B&O system underwhelms

[goldenzrule]

I had read reviews about the B&O system before purchasing my car that all said it's amazing. It doesn't sound bad but it's nothing special. I've heard much better stock radios. Is this normal? Curious what others think about this stereo system.

[A6sport]

I was very close to retro-fitting the B&O system into my A7 with the base system. Most everyone on the board has the Bose system. We have the Bose in our A8 and B&O in my A5. It's not better sounding than the Audi standard system. IMHO...

The cost to upgrade was going to be quite high too... So I'm still undecided.

[DrSilverShot]

I added a JLW3 to my B&O, it sounds & blends fantastic. However, I still prefer my AWE track sound to any musical track out there!


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[OaborbaG]

Drive one with the bose then get a 2019 q5 with the B & O as a loaner. Then you realize how underwhelming your cars stereo really is!

[Audibot]

Compared to the B&O I've had in loaners, my Bose sounds like crap.

That said, there are some folks in the C7 forum that have ripped all that out and done their own custom systems. There's also an Audio subforum on AZ. You can have a better system installed for the premium Audi charges for B&O.

[pfar54]

They both are awful. There is too much mid bass coming from all the B&O speakers and not enough bass from the Bose.

[Caker]

I added a DSP and sub to the Bose system and it wasn't terrible, but later this week I'm removing the Bose amplifier all together and powering the door speakers with an aftermarket setup. I'll try to report back on how it sounds

[DrSilverShot]

They both are awful. There is too much mid bass coming from all the B&O speakers and not enough bass from the Bose.

This is why u add a Real sub in the back & lower the bass in the speakers. Works out pretty good


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[VR2V8]

I had B&O in my B8 S5 and B8.5 S4. I have Bose now and I dont notice any difference.

[pfar54]

This is why u add a Real sub in the back & lower the bass in the speakers. Works out pretty good


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Then what is the point of paying a lot extra for the B&O if it is at the most marginally better? I'd rather save the money and add a sub to the Bose.

[kebabman]

It depends on the model line on how much of a difference there is between the B&O and Bose I think. The B&O in my 2013 RS5 was good but never quite loud enough, then I got a 2017 RS7 with B&O and the improvement was phenomenal, switched to a 2016 RS7 with Bose and it was a big let down compare to the B&O.

I know the B&O on the Q7 is also amazing, but in the A4 the difference probably isn’t anywhere near as pronounced.

[GasMan]

I'd pay for it over and over again. As mentioned, maybe the model makes a difference. This thing will make my ears bleed on full blast, and it's got copious amounts of bass at low volume. I've had Bose in two others cars and always felt it was fairly mediocre so this was a welcome change.

We're looking at getting a 2020 MB 450 for my wife. IIRC the B&O setup is a $4500 option and I'm fighting hard for her approval.

[Alister]

In my opinion the B&O in the A6/A7/A8/Q7/Q8 based cars is great (I've had it in a C7.5 RS6). In anything less (A3/A4/A5) it is decent but not fantastic.

[subterFUSE]

All factory car stereos are terrible. The only way to get good sound in a car is to do an aftermarket system - PERIOD.

[goldenzrule]

All factory car stereos are terrible. The only way to get good sound in a car is to do an aftermarket system - PERIOD.

I disagree. I have heard my fair share of decent factory radios. I am not a kid looking for a really loud, booming car system. I just want excellent balanced sound. Some cares do a decent job of this. Some do not.

[MadAboutCars]

I like the Bose sound in my 2018 RS6. It's better than my S6 and the RS6 has the subwoofer volume that my S6 didn't have. Prehaps it sounds better because it's an avant.

[subterFUSE]

I disagree. I have heard my fair share of decent factory radios. I am not a kid looking for a really loud, booming car system. I just want excellent balanced sound. Some cares do a decent job of this. Some do not.

Aftermarket is not just about boom. Car audio sound quality is a big hobby of mine. I have been upgrading stereos in cars for 25 years, and competing in sound quality competition for many years with my own car and also helping many people around the country with tuning their cars. There is not a single good OEM car stereo in existence. Some of them might be better than others, but nothing can even come close to even the most basic aftermarket upgrades.

Even the most expensive factory car stereos use bottom-shelf components. Doesn't matter if it's a $9000 Burmester upgrade on a $200k Mercedes S65 AMG, the stereo is junk. None of the car companies use proper speaker locations, and you will never find a factory system that stages properly. Doing that requires good installation and in most cases DSP processing to correct for poor speaker locations.

