The best and only place to get consistently accurate reviews of car stereo. Genuinely not sure if I'd buy a car that you haven't reviewed, as sound quality is one of my most important criteria. Great work.
Actually, I could say it is great, I've got the T5 R-design version myself for quite a bit of time and it feels just fascinating for me. The sound system delivers an enjoyable experience while driving. The T5 engine gives out enough power when I needed it(with polestar engineered software optimization) and you could feel the solid chassis whether you are doing U-turns or moving around tiny corners. Don't know what B5 in the next gen will be like but so far I appreciate the T5.
Looks as if the Harman Kardons in VW are pretty bad. Many journalists are wishing they stuck with Fender or even Dynaudio. BMW has managed to get their Harman Kardons to suit their cars better at least.
This system is pretty good but the 60/90 series is even better. It's not as crisp, detailed or powerful as the Bowers and Wilkins but it's 7-8/10ths of the way there. The H/K subwoofer in those models also plays a lot lower than the 40 series H/K
The XC40 that utilizes the Sensus infotainment system does have a 5 band equalizer. To access it you need to go to Settings, then Sound and then you can adjust the equalizer using the 5 band equalizer... Im not too sure if the new Google software has that feature.
I have the HK system in a 2022 V60 Cross Country with the Sensus infotainment system. It gives you much more control over the audio settings than the new Android interface. Just an FYI-that’s how the system was originally designed to be controlled. Android Auto is essentially a retrofit.
I once hired a Volvo XC90 to pick people up at the airport. The sound system was the best in-car system I've ever heard. Even the radio stations sounded incredible, sweet treble and tight fast bass with excellent separation. Have yet to hear any system that sounded better. The car itself was nothing special but the sound system more than made up for it
@lobsterglizzy1237 I think it was Dynaudio. Definitely not B&W. Seriously good sound. I now own a Jaguar and the sound system is disappointing in comparison. I've never heard a home or car audio system that sounded as detailed and 3 dimensional as the Volvo system. And that tight and dry bass was amazing. It was more than just the speakers producing the magic, I'm sure the head unit is high end or at least has a really good DAC and the speakers are obviously perfectly matched to a powerful amplifier/s. Would like to know what DAC is used as that may be the key component.
How would you compare the standard High Performance system to the Harman Kardon system? I'm thinking about trying to turn some family members onto electric cars, in particular the XC40, the ID.4, or the Nissan Aryia, and they just like their music to be clear. Not over the top like us younger folks, but "Good."
Wait your device your streaming through doesn't have developer mode so you can fix the Bluetooth streaming to not be compressed... you should be able to do that if you can get into the dev settings and fix how music is streamed from Bluetooth... although be it... it does drain battery... odd how you can't use aux or USB to the car.
I wasn't super impressed with this unit on the 2020 XC40. I wonder if they made improvements. I really enjoyed the bang & olufsen on the '21 Q3, however. Much more bass than the Volvo. However, the Volvo's B&W system is absolutely incredible.
the thing I love and enjoy on Volvo Audio systems is that they use DIRAC! its a game changer and allows you to listen and enjoy all the details to the music even at low and medium volumes without having to crank out the system.. I have an XC40 with this audio system and yea the subwoofer is what is lacking on the lower end of the bass spectrum.
The 60/90 series use a larger subwoofer and door woofers that helps their H/K system play lower notes that audio systems with 8 inch subwoofers like Tesla audio and Bang&Olufsen/Burmester can't
I am confused. What do you mean there is no android auto in the car? The car has an android system installed already. You can get google maps, youtube music, waze, etc. You just need to connect your phone via bluetooth. That's the point of the android automotive.
I have the B&W in my XC90 and that is the best what i ever had but it seems as it is not great difference between HK and B&W , anyway very good review !
I’ve got an order in for one of these. I am crossing my fingers they offer a B&W option between now and when I get the car in August 2023. And also would be nice if they can update the software to the same as they’re running on the Polestar 2.
@@DailyMotor Hi... I think Tidal now has some of the their more high quality audio features available in the Android Auto app now. A weird "playing in stereo" message comes up still even when the surround is clearly on, but the sound quality seems much better over the LTE of the car and the higher quality menu option is selectable now, which it wasn't before. Just thought I'd add that here. Thanks for the review.
