I just got an SQ5 with a very similar 19 speaker system, and with some adjusting its one of the best systems i’ve heard. faded to the back, surround a few notches up along with the sub/bass/treble. I personally think the 3D sounds the best at medium.
@@AEK-og The B9 platform is 8 years old. Yes it's had a facelift, but in comparison to BMW G20 (2019) and Mercedes W206 (2021), it's the oldest of the three.
Charlie, just want to add some things. the front door woofers are mid bass specific, they face parallel with the car to reduce rattles, and the a pillar tweeter is the regular tweeter and the speaker far up on the dash is a 3d midrange
Honestly, as an owner of a 2022 A4, I do have to turn the treble up a bit for it to be clear enough. The 3D settings and the surround settings also have to be turned up. Not all the way, but pretty darn close. It's a good system, but I do plan on upgrading to something better in a few years. And I agree with the bass complaint. Too much comes through the front door woofers. So much so actually, that the passenger side woofer is messed up I think in my case. And I don't even listen to much music with heavy bass. I listen to hard rock, heavy metal, and metalcore. I have an A6, A7, Q8 E-tron, or E-tron GT on my list for next car.
Absolutely test this please :) I am always wondering how a hifi enthusiasts car compares to a factory car. I am now a bit more experienced and recognised that a lot variables play a role in car audio and aftermarket sound systems can significantly sound worse than a good tuned factory system. But those who found out how car audio works can make a system sound very good. And now my question is: can it sound even better than something manufacturers implement.
I agree. Personally, I have a 2023 Bolt EV (without the Bose) and I put some upgraded speakers that are plug and play with zero modifications. I feel like the improvement was fantastic. It may not be like the Volvo''s B & W, but it's great. I'd love to have a profetional like Charlie or some audio tuning shop evaluate it so that others would be able to do what I did too.
@@DailyMotor Sure. My speakers are from Sound Marix company. They are called Soumatrix Inspirit line. They are plug and play with zero wiring mods. I love them. Anyone can search them by name and find them.
I think it’s enough for most people, probably doesn’t deserve the bang & olufsen branding yeah, but it definetly sounds better then my B8.5’s A4 bang & olufsen.
I have no idea how this is not a A or S tier. I agree that too much power comes from the door woofer. But all you have to do is change the settings, Treble at neutral (in the middle), bass and subwoofer both a few extra steps like 2 or 3. Don't put it up over 3 steps or its gonna blow the woofers. Fader: put it vertically back from the default setting 1-2 steps. Leave 3d settings on default since it fills the cabin. I don't know why you fully turn up the bass and subwoofer and put it at high volume Its easily going to blow the speakers. These systems are meant for clarity and some bass. Not full on Low bass.
Great review as always :) I am aware that you cant cover all settings and possible adjustments in a signle video but you can switch the sound balance a bit to the rear right to even the amount of sound that is coming to the driver seat from all speakers throught the car :) Can you please do a review of the upgraded sound system in the new VW Passat?
Thanks! We work directly with the PR departments of the manufacturers in order to review the cars. That's why it's easier for us to do new cars as opposed to used cars.
You in the same parking lot that theTopher uses? Haha. My 24 A4 Allroad Prestige I ordered in December will have this exact system in it, but I'm seeing tons of mixed reviews. They've been using it for almost a decade so I'm hoping it's good & been tweaked enough over the years. B&O is usually phenomenal. I have heard the Avant & Allroad models have better bass output & clearness over the sedans tho. Idk how true that is but when I test drove one last summer (Allroad) it sounded pretty decent to me, waaaaay better than the 8 speaker (including sub) Infinity system in my 2018 GT Sport.
@mcytc essentially they're the same exact interiors etc but the Allroad is a wagon & in my market the only Avant we can get is the RS6 Avant or A6 Allroad. I went with the A4 Allroad bc it still has physical controls compared to the A6 new interiors which is all buried screens. I only drive hatches or wagons & the A4 Allroad matched everything I wanted at $60K. The A5 Sportback also is the 45 series 2.0T so same power output but the A4 is slightly quicker at 5s 0-60, & the A/S5 do not have a full panoramic sunroof either which was something my current car also has that I didn't wanna lose.
I sell at a Volvo store. I love the B & W (but not for $3,200). I'm not really impressed with the Harman Kardon too much. In fact, it's the gimiky sound settings that I feel these companies are relying on too much. For me, it takes away the warmer sounds and causes the music to sound more forced or artificial.
@danielberning1240 I agree with not loving the B&W for $3200. I finally heard it earlier this year and my initial thought was " no way this is what the hype is about" Volvo B&W is good, but for $3200 you can definitely get an aftermarket system that sounds just as good, if not better. That system had weaknesses I wasn't quite expecting
@@kyron2092 I actually like the B & W system a lot, but would never pay anything close to the 3200 for it. However, what I don't care for is the artificial sound they force on you with all the programmed settings. This seems to be the in thing now. For me, just give me quality speakers with a radio/head unit that has some power to it.
