I own a B9 Premium that has the standard stereo system factory-installed. A few days after delivery, I had to take my B9 in for an issue, and I had a loaner for a few days that was a B9 Premium+ with the B&O stereo system factory-installed. So, I've had a chance to hear both systems for several days each.
I tend to agree with the theme in this thread that the bass is way better in the B&O system. If I push the bass too hard in my B9, it sounds quite distorted. I've had to turn the bass equalizer channel down to about half-way, and keep the volume no more than 2/3 of the way up to avoid hearing this awful racket. In contrast, I pushed the B&O as loud as I could tolerate, with the bass eq channel all the way up, and I never heard any distortion.
The stereo is my one regret with the B9 Premium. I couldn't stomach the extra $4,000 to get a B9 Premium+ with the Tech package to have like-for-like features with my B9 JUST to have the B&O stereo.
I'm in the process of getting quotes on an after-market upgrade for the woofer mounted in the rear window/deck area. Based on what I've seen so far, I should be able to upgrade to a much better speaker, plus a mono amplifier exclusively for the subwoofer, for under $1,000 (parts, labor, tax...out the door). I've gotten some outlying quotes between $2,000-$3,000, but those guys wanted to install a separate knob and switch in the dash to control the amplifier, and do a whole custom-enclosure build out. Replacing the speaker, adding the amp, and running a power line from the engine compartment is really all that's required. Twenty years ago, I was doing this myself for my car and my friends cars. I'd do it on my B9 if I had the time, but I'm too busy adulting now.
I tend to agree with the theme in this thread that the bass is way better in the B&O system. If I push the bass too hard in my B9, it sounds quite distorted. I've had to turn the bass equalizer channel down to about half-way, and keep the volume no more than 2/3 of the way up to avoid hearing this awful racket. In contrast, I pushed the B&O as loud as I could tolerate, with the bass eq channel all the way up, and I never heard any distortion.
The stereo is my one regret with the B9 Premium. I couldn't stomach the extra $4,000 to get a B9 Premium+ with the Tech package to have like-for-like features with my B9 JUST to have the B&O stereo.
I'm in the process of getting quotes on an after-market upgrade for the woofer mounted in the rear window/deck area. Based on what I've seen so far, I should be able to upgrade to a much better speaker, plus a mono amplifier exclusively for the subwoofer, for under $1,000 (parts, labor, tax...out the door). I've gotten some outlying quotes between $2,000-$3,000, but those guys wanted to install a separate knob and switch in the dash to control the amplifier, and do a whole custom-enclosure build out. Replacing the speaker, adding the amp, and running a power line from the engine compartment is really all that's required. Twenty years ago, I was doing this myself for my car and my friends cars. I'd do it on my B9 if I had the time, but I'm too busy adulting now.