The electronics of the "Studio on Wheels" are said to use high-quality components, such as 24-bit Burr-Brown D/A converters and op-amps. The head unit specifications provided should help garner a faithful music reproduction with claimed measurements of 0.0037 percent THD and a dynamic range of 100dB. System power is rated at 374 watts, thanks to an 8-channel, 270-watt digital amp and a 104-watt two-state modulation amp for the rear 10" subwoofer.
Being a bit of a 2-channel monger, I was really interested to hear how this "stereo" system would compete in a world that's gone surround sound. I started out with the track that smashed my impression of Audi S8's B&O system, Rebecca Pidgeon's "Spanish Harlem." To my surprise, the system was composed with only slight resonance at certain points. The image stability of Pidgeon was great and well-focused above the dash, while the instruments across the soundstage were placed with near pinpoint accuracy. The system response was very linear and everything was upfront, including the bass. This is about the best I've heard this track on a factory system - and it was done without surround sound.
I was equally impressed with other tracks. The soundstage presentation of Monte Alexander's "Sweet Georgia Brown" was incredible, both wide and focused. I noted only that some of the instruments lacked realism, sounding over-EQ'ed. With Sting's "Fragile," the depth to the soundstage was unbelievable and the sense of "airiness" to Sting's vocals was superb. If not for the lack of definition in the bass in both tracks, the overall sound quality would have been practically perfect. Playing tracks by Green Day, Usher and Ziggy Marley, I was able to confirm the bass shortcoming. The songs were missing the low fundamental tones of the instruments, and they came across sounding dry and over-damped - the sensation of feeling the bass more than actually hearing it.
I finished up with Kirk Whalum. His sax work was solid, and details like his breath between blows were clear. This track affirmed the high-quality audio of the Infiniti/Bose stereo system. In fact, the G35 ranks right up there with other high-end OE cars recently reviewed in CA&E.
The G35 Sport is a performance sedan on many levels, and its Bose "Studio on Wheels" sets a new standard for OEM offerings, at least in terms of stereo sound. But while I'm a huge fan of 2-channel audio, I'm not sure it makes sense in today's market to offer an "upgrade system" of this stature that's limited to CD and MP3 media, particularly when multi-channel media is on the rise. But, if your collection is comprised of CDs, then you'll be happy to know that hi-fidelity 2-channel audio is still alive and well in the G.
| Audio Score | 8 |
| Ergonomics | 9 |
| Navigation | 9 |
Key FeaturesExcellent, upfront studio-like CD audio24-bit Burr-Brown DACErgonomically correct Infiniti ControllerTouchscreen navigationVoice recognitionCompact flash slot for MP3 files9.5GB music HDD with Gracenote6-disc CD changerBluetooth hands-free capabilityRearview backup monitor