@danielberning1240 totally agree. I liked the Bowers and Wilkins as well and it's one of my favorite factory systems. There were just some issues i had with the staging. The sound modes are definitely a bit gimmicky. I appreciated the individual stage mode, but the reverb was a bit too much, and center was behind the steering wheel instead of in between far left and far right. I found that mode boosted certain frequencies to portray a sense of depth, which caused it to lose detail in certain songs. With the HK in my Optima, you can hear the system break down the layer of frequencies in each note. That's what I call real depth. I tried the "warm" setting with the B&W's equalizer, but that just made mids sound bloated. Overall, it was a great system but it had some weaknesses I never heard anyone point out. I have an aftermarket system in my Optima that replaces the blown Harman Kardon system (that I actually miss lol) and I spent $2k for and installed myself. That includes a 5 channel 950W amplifier, dsp, 9 speakers and a subwoofer, sound deadening, 100ft of OFC speaker wire, and a wiring kit. That setup I have sounds just as good, if not better than the Bowers and Wilkins. I used to think it was b.s when people said the aftermarket sounds better for cheaper ( in most circumstances) but it's 100% the truth.
I’ve had my A4 for quite awhile now, and honestly besides the power of the system and the highs being good, everything else is meh… There is just a lack of warmth to the system.
How would you say this sound system compares to its biggest rival, the M340i? I own an A4 of this generation with B&O and find it to be good, and everything I've read says the B&O is far and beyond the better sound system vs. the HK. Is that true, or are they closer to being equal? Honestly one of my biggest hesitations of jumping ship... if only BMW put the B&W in the 3 series 😢
Really tough to say. Both systems suffer from awful tuning. I'd say at lower volumes, the Audi is superior, but with the right EQ, the HK is better loud. HK systems are rapidly improving in BMWs, so 3 series should make a big leap soon.
@@DailyMotorSound At least on the BMW you get a full band equalizer. I agree with you that the Audi is a bit too harsh/bright and it's difficult to tune out. Also you nailed it regarding the front woofers. Earlier in the generation Audi had to issue an amplifier TSB that dialed them back a bit as owners kept blowing them out. Even still, they are relied on too much!
Mainly due to the subwoofer. This free air subwoofer sounds like trash, and has the door woofers doing too much. The system sounds harsh/tinny too. Really underwhelming
They're a bit dated, but that's not a bad thing imo. They still have physical controls for HVAC & few other things which is the main reason I chose to order an A4 Allroad over the A6/ Mk8 GolfR I cross shopped. Having everything buried in the displays is horrible to navigate while you're driving, & the haptic touch stuff is pretty annoying too. Plus, they have amazing ambient lighting & everything feels so solid, sturdy, crisp etc like DM said above.
@RealG23__ with the Allroad I ordered, I chose the Black Optics Package which turns all the glossy trim to a nice matte dark grey open pore wood instead, & that was an absolute option I had to choose. I agree all the shiny black plastic sucks so I chose to not have it haha. But with the Black Optics it looks sooooo good on the inside
Hello Charlie, can you test and compare volvo bowers and wilkins continuum vs kevlar? They switched in 2021 to continuum from kevlar (yellow midranges are kevlar) white midranges are continuum and i would like to know if there is any difference Thank you
It'd be hard for me to find a side-by-side comparison, but I can say that all of the BW Volvos we've tested have been excellent. If I get the opportunity I'll check it out.
I just got an SQ5 with a very similar 19 speaker system, and with some adjusting its one of the best systems i’ve heard. faded to the back, surround a few notches up along with the sub/bass/treble. I personally think the 3D sounds the best at medium.
I agree !
For its age, I must say the A4 looks really good.
It’s an s4… and literally brand new 💀
@@AEK-og The B9 platform is 8 years old. Yes it's had a facelift, but in comparison to BMW G20 (2019) and Mercedes W206 (2021), it's the oldest of the three.
Thank you for such an amazing video Charlie!!
Charlie, just want to add some things. the front door woofers are mid bass specific, they face parallel with the car to reduce rattles, and the a pillar tweeter is the regular tweeter and the speaker far up on the dash is a 3d midrange
Honestly, as an owner of a 2022 A4, I do have to turn the treble up a bit for it to be clear enough. The 3D settings and the surround settings also have to be turned up. Not all the way, but pretty darn close. It's a good system, but I do plan on upgrading to something better in a few years. And I agree with the bass complaint. Too much comes through the front door woofers. So much so actually, that the passenger side woofer is messed up I think in my case. And I don't even listen to much music with heavy bass. I listen to hard rock, heavy metal, and metalcore. I have an A6, A7, Q8 E-tron, or E-tron GT on my list for next car.
