Today's high end cars DO NOT require you to "go aftermarket" to get "audiophile" grade sound quality. My BMW 335i has the Logic7 system in it and it sounds amazing. I've had an aftermarket sub in every car I've owned, so when I got the 335 I literally drove straight to the local car audio shop to see what they could do for it. After figuring out some options I actually gave the factory system a trial and I was blown away. The logic7 uses a center channel, tweeter in the pillars, mid-range in the front doors, mid range on the rear doors, two speakers in the rear deck, and a sub under each front seat.

I'm pretty disappointed to see how dissatisfied most of you are with the "upgraded" Bose system in the 370z. I'm getting my yearly new car itch and after literally hours and hours of searching online, I'm starting to seriously consider the 370z. I'm just worried about coming from a car that was just under 60k out the door to a car that's barely 40 fully loaded, and reading this about the sound system is disheartening. Obviously a sound system doesn't make a car, and I'm not against going aftermarket, but I'd love to not HAVE to.

???

I think the Bose sound system in the Z is 2/3 the sound of my bud's 335i system (2/3 = $40/$60). I think you're good there; but you're gonna have more fun driving the Z (get a manual!). :tup:

Indeed:
Lexus' Mark Levinson systems I think are the best out there. I didn't know Jag used B&W. Hyundai even uses Logic 7 (Harman Int'l: not quite Levinson, but pretty good).

Why Nissan used Bose? Ugh...

Not bad at all
 

A few hours after I posted that last comment I went and test drove a 370z. I brought my stereo line in cord just so I could plug in the iPhone and test out of the Bose system after reading all the complaints. After listening to some rap, rock, and pop songs to give it a full test, I was more than impressed. Maybe it was because I was going in with such low expectations, but it wasn't NEARLY as bad as people are making it out in here. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I drove a 2011, but from the research I've done the system is basically the same as the 2009-10. Was it as good as the Logic 7 system in my BMW? Of course not. Was it better than 90% of the cars out there? Absolutely.

It's hard to complain when you consider that system automatically comes with the touring package, especially when my Logic 7 cost almost $2k ON TOP of the $2k+ navi upgrade. To fully load the 335i I had to buy a premium package, sport package, Logic 7 package, comfort access, iPod integration, and navi package and each one was $2k or way more (besides the comfort access and iPod integration). To fully load a 370z you only need to get the touring/sport package and navi. Of course the BMW comes with more, but the 370z more than covers all the basics.

You guys need to stop complaining! ;) The 370z is absolutely incredible value for money. And if anyone else is reading this and now worried from reading all the complaints, make sure you give it a try yourself before you make a judgment. Oh and not getting the touring package because you're worried about the difficulty in upgrading the system is absolutely CRAZY! Changing your speakers out might cost a little bit more but it's not like you're talking about thousands of dollars to do it. The touring package is WAY more than just a nicer sound system, and if you're THAT concerned about every penny you shouldn't be in a dedicated sports car anyways.

If anyone cares, I'm actually a little less excited about the car after driving it. I was definitely expecting something a lot faster.. Maybe the engine just needs to be broken in :confused:

I think they should continue the current Bose system, or something equivalent, when you get the touring, BUT it probably wouldn't be a terrible idea to add an option for something more substantial. With a $700 optional system upgrade they could easily double, and maybe even triple, what the current Bose system offers. I'm sure a lot of people would go for it. I'd LOVE to see a car go with JL audio for the factory system, they've always been my favorite aftermarket subs, speakers, and amps. They might not be as flashy as some of the new stuff coming out but that's only because they put all their effort into the actual performance of their products.

Agreed - an option upgrade to the Bose would be welcome.

Our VQ37 will never match the torque responsiveness of BMW's E54. That motor is an engineering marvel. Many say it's grossly underated in the specs, and I'll need to agree.

While the power delivery is smooth on the E54, you'll need to wind the VQ out - that's where it really delivers. As much as I like the 335i, it's a cruiser that can go fast. I find more involvement in the Z that makes daily driving fun; and for cheap.

Agree
 

I've always respected Nissan's V6. How many years in a row did it win engine of the year? Half a dozen or something? I did some reading on the 370z a little more after the test drive and what you said is identical to all the other advice. I wasn't aware that its power band was more "high-rev" happy. And your comment on the N54 is spot on as well. It's an incredibly tourqy engine, almost to a fault in some people's minds. It has SO much low RPM power that it starts running out of steam when the needle hangs out on the right side of the tach. It's really hard adjusting to an engine that needs so much more wringing out, but they obviously did that on purpose. I imagine it's better for track driving. Nissan's V6 doesn't need to defend itself though, it's already well proven and universally praised.

The hardest part of looking for a replacement is finding a car that's just as/more powerful that isn't a V8, but I have to say the 370z has been one of the closest. I'm really curious what a free flowing cat, exhaust, and intake would do. It almost feels like the VQ just needs to breath more to perform the way it wants.

:iagree:

Fast Intentions Catback Exhaust:stirthepot:
Art Pipes:tup:
Stillen CAI Gen 3 Intakes
Uprev Tune:driving:

I would get these parts if I had extra money...:mad:

Amen to your post - I enjoy these types of discussions. Agreed: the VQ's a great, but it's also a venerable engine - Nissan's really milking the longevity of the current iteration. It needs a redesign... (but I understand that's in the works... albeit a bit late, IMHO)

But now that the stereo's straightened out, it should be time to do more test drivin'! :driving:

+1 with Crown's post above - getting more air into and out of the engine (and tuning it) will help tremendously. For me - I'm still stock until the warranty runs out; then I go forced induction.

So if I understand this correctly...

1. If you buy an aftermarket HU, and you do NOT bypass the factory amp, your HU will be fine?

2. And if you want to change out the factory amp, you must change the speakers as well?

You pretty much got it add that you have to use the factory speaker either way in that case.

YouTube - BART'S FATHER STEREO BLOWS- Click Parody

Sorry I had to :roflpuke2:

Coming from a Base model to a 40th with BOSE, I can assure you that the BOSE sounds much better and has more bass. It sounds even better when you connect your iPhone to the AUX input.

However, I am an audiophile and I know that the BOSE is not breath taking by any means. I want to switch everything out but then I'll lose the subwoofer in the trunk and I don't want all that weight from a custom box.

My Bose system's days are numbered, just dunno how long. House first, then I start exorcising those bad electronics out of my Z.

Audio Quality: Bose vs Base
 

To answer the original OPs question (like 2 years after the fact lol): the Bose upgrade is hardly any better than the crappy stock audio. You're way better off going aftermarket.

and while I'm on the subject of sound, I love this car to death but the audio system is absolutely unforgiveable; got in my bud's Si the other day and was blown away by the sound quality compared to the Z. I think it's a little embarassing that a Civic with "Honda premium sound" has a better sounding system than our beloved 370Z. :shakes head: