Navigation System

[mphestvir]

Is anyone else extremly dissapointed with the factory navigation system?

The first dissapointment was the fact that I recieved an outdated DVD. I explained this to the dealer and they pretty much told me tough luck.

Another complaint I have is the fact that you are limited to what you can do while the car is moving. This is extremly frustrating when a passanger is in the car typing for you.

The number of Points of Interest is also pathetic. I type in WalMart and it says the closest one is 100 miles away, when in fact there are 5 in a 20 mile radius.

Let me know what you think of this system,

[Canadian Coupe]

Maybe they'll fix it on the 09's.

[rjdmmfl1]

Is anyone else extremly dissapointed with the factory navigation system?

The first dissapointment was the fact that I recieved an outdated DVD. I explained this to the dealer and they pretty much told me tough luck.

Another complaint I have is the fact that you are limited to what you can do while the car is moving. This is extremly frustrating when a passanger is in the car typing for you.

The number of Points of Interest is also pathetic. I type in WalMart and it says the closest one is 100 miles away, when in fact there are 5 in a 20 mile radius.

Let me know what you think of this system,

the many limitations of the factory navigation system has been discussed a number of times.. and you're right! Its definately overpriced for what you get, that's why most of us opted to get the premium package and then get an aftermarket navigation system! More features for less money!

[nightrain]

Works for me.

Safety issues are a pain, until you crash.

I don't want anything sitting on my dash--invitation for a break-in.

I think the system could be a little more intuitive, and I would love to have the feature that allows you to transmit a destination from your PC to your car NAV system. But overall, I can't complain.

To me, the real beauty is the integrated screen which handles audio, backup camera, and NAV all in one. Very elegant.

[rjdmmfl1]

Works for me.

To me, the real beauty is the integrated screen which handles audio, backup camera, and NAV all in one. Very elegant.

ummm, yeah, that's what the aftermarket nav units do also, rear view camera, audio, video, nav..etc

The Kenwood DNX-8120 is the absolute best all in one unit ever created!!!!!

[mphestvir]

It is also pitaful that you can not control your IPod from the navigation menu...Poorly designed

[SmokeDaT]

ummm, yeah, that's what the aftermarket nav units do also, rear view camera, audio, video, nav..etc

The Kenwood DNX-8120 is the absolute best all in one unit ever created!!!!!

Now with the Kenwood DNX-8120, your able to use that while the car is moving? If so I'm probably going to say no to the tech package and just get this and have someone install it. What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting an after market NAV system? Can you list, I'm new to this. Thanks.

[nightrain]

I don't doubt it, rjd.

Been over this before--by the time you get through purchase and install, you still have an aftermarket setup which probably costs the same. Technology is always changing, anything will be outdated in a year. And if you're watching video in the front seat, I hope you're not driving anywhere near me!

But if you like showing Nissan that you can do it better and cheaper, more powa to ya!

[rjdmmfl1]

Now with the Kenwood DNX-8120, your able to use that while the car is moving? If so I'm probably going to say no to the tech package and just get this and have someone install it. What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting an after market NAV system? Can you list, I'm new to this. Thanks.

oh man, I'll try to find the link where we covered this before.. but for a short list...

With aftermarket Nav units...

1. watch DVD's2. Operate Nav funstions while vehicle is in motion3. ipod interface with control from your touch screen4. depending on the unit, much, much, much better sound quality than that from the stock unit (yes even the Bose) (i.e. crossover, built in EQ,built in sound processor, etc)5. option of sirius or XM radio6. HD radio add on feature7. TV tuner add on (depending on the unit, and yes, they make digital tv tuner for cars)8. more searching points of interest (pioneer has 12 million vs 6 million in factory)9. More Nav screen viewing options10. Changeable background picture when unit turns on,11. many, many more, I'll try to find the relative threads for you...

I don't doubt it, rjd. Been over this before--by the time you get through purchase and install, you still have an aftermarket setup which probably costs the same. Technology is always changing, anything will be outdated in a year. And if you're watching video in the front seat, I hope you're not driving anywhere near me!

But if you like showing Nissan that you can do it better and cheaper, more powa to ya!

with install, if you pay someone else to do it, then yes, but if you do the install yourself (which is NOT difficult at all) then you're good and you def save money!

regarding watching dvd's while the vehicle is in motion, 99% of the folks driving around you everyday with aftermarket Nav units are doing just that, ... sorry to break the news to you

Oh, and its not about showing nissan you can do it better and cheaper, its about showing folks on this forum who are interested that they can have a better product for less money than what they are being charged at the Stealership!

