B&O vs. Standard
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 100
Likes: 1
From: NYC
I have the stock system and it certainly doesn't dissapoint. It is much louder and clearer than other factory systems I have had with double the wattage. I was having a hard time finding a Q5 with the B&O in the color and options I wanted. When it came down to having to order one and wait 3-4 months I started to search for posts comparing the B&O to the stock system. There are a number of complaints from owners who got the B&O on the Q5 that it was not as loud as the stock system albeit maybe a little clearer. Once I saw 3 or 4 different people making the same claim I crossed the B&O off my requirements and picked up the Q the way I wanted it the next day. That said, I'm sure that the $6,300 B&O option on the A8 is another story and I would hope well worth that cost. Personally, if I do find I want more from the stock system, I will change out the speakers and then probably the amps.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Along with Harmon Kardon, Mark Levinson, and a few others. They're all under one roof.
But really, the stuff that JBL/Infinity OEM is not comparable to the higher end audio stuff that they offer. I love the sound put out by my JBL Professional 4425 Mk2. Such sweet set of speakers. (Again, I'm no audiophile, there are better speakers out there)
But really, the stuff that JBL/Infinity OEM is not comparable to the higher end audio stuff that they offer. I love the sound put out by my JBL Professional 4425 Mk2. Such sweet set of speakers. (Again, I'm no audiophile, there are better speakers out there)
If it had been a Bose system...it may have been a different story!
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
From: Titusville NJ
I've had my Q5 for 3 weeks (and 1,000 miles), and am very glad I opted for the B&O (though I never listened to the stock system).
I originally thought it was a bit quiet, but noticed it was returning the volume to a lower level each time I started the car or un-muted the stereo.
The stereo was plenty loud and very clear at 80 mph on I-95 with all 4 windows down and the panorama roof all the way open. I tried different types of music, and all sounded great -- Dave Matthews, Nelly, Van Morrison ...
I originally thought it was a bit quiet, but noticed it was returning the volume to a lower level each time I started the car or un-muted the stereo.
The stereo was plenty loud and very clear at 80 mph on I-95 with all 4 windows down and the panorama roof all the way open. I tried different types of music, and all sounded great -- Dave Matthews, Nelly, Van Morrison ...
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 452
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From: Parkersburg, WV / Stuttgart, Germany
I don't know which standard the states has, but in Germany you have 3 sound systems (80 watt, 180 watt, and B&O).
The rental and the car I test drove both didn't have the B&O and it was ok. I used to have BOSE in my RX-8 before it was gutted so the systems in the Q5's didn't compare at all to the BOSE. Then I got to listen to my Co-workers B&O system in his Q5 and was blown away it wasn't as loud as my BOSE but it was more crisper and you could hear more of the background music in songs better. So to make long story short I had to choose the B&O over the other systems.
The rental and the car I test drove both didn't have the B&O and it was ok. I used to have BOSE in my RX-8 before it was gutted so the systems in the Q5's didn't compare at all to the BOSE. Then I got to listen to my Co-workers B&O system in his Q5 and was blown away it wasn't as loud as my BOSE but it was more crisper and you could hear more of the background music in songs better. So to make long story short I had to choose the B&O over the other systems.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
Love the B&O, my favorite part about the car. It's plenty loud for me - perhaps some people may have issues using the Aux input because they don't realize that there is a separate Aux volume?
Highway speed, windows down, it's loud.
Also, I found the standard system on a loaner Q5 not to be as good. I agree that the B&O needs a break-in period though and sounds better with age.
Highway speed, windows down, it's loud.
Also, I found the standard system on a loaner Q5 not to be as good. I agree that the B&O needs a break-in period though and sounds better with age.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,219
Likes: 12
From: Boston, MA
Hello, hopeful future q5 owner here. Kind of bummed about the lack of back up cameras and reduced color options for 2012. Had me thinking that I may not get a 2012, but see what's left for 2011s. With that in mind ordering wouldn't be an option and compromise may be in order.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
Hello, hopeful future q5 owner here. Kind of bummed about the lack of back up cameras and reduced color options for 2012. Had me thinking that I may not get a 2012, but see what's left for 2011s. With that in mind ordering wouldn't be an option and compromise may be in order.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
One thing to note, I see people getting all excited over the 550 watts of the B&O system. That is "peak" wattage, not RMS (average) so it sounded very, very close to the 180 watt stock system, which isn't probably that loud either. They both sounded like solid 75 watt clean RMS systems to me.
On another note, have you spoken to any dealerships and have any of them confirmed 100% no camera and limited colors for 2012? I am in the exact same position, can't find what I want in a 2011 at this point and can't get what I want in a 2012. Seriously thinking of waiting til 2013, it's been a very frustrating experience so far trying to get a Q5, very frustrating.
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AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 711
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From: Washington, DC
Hello, hopeful future q5 owner here. Kind of bummed about the lack of back up cameras and reduced color options for 2012. Had me thinking that I may not get a 2012, but see what's left for 2011s. With that in mind ordering wouldn't be an option and compromise may be in order.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
One of those compromises may be on the sound system, I was hoping to go with the B&O. I was wondering what the thoughts are on the stock audio system vs. the B&O system. I'm not in a place where I can head to the dealership and compare for myself, so I wanted to get some thoughts how worth it the B&O system is versus sticking with the stock system.
Thanks.
AudiWorld Newcomer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
On another note, have you spoken to any dealerships and have any of them confirmed 100% no camera and limited colors for 2012? I am in the exact same position, can't find what I want in a 2011 at this point and can't get what I want in a 2012. Seriously thinking of waiting til 2013, it's been a very frustrating experience so far trying to get a Q5, very frustrating.