[daytona rs7]

as previously mentioned, there are different grades of B&O systems.

The A6/A7/A8/Q7 gets a higher end B&O system, called 3D advanced, and carries a cost of about $5k, with 1900 wats
The A3/A4/A5/Q3/Q5 get a "base" B&O system, called 3D premium, costs about $1000, with 750 watts.


Maybe people are comparing Bose to past experience with a "base" B&O system, then seeing the $5k price thinking the sound system isn't different?

[subterFUSE]

The best you can hope for in an OEM stereo is to have decent tonality for the middle octaves. You will never find good detail in the lower or top octaves on a factory system because of the low quality components that the car companies use to save money.

[pfar54]

as previously mentioned, there are different grades of B&O systems.

The A6/A7/A8/Q7 gets a higher end B&O system, called 3D advanced, and carries a cost of about $5k, with 1900 wats
The A3/A4/A5/Q3/Q5 get a "base" B&O system, called 3D premium, costs about $1000, with 750 watts.


Maybe people are comparing Bose to past experience with a "base" B&O system, then seeing the $5k price thinking the sound system isn't different?

No offense, but if someone is attempting to compare audio systems based on watts then they are a complete noob in audio. 1900 watts from 750 is only around 4 dB louder. Speaker sensitivity, drivers being used and speaker location matter much more.

[daytona rs7]

No offense, but if someone is attempting to compare audio systems based on watts then they are a complete noob in audio. 1900 watts from 750 is only around 4 dB louder. Speaker sensitivity, drivers being used and speaker location matter much more.

no offense taken.

here's more info comparing the systems and the link comparing
https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/solutions/automotive/audi


3D advanced B&O
Acoustic Lens Technology and the unique ICEpower technology – make it the best acoustic experience ever created for the car.
Active loudspeaker technology
Up to 23 fully active loudspeakers
Two moving tweeters on the dashboard (Acoustic Lens Technology)
Sealed loudspeaker boxes
Solid aluminum loudspeaker cover
ICEpower amplifier & DSP amplifier
Up to 1920 Watt of amplification power
Advanced Vehicle Noise Compensation
5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)

3D premium B&O
Up to 755 Watt of amplifier power
Up to 19 loudspeakers
GALA plus
Dynamic sound adjustment based on microphone measurements and driving speed
Aluminum applications at loudspeaker grills
5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)
3D sound experience in the Audi A4, A5, Q5 and Audi A8, A7

[goldenzrule]

No offense, but if someone is attempting to compare audio systems based on watts then they are a complete noob in audio. 1900 watts from 750 is only around 4 dB louder. Speaker sensitivity, drivers being used and speaker location matter much more.

And power is not all about volume. The power power pushed through a speaker with ratings to handle the power, the cleaner the sound

[goldenzrule]

Aftermarket is not just about boom. Car audio sound quality is a big hobby of mine. I have been upgrading stereos in cars for 25 years, and competing in sound quality competition for many years with my own car and also helping many people around the country with tuning their cars. There is not a single good OEM car stereo in existence. Some of them might be better than others, but nothing can even come close to even the most basic aftermarket upgrades.

Even the most expensive factory car stereos use bottom-shelf components. Doesn't matter if it's a $9000 Burmester upgrade on a $200k Mercedes S65 AMG, the stereo is junk. None of the car companies use proper speaker locations, and you will never find a factory system that stages properly. Doing that requires good installation and in most cases DSP processing to correct for poor speaker locations.

Simply replacing with aftermarket upgrades does not guarantee any boost in performance. In fact, there are plenty of aftermarket products that are terrible as well. The overall design of a system, OEM or factory is what will make the difference. Either way, I simply do not care what the difference is. I don't like the look of aftermarket. I don't want to go to the lengths of designing a system, installing a system, or paying someone to do either or both. I have been there, done that, and no longer interested. What I do want is a decent sounding stock stereo that balances well and provides an enjoyable experience. I have heard plenty that do this. My wife's Pathfinder does a decent job. Today, I was given a brand new a4 loaner with the B&O system. Just the presence of a separate subwoofer control makes a huge difference in being able to balance the sound out better then my car, which lacks the subwoofer control.

