[dieseldoc]

Hi All,

I have recently ordered a new xc90 and I am contemplating changing my order to include the B&W sound package. It is a pricey option so I want to really know if it is worth it. Does anyone have any experience with the standard sound system in the XC90? Does it sound good? My dealer only had inscription models with the B&W system so I was unable to test a base sound system. I am by no means an audiophile, but want to make sure the base system is good/decent otherwise I will more strongly consider the B&W option. Thanks!

 

[goldenfooler]

While the sound might not make your choice the Base model sound system does not have a cd player.

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Hi All,

I have recently ordered a new xc90 and I am contemplating changing my order to include the B&W sound package. It is a pricey option so I want to really know if it is worth it. Does anyone have any experience with the standard sound system in the XC90? Does it sound good? My dealer only had inscription models with the B&W system so I was unable to test a base sound system. I am by no means an audiophile, but want to make sure the base system is good/decent otherwise I will more strongly consider the B&W option. Thanks!

When set up properly, the standard audio system (330W) is very good.

 

[unhperry]

I thought the B&W system sounded incredible. I have an upgraded Alpine system in my current Land Rover and the B&W blew the doors off what mine sounds like (and I thought mine sounded great). I see a lot of people commenting that thew B&W system is "expensive." But it's relatively inexpensive in my view. Or better said, it's a good value. Go to any other luxury SUV manufacturer and look at what their upgraded sound systems cost. You don't have to look for too long to find a few that are North of $4,000. Several online reviews ping the B&W to be the best they have ever heard. That might be hyperbole but you get the point.

 

[Jekecy]

When set up properly, the standard audio system (330W) is very good.

I think I remember you mentioning the B&W should also be tuned after pick-up. I had thought that was the point of B&W working on it in the first place. Can you explain what else the user needs to do?

 

[citivas]

I think I remember you mentioning the B&W should also be tuned after pick-up. I had thought that was the point of B&W working on it in the first place. Can you explain what else the user needs to do?

+1. I've asked for suggestions on how it needs to be customized to get better sound too.

 

[carguy88]

Had my XC90 FE since Tuesday. I'd say no tuning required. The B&W is awesome when you put it in Gothenburg Concert Hall mode. It gives voices an echo, but music sounds better than any other car audio system I've had from Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Acura. I'd definitely go for the B&W!

 

[citivas]

Had my XC90 FE since Tuesday. I'd say no tuning required. The B&W is awesome when you put it in Gothenburg Concert Hall mode. It gives voices an echo, but music sounds better than any other car audio system I've had from Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Acura. I'd definitely go for the B&W!

I've had mine on the same sound stage setting as you and am not as impressed. I'm not discounting what you and others have experienced. I guess I was just expecting more "wow." And it's surprising how I have to turn the volume to about 50% to get my default listening level (Paradox noted this too), when it only have it at about 20-25% on my basic Honda sound system. None of those in my family are audiophiles so I'm sure for such people it must be amazing. I surveyed my family and a few other people I have given rides too, none of whom had any preconceived knowledge of the B&W sound system, and they are all pretty much, "yeah, it's fine." But none were, "wow, this is great!"

Bottom line for me, if I had been specifying the features instead of getting the FE, I wouldn't have splurged for it. But then I wouldn't have no those other cars as either. So some new making this decision should first try to hear for themselves and if they can't they should decide if they are a big audio fan or not. The audiophiles all love it.

 

[miki]

It's only option I didn't order! My logic is our regular drive is 10-15 minutes and it's not worth it. On long trips couple times a year I will use my USB stick with music we like and it was working fine for the family.

 

[jugdish]

The stock system was suprisingly good, and I consider myself somewhat of an audiophile. The B&W sound system was more neutral and less harsh in the high's. Both had decent bass but if you want tight, thumping bass, you'll need a separately amp'd subwoofer regardless of which system you go with. I would say that for 85% of people, the stock system would be fine. Additionally, what Volvo is charging for the B&W upgrade is actually pretty reasonable. If I ordered an XC90, I would have gotten it, however I ordered a BMW X5 35d and the B&O sound system option was an additional $4500, which is absolutely ridiculous.

 

[GrecianVolvo]

I think I remember you mentioning the B&W should also be tuned after pick-up. I had thought that was the point of B&W working on it in the first place. Can you explain what else the user needs to do?

