B&O stereo vs stock, worth it??
07-10-2019, 07:16 AM
#1
B&O stereo vs stock, worth it??
I’ve been driving a 2019 Q5 for a few days while my S4 is in the shop for “SOS malfunction”. My car has the B&O and the loaner Q5 is stock stereo... the stock stereo is not bad IMO. Is the B&O actually worth the $950. I’m starting to think it might not be. What’s your opinions?
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07-10-2019, 08:53 AM
#3
AudiWorld Senior Member
Not positive what the stock system sounds like, but if it's anything like my wife's Subaru, she says pay the money 
It all depends on how much you value decent sound. There are lots of discussions / debates on how good it is or isn't, but worth it is a different question. Go to the dealer with a USB full of your own music and test drive models both with and without and make the evaluation objectively for yourself if you have doubts. I have no regrets having bought it.
It all depends on how much you value decent sound. There are lots of discussions / debates on how good it is or isn't, but worth it is a different question. Go to the dealer with a USB full of your own music and test drive models both with and without and make the evaluation objectively for yourself if you have doubts. I have no regrets having bought it.
Last edited by spindlewood; 07-10-2019 at 08:56 AM.
07-10-2019, 09:33 AM
#4
Not positive what the stock system sounds like, but if it's anything like my wife's Subaru, she says pay the money It all depends on how much you value decent sound. There are lots of discussions / debates on how good it is or isn't, but worth it is a different question. Go to the dealer with a USB full of your own music and test drive models both with and without and make the evaluation objectively for yourself if you have doubts. I have no regrets having bought it.
It all depends on how much you value decent sound. There are lots of discussions / debates on how good it is or isn't, but worth it is a different question. Go to the dealer with a USB full of your own music and test drive models both with and without and make the evaluation objectively for yourself if you have doubts. I have no regrets having bought it.I had the stock system in my Q5 and it was okay. I have the B and O in my SQ5 and it was money well spent!
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07-10-2019, 11:27 AM
#8
AudiWorld Senior Member
I had a Subaru with a decent system. Traded it in on '18 Q5 with the standard system. Thought the Audi system was way better, and very satisfied. Then traded the Q on an SQ with B & O....... Much better.
And for whatever it's worth I have hearing aids. Your hearing is probably way better, so you would hear even more difference.
I find that one of the things that makes both Audi systems better than others, is that the Audi is a very quiet car with the windows rolled up. That alone will make a system decent.
And on another note (pun intended), I notice that the Audi is one of the loudest cars (wind noise) that I have ever driven with the windows down. (Last statement might be a thread hijack, so just ignore.)
But as had been mentioned, try to drive the cars back to back to see.
And for whatever it's worth I have hearing aids. Your hearing is probably way better, so you would hear even more difference.
I find that one of the things that makes both Audi systems better than others, is that the Audi is a very quiet car with the windows rolled up. That alone will make a system decent.
And on another note (pun intended), I notice that the Audi is one of the loudest cars (wind noise) that I have ever driven with the windows down. (Last statement might be a thread hijack, so just ignore.)
But as had been mentioned, try to drive the cars back to back to see.
07-10-2019, 11:54 AM
#9
AudiWorld Member
The B&O is a very nice system. I compared before purchasing and preferred it over stock.
But I find it slightly lacking in low end bass (and yes, I know how to adjust the settings; and no, I'm not a basshead).
The music source obviously makes a difference (Sirius XM sounds like garbage on any system).
I feel that my Mark Levinson system (Lexus) was just a bit better sounding.
I definitely consider the Bowers&Wilkins system in my friend's Volvo XC90 to be nicer than the B&O in my car.
My comments are specific to the SQ5. I've read that the Q7 B&O (23 speaker/1920 watt with motorized tweeters) is a beast.
But I find it slightly lacking in low end bass (and yes, I know how to adjust the settings; and no, I'm not a basshead).
The music source obviously makes a difference (Sirius XM sounds like garbage on any system).
I feel that my Mark Levinson system (Lexus) was just a bit better sounding.
I definitely consider the Bowers&Wilkins system in my friend's Volvo XC90 to be nicer than the B&O in my car.
My comments are specific to the SQ5. I've read that the Q7 B&O (23 speaker/1920 watt with motorized tweeters) is a beast.
07-10-2019, 01:48 PM
#10
AudiWorld Member
Love the B&O system. If you’re happy with the base system, save the money. If you compare them and like the B&O, you’ll likely regret not getting it.
i just recently started playing with the surround and 3D settings in my wife’s Q5 on a long drive. I’m usually not a fan of processed sound like that but it did have its place with some music.
would like to have a midrange adjustment or equalizer to tailor the sound a bit more but it’s a great system!
i just recently started playing with the surround and 3D settings in my wife’s Q5 on a long drive. I’m usually not a fan of processed sound like that but it did have its place with some music.
would like to have a midrange adjustment or equalizer to tailor the sound a bit more but it’s a great system!