[pfar54]

no offense taken.

here's more info comparing the systems and the link comparing
https://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/solutions/automotive/audi


3D advanced B&O
Acoustic Lens Technology and the unique ICEpower technology – make it the best acoustic experience ever created for the car.
Active loudspeaker technology
Up to 23 fully active loudspeakers
Two moving tweeters on the dashboard (Acoustic Lens Technology)
Sealed loudspeaker boxes
Solid aluminum loudspeaker cover
ICEpower amplifier & DSP amplifier
Up to 1920 Watt of amplification power
Advanced Vehicle Noise Compensation
5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)

3D premium B&O
Up to 755 Watt of amplifier power
Up to 19 loudspeakers
GALA plus
Dynamic sound adjustment based on microphone measurements and driving speed
Aluminum applications at loudspeaker grills
5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)
3D sound experience in the Audi A4, A5, Q5 and Audi A8, A7

This information does not offer any technical data. The copy has been created to be marketed to end-users who know little to nothing about audio, at least that is what I am getting out of it. It would be nice to see the real technical specs.

[daytona rs7]

that is correct.
i feel that B&O aren't making the specs public for any of their car systems. they pride themselves on end user experience sound quality, and not specifics of how they get there.

[subterFUSE]

Simply replacing with aftermarket upgrades does not guarantee any boost in performance. In fact, there are plenty of aftermarket products that are terrible as well.

Correct, but a minimal investment in gear with the right knowledge will yield far superior results than the best OEM car systems.

I'm glad you are happy with factory sound. I wish I could be. [;)]

[Turbocoop]

The B&O in my S4 sounds exponentially better than any OEM stereo in all of my other cars... It just depends on what you're used to hearing. Compare it to a Mazda like my last car and it sounds amazing.

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[OlyS6]

For anyone interested, in our cars (MY2016 and later) you can now get the navtv zen-v digital interface that replaces the amplifier in your car (whether it be Bose or B&O), and provide an extremely clean digital signal to a digital signal processor, and you get to keep all the functionality of your MMI. The price of the zen-v recently dropped to $749 (down from $1299). There are amazing DSPs in the market, with the helix pro leading the pack. There are also excellent speakers and subwoofers out there to be had across many brands, as well as outstanding amplifiers. An awesome hobby with lots of information out there for anyone interested.

[RSLRS71]

interesting.....maybe a BOSE mislabeled for resale purposes? as an audiophile, i am actually quite please with the B&O system. really it comes down to the SOURCE of music. try sending som Hi-Res audio sources through it to see if this helps. i run my SP1000 via bluetooth and love how it sounds. i mean, it was pricey but considering i used to drop over 1k along on a head unit for my Jeeps, this wasn't bad.


Simply replacing with aftermarket upgrades does not guarantee any boost in performance. In fact, there are plenty of aftermarket products that are terrible as well. The overall design of a system, OEM or factory is what will make the difference. Either way, I simply do not care what the difference is. I don't like the look of aftermarket. I don't want to go to the lengths of designing a system, installing a system, or paying someone to do either or both. I have been there, done that, and no longer interested. What I do want is a decent sounding stock stereo that balances well and provides an enjoyable experience. I have heard plenty that do this. My wife's Pathfinder does a decent job. Today, I was given a brand new a4 loaner with the B&O system. Just the presence of a separate subwoofer control makes a huge difference in being able to balance the sound out better then my car, which lacks the subwoofer control.

hmmm

[s4nicetry]

B&O system in my S6 is way better than the B&O I had in my S5. Although I did find the bottom end lacking, I swapped out my stock sub with a Dayton Audio Reference RSS210HO-8 in the oem box and it worked out perfectly. Filled out the bottom end so much better than b&o's sub, I just wish I had a sub controller for it, then it would be perfect.
http://www.daytonaudio.com/index.php/loudspeaker-components/loudspeaker-drivers-by-type/subwoofers/dayton-audio-rss210ho-8-8-reference-ho-subwoofer-8-ohm.html

[goldenzrule]

That Dayton sub fit in the OEM box without modifications?

[s4nicetry]

That Dayton sub fit in the OEM box without modifications?

Required a little heat gun action to push the bottom of the box out a bit, was about 1/2" too shallow. I thought about using a 3/4" spacer instead but clearance for the grill wasn't looking too good going that way. My 2013 S6 has the B&O sub box mounted under the deck though, not sure how much reforming would be required for the spare tire box.

[goldenzrule]

Required a little heat gun action to push the bottom of the box out a bit, was about 1/2" too shallow. I thought about using a 3/4" spacer instead but clearance for the grill wasn't looking too good going that way. My 2013 S6 has the B&O sub box mounted under the deck though, not sure how much reforming would be required for the spare tire box.