Set up the equalizer and also ensure that the bass and treble settings are not flat (at default setting).

 

[GrecianVolvo]

Had my XC90 FE since Tuesday. I'd say no tuning required. The B&W is awesome when you put it in Gothenburg Concert Hall mode. It gives voices an echo, but music sounds better than any other car audio system I've had from Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Acura. I'd definitely go for the B&W!

Gothenburg Concert Hall mode is fantastic but not a panacea with all music. It can make certain types of music sound echoed and, certainly, not appropriate if you are listening to Satellite of global radio talk shows.

Try Studio mode, after you have set up the equalizer properly; you will be equally impressed.

 

[Jekecy]

Set up the equalizer and also ensure that the bass and treble settings are not flat (at default setting).

Ah, well for the audiophiles who care about the "original sound", the equalizer is absolutely off-limits.

Those acoustic elements are decided in the studio by the producer, mixer, and artist, so it's always recommended the listener leave it on flat.

 

[citivas]

Gothenburg Concert Hall mode is fantastic but not a panacea with all music. It can make certain types of music sound echoed and, certainly, not appropriate if you are listening to Satellite of global radio talk shows.

Try Studio mode, after you have set up the equalizer properly; you will be equally impressed.

I tried Studio too, but didn't mess with the equalizer. What settings would you suggest?

 

[dieseldoc]

I tried Studio too, but didn't mess with the equalizer. What settings would you suggest?

Thanks everyone. Your input has been helpful. The take home message seems to be the base system sounds good while the B&W is amazing. Either way I think I will be satisfied. I just need to decide if I want to spend the extra money. (I realize the sound system upgrade is reasonable compared to other luxury brands).

 

[Adrian-C30R]

Ah, well for the audiophiles who care about the "original sound", the equalizer is absolutely off-limits.

Those acoustic elements are decided in the studio by the producer, mixer, and artist, so it's always recommended the listener leave it on flat.

I agree, the most important thing for great sound is to have a high quality audio source, without that you're wasting your time and money. As in, store-bought CDs/iTunes/Spotify Premium ("Extreme" quality setting) is a minimum, but if you go for lossless audio that's where high-end audio systems really sound their best. Radio or HD Radio is like the equivalent of putting 87 octane into an M5, and at high volumes, you CAN (and probably will) damage the drivers with low-quality audio sources. Also, you should probably leave the equalizer flat since I'm more than sure B&W (judging by their other products) tuned it properly. That's what I leave it at in my S40 with the Harmon/Kardon 650watt system and it sound fantastic (though slightly thin on mids).

Putting it in the concert mode adds a lot of processing (as any surround-sound mode will do), so it probably won't be the most realistic of sound settings. I would leave it in 3CH or set surround-sound mode to 50% if you can (you can in previous Volvos). Hope this helps!

 

[GrecianVolvo]

I tried Studio too, but didn't mess with the equalizer. What settings would you suggest?

Everyone is different. Some people like a soft "U" shape, others like an "up and down" pattern (sort of like an S)...

I prefer the "U" shape.

 

[Conradi]

...
Radio or HD Radio is like the equivalent of putting 87 octane into an M5,
...

I like the comparison :thumbup:
I'm not an audio guy and my music collection is all in compressed format. For me 300+ watt of the standard system will be more than adequate.

 

[BostonBob]

I like the comparison :thumbup:
I'm not an audio guy and my music collection is all in compressed format. For me 300+ watt of the standard system will be more than adequate.

I was struggling with this decision also. I went back and forth and sat in two XC90s next to each other one with and one without the B&W system. The sound with the B&W was amazing the one without was very good. I also must admit I like the look of the B&W when installed. I have sat in and listened to systems in other brands. The Volvo I feel was superior for less money. Don't judge me here but I realized that about 80% of my driving time was listening to NPR where the base system would serve my purposes. Most of that time with screaming kids in the back. The thought did cross my mind that the B&W might be able to better drown out some screaming kids I ended up not going with the B&W and spend the $2,500 somewhere else. It was still a very tough choice.

 

[JRL]

I have not heard the B&W system but the XC90 in my road test had the standard system.
I found it quite impressive and for most purposes would be fine for me where normally I would never say this!