New A3 Sportback- Audio Choice

[a3_phil]

Okay, I'm now basically paralysed by indecision (first world problems) and can't decide whether to opt for the Audi Audio Upgrade or the B&O System. A few people seem to have flawless B&O systems, and some people have had significant issues. In fact, my first hand experience is that of a badly crackling B&O system on a test drive at the dealer.

As you clearly can't beat the wisdom of strangers, I invite your opinions. My current thoughts are:

Audi Audio Upgrade:
+ Should work as advertised out of the box
+ Saves me a few pounds
+ Should be sufficient for most of my Radio 4 listening and driving with passengers
- Might lack a little punch for some music and when I'm driving alone
- Lacks the wow factor of the speakers

B&O System:
+ Clearly the best sound quality / volume available
+ Looks impressive too
- Might have the dreaded crackle requiring multiple trips to the dealer to fix
- Costs a little bit more

As I'm leasing through the company the impact on cost is fairly negligible so it's really down to sound quality vs. potential crackle IMHO.

So which one should it be?

 

[CL4RKY]

If money isn't an issue, it would be stupid not to go with B&O sound system IMO...

It would be really unlucky for you to get the dreaded crackling noise, but I don't think you should let the slim chance of it happening to you be the only real reason to get the Audi Sound System option instead!

 

[BigD289]

B&O is brilliant, so far no crackle. If you like your music it is the way to go. I'm sure you won't regret it.

 

[REB154]

I have gone for the B&O system having had it in my previous 2 A5s - and I listen to the radio more than anything else.

 

[6audi6]

I have B&O. Its good. But £750 good? Not too sure (don't think its as good as the B&O system I had in an A4). That said I've had no crackling issues or glitches.

I can't comment on the *** having never heard it. Some say its similar to the BOSE in the 8P A3s. If that's the case go B&O as I wasn't overly impressed with the BOSE system in my 8P S3 (having come from B&O in an A4). Especially if money isn't a consideration.

However don't base your decision (or part of your decision) on the B&O speaker lights. The novelty soon fades and I have mine set on the lowest light setting now. For me the big plus point with B&O is having the surround facility - I would check whether the *** has this feature as it makes a big difference to my ageing ears!

 

[a3_phil]

The speaker lights were never really more than a nice gimmick to be honest. I'm just looking for something that, when the occasion arises, can blow my socks off with anything from Holst to drum & bass via Radiohead.

 

[PDA3]

B&o is fantastic with quality audio files. Never heard a factory fitted stereo come anywhere close. Best option I chose!

 

[TheFiftheElement]

Just to add some balance, I've the Audi System and it's very good. Loud enough to make you feel embarrassed, as folk turn around to see who the idiot playing the Pixies at a level he really shouldn't be.

If it was my money I'd go Audi and did, I couldn't justify the extra for the B&O. If it's not your cash and negligible then I'm not sure tbh. Take a chance and crackle?

I guess all I'm saying is I would suspect the Audi system would be good enough for most folk.

 

[DescendDescend]

Its been covered somewhere before but the Audi subwoofer has a D & M label which is related to Denon and Marantz - not a bad audio company. Whether the B & O system is going to £500 better is open for debate. Personally I spent it on other extras. The Audi upgrade sounds excellent.

 

[ajvS3]

^+1

 

[snakehips]

As already said, if the extra expense is not much of a consideration, take B&O. I have never had the dreaded crackle and it is fantastic. The number 1 best option I specced. Don't miss out just because a few people have had issues.
That said, if money is any kind of consideration, *** is pretty good too and probably all you would need day to day.

 

[leosayer1]

I've got the Audi Sound System and it can go very loud with tons of bass, it just lacks a bit of sparkle that you get from the best in car systems.

It's not as good as the Bose system I had in my 2002 A6.

For the price, it's very good but if you listen to lots of music then I think you'll be very happy if you get the best.

 

[SJC]

Get the job done. Go for b+o, as if you go audi and are not happy. Well tough!! As there is no going back.

 

[a3_phil]

The poll's a bit tighter than I had expected but it's still leaning towards the B&O...

I'm still waiting for the accountant to rubber-stamp the figures which means I'm still a few days away from pushing the button. Once he gets back to me I'll (finally) make a decision but it's looking more and more like the B&O. I'm also trying to persuade myself that by the time my car arrives (October-ish?) they'll have worked through any issues.

 

[Pickle1970]

we (i say we but obviously it's mine) pick our A3 sportback up in a month time and we went for the B&O system. I'm a little concerned about this crackle issue but it does seem to be when people stream through bluetooth and as i won't be doing this i'm not overly concerned. The Mrs wanted the sunroof and i wanted the sound system, it's only money and over the life of the car what's £500

 

[a3_phil]

we (i say we but obviously it's mine) pick our A3 sportback up in a month time and we went for the B&O system. I'm a little concerned about this crackle issue but it does seem to be when people stream through bluetooth and as i won't be doing this i'm not overly concerned. The Mrs wanted the sunroof and i wanted the sound system, it's only money and over the life of the car what's £500

Well as I'm leasing it'll end up being less than £500 so it's not really the cost it's more about avoiding the hassle.

However, I'll be playing all my music off either SD card or DAB so if it's more of a Bluetooth problem I'm a lot less worried.

