Audiforumusername

I don't think he heard it anywhere but probably experienced it first hand, all it takes is to remove your trim and take a look at the speakers. They're not B&O or Bose branded. They're the same generic speakers Audi uses in most of its models, unless of course you pay the big bucks for the full B&O package available in some models (A7, A8, etc.). Those packages come with actual B&O speakers.

The only thing that is truly Bose or B&O is the amplifier and maybe the B&O decal stamped on the speaker trim.

You can compare the two Audi B&O systems here:

Advanced System (A7, A8 and some others)
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/advanced-sound-system

Regular System (A5, S5, A4, S4 and some others)
http://www.bang-olufsen.com/sound-system

u080570

Thanks for the links -- cool reading....

perdido34

I haven't taken apart my Audi's speakers, but it's a very common practice in the audio industry for speakers to be built with "stock" drivers that have the desired specs.

JBDinTX

Ok guys got my car back on Monday. I have been searching for info on the best settings for the B&O. I found out that I was setting the treble to high. So I am running it about 3 dots past dead center and the bass about 5. I have focus set to all and GALA on and surround on about 4 dots from off. Sounds a lot better.

carcazy

This is not true!

My cousin works in this industry. Both B&O and Bose supply speakers and component to Audi. The initial investment is done by Audi with Ask Industries and then Bose and B&O just supply their stuff and do some little tweaking to the system.

Bose makes their own components, including speakers amplifiers, etc. B&O just makes most of their own speakers, most of B&Os components are outsourced but still they are still supplied to Audi from B&O. Some of the amplifiers B&O use are supplied by Blaupunkt (Bang-Olufsen ICE power), and the 180 degree rising tweeter are licensed from some UK company

The other stuff such as speaker/sub encloses are made by the same company (Ask Industries) which also supplies Audi with their standard and premium Audio systems including amplifiers. Ask Industries and B&O also works together, some sharing sales channels and distribution & R&D work.

Bang-Olufsen are just like a brand and assembly company not manufacture, as they don’t really manufacture any of their systems, including the home devision, the LCD and plasmas are licensed and supplied by other companies.

Quite interesting B&O are experts when its come to manufacturing Aluminum, and they have worked with Audi long before the partnership of Audio. They supplied Audi Aluminum surface panels for some Audi model.

JBDinTX

Thanks for the Update

Huey52

Thanks for confirming what I believed to be true CarCrazy. Bose HQ is fairly close to me and I know they provide components.

It's a shame folks such as "John P. (TT 225)" speak "authoritatively" when they really have no clue. Such are all automotive forums I guess.

John P. (TT 225)

Read his response and you'll see that I'm not wrong. Take your car apart and tell me that I'm wrong. I've done this to two Audis over 10 years.

And dont forget to **** yourself.

dseag2

I've been driving the G37 alot so as not to put excess miles on my S5 Cab before trading it in. To my ears, the B&O system is head and shoulders above the Bose. The Bose has lots of bass, but it is muddy bass. The B&O system has lots more clarity.

Huey52

You took apart a couple Audi's sometime over a ten year timespan and that's your proof of current practices?

And nice language for a "senior member."

Anyway, although I have no B&O point of reference I find the stock Audi Concert system quite good once all the settings are customized.