Bang & Olufsen for mine. A very special place to be when a cabin has one. And Audi for mine, do quality interiors in their top spec. cars like few others.
The B&O system in my S4 sounds fantastic, but only after about 5,000 miles of break in. Sounded very ordinary initially. Great value. I have not listened to the B&O system in the 6,7,8.
My dad has the Mark Levinson sound system in his Lexus. My favorite thing about it is the fact that regardless of how loud the volume is, the sound is still crystal clear.
Best OEM "upgraded" stereos I've encountered (in no particular order): Harmon/Kardon Logic7 from Mercedes-Benz (W211/W212) Monsoon from VW (Jetta MK4) B&O in the Audi A4 (B8)
I was gonna ask you, but you beat me to it lol . . . The optional Burmester HighEnd 3D Surround Sound in the S-Class ... All demmachined aluminum grilles & twirling tweeters ! dayng! (The fact its a 24 speakers, 1540 watts, 24-Chanels Amplifier & Trunk mounted 400 watts Amp is an icing on the cake) The B&W on the new 7-Series is interesting
Jacob Frey ROTFLMAO!!!!!!! (The not funny part - I remember these VERY welll . . . had one in my 1984 Pontiac Fiero with 120,000 miles during my university days . . .
Have to say the Burmester in the S-Class looks best, but B&O in Audi A6, A7 and A8 produces the best sound. Yes, expensive, but worth it. Enjoying it every day.
Omair Khanzada Favorite audio system would be the Nakamichi in the LS400's. Also the Bose in the W220 S-Class was very good, even better than the Harmon Kardon offered in the W221 S-Class.
I would have to say that the Burmester audio in the current mercedes benz line up is my favourite just cause of those lazer cut speaker grills and the spinning speakers in the s-class! btw love your videos and always love the options game! :)
The same car, in NSW Australia, AU$333,000 on the road (US$247,000). The car is AU$235,000 alone, the rest is mostly taxes. Americans. you have it good, REALLY good!
Or what about the crazy new system the are putting into the new caddy! Can someone help me out and tell me what it is. It has like 30 some speakers if I'm not mistaken. Thanks.
I guess it depends on the vehicle manufacturer, for example; the Bose system in my Mazda CX-9 is better than the Bose (standard) system in my D3 Audi A8L, in-fact the Mazda system is better than a lot of other high-end in-car stereo systems out there.
Eww those wheels look chincy! I wonder if Audi special ordered those from China... Get me something black, with polished edges that actually looks like real metal... Dark wheel with that paint - would look oh so fine!
If I was driving as AUDI S8, Bentley or Mercedes Benz S Class (AMG of course), then I would insist on the Bang & Olufsen; primarily because the extra 6K wouldn't make much of a difference if I was buying this car in the first place! But the cars that I drive, I want to listen to the exhaust note pretty much the entire time, unless it's raining, in which case I have the windows up and I'm taking it easy, so the BOSE is more than sufficient for the short ride home....
Despite being a musician as well as someone who listens to a lot of music, especially while driving, I'm really not an audiophile. I imagine that if ever had the opportunity to sit down in a high end luxury car like the S Class and really listen I might change my ways, but I'm perfectly cool with any sound system that's at least mediocre.
andyhoov While not a musician, I would definitely consider myself an 'audiophile'. That said, I have mentioned MANY times that I like and buy small, unpredictable and impractical sports cars but there is nothing quite like driving a car like this with a proper audio system listening to just the right music on a stunning road . . . literally transforms your day . . .
In terms of sound that would have to go to either the Meridian system in Range Rovers or the Mark Levinson system in Lexus. I haven't heard the Burmester, but it would have to be pretty spectacular to top those two. It is really hard to gauge the Bang Olufsen system, because it is not the same in all models (A4 and below is just a gilded turd), however the sound is pretty subpar in the market despite looking sweet. Probably the worst for the money is BMW's H&K... it is a pointless waste of money that is as bad as Bose systems found in much cheaper cars.
MKTech apparently the krell system in the acura rlx is pretty spectacular too although the car itself is just meh. also naim systems in bentleys r also pretty good.
0812rs I forgot about Naim. It would be nice if Bentley adopted the MMI from Audi with Naim audio, because their interface looks like something from the 90s. Well, maybe they have, I haven't seen the new Bentleys. That kind of the raises second part of this best aftermarket stereo thing. Some of these high end stereos have pretty crappy looking interfaces. Personally, I think Audi and BMW have the gold standard (Audi's latest really being the best). With how integrated these stereo systems are, you can't change the receiver anymore. Even changing the amp/speakers can be tricky due odd impedance values (often driven by budget *cough Bose cough*). So, if you buy a new car you may be stuck with that head unit unless someone creates something that can piggyback onto the existing system.
