SpanielD Posted January 20 Posted January 20 I took delivery of a new A6 Avant C8(.5?) in October 2024 - wanted to nab one before they disappear for good soon. I have two questions relating to the Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System (16 speaker version that comes with the Tech Pack). Other than the speaker grills, is there a way to check the speakers are - in fact - B&O? I ask because the subwoofer in the boot looks remarkably similar (almost identical) to a Audi Sound System subwoofer from a previous Audi. This is the 'spare wheel' style of subwoofer and has no labelling / branding, other than an Audi sticker. Additional note - My A6 came lacking any bass whatsoever. After a few trips, I checked the subwoofer in the boot and it wasn't connected! What have people found to be the best EQ settings for this system? Does it take some bedding in?
SpanielD Posted January 20 Author Posted January 20 Interesting, Steve. Thank you for this. I have been doing a bit of research this evening. I checked another speaker in the A6, one constant on the labelling (along with the Audi logo) is the brand name “PSS”. If I were to give them the benefit of the doubt, you could say this stands for “Premium Sound System” [from B&O]. However, like you have shown in those photos, older Audi B&O systems had the B&O logo on them. A quick Google of “Audi PSS” brought me to this page: https://www.premiumsoundsolutions.com/business-line/automotive/ Along with that, I checked the B&O site with information on the Audi systems: https://corporate.bang-olufsen.com/en/partners/automotive/audi/a6 The B&O website makes no reference to them providing the hardware at all. It’s all about the 3D sound, VNC (Vehicle Noise Compensation) and positioning of the speakers. I would appreciate some clarification from Audi on this, so will be sending this detail and asking whether this assumption is right. It’s that, or don’t have the B&O system in my car and a retrofit will be in order (at their expense).
Steve Q Posted January 21 Posted January 21 9 hours ago, SpanielD said: Interesting, Steve. Thank you for this. I have been doing a bit of research this evening. I checked another speaker in the A6, one constant on the labelling (along with the Audi logo) is the brand name “PSS”. If I were to give them the benefit of the doubt, you could say this stands for “Premium Sound System” [from B&O]. However, like you have shown in those photos, older Audi B&O systems had the B&O logo on them. A quick Google of “Audi PSS” brought me to this page: https://www.premiumsoundsolutions.com/business-line/automotive/ Along with that, I checked the B&O site with information on the Audi systems: https://corporate.bang-olufsen.com/en/partners/automotive/audi/a6 The B&O website makes no reference to them providing the hardware at all. It’s all about the 3D sound, VNC (Vehicle Noise Compensation) and positioning of the speakers. I would appreciate some clarification from Audi on this, so will be sending this detail and asking whether this assumption is right. It’s that, or don’t have the B&O system in my car and a retrofit will be in order (at their expense). Keep us posted on how you get on. If they confirm the car hasn't got b&o I doubt they'll retrofit it as Audi don't do retrofits. Your only option would be to reject the vehicle.
Namya86 Posted January 21 Posted January 21 Wow this is very interesting . Il be checking my speakers when my a6 is delivered ! keep us posted
Steve Q Posted January 21 Posted January 21 4 hours ago, Namya86 said: Wow this is very interesting . Il be checking my speakers when my a6 is delivered ! keep us posted Keep us posted on how you get on
SpanielD Posted January 21 Author Posted January 21 Will do. I'm expecting Audi will take a while to get back to me. If anyone sees this and has some knowledge on the B&O system, all info would be appreciated.
Steve Q Posted January 22 Posted January 22 16 hours ago, SpanielD said: Will do. I'm expecting Audi will take a while to get back to me. If anyone sees this and has some knowledge on the B&O system, all info would be appreciated. You'll have to keep chasing them I suspect. The Audi parts department should be able to tell you what it's listed as.
Underson Posted January 27 Posted January 27 Hi, guys I'm planning to buy used a6 allroad c8 and was thinking about sound system. I'm not audiphile, but i'm for sure advanced listener and while i don't expect hi end quality from car sound system, i was thinking that B&O is kinda a must. But now i've found lot's of threads of how bad b&o is 🙂 I was tested standart sound system in a6 c8 btw and it was ...kinda ok, lacks bass, not so sharp in highs, in really loud volumes become not so good but efd not worst sound. I'm not huge lover of bass, not listening to electronic bass-driven music, for live stuff (rock, jazz, trip-hop, prog etc) i think even sub is not a must having good speakers. Have few questions: 1) Does B&O 16 (premium i guess) not providing enough upgrade comparing to standart? What it lacks? 2)Mb not limit myself to variants with B&O and probably check cars with regular sound aswell, later on if i don't like it do custom retrofit and change speakers and amp? 3)speaking of changing speakers and amp - how costly and hard that could be? Thank you
Namya86 Posted January 27 Posted January 27 I’ve only tested the b & o system at the dealership but I thought it was good ! From what I read the source of the audio is a big factor . Apple Music or something tidal with hd audio out will sound amazing on the b & o .
Underson Posted January 27 Posted January 27 hmm good point, is spotfy with Very high setting considered good? What about flacs? Can you stream using usb or other source?
Namya86 Posted January 28 Posted January 28 16 hours ago, Underson said: hmm good point, is spotfy with Very high setting considered good? What about flacs? Can you stream using usb or other source? Not sure if it was this forum or another that I read that Spotify wasn’t the best source ? I’d recommend just testing it for yourself . If you go equipped with a few different samples at least you will know how it sounds to your ears . Sound is very objective but I know for sure that you to need to give the system a good source for it to shine . Good luck
Underson Posted January 28 Posted January 28 problem is i don't have audi a6 with b&o here to test. I need to decide pre, flight like 1k km and will only have to test once and decide to buy or not ;(
Namya86 Posted January 28 Posted January 28 37 minutes ago, Underson said: problem is i don't have audi a6 with b&o here to test. I need to decide pre, flight like 1k km and will only have to test once and decide to buy or not ;( I think the majority are impressed with it especially in the a6 . To get the most out of it just make sure the source is good and also the 3d surround option is turned off . A lot of forums mention that when this option is on it hinders the quality . I certainly wouldn’t let it stop from not buying a car I like . 1
Underson Posted January 28 Posted January 28 no it was not a question of buy or not buy a car, i was just thinking mb include to my filter cars with regular sound and in worst scenario just make and retrofit upgrade, but seems for me it would be not cheap and not trivial so likely i will not do that 🙂
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