[adidas2go]

I can do everything on the list above with my D3. One of my favorite features though is the built in gimbals and gauges that tell you your speed, accleration, and even your lateral and horizontal G forces!

[SmokeDaT]

Thanks for the response rjdmmfl1 and if you can find that link definitely post it. All in all I definitely think I'll go this route. I mentioned this to my boy who I asked if he would be able to instal it and he said:

Here's the deal.. if you don't get Nav, I'm sure you will have the bose system, which if you change the face requires all speakers to be re-wired as bose has their amps in line to the speaker... After market radios amp from the head unit, so basically if the head unit is putting out 200watts and your bose is 400 watts, you will be pushing about 600watts... sounds good when you say it like that, but you speakers will not be able to hang... and will last about 6mnths... not only that you will be overheating you factory amp which could cause a fire... You can do it, but again you will need to re-wire each speaker.

Is this true, would I have to re-wire and do all that other stuff if I got after market ?

[rjdmmfl1]

Thanks for the response rjdmmfl1 and if you can find that link definitely post it. All in all I definitely think I'll go this route. I mentioned this to my boy who I asked if he would be able to instal it and he said:

Here's the deal.. if you don't get Nav, I'm sure you will have the bose system, which if you change the face requires all speakers to be re-wired as bose has their amps in line to the speaker... After market radios amp from the head unit, so basically if the head unit is putting out 200watts and your bose is 400 watts, you will be pushing about 600watts... sounds good when you say it like that, but you speakers will not be able to hang... and will last about 6mnths... not only that you will be overheating you factory amp which could cause a fire... You can do it, but again you will need to re-wire each speaker.

Is this true, would I have to re-wire and do all that other stuff if I got after market ?

No, not exactly...

1st of all, the aftermarket headunits, even the best of them, are only putting out 22 RMS watts per channel! And that's the best ones out there!

No one really knows what the factory Bose Amp is putting out because they don't release their specs, but I assure you, its nowhere near 400watts RMS, each channel MAY be getting about 30 watts RMS at best!

You're not gonna fry your amp , but you def may blow your speakers in a few months... the Bose speakers are designed to work with the Bose Amp and Deck.. an aftermarket deck will disrupt the built in crossove sent out by the factory amp, sending frequencies to speakers where they shouldn't be sent (i.e. sending low 45 HZ Bass frequencies to your dash 3.5" speakers)

For this reason, if you replace your factory deck, you eiether have to be careful not to play Bass through all of your speakers, or you can just replace your factory Bose speakers with some better quality aftermarket ones!

Also, if you have an aftrmarket deck, it is suggested to get sound level converter like the FAI-3 or SLC4 units, which allow you to dial down the volume leaving the aftermarket deck to match the set volume of the factory amp . Or you can go really high class and add an external sound processor like the JL cleansweep or the rockford 3sixty. (Or , if you;re like me you can get an aftermaret deck with a built in sound processor)

Lastly, if you REALY want to get the most out of your sound system, then just replace all of the factory stuff with aftermarket stuff.. i.e. aftermarket speakers, amps and deck... Contrary to most people's beliefs, the BOSE systems are just marketing hype.... they really don't sound all that good!

[spockrock]

I can do everything on the list above with my D3. One of my favorite features though is the built in gimbals and gauges that tell you your speed, accleration, and even your lateral and horizontal G forces!

Does the Kenwood DNX8120 tell you speed, accleration, and your hoizontal and lateral G forces???

[rjdmmfl1]

Does the Kenwood DNX8120 tell you speed, accleration, and your hoizontal and lateral G forces???

nope, it doesn't that's not a feature I miss though, I never ever used it when I had my Avic D3, but it is still a cool feature to have!

[vi3t89]

Modified by vi3t89 at 8:08 PM 5/8/2008

[SniperJoe]

If you are interested you can purchase updated Nissan Navigation System DVD's here:

http://www.zenrin.com/nissanSystem.asp

[niztec]

like what some people said, aftermarket navigation decks are the better route to go....but since your stuck with it...hmm, what if you part it out and upgrade to an aftermarket one?

