How is the non BW sound system on the XC90?
Non Bowers & Wilkins
flamingoezz
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How is the non BW sound system on the XC90?
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I know I am not answering your question, but the B&W is worth every penny. I drive through ATL traffic every day, 1 hr each way and I appreciate the system every day.
To justify the expense ($3200 would equip a nice home theater sound system) you really need to like your music. I might have spent an extra $500 or so, but not $3200. However I did spring for the air suspension for $1800 and some will argue that this option is not worth the cost. I find the standard sound system to be adequate for my needs.
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On my replacement I opted for it because I like the sound from it and the way the door panels look with it. Air suspension was a must have too
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If I was to get another XC90 I would order the B&W, but the standard system is suiting my needs just fine.
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I used to install aftermarket audio systems in all my cars when I was younger. We have the standard system in my wife's XC90 and I feel it is more than adequate. I am sure the B&W system is superb but am very satisfied with the system. Another thing with the standard system, you don't have the CD player taking up the storage space compared to the B&W.
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I don't think that's particularly good advice. While I would usually be listening to Pandora over Bluetooth from my phone, I could also listen to CDs or high bitrate audio files via USB. Having the B&W system would encourage me to pick up my favorite albums on CD/USB to take advantage of the system.
I found Audi's B&O system superior to the Volvo B&W system... that said I didn't spring for the B&W system. I did have it in my recent loaner, gotta say I don't think its worth $3,200. But again, to each their own. I tested the system with a USB stick, music on my iPhone and bluetooth internet radio streaming.
We bought a used XC90 with it after several test drives in XC90's with the stock system. In my opinion it is a must have.
The sound on the stock system was pretty flat to my ears. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great and I felt that even with adjusting settings I would always feel like it was adequate vs something I loved listening to.
I have another vehicle (non Volvo) where we settled for stock and I regret it. I am not the type to go after market on a sound system so the B&W was a no brainer. To my ears it sounds awesome and I love everytime I listen to it.
I have seen a lot of people note that it depends on what music source you use - I use a combination of Bluetooth, CD's, plugged in iPhone, FM Radio, and Satellite and I believe all of them sound better on the system but that is just me.
The looks of the system also make the interior a lot nicer. I would buy it again.
The sound on the stock system was pretty flat to my ears. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great and I felt that even with adjusting settings I would always feel like it was adequate vs something I loved listening to.
I have another vehicle (non Volvo) where we settled for stock and I regret it. I am not the type to go after market on a sound system so the B&W was a no brainer. To my ears it sounds awesome and I love everytime I listen to it.
I have seen a lot of people note that it depends on what music source you use - I use a combination of Bluetooth, CD's, plugged in iPhone, FM Radio, and Satellite and I believe all of them sound better on the system but that is just me.
The looks of the system also make the interior a lot nicer. I would buy it again.
I have driven XC90s with and without B&W and, in my opinion, it just isn't worth it. I found the sound on the stock system decent, but not great. B&W is a definite improvement... but, once the car starts moving... let's be honest, it's not the quietest car around. The added clarity of B&W is lost, to me, unless you blast the volume to drown the road noise, but I am too old for that.
Of course, source has a lot to do with it. I am too lazy to deal with the messy way Volvo handles (or, well, doesn't handle) folders, so i am not reorganizing my music collection for this car, not worth the effort--nor am I going back to dragging around CDs. So, most of the time, I am listening to Sirius, which is probably why B&W has not impressed me THAT much.
I also did not particularly like the overall feel. Too much post-processing, especially in the much advertised modes, simulating concert halls etc. But, to each their own.
Also, my father has B&W on his XC90 and had a lot of problems with it - multiple trips to fix a disconnected sub-woofer, rattling in the doors, etc.
In short, "not worth it." But I can see why someone with the patience to organize and carry around a lossless music collection might want it.
Of course, source has a lot to do with it. I am too lazy to deal with the messy way Volvo handles (or, well, doesn't handle) folders, so i am not reorganizing my music collection for this car, not worth the effort--nor am I going back to dragging around CDs. So, most of the time, I am listening to Sirius, which is probably why B&W has not impressed me THAT much.
I also did not particularly like the overall feel. Too much post-processing, especially in the much advertised modes, simulating concert halls etc. But, to each their own.
Also, my father has B&W on his XC90 and had a lot of problems with it - multiple trips to fix a disconnected sub-woofer, rattling in the doors, etc.
In short, "not worth it." But I can see why someone with the patience to organize and carry around a lossless music collection might want it.
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There is so much surround processing and depth that the B&W system has that the standard system does not. Listen to your favorite tracks using the B&W and adjust with the different sound stage settings. It's as if you're in a live performance - sounds you never noticed before - musical instruments behind you, vocals in front of you, etc.. The standard system does not give you that spacial depth. In fact the B&W is one of the best in-car systems I've ever heard - blowing away the previous Harmon Kardon / Dynadio, and a million times better than the Bose surround systems in Audis that are all bass and no depth.
Then again, I'm a person that has an high-end home theater at home - there are some folks who wont know the difference or don't care. Definitely worth the upgrade to the trained ear / music lover. Also, the metal grilles look great and might help with resale value.
Then again, I'm a person that has an high-end home theater at home - there are some folks who wont know the difference or don't care. Definitely worth the upgrade to the trained ear / music lover. Also, the metal grilles look great and might help with resale value.
Well said, my take as well. While I don't use the cathedral setting myself I love the stage setting with somewhat toned down processing. There is definitely potential to screw up the sound as well with all of the variability. I tweak the system all of the time and love it!
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I'm also in the camp that the stock system is better than most stock systems. I love good sound, I work in commercial audio, but I'm not that interested in paying 3200 to listen to it in my car. With kids and talk radio, I just don't get a lot of "time" to jam in the car. When I do, the standard is good enough. If I had to pick T8 or BW, I'd pick T8
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