Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.

And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
it's almost flat against unit.

--
Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

Ah, this is starting to sound like the guy who moved to snowy country and
sent his first letter home talking about how lovely and cozy it was. You
know the drill...by the 40th day of snow, the guy was cussing every flake
that fell ;>)

Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name. The treble and bass controls
are fair at best. You have to rely on the EQ settings to deliver something
close to what you hoped to hear. I found that the sound varies with input.
FM stereo sound was ho-hum. Sound with a good CD was noticeably better.
But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon, or
the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and it
was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired for
me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I may
try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can find one
that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.


"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-274F1B.18493525022004@news.west.cox.net...
> These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
> ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
> on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
> of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
> knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
> the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.
>
> And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
> heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
> would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
> check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
> Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
> pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
> front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
> it's almost flat against unit.
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

> Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.

Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the stereo
in the car I test drove was awesome.

Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this
car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
inferior, or parts were switched?


> But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon, or
> the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and it
> was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired for
> me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I may
> try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can find one
> that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.

What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
these things.

Robin

--
Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

Robin - have you tried the various EQ settings (Acoustic, Jazz, Rock)? The
unit sounds meager without them, but noticeably improved with them
(especially Rock - even with classical music). Then again this is with my
'02 and the units may now be differerent. My only quibbles are the lack of a
valume control on the steering wheel that I had in my old Legend, and no
time or time remaining indicator for tracks on the CD player.
-B

"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-37E0A1.19535425022004@news.west.cox.net...
>
> > Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.
>
> Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the stereo
> in the car I test drove was awesome.
>
> Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this
> car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
> inferior, or parts were switched?
>
>
> > But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon,
or
> > the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and
it
> > was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> > previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired
for
> > me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I
may
> > try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can find
one
> > that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.
>
> What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
> Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
> these things.
>
> Robin
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

In article <2Ee%b.30505$4P3.25333@newssvr25.news.prodigy.com> ,
"Briggs" <briggs@sbcglobal.net> wrote:

> Robin - have you tried the various EQ settings (Acoustic, Jazz, Rock)?
Yep.


The
> unit sounds meager without them, but noticeably improved with them
Only slightly (in my car).


> (especially Rock - even with classical music).

Yes, I noticed that also, Rock seems to work best for classical and
other types of music as well. I'm trying to determine if its only
because its louder.

Robin

--
Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-7C7061.22100925022004@news.west.cox.net...
> In article <2Ee%b.30505$4P3.25333@newssvr25.news.prodigy.com> ,
> "Briggs" <briggs@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> > Robin - have you tried the various EQ settings (Acoustic,
Jazz, Rock)?
> Yep.
>
>
> The
> > unit sounds meager without them, but noticeably improved with
them
> Only slightly (in my car).
>
>
> > (especially Rock - even with classical music).
>
> Yes, I noticed that also, Rock seems to work best for classical
and
> other types of music as well. I'm trying to determine if its
only
> because its louder.

Could a speaker be out of phase?! With just the front or rears
on, balance full left to right,
if the base is weak in the middle and the sound is 'spacy' thats
it! I have heard many test
set-ups in stores sound like that....


>
> Robin
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

I'm not sure JBL makes an after-market unit. The one in the Avalon was very
upscale, and was a custom design to fit their dash-console unit. But there
are lots of very good after-market stereos. Personally, I've only been
researching the ones that get either XM radio or Sirius radio in addition to
normal airwave radio. Those units come with CD but generally not with tape.
(Getting tape with non-satellite radios should not be hard.) The units I've
looked at ranged from $150 to $400, but I imagine most electronics go for
less on the left coast. The real trick is to find a unit that looks like it
belongs in your car. Professional installers can get facia units to take up
the extra space and blend it into your dash, but will the color of the
lighting match? The only way to tell is to find the unit you're interested
on display in a store. As Brigg said, the EQ presets on the stock unit help
a lot, but everyone's musical ear differs.

I doubt very sincerely that they'd have switched units on you.

"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-37E0A1.19535425022004@news.west.cox.net...
>
> > Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.
>
> Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the stereo
> in the car I test drove was awesome.
>
> Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this
> car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
> inferior, or parts were switched?
>
>
> > But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon,
or
> > the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and
it
> > was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> > previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired
for
> > me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I
may
> > try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can find
one
> > that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.
>
> What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
> Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
> these things.
>
> Robin
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

Actually, the stereo in your car isn't Infinity at all, but JBL. If you
take off your door panels and look at the actual speaker, you will see that
they are indeed made by JBL. If your car has an amp like mine (03 Tiburon),
it is a JBL amp as well. Either way, if you want better sound, buy first a
new head unit, then look at replacing speakers and adding an amp and small
subwoofer. You can upgrade it all for a nicer sound for under $500. If you
like to listen to music in a good environment, it is a good investment.