DM Sound, do a video on upgrading any cars audio, audio test, cost, and compare to original speaker
yes!
Absolutely test this please :) I am always wondering how a hifi enthusiasts car compares to a factory car. I am now a bit more experienced and recognised that a lot variables play a role in car audio and aftermarket sound systems can significantly sound worse than a good tuned factory system. But those who found out how car audio works can make a system sound very good. And now my question is: can it sound even better than something manufacturers implement.
I agree. Personally, I have a 2023 Bolt EV (without the Bose) and I put some upgraded speakers that are plug and play with zero modifications. I feel like the improvement was fantastic. It may not be like the Volvo''s B & W, but it's great. I'd love to have a profetional like Charlie or some audio tuning shop evaluate it so that others would be able to do what I did too.
@@danielberning1240Can you share what you used for the Bolt and if you’d do anything differently?
@@DailyMotor Sure. My speakers are from Sound Marix company. They are called Soumatrix Inspirit line. They are plug and play with zero wiring mods. I love them. Anyone can search them by name and find them.
You made me hungry watching this video ---- mmm steak sounds good!
I think it’s enough for most people, probably doesn’t deserve the bang & olufsen branding yeah, but it definetly sounds better then my B8.5’s A4 bang & olufsen.
I have a 2022 A4, and this system is a huge step-up from my old 8V A3's non name brand system. That being said, it has its flaws.
I have no idea how this is not a A or S tier. I agree that too much power comes from the door woofer. But all you have to do is change the settings, Treble at neutral (in the middle), bass and subwoofer both a few extra steps like 2 or 3. Don't put it up over 3 steps or its gonna blow the woofers. Fader: put it vertically back from the default setting 1-2 steps. Leave 3d settings on default since it fills the cabin. I don't know why you fully turn up the bass and subwoofer and put it at high volume Its easily going to blow the speakers. These systems are meant for clarity and some bass. Not full on Low bass.
Swap the woofers for some regular 6.5s and it improves. Fully sound deaden the rear shelf and it improves the Sub-bass too
@@davidbroadbent1470 the door woofers they use are a good design. They dont rattle the door
So you leave 3d sound at medium, but what about the surround sound, where do u put that at?
@@robinkaler1091 I leave it on default the middle, it fills the cabin more.
@@shubdh-hz5ul thanks man
Great review as always :) I am aware that you cant cover all settings and possible adjustments in a signle video but you can switch the sound balance a bit to the rear right to even the amount of sound that is coming to the driver seat from all speakers throught the car :) Can you please do a review of the upgraded sound system in the new VW Passat?
Thanks! And noted. Unfortunately we're not getting the Passat here in the states :/
Can you please review match up dsp on any bmw? We bmw owners looking for upgrades and thats claimed to be best and easy upgrade.
How do you obtain all of these cars to review? BTW Love your videos!
Thanks! We work directly with the PR departments of the manufacturers in order to review the cars. That's why it's easier for us to do new cars as opposed to used cars.
@@DailyMotorSound Oh, I Understand Now. Thanks...😄
You in the same parking lot that theTopher uses? Haha. My 24 A4 Allroad Prestige I ordered in December will have this exact system in it, but I'm seeing tons of mixed reviews. They've been using it for almost a decade so I'm hoping it's good & been tweaked enough over the years. B&O is usually phenomenal. I have heard the Avant & Allroad models have better bass output & clearness over the sedans tho. Idk how true that is but when I test drove one last summer (Allroad) it sounded pretty decent to me, waaaaay better than the 8 speaker (including sub) Infinity system in my 2018 GT Sport.
I'm curious, why the Allroad over an A5?
@mcytc essentially they're the same exact interiors etc but the Allroad is a wagon & in my market the only Avant we can get is the RS6 Avant or A6 Allroad. I went with the A4 Allroad bc it still has physical controls compared to the A6 new interiors which is all buried screens. I only drive hatches or wagons & the A4 Allroad matched everything I wanted at $60K. The A5 Sportback also is the 45 series 2.0T so same power output but the A4 is slightly quicker at 5s 0-60, & the A/S5 do not have a full panoramic sunroof either which was something my current car also has that I didn't wanna lose.
Previous B&O or this SONOS is better?
quite cool😃😃😃
Is it the same B&O system as the q5?
How would you compare this to BMWs G20/21 Harman Kardon?
Much better in the Audi
@@DailyMotorSound thank you
Volvo ex30, im curious how that Harman/Kardon system sounds
I sell at a Volvo store. I love the B & W (but not for $3,200). I'm not really impressed with the Harman Kardon too much. In fact, it's the gimiky sound settings that I feel these companies are relying on too much. For me, it takes away the warmer sounds and causes the music to sound more forced or artificial.
