My 2013 G37 coupe (Journey?) has the factory bose sound system and would like to improve the audio quality.
So there is a factory stock speaker in the central dash, which I not planning on changing.
In the doors I guess there is a 2 way, a tweaker and a woofer? (which I will replace).
And in the rear deak there are two stock (6X9?) speakers. (which I would replace).
And the all in one unit speaker amplifier in in the truck (which I will replace).
Have no interest to adding a subwoofer.
I want a shop to install everything and would be willing to spend at least $2000, maybe more.
Looking for ideas?

 

You wont be able to run all your speakers with 1 amp you need 1 sub amp and 1 main amp and 2k is on low end or cheap if theyre using higher end speakers and amps like jl slash amps and comp speakers

 

My first question to you would be what are you looking to gain? And what does "improve audio quality" mean to you?

I have a sedan and my wife thinks the factory system is wonderful - I don't know if she has different taste in audio, doesn't want me to spend time, money, or all 3.

I, along with others, think the sound is harsh but I found a way to correct that. There's a very in-depth analysis here by @milosz indicating the OEM speakers are actually very high quality, just need some help.

As you aren't looking to add a sub, my guess is you want better sound quality?

If you aren't comfortable with DIY, then labor could get expensive. I dramatically changed the overall sound quality with some simple modifications and parts were under $75 (my labor was "free"). I installed additional sound deadening in the front doors, both peel/stick and insulation, and I added a crossover to the factory mids/highs to correct the harsh sound. To me it's starting to sound great with everything from jazz, to techno, rap, dubstep, pop, whatever. I still may add a sub in the future but the factory low end, especially with my door mods, is strong and it's difficult to replace the bass produced by the 10" door woofers with a smaller speaker.

​​​As @Surfnazi said, $2k is cheap if you're looking to swap factory components due to labor. You can run the entire system off a single 2 channel amp (with passive crossovers), find a quality 5 channel amp (I have a Zapco), and find components for under $200 for the doors (I have Morel Maximos that I'm not using) as well as Morels for the rear deck.

It all comes down to budget, personal preference and what you're looking to accomplish. Unfortunately, there isn't a single solution. :-)

-Eric

 

They sell same ohm load direct swap oem upgraded speakers think its infinity that does it

 

I have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) so being able to concentrate enough to do the work myself is just not practical.
I figure the stock Bose car audio setup is decent, but figured aftermarket should offer some overall improvement.
$2000 is just the number to start with, but not a fixed budget.
I've been checking out JL Audio for the speakers and amplifier, but will to look at other brands.

 

Jl comp 2 sets 1 sub 2 amps and jl signal processor along with 2 amp power kits and wiring. Peobably 10-12 hours if they building custom box and speaker enclosures. Just add a jl 13tw5 or 10w6. Wicked cas makes custom trunk flush boxes 1 or 2 subs...1 is enough if you get a good sub

 

I have no interest in a subwoofer, prefer more detail in the audio, not thumping.

 

either way jl sells replacement drivers for oem subs you'll still be spending over 2k

 

Still looking for advice.

 

Still looking for ideas?

 

If you don't like your music at reference level volumes and if you don't like the infrasonics provided by a good sub then the stock Bose system is pretty decent. The stock system doesn't start to fail till you get up in the volume.

The decision to go the aftermarket route can get expensive. Good install labor is not cheap and because the Bose system is designed to be used as a complete audio solution, you can't replace just the amp, or the speakers and expect anything great. As others have alluded to, you need to do some homework at boil down to the specifics of what you want (clearer highs, more consistent volume, better soundstage, more presence...) Spend some time at the better audio shops, have them show you (let you hear) the difference . Avoid the shops that just want to take your money and throw it at the car.

 

I'm going to guess when Nissan/Infiniti goes shopping for OEM audio hardware they would not want to pay one cent more then they have to and is reliable hardware and easy to install (at the car factory), sound quality might be the next priority.
And most people's brains will think of Bose as "high end" audio, but these are people who also might think $100 headphones (Sony or Panasonic or other) are really good sounding.
I'm hopeful to get a better speaker amplifier (5-channel), then the stock Bose unit and speakers that have lighter diaphragms.
Also would be nice if the amplifier supported multiple inputs, so I can just use a portable DAP unit, to feed a stereo analog audio signal, to the amplifier (A DAP with a really good DAC function) and loaded with FLAC audio files.
Not really into bass, so have not really put much thought into a sub-woofer.
I'm also the kind of guy to buy $500 headphones (but get them used for $300).

 

So here's the thing. What you think Nissan / Infiniti do regarding cheepness and ease of installation might possibly be true for the stock non-Bose system. But car companies actually do use their "upgraded" audio systems to try to sell cars. That's why you can get a "Mark Levinson" system in certain Lexus models - for an additional cost of about what you're thinking of spending. (Side note, Mr. Levinson is no longer associated with his own name and the current company is just another subsidiary of Harmon...)

But as Absinithe said, Inifinti's "upgrade" Bose system is not bad, as long as you don't turn the treble and bass controls all the way up and then crank the volume. I find it decent audio quality for lots of different types of music.

And though it's tempting to think about upgrading to a super-high-end rig with great DA converters, flac files, and headroom to spare ... remember that you're in a frickin' car with engine, road and wind noise competing with any chosen audio. It is NOT the best listening environment to begin with.

Just my opinion.

 

I did not say cheapest, Nissan/Infiniti know they will have to spend a certain amount to get good enough reliability and that a majority of their customers will be happy with the sound quality.
Bose sell audio stuff that does well at places like Target or BestBuy or Amazon or Costco. I'm sure retired people's homes are full of Bose products.

 

Yes, I understand that Bose would not be considered an audiophile equipment maker, I'm with you on that. They make weird consumer gear and spend big money on marketing. But the rig in our Gs doesn't have any of their folded bass "wave" BS trying to cheat physics while putting everything out of time alignment (IMO). It's a pretty straight ahead system of amp channels and speakers integrated with the car's head unit, tuners, bluetooth phone, USB input jack, etc... I'm just saying, for me it's enough to allow me to enjoy listening to music in the car.

But if you're not enjoying what's there you should definitely pursue something better. Find a high-end car audio place and see what the latest and greatest gear is. Just mind the heavy marketing spin that seems to be connect with so much of it. Please let us know what you discover.