Bang and Olufsen Audio System: To Be Expanded Further Across Audi Line-up

The most sophisticated sound system in the Audi range has proven to be an unqualified success. In less than a year more than 3,000 A8 customers have chosen the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System. At the moment every fifth Audi A8 or S8 model is equipped with this system, which has an output of over 1,000 watts.

With its total of fourteen active high-end speakers, Acoustic Lens Technology (developed by B&O) and powerful amplifier output, the Advanced Sound System ensures a perfect sound experience. Specially developed for the Audi A8 are the speaker grilles made from meticulously crafted anodised aluminium – the same material used to produce the body of this sporty luxury saloon.

The sound system is music to the listeners’ eyes: because its design is seamlessly integrated into the sporty, luxurious ambience of the A8, adding its own styling features. When the system is activated, two lens tweeters are automatically extended from the dashboard. These ensure an extremely in-depth performance at every seat thanks to their precisely aligned horizontal transmission. Here the visual fascination of visible technology is combined with the acoustic brilliance of the award-winning Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which has been declared the benchmark in its class by the trade media.

A sound system from the Danish high-end manufacturer is now available in a further Audi car – in the sporty top model, the Audi R8. Bang & Olufsen are already developing individual sound systems for installation in other model lines in the future.



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EL34 - 10/23/2006 3:00:20 PM

0 Boost

Will, in a blind listening test you would not be able to hear any difference between these car audio systems.

These companies set up spectrum analyzers with microphones placed thru-out the car and they EQ the speakers so a flat response is attained and based on the type of people buying the car the manufacture will use speakers that beat for the type of music these people will most likely be listening to.

EL34 - 10/23/2006 3:13:44 PM

0 Boost

That last sentence was supposed to be,

the manufacture will use speakers that are best for the type of music these people will most likely be listening to.

In other words, people that like rap generally don't buy these type of cars and eople that like softer music do.

IamEvilHomer - 10/23/2006 4:08:19 PM

-7 Boost

Will welcome back to the audi rooms. Still talking about lexus huh? :)

ML is great if you want to sit in your car with spinners listening to RAP crap

If you want Smooth Jazz or clasical B&O. Anyway enjoy your poser brand and we will see you in the next Audi topic talking about Lexus. :)

IamEvilHomer - 10/23/2006 7:36:57 PM

-1 Boost

Will - For your future reference, just know that because of ignorant people like you, I will always post in Audi threads from now on.

So it will be just like before ? You post in all Audi threads anyway.

By the way ignorance is bliss

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:50:26 PM

+1 Boost

"That's how much respect I have for my favorite brand."

Will, it's not respect. It's blind loyalty.

Step out of your box once in awhile. There are other brands out there.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 11:35:45 PM

+1 Boost

Wow. That really hurts.

*SARCASM*

Will, you're pretty much the biggest joke on this website, what with your never-ending Lexus propaganda.

I wouldn't be mad if you bashed Audi, but if it was a false "bashing", per se, I would correct you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

I am not only loyal to Audi. There are other cars that I would enjoy owning just as much, if not more.

S4cabriofox - 10/25/2006 9:01:58 AM

+1 Boost

I don't like the LS. It has one of the most boring designs to ever come out of the Lexus factory.

I don't like the GS. I used to, but now I think it looks ungainly. The interior is nothing special.

I like the IS350. Very classy.

I like the LX470, but wouldn't pick it over an RR, a GL or a Q7 because it's so old.

I dislike my RX because it's overrated. It does everything it does adequately, nothing more. The interior isn't as high-quality as I thought it would be, and the styling already looks dated.

Agent009 - 10/23/2006 2:55:47 PM

+1 Boost

It was an Audi press release, you could ask them.

chewy - 10/23/2006 3:48:23 PM

0 Boost

Excellent, the best sound system in the world available in all Audis soon, great.

matt635 - 10/23/2006 3:48:53 PM

+1 Boost

B & O = form over function. Tis isn'ta dig at Audi... but i don't raste B & O at all

AUDIMAN4 - 10/23/2006 4:04:26 PM

+2 Boost

The next A5, and A6 will have optional B&O.

KeyserSoze - 10/23/2006 4:13:57 PM

+1 Boost

You AUDI guys are a joke! Will you are right!

KeyserSoze - 10/23/2006 4:15:19 PM

+1 Boost

The ML is king! swallow the bitter pill!

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:51:52 PM

+1 Boost

But the LS's styling is probably the most bland Lexus has ever created... and that's a deal-breaker.

Why buy a $76K LS460 over a $74K 750Li or $72K A8L?

And FYI, the base price is truly $76K. It's standard with the least-expensive option package, which is $5K.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 11:36:42 PM

+1 Boost

I already built it.

$66.5K for a base LS460 and $76K for a base LS460L.

answer - 10/23/2006 4:22:39 PM

+1 Boost

B&O do make some nice looking stuff. For sound quality though, I doubt they will be on the same level as Mark Levinson's Lexus systems.