@danielberning1240 I agree with not loving the B&W for $3200. I finally heard it earlier this year and my initial thought was " no way this is what the hype is about" Volvo B&W is good, but for $3200 you can definitely get an aftermarket system that sounds just as good, if not better. That system had weaknesses I wasn't quite expecting
@@kyron2092 I actually like the B & W system a lot, but would never pay anything close to the 3200 for it. However, what I don't care for is the artificial sound they force on you with all the programmed settings. This seems to be the in thing now. For me, just give me quality speakers with a radio/head unit that has some power to it.
@danielberning1240 totally agree. I liked the Bowers and Wilkins as well and it's one of my favorite factory systems. There were just some issues i had with the staging. The sound modes are definitely a bit gimmicky. I appreciated the individual stage mode, but the reverb was a bit too much, and center was behind the steering wheel instead of in between far left and far right. I found that mode boosted certain frequencies to portray a sense of depth, which caused it to lose detail in certain songs. With the HK in my Optima, you can hear the system break down the layer of frequencies in each note. That's what I call real depth. I tried the "warm" setting with the B&W's equalizer, but that just made mids sound bloated. Overall, it was a great system but it had some weaknesses I never heard anyone point out. I have an aftermarket system in my Optima that replaces the blown Harman Kardon system (that I actually miss lol) and I spent $2k for and installed myself. That includes a 5 channel 950W amplifier, dsp, 9 speakers and a subwoofer, sound deadening, 100ft of OFC speaker wire, and a wiring kit. That setup I have sounds just as good, if not better than the Bowers and Wilkins. I used to think it was b.s when people said the aftermarket sounds better for cheaper ( in most circumstances) but it's 100% the truth.
Not good as the b&o system
I’ve had my A4 for quite awhile now, and honestly besides the power of the system and the highs being good, everything else is meh… There is just a lack of warmth to the system.
How would you say this sound system compares to its biggest rival, the M340i? I own an A4 of this generation with B&O and find it to be good, and everything I've read says the B&O is far and beyond the better sound system vs. the HK. Is that true, or are they closer to being equal?
Honestly one of my biggest hesitations of jumping ship... if only BMW put the B&W in the 3 series 😢
Really tough to say. Both systems suffer from awful tuning. I'd say at lower volumes, the Audi is superior, but with the right EQ, the HK is better loud. HK systems are rapidly improving in BMWs, so 3 series should make a big leap soon.
@@DailyMotorSound At least on the BMW you get a full band equalizer. I agree with you that the Audi is a bit too harsh/bright and it's difficult to tune out.
Also you nailed it regarding the front woofers. Earlier in the generation Audi had to issue an amplifier TSB that dialed them back a bit as owners kept blowing them out. Even still, they are relied on too much!
I still can’t get over the fact that your original video on the s6 said there was no subwoofer
What the BEST Tier?
S
@@DailyMotorSound Thank You!
A4 Avant speaker sound is better than A4,S4 Sedan. (Same interior but sound quality very different)
Mainly due to the subwoofer. This free air subwoofer sounds like trash, and has the door woofers doing too much. The system sounds harsh/tinny too. Really underwhelming
@@christopherrmcgI agree, the bass box subwoofers in the suvs like q5 sound very good it has a lot of bass and it’s hits low frequencies
@@shubdh-hz5ul it’s definitely better than the the sedans
Had an a4b9 n now a s4b9 5.. definitely underwhelming sound system!
Audis interior is so dated now
Interesting, I actually prefer the Audi interiors over the BMW i5 we just had. There's a crispness to the Audis.
They're a bit dated, but that's not a bad thing imo. They still have physical controls for HVAC & few other things which is the main reason I chose to order an A4 Allroad over the A6/ Mk8 GolfR I cross shopped. Having everything buried in the displays is horrible to navigate while you're driving, & the haptic touch stuff is pretty annoying too. Plus, they have amazing ambient lighting & everything feels so solid, sturdy, crisp etc like DM said above.
@@_dmfd I mean there cars are cool is just too many glossy plastic in the interior
@RealG23__ with the Allroad I ordered, I chose the Black Optics Package which turns all the glossy trim to a nice matte dark grey open pore wood instead, & that was an absolute option I had to choose. I agree all the shiny black plastic sucks so I chose to not have it haha. But with the Black Optics it looks sooooo good on the inside
just dont like the clicky plastic button sounds on the steering wheel. Wish i can replace the buttons with something not that crispy.
Hello Charlie, can you test and compare volvo bowers and wilkins continuum vs kevlar? They switched in 2021 to continuum from kevlar (yellow midranges are kevlar) white midranges are continuum and i would like to know if there is any difference
Thank you
It'd be hard for me to find a side-by-side comparison, but I can say that all of the BW Volvos we've tested have been excellent. If I get the opportunity I'll check it out.