I have a 2013 S6 as well. The B&O sub box looks so shallow, that's why I'm surprised it took so little to make it fit. Good to know if I choose to replace the sub try and even things out a bit.

[gkott78]

I have the base system in my 2015 a6. This past week I got to hear the B&O in a 2019 S5 that my buddy just picked up. He did modify the sub, and my god it sounded good. Now I am planning a full audio upgrade. I didnt know what I was missing.

I dont think it is worth the price of admission over a custom upgrade but I was impressed.

[s4nicetry]

I have a 2013 S6 as well. The B&O sub box looks so shallow, that's why I'm surprised it took so little to make it fit. Good to know if I choose to replace the sub try and even things out a bit.

It worked out good for sure, the sound is so much more balanced now, easy upgrade. Not sure if you've seen it, but here's a thread I did on it a while back.
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/802203-2013-S6-B-amp-O-Subwoofer-(In-The-Deck)-Upgrade

[A6sport]

I have the base system in my 2015 a6. This past week I got to hear the B&O in a 2019 S5 that my buddy just picked up. He did modify the sub, and my god it sounded good. Now I am planning a full audio upgrade. I didnt know what I was missing.

I dont think it is worth the price of admission over a custom upgrade but I was impressed.

Keep us abreast of what you do. I too have the base system and want to upgrade, but have no idea where to start. There was a complete B&O system on eBay.de, missed out and probably glad I did... Now there's a Bose system there and it's got me wondering?

[dorin_82]

Just to clarify one more time, there's 2 types of B&O, a 3D Advanced ( with active tweeters in the dashboard, the better system ) and a 3d Premium ( regular speakers, like in the A4 and Q5.
I have the Advanced in my A7, ( all A7s that have the B&O have the Advanced ) and I love it. Not sure if I would have paid the extra 6k brand new, but I got my car used, so that wasn't an issue anymore.
I would probably love to have a little more subwoofer at low volume, but....oh well. When I want to crank it up, it definitely delivers.

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[s4nicetry]

Just to clarify one more time, there's 2 types of B&O, a 3D Advanced ( with active tweeters in the dashboard, the better system ) and a 3d Premium ( regular speakers, like in the A4 and Q5.
I have the Advanced in my A7, ( all A7s that have the B&O have the Advanced ) and I love it. Not sure if I would have paid the extra 6k brand new, but I got my car used, so that wasn't an issue anymore.
I would probably love to have a little more subwoofer at low volume, but....oh well. When I want to crank it up, it definitely delivers.

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Not that I've ever heard of. Pretty sure there's only one B&O system offered for the 6's and 7's.

[kebabman]

I was happy with the B&O in my RS7, wasn’t happy with the Bose in my new RS7 so I went the aftermarket route. Think it sounds better than the B&O overall now but I do think the bass was more integrated into the overall sound in the B&O than my aftermarket setup, the problem with a big sub in the back is all the bass comes from behind you.

[goldenzrule]

I'm going to assume that there is no update to the B&O that gives you separate subwoofer control? That would solve a good portion of the issues I'm having with the system

[kebabman]

Don’t think so, I added a separate sub volume controller for my aftermarket system that sits below the steering wheel so I can tweak it depending on volume and type of music. Pretty much an essential item I feel.

[jwarrenod]

I'm going to assume that there is no update to the B&O that gives you separate subwoofer control? That would solve a good portion of the issues I'm having with the system

Wife’s 2018 PP A5 has one.


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[goldenzrule]

Wife’s 2018 PP A5 has one.


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Yeah, the A4 loaner I had last week had separate sub control. Made a big difference.

[s4nicetry]

Not sure if possible but would any of our smart stereo guys in here know of any quality sub controller that could be wired to the stock b&o amp?

[subterFUSE]

I'm going to assume that there is no update to the B&O that gives you separate subwoofer control? That would solve a good portion of the issues I'm having with the system

Separate subwoofer control is not a good thing if you want the best sound quality. When you change the level of the subwoofer independently from the rest of the system, it causes the effective crossover point to change. It can cause the subwoofer to midbass blend to start going out of phase, which will actually reduce the bass performance.

[subterFUSE]

Not sure if possible but would any of our smart stereo guys in here know of any quality sub controller that could be wired to the stock b&o amp?


Your choices for integrating would be to use a simple line output converter, or you can use a DSP with high level inputs. The DSP is a more high-end approach but it would be overkill for a simple subwoofer addition. DSPs are more intended for full system upgrades.