ML is a company that makes a $6,000.00 CD player, and $10,000.00 (mono) amps for the home. They help to define the high end of home audio. As others have said, B&O puts their emphasis on visual appearance first and formost.

Those thinking B&O are the best of the best might be confusing looks with sound quality.

image5 - 10/23/2006 5:48:55 PM

+1 Boost

As a Bang & Olufsen dealer, which I am, I suggest that you check out the A8 sound system from a technology perspective, not just its state of the art looks. ICE power amplifiers by B&O for each active speaker (which IS state of the art) , acoustic lens tweeters by Sausalito Audio Works (exclusive to Bang & Olufsen and state of the art), aluminum craftmanship, and more, from the world's oldest audio corporation. And they are independent, to boot, not part of an investment portfolio like most. It is a no-compromise audio solution for what is considered the top luxury sedan by many. The only comparison that I would recommend is the Linn system for Aston Martin. Quality, technology, AND style. I became a B&O retailer because I am biased.

matt635 - 10/23/2006 6:16:14 PM

+3 Boost

As an ex Hifi retailer who had to sell B & 0 products for several years I was wondering are they still a total pain-in the ass to deal with? Do they still demand unreasonable amounts of shop floor space? and do they still expect you to hold a ridiculous value of stock on the shelf? We gave up in the end because they wanted us to dedicate to much of our shop to their equipment, we weren't exclusively B & O and there was never enough interest in their kit to warrant keeping them on. The old Avant's were excellent and we sold loads of them, I think the Overture was probably the best selling system. Our problem was that because we sold several top quality brands, when people compared the B & O stuff with similarly priced stuff it was never as good. Stylish - yes, well made - usually, the best sound - not really.

People bought it because they wanted something that was stylish and a bit different from the mainstream, not because they wanted a good sound system. And it doesn't suprise me at all that it's found its way into Audi's cars.

Interestingly enough we fitted full ranges of equipment into a number of porsche dealerships

IamEvilHomer - 10/23/2006 7:41:09 PM

+1 Boost

Matt - I use to sell B&O also. I would clean up $$$. B&O should only stay in B&O stores (and audi cars) B&O needs to do a better job selling the tech.

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:54:47 PM

+1 Boost

Wilco, so true.

But I don't necessarily think B & O is the best. I've never heard the A8's system (my friend has an '04 with the old system).

I can account for the ML in the RX330, though. Very good system, but not the absolute best. I'm sure the LS is better.

2JZSoarer - 10/23/2006 9:22:55 PM

+2 Boost

B&O is that somekind of Mark Levenson knock off sound system?

IamEvilHomer - 10/24/2006 2:44:01 AM

-1 Boost

a new idiot to the conversation?

S4cabriofox - 10/24/2006 6:55:35 PM

+1 Boost

Funny, because the B & O came out first...

IAmEvilHomer, pass the tonic...

iown1 - 10/24/2006 11:19:56 AM

+1 Boost

I was at the new Audi Forum in NYC yesterday. On display along with the new R8 (truely stunning) they had a maxed out A8 W12. This car was truely the most beautiful current sedan I have seen. The interior honestly could not have been any better. It was perfect. Hand stiched leather. The sound system- I've never heard a ML system but unless you have dog ears tuned to some other frequency I don't know how anyone could criticize the B&O as being anythin but perfect. Oh and buy the way if you're wondering the asking price for a completely tricked out W12 (including the bullet proofing) $172,000.00. If I had that kind of dough I wouldn't have hesitated.

Also... I was allowed to sit in the R8. I know there are some people who haven't been all that excited about this car. All I can say is wait. Withold you're judgement until you see it in person. It is amazing. The headlights alone are a work of art.

answer - 10/24/2006 11:23:08 AM

+1 Boost

You sat in a R8? You lucky bastard!

Unrelated question for the Audi guys: Can you swap the side "blades" on the R8 yourself? I want that car bad!

iown1 - 10/24/2006 11:23:58 AM

+1 Boost

wow sorry for all the typos. anythin=anything buy=by you're=your

iown1 - 10/24/2006 11:29:21 AM

+1 Boost

They told me they can be matched to the body or not and also along with the carbon fibre they are offering brushed alluminum. I can't tell you how beautiful that car was. And the attention it was recieving on Park Ave. All the passers by stopped and pressed their noses against the window. There were at least a dozen more inside asking questions l;ike when can they get theirs. Me, I had a deposit on one then decided it wasn't really practicle. I'm going to think about for another 48hrs. but after seeing it in person...screw practical. You only go around once.

sewingmachine - 10/24/2006 10:45:44 PM

+1 Boost

-Funny, because the B & O came out first...

omgoodness lol.

2JZSoarer - 10/25/2006 1:01:19 AM

+1 Boost

Oh well the sound system is on an Audi,No one that matters cares for an Audi(Volkswagon)anyways!!!

Best factory sound system is on a Lexus!!