Interesting to hear that people rate the A4 B&O over the A3 B&O as the Audi website write-up seems to suggest the A3 system is the higher spec!
A4 - £535 option:
"Designed specifically for the Audi A4, features 14 high-performance speakers and two amplifiers which create 505 watts of stunning surround sound, balanced to suit the specific acoustic properties of the car’s interior. The system constantly and automatically adapts the sound characteristics to the vehicle’s speed and background noise providing the highest level of quality. The digital signal-processing amplifier takes output from standard stereo sources such as CD players, iPods or DAB radios and creates exceptional five-channel surround sound. Also available as part of Sound package"
A3 - £750 option
"Surround sound reproduction via 14 high-performance speakers including centre speaker in the dashboard and subwoofer in the spare wheel well (on 3 door and Sportback) / parcel shelf (on Saloon). 15-channel amplifier with a total output of 705 watts. Exclusive speaker covers with aluminium applications and the LED lighting accentuat the front woofers. The sound is permanently adapted to compensate for driving and background noises determined by microphone. 5.1 surround sound reproduction is possible in conjunction with MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the integrated DVD drive"
Also, on the B&O website, they lump together the descriptions for the A3/A4/A5/Q5/R8 all together under the "
Bang & Olufsen Sound System" section:
With the Bang & Olufsen Sound System you get to bring the complete Bang & Olufsen experience with you on the road. Up to 14 speakers deliver surround sound playback resembling the sensation of a concert hall, while an integrated microphone constantly monitors changes in background noise adjusting the sound to ensure perfect playback.
- Up to 705 Watt of amplifier power
- Up to 14 loudspeakers
- GALA plus - Dynamic sound adjustment based on microphone measurements and driving speed
- Aluminum applications at loudspeaker grills
- 5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)
- Dedicated sound tuning
They differentiate that with the "
Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System" section" for the A6/A7/A8/Q7:
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System takes the state of the art Bang & Olufsen Sound System a step further. The customized speakers and the proprietary Bang & Olufsen technologies – Acoustic Lens Technology and the unique ICEpower technology – make it the best acoustic experience ever created for the car.
- Active loudspeaker technology
- Up to 19 high-performance loudspeakers
- Two moving tweeters on the dashboard (Acoustic Lens Technology)
- Sealed loudspeaker boxes
- Fully aluminum loudspeaker cover
- ICEpower amplifier
- Up to 1400 Watt of amplification power
- Advanced Vehicle Noise Compensation
- 5.1 Surround Sound technology (in connection with MMI Navigation Plus)
- Dedicated sound tuning
Does the A4 benefit from having a larger cabin or having better sound dampening or is there something else going for it?