B&O, Burmester, and Meridien are all good systems. But the Burmester and Meriden I feel are still a step up from B&O. Secondly, Bowers and Wilkins also make a bitching sound system. I think they are all great, but it boils down to personal preference. Cadillac needs to shy away from Bose though.
Bang & Olufsen for mine. A very special place to be when a cabin has one. And Audi for mine, do quality interiors in their top spec. cars like few others.
The B&O system in my S4 sounds fantastic, but only after about 5,000 miles of break in. Sounded very ordinary initially. Great value. I have not listened to the B&O system in the 6,7,8.
My dad has the Mark Levinson sound system in his Lexus. My favorite thing about it is the fact that regardless of how loud the volume is, the sound is still crystal clear.
Best OEM "upgraded" stereos I've encountered (in no particular order):
Harmon/Kardon Logic7 from Mercedes-Benz (W211/W212)
Monsoon from VW (Jetta MK4)
B&O in the Audi A4 (B8)
THX is Lincoln's are awesome, one of the top audio systems in cars
B&O is about the best sounding car stereo out there. In fact I am surprised its not an option in the new S class or BMW 7 series. *(was there before)
I was gonna ask you, but you beat me to it lol . . .
The optional Burmester HighEnd 3D Surround Sound in the S-Class ... All demmachined aluminum grilles & twirling tweeters ! dayng! (The fact its a 24 speakers, 1540 watts, 24-Chanels Amplifier & Trunk mounted 400 watts Amp is an icing on the cake)
The B&W on the new 7-Series is interesting
IceDree One of these S Class' we shot on the show may or may not have been returned without a speaker grill or four . . . :)
MotoManTV You gotta hook a brother up . . . ;)
The Meridian Signature Reference Audio with 1700 watts, 29 speakers and 3D surround sound (Range Rover Autobiography).
I like the Bose in my infiniti........ but the Bang und Olufsen tweeters in the S8 make me feel like a scrub
GM Delco digital tuner with auto reverse cassette FTW!
Jacob Frey ROTFLMAO!!!!!!! (The not funny part - I remember these VERY welll . . . had one in my 1984 Pontiac Fiero with 120,000 miles during my university days . . .
I really like the Harman Kardon sound system you get and the Saab 9-5 Aero , its good
The pinical of sound in a car is Sonus Faber. Truly high end and very exclusive!
Any guess to witch car you can find this system in?
Have to say the Burmester in the S-Class looks best, but B&O in Audi A6, A7 and A8 produces the best sound. Yes, expensive, but worth it. Enjoying it every day.
My favorite audio system is BOSE! Cant say anything bad about it, so crisp and clear.
Jacob Lechtenberg I had three cars that had it 2006 Chevrolet Avalanche LT Z71, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban LTZ and a 2007 Nissan Maxima 3.5SL.
Great job again, MotoMan!!! I love the 4.0T in this car, very quick!
Omair Khanzada Favorite audio system would be the Nakamichi in the LS400's. Also the Bose in the W220 S-Class was very good, even better than the Harmon Kardon offered in the W221 S-Class.
Omair Khanzada www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/lexus-ls400-nakamichi-page-4
I would have to say that the Burmester audio in the current mercedes benz line up is my favourite just cause of those lazer cut speaker grills and the spinning speakers in the s-class! btw love your videos and always love the options game! :)
Smit Parikh What He Said!
The same car, in NSW Australia, AU$333,000 on the road (US$247,000). The car is AU$235,000 alone, the rest is mostly taxes.
Americans. you have it good, REALLY good!
Bob808 Well, you do have a REALLY nice Opera House . . . :)
Cheap in Canada tooo
Or what about the crazy new system the are putting into the new caddy! Can someone help me out and tell me what it is. It has like 30 some speakers if I'm not mistaken. Thanks.
I guess it depends on the vehicle manufacturer, for example; the Bose system in my Mazda CX-9 is better than the Bose (standard) system in my D3 Audi A8L, in-fact the Mazda system is better than a lot of other high-end in-car stereo systems out there.
Want to know something that might blow your mind. In some Subarus you could get McIntosh sound system!!!
$6300 for a car stereo system is definitely the option designed for people with more money than sense.
Eww those wheels look chincy! I wonder if Audi special ordered those from China... Get me something black, with polished edges that actually looks like real metal... Dark wheel with that paint - would look oh so fine!