[SmokeDaT]

Lastly, if you REALLY want to get the most out of your sound system, then just replace all of the factory stuff with aftermarket stuff.. i.e. aftermarket speakers, amps and deck... Contrary to most people's beliefs, the BOSE systems are just marketing hype.... they really don't sound all that good!

If I were to do this what are the best speakers to put in the front and rear ? Sizes also please for the front and rear.

[maxentropy]

Contrary to most people's beliefs, the BOSE systems are just marketing hype.... they really don't sound all that good!

Actually the Bose system is quality and not quanitity. It sounds great. The speaker system does get loud, with the windows down on the highway it's not loud enough for me but then I love to feel the music and not just listen to it.

The Bose system was designed for our car to get the best sound and it is truly a really good quality sound! You can get the same quality with an aftermarket system but you need to spend mad money.

My personal recommendation to those without the Bose system but with OEM speakers- DEFINITELY upgrade all speakers and amplifiers as well as add 1-2 subs.

My personal recommendation to those with the Bose system - leave you speakers as is but add 1-2 subwoofers for some extra kick. Unless you want to go deaf or want to enter competitions, all you need is an extra sub or two in the back for some more bass!!

My two cents anyway. The biggest issue was that I wanted the premium + tech packages for different reasons and we all know with Nissan their biggest drawback is the fact their package options are extremely limited-- it's buy the entire package or don't...

[Canadian Coupe]

Actually the Bose system is quality and not quanitity. It sounds great. The speaker system does get loud, with the windows down on the highway it's not loud enough for me but then I love to feel the music and not just listen to it.

The Bose system was designed for our car to get the best sound and it is truly a really good quality sound! You can get the same quality with an aftermarket system but you need to spend mad money.

My personal recommendation to those without the Bose system but with OEM speakers- DEFINITELY upgrade all speakers and amplifiers as well as add 1-2 subs.

My personal recommendation to those with the Bose system - leave you speakers as is but add 1-2 subwoofers for some extra kick. Unless you want to go deaf or want to enter competitions, all you need is an extra sub or two in the back for some more bass!!

My two cents anyway. The biggest issue was that I wanted the premium + tech packages for different reasons and we all know with Nissan their biggest drawback is the fact their package options are extremely limited-- it's buy the entire package or don't...

[rjdmmfl1]

Actually the Bose system is quality and not quanitity. It sounds great. The speaker system does get loud, with the windows down on the highway it's not loud enough for me but then I love to feel the music and not just listen to it.

The Bose system was designed for our car to get the best sound and it is truly a really good quality sound! You can get the same quality with an aftermarket system but you need to spend mad money.

My personal recommendation to those without the Bose system but with OEM speakers- DEFINITELY upgrade all speakers and amplifiers as well as add 1-2 subs.

My personal recommendation to those with the Bose system - leave you speakers as is but add 1-2 subwoofers for some extra kick. Unless you want to go deaf or want to enter competitions, all you need is an extra sub or two in the back for some more bass!!

My two cents anyway. The biggest issue was that I wanted the premium + tech packages for different reasons and we all know with Nissan their biggest drawback is the fact their package options are extremely limited-- it's buy the entire package or don't...

Let me clarify, for audiophiles, the BOSE system is average to below average at best.... it's not accurate for me to say they sound bad because that's an opinion not shared by all... but again, BOSE is 100% marketing hype... they sell you the whole "well our sound system was created with each individual car in mind", blah, blah, blah..... but for an audiophile, the Bose system is just plain average!

And regarding quality over quantity, ummm is that why they use 9 speakers to get the sound that they want???? you don't need nine speakers to get that sound in our car, seven will do just fine ...if they had used a nice coaxial system in the front instead of separate mid bass and tweeters, and a nice 3 way 6 x 9 system in the back with crossovers to separate the highs and lows instead of separate 6 x 9 subwoofers and tweeters in the rear.

So the quality not quantity argument is null and void my friend. They go with 9 speakers because folks that don't know any better are impressed by that. So its good to go with quality over quantity, but that's not what BOSE did. I have the BOSE system also, and am gladly removing my Bose amp and speakers for a true "quality" system.

I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't like the BOSE system, again that's a personal preference, and to some it may sound fantasitic, especially if they are comparing it to the regular factory setup... but to say that BOSE is great quality is just not accurate ... again BOSE marketing hype has you all fooled, but I'm not drinking their kool aid!