I am looking at a 2008 Lexus LS 460 with the Mark sound system and thinking of changing it out with Focal Audio with the Focal Amp. I like the V8s and the older style and finding a low mile version has been hard to do.
Same impression as other commenters mentioned: lacks in the bass department compared to Harman in 60/90 series of Volvos and in general, the smaller musical details are not translated well, in any Volvo H/K system. B&W is a completely different story though.
I have a polestar and I presume they’re similar. I really enjoy the audio driving around town. but the car is so loud on the hwy, it drowns out the audio.
To me Harmon sound like a less muddy boss audio system in cars. Its still a warm sound when source is Bluetooth compressed. Brill on the highs a bit with many song and audio... A bit too bass heavy for me... I use to work in the Mercedes audio department in Alabama and the systems still sound the same in flavor within many different cars... that DSP'ing that was done by Harmon to make it constant across all cars is something else. You get his low mid and a bit of bass it like something is missing in the mid to mid high range.
For me, I didn't use Bluetooth quite often only for call answering, etc. I got a spare USB drive where I could fill it with FLAC files and it turns out to be fabulous on the car-sounding sys. (T5 R-design version)
H&K is quite unknown by the average people but is really superior. I always take my car with this sound system, I don't buy a high premium car without it. I have heard multiple product from H&K and B&W (in the xc90), and for example their speakers, and each time H&K is way better, more fidelity to the sound, bass fidelity and more clarity then the B&W.
These mid systems sound great for what they are. The confines of a road vehicle will never be comparable to a quality listening room so it's pretty silly to spec out really high-end stuff in them. Decent component speakers and a sub with some EQ adjustability are all that's needed. Many factory stereos in cars are truly horrendous and will make your ears bleed.
Completely pointless having hifi level sound if you only have blue tooth inputs! My previous V60 Recharge had a standard USB socket which could play music from an SD card using an adapter. This was much better than the newer version which has the charging only USB type C. Volvo has really stuffed up on this!
Because the infotainment system doesn’t support USB streaming like I usually use, and I had to improvise by streaming the tracks from the file manager on my phone. Not ideal, but perfectly legal in our jurisdiction.
@@DailyMotor When you say the car doesn’t support USB streaming, do you mean it won’t play from a plugged in iPod? Thank you for your reviews of the XC40 Recharge!!
The best and only place to get consistently accurate reviews of car stereo. Genuinely not sure if I'd buy a car that you haven't reviewed, as sound quality is one of my most important criteria. Great work.
Definitely sounds good. Volvo never seems to fail with their sound system, if only the rest of the cars were that good.
Their interiors in general are simply among the most comfortable places to be
Actually, I could say it is great, I've got the T5 R-design version myself for quite a bit of time and it feels just fascinating for me. The sound system delivers an enjoyable experience while driving. The T5 engine gives out enough power when I needed it(with polestar engineered software optimization) and you could feel the solid chassis whether you are doing U-turns or moving around tiny corners.
Don't know what B5 in the next gen will be like but so far I appreciate the T5.
Get the feeling the OP wasn't being serious.
@@koichi.k1161 Correct!
How does it compare to the golf R harman kardon sound system? Are they the same speakers but more on the volvo?
Looks as if the Harman Kardons in VW are pretty bad. Many journalists are wishing they stuck with Fender or even Dynaudio. BMW has managed to get their Harman Kardons to suit their cars better at least.
This is definitely better than the Golf.
Will we get to hear the sound system in the BMW 230i also? This Volvo sounded great by the way.
230i is the same system as the M240i. I did do a short members only video on the 230.
This system is pretty good but the 60/90 series is even better. It's not as crisp, detailed or powerful as the Bowers and Wilkins but it's 7-8/10ths of the way there. The H/K subwoofer in those models also plays a lot lower than the 40 series H/K
B&W makes the xc90 rattle and ruins it
@@Jonsk111 those rattles can be easily fixed esp if it’s the speaker grilles rattling
@@Jonsk111 H&K > B&W. Don't know how people can compare them
@@Jonsk111 what parts rattle?
