B&O Sound System Sucks
 

Does anyone agree with me that the upgraded B&O sound system sucks? I'm wondering if it is just a licensing deal where Audi gets to put the "Bang and Olufsen" name on the sound system when they aren't really anything special.

Both of my older Volvos (S60 and S40) had better sound systems and weren't even the upgraded versions. Just drove a 2018 Mazda 3 rental that also had a better sound system.

My issues with it are that just about every speaker buzzes/rattles and lacks proper bass. Turning up the subwoofer and bass a little bit improves the bass but also just amplifies the buzzing and rattling. I know Audi sometimes fixes these issues by adding material around the speakers, but I doubt I would be able to complain about the entire system and see if they can stop the rattling on every door panel.

It just lacks a feeling of fullness and tightness in the sound. I've thought about installing a subwoofer in the trunk which I've heard would help quite a bit, but I would still be annoyed by all the door panel noise.

Does anyone have any suggestions or solutions?

I thought the B8.5 had a better system, even though the subwoofer was a dog and I swapped it out. But it was an $800 option: that's peanuts in the world of audio.

This generation is pretty good for the price. You're going to need to stick some rubber shock tape around grills, especially subwoofer on rear deck, to stop rattles. Now my B8.5 I had to pop off almost every door and shove rubber shock mounts. Every door buzzed with certain bass notes. Ever listen to a Range Rover with Meridian? They tend to rattle too. So it's not just Audi. But I agree other car companies do a better job.

I found after a few weeks the bass opened up. I tend to listen medium-loud, keep most controls at 12' o'clock, with 3D at medium. Sounds decent enough. I still want to swap a better subwoofer in, but it's sufficient for now.

The first A4 I test drove was the base model with the base sound system, and I thought it was awful. The B&O sound system was a significant improvement over the base, so in comparison it is excellent, but in my experience comparing it to other vehicles, not so much.

Can't say I have lots experience with high end audio systems. To my ears, B&O sound system in B9 A4 is fantastic especially the clarity. I feel my other cars (Honda and Lexus) sound sucks now.

At first i was expecting more from the B&O, but with some padding on the rear deck subwoofer, and it breaking in, I'm in love, I think any factory set with over 500w will vibrate causing rattle, I think to b9 B&O produced some of the best clarity with good highs and lows. Every satisfied.

The highs are way too high.

Mids are virtually non-existent

Sub is underwhelming but that's to be expected

What's really missing is an advanced equalizer menu to tweak it to your liking.

Agreed. What are your thoughts on the 3D / Surround settings? Those seem gimmicky to me and make the sound quality worse IMO.

I'm going to agree with the B&O being underwhelming. It doesn't help in my case that I am mostly listening to satellite radio...

Compared to, say, the Lexicon system in a 2009 Hyundai Genesis (my dad had one of those...), the B&O is very underwhelming. But really, it's the base system on 2 of the 3 trims in the US market, I don't think it's really marketed as anything spectacularly fancy. Not like the $6000 (CAD) standalone B&O options on the A8...