Come on maxentropy, you're a DJ homie, you should know about the BOSE marketing hype vs reality... I can't believe you're drinking their kool aid also... lol

[Canadian Coupe]

Bose below average?

If you say so. You may know more about audio than me, a lot more than me but most people I know generally refer to Bose as one of the higher end systems you can get at a relatively good price.

What I do know is that the Bose setup in my 03 sounds a hell of a lot better than some after market crap my friends have in their rice rocket accords and civics.

Talk about marketing hype... Rockford Fosgate. I have never been so disappointed in my life.

Bose > Fosgate in terms of bang for your buck.

[maxentropy]

Come on maxentropy, you're a DJ homie, you should know about the BOSE marketing hype vs reality... I can't believe you're drinking their kool aid also... lol

I know the hype, but I also used to sell electronics at a Sears. Bose two speaker systems were better than most the home theater surround systems we sold. Although honestly I would never buy Bose since one can spend the same amount of money for a better system. Bose is a good brand, but they are over-marketed and set at a much too high price.

My car came with the Bose system since I wanted the prem and tech packages for other amenities... do I really want to rip all my speakers and nav screen out after I spent all that money for it? I really can't bring myself to do that.

You are right doc-- I am a DJ, I know sound-- the difference between quality and quantity and the balance between them both. I have to say the Bose system is perfect for the average audio-listener. For someone who wants a little bit more, add a sub or two. For someone who truly wants to emerse themselves in sound and bass, replace all speakers.

So I guess all in all, I agree with you, but for me (23 years old in July) about to buy a house with my gf, and perhaps have a family in the next year or two, replacing the Bose sound system is almost a silly thing to do. I like the idea of adding an extra sub or two with remote dials to control the bass.

Unless I remove the bose speakers and someone wants to buy them for close to retail, its almost silly for me to remove them. For a hardcore audiophile though, it'd be mandatory (ie, you doc)

Honestly, find me some one/place to sell my stock Bose system too and make most the cash back and I'll definitely grab the best of the best aftermarket systems.

[mcheddadi]

you speak wise words

[Canadian Coupe]

Max, just have to say your work is awesome.

[maxentropy]

Max, just have to say your work is awesome.

Thanks CanadianCoupe. Just something I do in my spare time for s|-|!ts and giggles. If you dig the recent stuff, wait till you hear the 2-3 tracks I'm working on for my "mini-tour" the end of this month!

Red Hot Chili Peppers vs flo rida's elevator (this one is hot)Snoop Dogg vs Finger Eleven (yes, paralyzer!)Ace of Bass vs Soulja Boy (electro re-work club banger)

If ya'll want, I'll make a post as soon as I post the new tracks for free downloading.

[rjdmmfl1]

Thanks CanadianCoupe. Just something I do in my spare time for s|-|!ts and giggles. If you dig the recent stuff, wait till you hear the 2-3 tracks I'm working on for my "mini-tour" the end of this month!

Red Hot Chili Peppers vs flo rida's elevator (this one is hot)Snoop Dogg vs Finger Eleven (yes, paralyzer!)Ace of Bass vs Soulja Boy (electro re-work club banger)

If ya'll want, I'll make a post as soon as I post the new tracks for free downloading.

Max, I think you and I are in total agreement! As I mentioned, I'm an audiophile, and for an audiophile, the Bose system is just not enough. For the average listener, the BOSE system probably sounds great! So we both agree on that. regarding, the quality over quantity issue, BOSE still doesn't get any cool points from me, because I know how they could have designed a better audio system in our vehicles and not have to use 9 speakers to do so. But again, for a good sytem, its not about quantity, that why you don't see me setting my system up with three or four subwoofers and 4 mid bass speakers and 6 x 9's and 8 sets of tweeters like you see some guys doing... its not about that, and I think true audiophiles know that!

Regarding the premium package in the vehicle, I too did not buy if for the stereo, I bought it for the other features. BUt I didn't buy the tech package because I was well aware of what I wanted from my audio/navigation system, and the NIssan navigation system/software is once again average. Not as good as the Infiniti Nav systems, but again, for the average person that just wants to get from A to B and doesn't watch movies, etc, than I guess the tech package is an easy al inclusive way to go (especially if you're in Canada and you package options are even more limited than in the US)

Regarding taking out all of my speakers, well they would blow eventually the way I listen to music so they had to go, again, for high volumes, they can not handle even the factory power for very long without blowing. I listened to music in my dad's LESUX Sc 430 and those come with the Mark Levinson sound system which completely blows BOSE out of the water, and those speakers began to blow eventually due to the volume at which I listened to the music.

