GiddyHitch

I read a lot of complaints about the B&O sound quality prior to receiving my car a few months back. SQ was not impressive using the iPod cable, but switching to using the SD card slots (and the jukebox function apparently) per the recommendations on this forum, generates very good sound quality with nice clarity and imaging. I never found the bass lacking, but I like a smooth, well blended bottom end as opposed to something that kicks in and screams SUUUUUUUUUUUUBWOOFER.

Sigq5

My wife and I tested the base radio and the b&g using same music of different genre in same parking and road. We noticed a difference when car was parked but could not when on the road. We normally talk, etc. while driving so the b&g was not worth the $900 to us. I can see that others with a better ear than us can appreciate the b&g more than us. Hope that this helps

Aviator787

Thank you all for your advice...

So does the base system come with an AMP and /or smaller sub ?

I guess I would have to listen to both and judge for myself

In Canada the BO isn't even available as an option on the progressiv model , I would have to get tecnik model. So I am torn

ciernett

Just listening to Sirius does not do it justice but with an iPod or SD card the system sounds really really good. Obviously I would like a little more performance out of it but if I had it to do over again, B&O would be on the must have list. If you truly love music and have an awesome library, then get it.

kreativecid

I'm a frugal type and the base Q5 loaner radio sounded the same as my B&O (did not spec order) while listening to Sirius. Pretty tinny no matter the fine tuning. But streaming music from the phone is a whole other story. I never considered myself a music lover but since realizing what the B&O could do my phone's library has grown exponentially.

DennisMitchell

B&O upgrade for $800 or so is a no brainer. My prior Q5 P+ had standard Tech / MMI / Audio. My 2011 A4 and 2014 Q5 have B&O and it is much better. Consider that in an A6 or above B&O costs $4,000. Not the same equipment, but I think the Q5 B&O has the value!!!

USAVAGEU

Totally agree. Sirius sounds crappy no matter what equipment you hear it on. The old saying, "Garbage in...Garbage out" definitely holds true in this case.
To better judge the sound quality, I suggest using a cd of known quality or an mp3 recorded in HD.

uberwgn

When you order the B&O option for $900 in the Q5, is it just a speaker change or speakers and radio change?

asmi84

Amps + speakers as far as I understand. Quote from Audi website:

asmi84

I was in the same boat as you (ordering SQ5 in Canada). I'd put it this way - if you'll order things from Technik trim anyways (and there are useful options like side assist, or adaptive headlights, or rear heated seats, among others), ordering B&O seems like a no-brainer, but I wouldn't go up to Technik just to get B&O.