@@nanospace2389 maybe it was the one I drove but just the doors
Thanks for this nice demo test! If you can do a demo on XC60 Harman Kardon system that will be really helpful!
The XC40 that utilizes the Sensus infotainment system does have a 5 band equalizer. To access it you need to go to Settings, then Sound and then you can adjust the equalizer using the 5 band equalizer... Im not too sure if the new Google software has that feature.
How does it compare to the standard sound system in the lower end trims?
thank you!!! this is my favorite car ever I appreciate your content on all of your channels so much!!!
Will there a ranked audio system test this year? Really enjoyed the previous one!
I believe so! Probably not too much shakeup, but Audi needs to be added.
What is the brand of the audio cables used?
I have the HK system in a 2022 V60 Cross Country with the Sensus infotainment system. It gives you much more control over the audio settings than the new Android interface. Just an FYI-that’s how the system was originally designed to be controlled. Android Auto is essentially a retrofit.
What’s the base sound system like without the harmonic Karden could you do that ?
USB wired connection is disabled right now. Supposedly when CarPlay support rollout, it'll be activated.
Will this include USB sticks becoming operational?
When do you think you’ll be able to test out the 25 speaker ELS studio 3D signature edition in the Acura MDX type-s advance?
Just put in another request for the MDX, still waiting on Acura.
I once hired a Volvo XC90 to pick people up at the airport. The sound system was the best in-car system I've ever heard. Even the radio stations sounded incredible, sweet treble and tight fast bass with excellent separation. Have yet to hear any system that sounded better.
The car itself was nothing special but the sound system more than made up for it
Did it have bowers or harman
@lobsterglizzy1237 I think it was Dynaudio. Definitely not B&W. Seriously good sound. I now own a Jaguar and the sound system is disappointing in comparison. I've never heard a home or car audio system that sounded as detailed and 3 dimensional as the Volvo system. And that tight and dry bass was amazing. It was more than just the speakers producing the magic, I'm sure the head unit is high end or at least has a really good DAC and the speakers are obviously perfectly matched to a powerful amplifier/s. Would like to know what DAC is used as that may be the key component.
How would you compare the standard High Performance system to the Harman Kardon system? I'm thinking about trying to turn some family members onto electric cars, in particular the XC40, the ID.4, or the Nissan Aryia, and they just like their music to be clear. Not over the top like us younger folks, but "Good."
How does this compare to the bmw i4 16speaker harmon kardon?great vid
Apple CarPlay came with the (over-the-air) v2.2 software update in July, 2022
Wait your device your streaming through doesn't have developer mode so you can fix the Bluetooth streaming to not be compressed... you should be able to do that if you can get into the dev settings and fix how music is streamed from Bluetooth... although be it... it does drain battery... odd how you can't use aux or USB to the car.
I wasn't super impressed with this unit on the 2020 XC40. I wonder if they made improvements. I really enjoyed the bang & olufsen on the '21 Q3, however. Much more bass than the Volvo. However, the Volvo's B&W system is absolutely incredible.
You could tune these in the sound settings in the menu.
Dude starting of video was hilarious. The way he touched car 😂.
Do you know if the audio system in the electric c40 is the same as in the hybrid xc40 you are driving in the video?
Should be pretty similar.
the thing I love and enjoy on Volvo Audio systems is that they use DIRAC! its a game changer and allows you to listen and enjoy all the details to the music even at low and medium volumes without having to crank out the system.. I have an XC40 with this audio system and yea the subwoofer is what is lacking on the lower end of the bass spectrum.
The 60/90 series use a larger subwoofer and door woofers that helps their H/K system play lower notes that audio systems with 8 inch subwoofers like Tesla audio and Bang&Olufsen/Burmester can't
Is this better than the Audi Q7 B&O 3D Advanced?
Yeah, that BT really hurt the music quality. Try using the under armrest connection next time.
I am confused. What do you mean there is no android auto in the car? The car has an android system installed already. You can get google maps, youtube music, waze, etc. You just need to connect your phone via bluetooth. That's the point of the android automotive.