Bose below average?If you say so. You may know more about audio than me, a lot more than me but most people I know generally refer to Bose as one of the higher end systems you can get at a relatively good price.

What I do know is that the Bose setup in my 03 sounds a hell of a lot better than some after market crap my friends have in their rice rocket accords and civics.

Talk about marketing hype... Rockford Fosgate. I have never been so disappointed in my life.

Bose > Fosgate in terms of bang for your buck.

regarding your friends aftermarket setups, well if they don't know how to setup an acoustically correct system, then of course it'll sound like crap. But that's not an accurate comparison of aftermarket vs BOSE. regarding Rockford Fosgate, well I'm not a Rockford rep, so I'm not here to defend their entire line of audio equipment. Their lower line punch stuff is subpar (amps and woofers) all of their speakers are average and their decks leave much to be desired. But their power line of amps and subwoofers are as close to perfect as youcan get period.

If you look at my setup, I have Boston Acoustics for components, Boston Acoustics for rear 6 x 9's, a Kenwood deck, and Rockford Fosgate POWER amps and sub. That's because I've been in car audio long enough to know what company makes what products good, better and best. THERE IS NO COMPANY THAT MAKES SUPERB COMPONENTS, AMPS, WOOFERS, AND DECKS. That being said, there is NO WAY the Bose system which has Bose everything can ever be considered a top of the line system! Its just not possible, again they sound good, but not great and marketing has taken them a long way for home and car audio, but don't believe the hype my friend.

If you are disappointed with RF, then next time don't buy their cheap stuff and expect it to sound good, because it doesn't. As much as I stand behind RF, I would never put any of their lower line stuff in my car!

[maxentropy]

Regarding taking out all of my speakers, well they would blow eventually the way I listen to music so they had to go, again, for high volumes, they can not handle even the factory power for very long without blowing. I listened to music in my dad's LESUX Sc 430 and those come with the Mark Levinson sound system which completely blows BOSE out of the water, and those speakers began to blow eventually due to the volume at which I listened to the music.

I must say I have been listening to my bose system with the bass maxed and the treble down 1 tick (if I remember properly). Understanding that music is firstly created at a certain dB level, and then burning software sometimes likes to auto-level volumes, and sometimes not etc-- basically different tracks are different volume levels. I listen to most music at max volume or three ticks down from max-- depending on track dB level (you get some clipping at max if the track was already at a high dB level)...

With an aftermarket system you won't get that clipping as the system can handle those higher dB levels and process them through with no issues. But anyway, my point is that I have my Bose system with the bass maxed, treble down a tick, and volume all the way up-- and I've been listening to tunage every single day in my car since I bought it over 6 months ago or so and I have had not a single bose speaker blow.

I also might add I got suckered into the warranty-- however the warranty covers blown speakers as well (which I'd lose if I went aftermarket).

So in conclusion Doc, you and I do both agree-- however we each have seperate wants and needs from an audio system and reasons for each of those.

I can't wait to see the pics (and vids) of your completed system, and I am most definitely very jealous!

I was driving with my girlfriend a few days ago and she mentioned if I install an aftermarket subwoofer, intake, and exhaust that I would need to rethink whether or not to replace the speakers all around (and nav system) due to the more sound my vehicle would be putting out. Of course she was being totally sarcastic...

We'll see down the road, but for now I want me an extra sub or two with remote bass knob so I can get some more kick!

[notaverage]

That extra sub adds extra kick of bass for sure, but speaking from experience, don't get the sub(s) too loud, otherwise it will drown out the mids and the higher sounds. I have a small 10" kicker, 400 watts, which I think is perfect for me, good enough bass. It does drown out the music sometimes tho.

[Canadian Coupe]

Thanks CanadianCoupe. Just something I do in my spare time for s|-|!ts and giggles. If you dig the recent stuff, wait till you hear the 2-3 tracks I'm working on for my "mini-tour" the end of this month!

Red Hot Chili Peppers vs flo rida's elevator (this one is hot)Snoop Dogg vs Finger Eleven (yes, paralyzer!)Ace of Bass vs Soulja Boy (electro re-work club banger)

If ya'll want, I'll make a post as soon as I post the new tracks for free downloading.

That sounds great.