Newbie: 2011 EX sound system disappointment

[robpar]

Well, just got a 2011 Ex journey and I'm somewhat disappointed with the sound system implementation (compared to my older G35):
I thought i was getting a disc changer; it's only single disk. I guess that's my problem for not reading the details
The USB connection does not work with IPOD mini...
The only way to transfer music into the Music box is via CD recording (what a pain!); no way to connect USB drive to load music.
Sound quality is less than my old G35
I know there is an upgraded package "touring package" but the dealers around here (Roswell, GA) do not have them

Am I missing something here?

[flashzoom]

umm...didn't know the iPod mini doesn't work on the EX35. maybe its a lil old.
yes, loading the songs into the internal drive is a pain. I never use that function either.
but what you can do is, play MP3 files off the USB drive.
just load all your MP3 songs on to a 2gb or 4gb USB drive.
plug it in, and leave it in there. the system will play the MP3s directly from the USB drive.
at least its better than playing it from the CD.

Just a reminder, infiniti use to have a cap of 255 mp3 files max on a USB drive, can be played. not sure if they still have that cap on the newer system.

[zarar]

Another way you to play music if you want, it get a Composite (Red,White,Yellow Wire) to a 3.5mm and play your music through your ipod mini (although you won't be able to control it through the head unit). Might also try updating your firmware for the ipod mini if not already on the latest version.

[robpar]

Another way you to play music if you want, it get a Composite (Red,White,Yellow Wire) to a 3.5mm .

???? what do you mean? a composite wire to a 3.5mm what?
Please explain

[gofast24]

I believe he is talking about the aux input (L + R audio, composite video) located in the center console? Get a stereo patch cable with two male RCA plugs on one end and a 3.5 mm stereo plug on the other end.

[CDNicecube]

One can also burn MP3s on a DVD and play them of the DVD, which sounds outstanding (provided that your MP3s are of good quality). It is a little slower at first to start with the first song but once it starts, it is as quick to change songs as an IPOD. The only drawback is that the songs titles and directory do not show when the song plays, but this could be how I burned the DVD in the first place.

A thumdrive is the other solution. Never tested it, however.

I have a 5-year old Nano (8 gig) and it plays flawlessly with screen full control. Perhaps yours is not up to date? Ipods are so cheap now - upgrade to a used one?

Lastly, I must have a different EX model than yours (I have a Canadian Premium+Journey+tech) because the sound system (Bose?) is impeccable- crisp, clear and powerful. Much better than my high end aftermarket Pionner I had in my previous Acura. I did notice that MP3s recorded at less than 128bits sound bad on our system: I think the system is so crisp that it accentuates the differences in quality of the recordings more so than cheaper systems.

Good luck

[zarar]

Another way you to play music if you want, it get a Composite (Red,White,Yellow Wire) to a 3.5mm .

???? what do you mean? a composite wire to a 3.5mm what?
Please explain

Correct, thank you.

[TomT]

The internal drive does suck. I never use it. Only records at 133 bits I believe. I don't use anything less than 256. Love the USB though. Have about 3GB recorded on my one stick and it works great. All in all I believe the Bose system sounds quite good.

[robpar]

The internal drive does suck. I never use it. Only records at 133 bits I believe. I don't use anything less than 256. Love the USB though. Have about 3GB recorded on my one stick and it works great. All in all I believe the Bose system sounds quite good.

So, from Itunes I have to change all my music to Mp3 and then load it to a USB stick? and It will directly from the stick?

[zarar]

The internal drive does suck. I never use it. Only records at 133 bits I believe. I don't use anything less than 256. Love the USB though. Have about 3GB recorded on my one stick and it works great. All in all I believe the Bose system sounds quite good.

So, from Itunes I have to change all my music to Mp3 and then load it to a USB stick? and It will directly from the stick?

When you load them to a USB stick directly, yes it will work. It automatically picks up all the songs. I believe your also able to categories the songs into different folders as well (by Genre, Artist, etc. by just creating a individual folder for each song type or artist so it easier to track a specific song your looking for rather than scrolling through a bunch of songs.. Just an idea.). Was definitely able to do that for many of my other cars, haven't specifically tried it on the EX35 but it should be just the same.

[SteveTheTech]

Before condemning the audio quality you have to put it through its proper pases. You really need a high quality dvd. (yes I know you cannot watch while driving). The capabilities of this system far exceed what any analog audio source can be converted into.

The Studio on Wheels system was initially designed for the G35 sedan so to optimize the experience I would recommend select a lower seating position and tune the bass and treble to only a few clicks above center. There are 10" woofers and mid range speakers in the door create a decent virtual surround sound experience.

Loading the digital drive can be a pain and it only uses certain files but the reproduction quality is mostly lossless.

The majority of people I see who use it tend to load it with music you cannot typically find on the radio, various religious and ethnicities primarily. For that type of niche market they really enjoy it's simple post loading operation, primarily shuffle all.

It is not perfect but there is actually quite a bit ahead of many of the other vehicles systems available.