"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-37E0A1.19535425022004@news.west.cox.net...
>
> > Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.
>
> Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the stereo
> in the car I test drove was awesome.
>
> Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this
> car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
> inferior, or parts were switched?
>
>
> > But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon,
or
> > the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and
it
> > was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> > previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired
for
> > me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I
may
> > try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can find
one
> > that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.
>
> What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
> Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
> these things.
>
> Robin
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

www.bought4less.com
is the place to buy a new stereo


"Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:robinxjoy-274F1B.18493525022004@news.west.cox.net...
> These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
> ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
> on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
> of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
> knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
> the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.
>
> And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
> heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
> would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
> check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
> Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
> pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
> front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
> it's almost flat against unit.
>
> --
> Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

Sorry, you're wrong. One word: Crutchfield. Do a search and compare.


"I'm Right" <ImRight@urWrong.net> wrote in message
news:HIn%b.2708$354.379@newssvr22.news.prodigy.com ...
> www.bought4less.com
> is the place to buy a new stereo
>
>
> "Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:robinxjoy-274F1B.18493525022004@news.west.cox.net...
> > These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
> > ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
> > on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
> > of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
> > knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
> > the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.
> >
> > And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
> > heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
> > would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
> > check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
> > Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
> > pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
> > front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
> > it's almost flat against unit.
> >
> > --
> > Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4
>
>

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

On Thu, 26 Feb 2004 08:57:10 -0500, "TDRacin®"
<TDRacinnospamflashmail.com> wrote:

>Actually, the stereo in your car isn't Infinity at all, but JBL. If you
>take off your door panels and look at the actual speaker, you will see that
>they are indeed made by JBL. If your car has an amp like mine (03 Tiburon),
>it is a JBL amp as well. Either way, if you want better sound, buy first a
>new head unit, then look at replacing speakers and adding an amp and small
>subwoofer. You can upgrade it all for a nicer sound for under $500. If you
>like to listen to music in a good environment, it is a good investment.

**You're right about going with the head unit first. Years ago, when I
owned a Scoupe, the weak OEM stereo started malfunctioning. I went and
bought a new Clarion and asked Hyundai to yank out the old one and
keep it and then install the Clarion for free, which they did. :) The
new stereo was a fantastic improvement, it was like I had bought a
whole new set-up. Never had to bother with updating anything else.

kaboomie

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

I have a 2002 Sonata GLS V6 and I wanted more "punch" in the stereo without
going nuts and doing the subwoofer/amp madness. I listen to Jazz (both
acoustic and electric fusion) and I love to feel a properly recorded
acoustic bass. I went to the local Car Toys in the Seattle, WA-area a spoke
to both a sales person and an installer. I ended up just replacing my rear
6x9 speakers (they were cheap Panasonics with a "whizzer cone" for highs)
with two Alpine 3-way 6x9 speakers. The change exceeded my expectations -
the bass and clarity was astounding! I'm going to do the same with our new
2004 XG350L when I get it next month.


"Briggs" <briggs@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:2Ee%b.30505$4P3.25333@newssvr25.news.prodigy. com...
> Robin - have you tried the various EQ settings (Acoustic, Jazz, Rock)? The
> unit sounds meager without them, but noticeably improved with them
> (especially Rock - even with classical music). Then again this is with my
> '02 and the units may now be differerent. My only quibbles are the lack of
a
> valume control on the steering wheel that I had in my old Legend, and no
> time or time remaining indicator for tracks on the CD player.
> -B
>
> "Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:robinxjoy-37E0A1.19535425022004@news.west.cox.net...
> >
> > > Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.
> >
> > Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the stereo
> > in the car I test drove was awesome.
> >
> > Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this
> > car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
> > inferior, or parts were switched?
> >
> >
> > > But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old Avalon,
> or
> > > the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in, and
> it
> > > was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> > > previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be desired
> for
> > > me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious) I
> may
> > > try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can
find
> one
> > > that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.
> >
> > What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
> > Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
> > these things.
> >
> > Robin
> >
> > --
> > Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4
>
>

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

There is a detent (a feeling of a click) when turning which is midway.
Your average XG owner uses the EQ setting of Classic and adjusts the
sound to his/her taste. They may be "pulled out" which means they are
not adjust trebal or base but left to right/front to rear. It acually
is a very good sounding system, and on the 04 it's an infinity. Good
Luck.

XGCA
On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 18:49:35 -0800, Robin <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote:

>These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
>ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
>on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
>of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
>knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
>the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.
>
>And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
>heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
>would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
>check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
>Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
>pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
>front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
>it's almost flat against unit.