Did you try to play FLAC files off a USB drive? FLAC is on of the supported file formats according to Volvo.
Pls review w206 c-class burmester when possible!🙏🏼
I have the B&W in my XC90 and that is the best what i ever had but it seems as it is not great difference between HK and B&W , anyway very good review !
I’ve got an order in for one of these. I am crossing my fingers they offer a B&W option between now and when I get the car in August 2023.
And also would be nice if they can update the software to the same as they’re running on the Polestar 2.
Well in that case you'll have the new XC40 2024 model, releasing soon! And will be also with H/K.
The system supports Android Auto / Apple CarPlay..
I think we may have been before an update then.
@@DailyMotor Hi... I think Tidal now has some of the their more high quality audio features available in the Android Auto app now. A weird "playing in stereo" message comes up still even when the surround is clearly on, but the sound quality seems much better over the LTE of the car and the higher quality menu option is selectable now, which it wasn't before. Just thought I'd add that here. Thanks for the review.
I am looking at a 2008 Lexus LS 460 with the Mark sound system and thinking of changing it out with Focal Audio with the Focal Amp. I like the V8s and the older style and finding a low mile version has been hard to do.
Same impression as other commenters mentioned: lacks in the bass department compared to Harman in 60/90 series of Volvos and in general, the smaller musical details are not translated well, in any Volvo H/K system. B&W is a completely different story though.
Thanks
I have a polestar and I presume they’re similar. I really enjoy the audio driving around town. but the car is so loud on the hwy, it drowns out the audio.
To me Harmon sound like a less muddy boss audio system in cars. Its still a warm sound when source is Bluetooth compressed. Brill on the highs a bit with many song and audio... A bit too bass heavy for me... I use to work in the Mercedes audio department in Alabama and the systems still sound the same in flavor within many different cars... that DSP'ing that was done by Harmon to make it constant across all cars is something else. You get his low mid and a bit of bass it like something is missing in the mid to mid high range.
For me, I didn't use Bluetooth quite often only for call answering, etc. I got a spare USB drive where I could fill it with FLAC files and it turns out to be fabulous on the car-sounding sys. (T5 R-design version)
H&K is quite unknown by the average people but is really superior. I always take my car with this sound system, I don't buy a high premium car without it. I have heard multiple product from H&K and B&W (in the xc90), and for example their speakers, and each time H&K is way better, more fidelity to the sound, bass fidelity and more clarity then the B&W.
Apple car play etc is coming in 23 models
I can plug my phone into my Chevy Silverado High Country or play over bluetooth. It doesn't sound any different.
Why don't you try range rover sport sound system
We have to get a Range Rover on loan first.
It does have Apple Carplay, at least in my 2020 XC40 recharge
Yes, it was added around July via an update.
OMG! WOW!!!!!
These mid systems sound great for what they are. The confines of a road vehicle will never be comparable to a quality listening room so it's pretty silly to spec out really high-end stuff in them. Decent component speakers and a sub with some EQ adjustability are all that's needed. Many factory stereos in cars are truly horrendous and will make your ears bleed.
Completely pointless having hifi level sound if you only have blue tooth inputs! My previous V60 Recharge had a standard USB socket which could play music from an SD card using an adapter. This was much better than the newer version which has the charging only USB type C. Volvo has really stuffed up on this!
if only the bass went lower on that sub... apart from that, gotta say that it sounds satisfyingly good.
The problem is that it can be either front OR back sound, not balanced in between. Awful!
Quiet cabin!
Why using your phone while driving??
Because the infotainment system doesn’t support USB streaming like I usually use, and I had to improvise by streaming the tracks from the file manager on my phone. Not ideal, but perfectly legal in our jurisdiction.
@@DailyMotor When you say the car doesn’t support USB streaming, do you mean it won’t play from a plugged in iPod? Thank you for your reviews of the XC40 Recharge!!
they have tidal app if that's something you already pay for. Lossless audio app.
dude, why the hell do you need to talk almost every time during that rock sample...? !!! 😖🤫
When would you rather I talk?
That's a good question 😉