreary Sunday afternoon, I may pop Santana's Abraxis in DTS in or the Alan Parson's project On Air (also in DTS) for a wonderful sonic immersive experience. If I get up and walk around, though, the entire effect is lost, so, I usually only play these discs when I am alone or when my wife will sit still (rare) -- and I can imainge if you had friends, relatives or neighbors over for an evening, they would not be too keen or sitting on your sofa "watching the stereo, or multi-channel audio thingy."
Then there is the issue of the software -- they're ain't much of it. What little there is is too expensive to leave the novelty category. When you hear it though, it does make you want more of it.
The issue for some folks, though, is that a "DDD" audio CD crafted by the likes of Donald Fagan (Steeley Dan, etc.) or Dire Straights or Alan Parsons or Pink Floyd or some of the wonderful classical offerings of Telarc or the great recordings on Nonesuch are pretty darn good and without some nice playback gear and some medium to high end speakers, perhaps the current state of stereo is "good enough" for the great masses -- for the Wal Mart shoppers, etc. Er, no offense meant to anyone, I too, shop at Wal Mart.
Of course this is just my opinion, you may be holding back just 'cause you think there isn't enough software. Or you may be holding back until the players drop in price (again).
The amplifier was faulty and had to be replaced.
Took about 1 week to fix, it works fine now.
Many of your comments about multi-channel audio discs rang true for me.
I also have a minor collection of DVD-A, SACD as well as DTS music DVD's. Although the initial experience of good DVD-A's (and Dark Side of the Moon in SACD) were captivating, it is an experience that requires dedicated sitting time and preferably a properly set up system. With issues like bass management and properly equalized rooms, it also required some initial effort to fully pay off. I have found like you, that DTS DVD's are actually more exciting to watch multiple times and sound wise, can rival DVD-A's. Anyone wanting a visual and aural experience should pop in Roger Waters "In the Flesh" DVD or the Boz Scaggs Live DVD.
An automible however, is a place where sitting in the same spot is required and may find a renewed appeal for DVD-A as multi-channel units begin to become standard in cars. It also is a "controlled room" which can allow for hearing the sound as the engineer intended. Many home set-ups miss the entire point a good multi-channel sound media with poorly set-up systems, unmatched speakers and EQ which ruins the whole point of these discs.
I think you pretty much nailed the entire problem of both formats right there. Think about the transition from tape to CD (very successful) and from VHS to DVD (extremely successful). In both cases, the new format allowed for huge increases in both convenience and quality. These differences also did not require a multi-thousand dollar audio system to appreciate. DVD-A and SACD were doomed from the start. First, there of course had to be a format war, and initially, players would play either DVD-A discs or SACD discs. Sony, as usual, refuses to even recognize that DVD-A exists, so you can forget about DVD-A on any Sony player. So, a miniscule catalog was divided in half. Eventually dual format players came out, but there were still plenty of problems. You can hook up a CD player however you want, but in piracy paranoia, the studios wouldnt allow optical or coax digital audio connections.
This means that you now have to go out and get SIX analog interconnects. If your receiver\SSP doesnt have a 5.1 multichannel input, you've got to get a new one of those as well. Even if it does, you've STILL got problems. The majority of multichannel inputs dont allow for crossover settings or distance\level corrections. So while you've got 6 speaker surround sound, the levels are wrong, the distance is wrong, and your bookshelf speakers are killing themselves trying to reproduce deep bass. As if that wasnt enough shooting one's self in the foot already, the iPod came along and gave both a double-barrel shotgun blast to the chest, putting them on extra extra life support. In my opinion though, the war is already over, and the winner is mp3. Its much more convenient than any 5" disc, regardless of quality level can be, and while it sounds either the same or worse than a CD depending on the encode, nobody cares. Pop music is made with abysmal production values anyway.
Proceed was indeed part of the Madrigal family, that also makes Mark Levinson, and many of ML's technologys trickled down into Proceed gear. Unfortunately they closed their doors a few years ago.
Thanks
I have no clue how long it will be around -- I don't think it will die a sudden horrible death -- but don't look for all your favorite releases in multi-channel format.
I am not connected or wired in to anyone. I just read a lot of stuff. And much of that stuff is written by people jus' like you and me.
If enough auto mfg's offer DVD-A/SACD/DTS playback units, it will probablly muddle through for a few years. Or maybe it will take off like crazy once they figure out how to make headphones play it.
I am sure you aren't wired into anyone - YOU are the one that people need to be wired into.
Final note on this topic... have you listened to the Division Bell by Pink Floyd? On DVD-Audio?
Additional hope for DVD-audio may be found in newer releases being made using the DualDisc format. While there is no guarantee that the DVD side of the disc will incorporate surround sound, you will be getting audio and/or video at the higher resolution. There is also a better chance of success because the DualDisc comes in at a price that is competitive with CDs.
I contacted one dealer today by e-mail for a lease quote. He e-mailed me to bring him any quote in writing from another dealership and he will try to beat it.
I really hate playing these games.
Should I just cross this dealership off my list?
Suggestions?
Thanks.
hpowders
M35 - 45 cars
M35 Sport - 121 cars
M35 AWD - 38 cars
M45 - 84 cars
M45 Sport - 134
Last Tuesday's numbers were:
M35 - 46 cars
M35 Sport - 122 cars
M35 AWD - 38 cars
M45 - 86 cars
M45 Sport 134 cars
It looks like only 3 dealers received small shipments (guestimate about 12 total cars) so it looks like 16 cars were sold during the period - good faith estimate. So 12 dealers sold 16 cars or about 3.7% of their current inventories. My closest dealer is expecting another shipment on Friday. Note that for most dealers the inventory level breakdown was unchanged. The cars are not selling like hotcakes. Wonder what will happen when the dealers all receive their next big shipments?
Thanks for the very comprehensive answer. Next time I go for a test drive, I will discuss figures face to face but I will wait for the end of June when the sales contest for the quarter is almost over and they are more willing to deal.
Will read your post many times before I go.
Thanks again!
hpowders
I would like to point out that despite the long responses from Mark (very informative though), I now make it a point to check this forum at least 3-4 times a day to see if Mark has posted anything new on this site. Mark, you are welcome to count me in as a fan of yours.
Now getting back to my FX35, it is fully paid for with 30K miles, does anyone think I can trade it in for a 36-39 month lease, 15K miles/year which can be paid for upfront (trade-in value), on a M35 Journey/Tech& MES?
As an aside Mark, I am also in the IT field as an employee. I am mainly an Exchange Server Admin (Metro ATL, GA).
I hope I did not violate anything with this post.
Applied for Costco program and a different dealer that was e-mailed to me. The salesperson happily (and honestly) walked me through the numbers. Saved me almost $2K on an 35 AWD w/ Tech/Journey. Said this is the "only" way to get below MSRP.
All the dealers in Chicago are slated for more Ms this week...could soften things up a bit, but options and color I wanted were hard to find...placed my deposit on an incoming vehicle and hope to break in my new 35 this weekend.
Can't wait...I've looked at the boards for the M, the GS and a few others...you all seem so happy here with your selection....can't wait to join you.
1. From the Setting menu select Navigation.
2. Select Address Book and then Stored Location or Stored Routes.
3. Highlight the location/route you wish to delete and press enter.
4. Select Delete from the next screen.
Can't wait to get my car.