 

[Pickle1970]

yeah i'll be listening through DAB and ipod so not really worried either. i just thought b*ll*x to it, it's only money

 

[danilotto]

Despite being a professional musician and audiophile, I would say that I expected more from the B&O.

I tested it deeply with SD, iPhone connected to AMI, and CD. I find the tweeters sometime harsh, the stereo image is not so good. The subwoofer has not a tight and damped bass.

Nice stuff anyway. But for the same price you can do better aftermarket.

 

[a3_phil]

Nice stuff anyway. But for the same price you can do better aftermarket.

I'm sure I (well, a professional installer) could do better aftermarket but this car needs to stay unmodified both from the point of view of the lease and my pocket.

 

[cilurnum]

Sorry, but the B and O is not £500 better than the Audi system. If you like your music upgrade to the Audi but there are other things to spend that on.

 

[arad85]

I have a hi-fi system that cost me almost as much as my car over the years.

I have Audi Sound System and am perfectly happy

 

[arad85]

PS. I listen to Planet Rock on DAB mostly. I did drop 16G of music onto an SD card some months ago, but I find it's great to allow someone else to choose 70's to 90's rock music.... I did find that from the SD card, the *** lacked a bit of volume, but from radio, I have been perfectly happy (and this from someone who can annoy neighbours from a detached house )

 

[arad85]

i just thought b*ll*x to it, it's only money

PPS. Or this

 

[a3_phil]

To be honest, the rest of the car is optioned up as I want so it's not a question of spending the money on something else. I think I'm leaning towards the B&O...

 

[NickyF]

Dare I ask what the standard stereo is like? I listen mostly to radio so didn't think I'd be missing out much, but I do listen to music sometimes and I don't want it to be rubbish. Anyone have any views?

 

[a3_phil]

Dare I ask what the standard stereo is like? I listen mostly to radio so didn't think I'd be missing out much, but I do listen to music sometimes and I don't want it to be rubbish. Anyone have any views?

It's like listening to a cat being forced through a letterbox down a 1980s vintage mobile phone connection. It'll also give you cancer of the ears.

(I actually have no idea)

 

[arad85]

Dare I ask what the standard stereo is like? I listen mostly to radio so didn't think I'd be missing out much, but I do listen to music sometimes and I don't want it to be rubbish. Anyone have any views?

Personally, I thought it was not very good.

If you listen to spoken word, you'd probably find it OK, but when I test drove a car with it in, I switched it off after 2 minutes as I found it annoying.

 

[driver_tim]

Despite being a professional musician and audiophile, I would say that I expected more from the B&O.

I tested it deeply with SD, iPhone connected to AMI, and CD. I find the tweeters sometime harsh, the stereo image is not so good. The subwoofer has not a tight and damped bass.

Nice stuff anyway. But for the same price you can do better aftermarket.

Interesting comments. As regards the question posed by the OP I would personally go with the B&O, however I too feel it's a fraction on the harsh side at high volumes; interesting to note I'm not the only one.

 

[msdmjb]

Sorry, but the B and O is not £500 better than the Audi system. If you like your music upgrade to the Audi but there are other things to spend that on.

Totally agree, I have the Audi system and it is superb. You are in a car after all so never the perfect listening environment, I have all of my music on the SD card and the clarity of the sound is really impressive.

Spend the money on something else.

Saying that some people get excited about illuminated cup holders

 

[a3_phil]

I maybe should have left price off the original list as it really isn't a concern. As I'm leasing the cost to me is much less than £500 so the decision is really 'better sound vs. chance of faults'.

 

[snakehips]

I maybe should have left price off the original list as it really isn't a concern. As I'm leasing the cost to me is much less than £500 so the decision is really 'better sound vs. chance of faults'.

Maybe not £500 better but still better. So since the money isn't a concern, go for "better"!

 

[illingworth22]

+1 for B&O

 

[GeoffdeBruges]

There's a chance of faults with every component on the car. Given, (a) money isn't an issue, (b) you risk having regrets if you don't, (c) you'll likely use the in car audio each time you drive, and (d) Audi will fix it under warranty if you are unlucky enough to have it go wrong during the likely lease lifetime then I would suggest go B&O.

Personally I think it is a great option and it is the one I get most enjoyment from. Not a must have, but a very nice to have. No crackling on mine (yet!).

 

[SilureMark]

Just to add some balance, I've the Audi System and it's very good. Loud enough to make you feel embarrassed, as folk turn around to see who the idiot playing the Pixies at a level he really shouldn't be.

If it was my money I'd go Audi and did, I couldn't justify the extra for the B&O. If it's not your cash and negligible then I'm not sure tbh. Take a chance and crackle?

I guess all I'm saying is I would suspect the Audi system would be good enough for most folk.

Spot on. Exactly why I went for the Audi system. I am more than happy with it; it's pretty much identical in sound quality to the BOSE system.

 

[illingworth22]

Spot on. Exactly why I went for the Audi system. I am more than happy with it; it's pretty much identical in sound quality to the BOSE system.

It's miles ahead of the Bose in my TTS!

 

[markwiggy]

Go for the B&O , I penny pinched and went for the Audi sound system, big mistake. It's not a patch on the Bose I've had in previous Audi's.

Mark