If I was driving as AUDI S8, Bentley or Mercedes Benz S Class (AMG of course), then I would insist on the Bang & Olufsen; primarily because the extra 6K wouldn't make much of a difference if I was buying this car in the first place! But the cars that I drive, I want to listen to the exhaust note pretty much the entire time, unless it's raining, in which case I have the windows up and I'm taking it easy, so the BOSE is more than sufficient for the short ride home....
This is old school but I loved the Nakamichi in older Lexi
Best value: Lexicon in the Genesis tech package
David Cuccia Have to agree with you on that one . . . Not just the audio - the whole damn car!
what about mark Levinson system in some lexus. never heard but i think it must be interesting.
YEAH 94.7 The Wave!
Beats Audio in the Dodge Charger/Challenbger & Chrysler 300
My audio choice would either be Sony (Ford) or Bose (Buick)...but there are many others that are better.
Motoman what is the name of the soundtrack
Hashim Makki It was a custom collaboration for us.
Mark Levinson audio system in a Lexus!
I couldn't see myself taking this over an R8
Burmester definitely
and meridian on some music genres
Factory Honda Civic speakers. For the common man. (I haven't been able to experience a higher end audio system... Yet)
So worth it.
naim audio is the best.
Despite being a musician as well as someone who listens to a lot of music, especially while driving, I'm really not an audiophile. I imagine that if ever had the opportunity to sit down in a high end luxury car like the S Class and really listen I might change my ways, but I'm perfectly cool with any sound system that's at least mediocre.
andyhoov While not a musician, I would definitely consider myself an 'audiophile'. That said, I have mentioned MANY times that I like and buy small, unpredictable and impractical sports cars but there is nothing quite like driving a car like this with a proper audio system listening to just the right music on a stunning road . . . literally transforms your day . . .
MotoManTV So, in other words, you're waiting for the day that Lotus teams up with Burmester?
andyhoov LOL!!!!! Or a GT3 RS Targa with a manual . . .
Naim - Bentley
Might as well spring another $3,900 for an Audi Exclusive color (brown or green is my preference).
Joel deSanto Good point . . . but I have to say, that blue was STUNNING in person . . .
Dynaudio in the Touareg
Naim, Bang & Olufsen, Burmeister
Ohhh..
In terms of sound that would have to go to either the Meridian system in Range Rovers or the Mark Levinson system in Lexus. I haven't heard the Burmester, but it would have to be pretty spectacular to top those two. It is really hard to gauge the Bang Olufsen system, because it is not the same in all models (A4 and below is just a gilded turd), however the sound is pretty subpar in the market despite looking sweet.
Probably the worst for the money is BMW's H&K... it is a pointless waste of money that is as bad as Bose systems found in much cheaper cars.
MKTech apparently the krell system in the acura rlx is pretty spectacular too although the car itself is just meh. also naim systems in bentleys r also pretty good.
0812rs I forgot about Naim. It would be nice if Bentley adopted the MMI from Audi with Naim audio, because their interface looks like something from the 90s. Well, maybe they have, I haven't seen the new Bentleys.
That kind of the raises second part of this best aftermarket stereo thing. Some of these high end stereos have pretty crappy looking interfaces. Personally, I think Audi and BMW have the gold standard (Audi's latest really being the best). With how integrated these stereo systems are, you can't change the receiver anymore. Even changing the amp/speakers can be tricky due odd impedance values (often driven by budget *cough Bose cough*). So, if you buy a new car you may be stuck with that head unit unless someone creates something that can piggyback onto the existing system.
bang & Olufsen and burmester
WAAhh i miss this show !! ;0
Vanilla Coca Cola Belt in . . . you're about to be hit with a number of episodes . . .
Not a fan of carbon fibre trim, everything else looks great inside though
I have to say it is the Burmeister but only in the Porsche SUV's as cars like the 911 get A worse version than the SUV's like the cayenne and Macan
Lexicon!!!
I like b&o
B&W
114 to 132 not bad.
does better than a Porsche
Beats audio
The Burmeister
B&O, Burmester, and Meridien are all good systems. But the Burmester and Meriden I feel are still a step up from B&O. Secondly, Bowers and Wilkins also make a bitching sound system. I think they are all great, but it boils down to personal preference. Cadillac needs to shy away from Bose though.
Zoraver Singh Agreed on Cadillac and have to give an honorable mention to the Bowers & Wilkins in that Volvo XC90 we drove . . .
MotoManTV b and w know how to make a good system.
You don't have to pay extra for all that stuff because its already rolled into the base price! lmaoo, $115,000
alpine
B&O
Burmeister or however you spell it