Disappointed with Bang & Olufsen - too quiet!
01-27-2010, 04:06 PM
#11
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I remember reading somewhere that in the non-navigation (or pseudo-MMI) vehicles, the individual B&O amps are connected to the head-unit via an analog link vs. the full-MMI system which employs digital-links via the MOST-bus. Not sure if that accounts for what you are experiencing, although I would expect the sound to be slightly brighter/cleaner with the digital link not neccessarily louder.
Did you turn on the GALA PLUS/VNC? It's not only a speed-sensitive system but also an active-noise cancelling system which could alter your perception of volume by cutting out the unwanted sounds.
Personally, I love the B&O, and find the volume and clarity to be superb. I had Bose in both my A4s and I always regretted it. There was no mid-range and the bass was either on or off (common complaint with the Bose).
Also, 7.1 surround sounds amazing through the B&O!
Did you turn on the GALA PLUS/VNC? It's not only a speed-sensitive system but also an active-noise cancelling system which could alter your perception of volume by cutting out the unwanted sounds.
Personally, I love the B&O, and find the volume and clarity to be superb. I had Bose in both my A4s and I always regretted it. There was no mid-range and the bass was either on or off (common complaint with the Bose).
Also, 7.1 surround sounds amazing through the B&O!
01-27-2010, 07:46 PM
#12
I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything
01-28-2010, 04:23 AM
#13
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I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything
01-28-2010, 04:55 AM
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I find that the sound quality depends largely on the source, some iPod and SD card songs have poor quality and low volume, CD's seem crisp, clear and have excellent range and volume. It must be related to the type of file or how it was downloaded?
01-28-2010, 05:23 AM
#15
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I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything
01-28-2010, 08:10 AM
#16
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Yep haven't heard of aftermarket Bose speakers either... would be a PITA to retrofit since they are usually individually amped and are around 1 to 2ohms impedance.
01-28-2010, 01:10 PM
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01-28-2010, 03:04 PM
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Thanks for the heads-up...I'm considering ordering a Q5 and just assumed the B&O was going to be louder. I will stop back to the dealer and test both to be sure.
01-29-2010, 04:26 AM
#20
AudiWorld Super User
The base system is actually pretty good, the B&O is a bitter more power and clearer, but not by much. Depending on how much performance you want out of your stereo system, the base system is fine for most people.