Rank your car HiFi ;-)
Discussion
I'm not a music buff but can appreciate a decent sound system. Having just changed cars here is my take on the last few I've experienced.
VW Phaeton W12. This was a standard system albeit high end and I'd rate it at 7/10
Porsche 911 turbo. Standard Bose system. great bass produced. 8/10
Chrysler 300C. This had the upgraded Boston Acoustics system (factory fit) WOW!! Radio and CD both 9/10 I'd give 10 it was that good but there must be something better.
E Class Mercedes (2014 model) Standard system. You can upgrade it but for me no need, 8/10. Very good indeed.
Lexus LS430. This has the standard but very highly rated Mark Levinson. loads of speakers, sub woofers etc. I may be missing something but it is a massive disappointment. 5/10
That's my recent list. So I can conclude that if the lexus was as good as it got in 2004 (and it was purported to be) things have moved on hugely.
VW Phaeton W12. This was a standard system albeit high end and I'd rate it at 7/10
Porsche 911 turbo. Standard Bose system. great bass produced. 8/10
Chrysler 300C. This had the upgraded Boston Acoustics system (factory fit) WOW!! Radio and CD both 9/10 I'd give 10 it was that good but there must be something better.
E Class Mercedes (2014 model) Standard system. You can upgrade it but for me no need, 8/10. Very good indeed.
Lexus LS430. This has the standard but very highly rated Mark Levinson. loads of speakers, sub woofers etc. I may be missing something but it is a massive disappointment. 5/10
That's my recent list. So I can conclude that if the lexus was as good as it got in 2004 (and it was purported to be) things have moved on hugely.
Leins said:
J4CKO said:
I am going to buy a Bowers and Wilkins next, comes with a free XFR.
Actually, it does raise the question of what is generally viewed as the best set-up available on a new car? I've heard great things about Jag's B&WWould be interested to hear the upgraded Harmon Kardon in the Mercedes, someone bought mine and spent all that money on the V8 then got stingy come the options list
Bose in my 350Z was a bit crap, had a bit of punch but not as good as I would have expected for something someone would put their name to, the components are very cheap and the head unit crap, the CD failed so I repelaced it with a 99 quid Kenwood or pioneer which was way better but took a day to fit.
Leins said:
Actually, it does raise the question of what is generally viewed as the best set-up available on a new car? I've heard great things about Jag's B&W
Tbf, it's worth ignoring the brands because it's usually(in my experience always) just a licencing deal and not actual brand hardware...On the basis that the following cars were next in line after driving a 2014 Lotus Elise S with a Stage 3 exhaust....
Previously had the B&O option on my 2009 Audi S4. Thought it was a good setup as the dynamics were good and to my untrained ears, music sounded excellent - 8 out of 10.
Now have the Mark Levinson system on my 2010 Lexus ISF. This is on a par with the S4, with the exception of the bass, which is a little weedy. Other than that it's fine - 7 out of 10.
Previously had the B&O option on my 2009 Audi S4. Thought it was a good setup as the dynamics were good and to my untrained ears, music sounded excellent - 8 out of 10.
Now have the Mark Levinson system on my 2010 Lexus ISF. This is on a par with the S4, with the exception of the bass, which is a little weedy. Other than that it's fine - 7 out of 10.
BMW E39 - 1/10 as there was no bass at all! Don't get how this was called a sound system
BMW E70 upgraded BMW Professional Hifi - 8/10 as there is lots of bass and sounds great throughout all frequencys. Lack of equalization makes it lose points.
Volvo XC90 Dolby Hi-Fi system - 9/10 as I don't know how they cracked it. Shockingly great car with concert like acoustics. Speakers at every corner of the car makes for an immersive listening experience once the Dolby has been activated.
BMW E70 upgraded BMW Professional Hifi - 8/10 as there is lots of bass and sounds great throughout all frequencys. Lack of equalization makes it lose points.
Volvo XC90 Dolby Hi-Fi system - 9/10 as I don't know how they cracked it. Shockingly great car with concert like acoustics. Speakers at every corner of the car makes for an immersive listening experience once the Dolby has been activated.
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