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

Hey Carl--

Please provide the exact model number of the new Alpines---

I, too, feel that the audio setup in my 2004 Sonata GLS has plenty of power,
but the sound quality is best described as "flat", "muddy", "dead toned", or
lacking separation; especially in bass and midrange.

Thanks in advance--



"Carl C. Jackson" <cajo20@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:jVv%b.65422$Xp.310387@attbi_s54...
> I have a 2002 Sonata GLS V6 and I wanted more "punch" in the stereo
without
> going nuts and doing the subwoofer/amp madness. I listen to Jazz (both
> acoustic and electric fusion) and I love to feel a properly recorded
> acoustic bass. I went to the local Car Toys in the Seattle, WA-area a
spoke
> to both a sales person and an installer. I ended up just replacing my rear
> 6x9 speakers (they were cheap Panasonics with a "whizzer cone" for highs)
> with two Alpine 3-way 6x9 speakers. The change exceeded my expectations -
> the bass and clarity was astounding! I'm going to do the same with our new
> 2004 XG350L when I get it next month.
>
>
> "Briggs" <briggs@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
> news:2Ee%b.30505$4P3.25333@newssvr25.news.prodigy. com...
> > Robin - have you tried the various EQ settings (Acoustic, Jazz, Rock)?
The
> > unit sounds meager without them, but noticeably improved with them
> > (especially Rock - even with classical music). Then again this is with
my
> > '02 and the units may now be differerent. My only quibbles are the lack
of
> a
> > valume control on the steering wheel that I had in my old Legend, and no
> > time or time remaining indicator for tracks on the CD player.
> > -B
> >
> > "Robin" <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > news:robinxjoy-37E0A1.19535425022004@news.west.cox.net...
> > >
> > > > Yeah, the stereo betrays the Infinity name.
> > >
> > > Can the quality of sound vary from unit to unit? As I said, the
stereo
> > > in the car I test drove was awesome.
> > >
> > > Here goes my vivid imagination, but I did get a very good deal on this

> > > car - is it possible that the stereo in this car was known to be
> > > inferior, or parts were switched?
> > >
> > >
> > > > But the unit doesn't begin to resemble the JBL unit in our old
Avalon,
> > or
> > > > the Monsoon unit in my Passat. Again, I recognized this going in,
and
> > it
> > > > was part of the give and take to save money. Plus, as I mentioned
> > > > previously, programming here in eastern NC leaves a lot to be
desired
> > for
> > > > me, so if I can sneak it past the wife (she can be pretty oblivious)
I
> > may
> > > > try and install an after-market unit with satellite radio, if I can
> find
> > one
> > > > that mimics the night-time color of the surrounding devices.
> > >
> > > What do you suppose JBL unit would cost to replace my current stereo?
> > > Any other brand recommendations and approx prices? I'm clueless about
> > > these things.
> > >
> > > Robin
> > >
> > > --
> > > Do not email if posting response. To email, replace x with 4
> >
> >
>
>

Re: Disappointed with XG's bass/treble controls (and Stereo)
 

I'm very happy with the unit in my '02. And I listen to A LOT of music and A
LOT of variety. As a point of reference, I have a Bose Acoustimas setup at
home (okay I'm a barbarian - so they're not Martin-Logans...).
-B


"XGCA" <none@email.com> wrote in message
news:8bft30lns5j6p6nt7a2sgkmnvnlkil4kse@4ax.com...
> There is a detent (a feeling of a click) when turning which is midway.
> Your average XG owner uses the EQ setting of Classic and adjusts the
> sound to his/her taste. They may be "pulled out" which means they are
> not adjust trebal or base but left to right/front to rear. It acually
> is a very good sounding system, and on the 04 it's an infinity. Good
> Luck.
>
> XGCA
> On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 18:49:35 -0800, Robin <robinxjoy@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> >These are the cheapest, plastic-y, most archaic knobs/controls I could
> >ever imagine, not even as nice as what came with my standard AM/FM radio
> >on my 1987 Corolla. No ability to let you know what is mid range in any
> >of your settings except your ear, and I feel I have to be careful so the
> >knobs don't break off in my hand. I guess this is what I gave up to get
> >the two of four air bags, or perhaps it was the roadside service.
> >
> >And I cannot re-produce that beautiful, full rich stereo sound that I
> >heard on the XG350L I test drove last Saturday. It sounds like what
> >would have been the base stereo unit in the 4cyl Sonata. I was sure to
> >check and it does say Infinity on both the stereo unit and the speakers.
> >Any ideas what the problem could be? BTW, I am aware that the knobs
> >pull out at two points so you can adjust speakers from side to side and
> >front to back, and then again, base and treble, then depressing knob so
> >it's almost flat against unit.
>