[goldenzrule]

Separate subwoofer control is not a good thing if you want the best sound quality. When you change the level of the subwoofer independently from the rest of the system, it causes the effective crossover point to change. It can cause the subwoofer to midbass blend to start going out of phase, which will actually reduce the bass performance.
I'm going to have to respectfully disagree. In order to obtain a decent level of bass from the sub without separate sub control, you end up pushing too much bass from the rest of the speakers creating distortion above a certain volume level. With separate control, you can balance this and not distort the speakers and leave the low frequencies to the subwoofer.

[daytona rs7]

In a loaner car (2019 q5) with "base" B&O. This is a much worse audio system than my 2017 rs7 with the "3d" B&O system.

[kebabman]

In a loaner car (2019 q5) with "base" B&O. This is a much worse audio system than my 2017 rs7 with the "3d" B&O system.

I think the B&O in the RS7 is a really great sounding system, I never felt like I needed to upgrade it. Perfectly balanced not dominated by bass, mid or treble. A lot of people seem to think massive bass = good sound system, not saying there aren’t good systems that have massive bass but there’s a lot more to a good system than just bass.

[lituoklis88]

Ok i will say that i will not ever buy anything or optioned with b&w. I got a 2019 x5 with b&o and will say it complete garbage. My s6 with bose is shit too, but much better . These overpriced system are just plain “overpriced”. Best system i ever had in a car stock was a hyunday genesis with lexicon. Now that was a system!!!

[goldenzrule]

I think the B&O in the RS7 is a really great sounding system, I never felt like I needed to upgrade it. Perfectly balanced not dominated by bass, mid or treble. A lot of people seem to think massive bass = good sound system, not saying there aren’t good systems that have massive bass but there’s a lot more to a good system than just bass.

I am not looking for massive amounts of bass, but balanced sound. The issue with the system as far as I can see is that with the lack of subwoofer control, in order to adjust sound, you have only bass and treble control. I find I either have a complete lack of bass or if I turn the bass up to try and compensate, too much bass pushed through the speakers, distorting sound. An EQ would be best to truly balance it, but a subwoofer control would do wonders to help with the issue I have.

[Hofahome]

I am not looking for massive amounts of bass, but balanced sound. The issue with the system as far as I can see is that with the lack of subwoofer control, in order to adjust sound, you have only bass and treble control. I find I either have a complete lack of bass or if I turn the bass up to try and compensate, too much bass pushed through the speakers, distorting sound. An EQ would be best to truly balance it, but a subwoofer control would do wonders to help with the issue I have.

I wonder if just the lc2i +/- their bass control knob would work for your purpose. I was reading up on it last night and bought one for my car, although I have the bose so I will be adding a sub amp too. It has gain control and accubass which helps with bass rolloff at higher volumes. Typically the lc2i is put in between the oem amp and aftermarket amp, but if the stock amp is powerful enough you might just be able to use it without adding another amp. Hopefully someone here can chime in or ask a car audio guy.


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[goldenzrule]

I wonder if just the lc2i +/- their bass control knob would work for your purpose. I was reading up on it last night and bought one for my car, although I have the bose so I will be adding a sub amp too. It has gain control and accubass which helps with bass rolloff at higher volumes. Typically the lc2i is put in between the oem amp and aftermarket amp, but if the stock amp is powerful enough you might just be able to use it without adding another amp. Hopefully someone here can chime in or ask a car audio guy.


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Interesting. I guess my question would be, if it can work inline with the stock amp and sub, will the bass control of the radio still effect the sub level?

[LawDawg]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but ALL the speakers in the B&O system run at 8 ohm impedance, correct? That said, does anyone have recommendations for drop-in replacements for the door drivers such that one could simply replace the speaker and continue to run off of the B&O amp?

[WatchMeSpend]

My 2006 A6 4.2 came with an aftermarket sub woofer and amp with crossover control. It was very decent, My 2016 has another Bose system, but the factory sub is lacking a bit. Both of the systems played music just fine, but when it came to synthetic music or poorly converted mp3, sometimes the systems didn't sound the best.

Personally I find the Bose stereo with a 100w amp on a good subwoofer in an good enclosure is more than enough to make it so you can't see out of the rear view mirror. I would not pay extra for the B&O. I find that the surround sound feature messes with the sound if you are playing with it and it reacts very different to different sources and qualities of recordings.

Factory Bose straight up vibrates your pants on a properly recorded drum demo/solo.

Bear in mind, I would never by Bose or B&O home speakers. I know too much...