Bang and Olufsen

visualguy · 07-05-2012, 02:57 PM

What I'm wondering about is if the M5 sound system plays the fake engine sounds even while playing other things (like music), or only when it's not playing anything else.

I'm very surprised that they aren't providing a way to disable this bizarre "feature". Audi provides a setting that disables the soundaktor.

journeyguy · 07-05-2012, 03:56 PM

Awesome review !To me bass is important plus the aesthetics. I am going for it.
PLUS I have a Harmon Kardon premium Logic 7 stereo a $2K upgrade in my Jeep GC SRT 8 and it's nothing special. Bass is weak so it'll be a nice upgrade to B&O sound.

Thanks,

LAKEOM5 · 07-05-2012, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akili02

I find it hard to plop $3,700 into a sound system un-heard when I know that if I don't like the one that's in the car I can take it somewhere and get exactly what I want for that price. Maybe that's just me!

B I N G O and Bingo was his name-O.

emmfive · 07-05-2012, 04:09 PM

Stealthpilot thanks for the substantive review!

ibrennan · 07-05-2012, 04:35 PM

Great review, I ordered mine with the B&O and I'm pretty sure I'll be very happy with it

richard in NC · 07-05-2012, 05:09 PM

If source is so important, would CD be better, or is high sample rate iPod good enough?

stealth.pilot · 07-05-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard in NC

If source is so important, would CD be better, or is high sample rate iPod good enough?

I am sure it would sound even better with CD. However, realistically I am not going to be carrying CDs around in my car when i have a 64gb iPhone with a large library of lossless encoded songs. So I didn't test it. I think it is important to test a real-world setting.

This said the detail I heard with the lossless MP3s on the B&O is astonishing.

richard in NC · 07-05-2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I am sure it would sound even better with CD. However, realistically I am not going to be carrying CDs around in my car when i have a 64gb iPhone with a large library of lossless encoded songs. So I didn't test it. I think it is important to test a real-world setting.

This said the detail I heard with the lossless MP3s on the B&O is astonishing.

The bad news, I'd have to upsize my 16GB iPods and re-digitize a lot of my collection.

M54ccibo · 07-05-2012, 08:57 PM

So here is the question that I have...

Is the F10 "standard" sound available in the US equal to, or better than the Enhanced Sound that was available on the E60 (MY09). I believe the "standard" on the '09 was the LOGIC7, and the "enhanced" was the DIRAC system.

I found the DIRAC well worth the extra $700, and the reviews of the two were that the DIRAC was much better.

I don't want to spend the $$$ if the base system in the F10 is as good or better than the DIRAC in the E60.

stealth.pilot · 07-05-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M54ccibo

So here is the question that I have...

Is the F10 "standard" sound available in the US equal to, or better than the Enhanced Sound that was available on the E60 (MY09). I believe the "standard" on the '09 was the LOGIC7, and the "enhanced" was the DIRAC system.

I found the DIRAC well worth the extra $700, and the reviews of the two were that the DIRAC was much better.

I don't want to spend the $$$ if the base system in the F10 is as good or better than the DIRAC in the E60.

I haven't heard Dirac system. On F10 there are three systems:
1) BMW Business (called standard sound in US)
2) BMW Professional (called Premium Sound in US). This is Logic 7.
3) Bang and Olufsen

So I think B&O replaced Dirac. However I don't know how F10 Logic 7 compares with E60 Dirac. I know F10 Logic 7 is better than E60 Logic 7.

However every dealer on the planet has F10s with BMW Professional (Logic 7) so why not just go listen to it.

I would say it is a very good system - not mass market grade - but it is nowhere near as impressive as B&O.

I do know that E60 Logic 7 had 420W which was same as F10 Standard Sound. F10 Logic 7 has 850W which is more than E60 Dirac (825W), and F10 B&O has 1200W.

However there is more to audio quality than watts. All these systems were 16 or 17 speakers.

M54ccibo · 07-05-2012, 09:48 PM

Thanks...and I agree, the B&O is the DIRAC replacement. I am going to get to the local dealer next week to listen to the F10 LOGIC7.

Yes, way more than wattage. That is what the DIRAC had going for it, with a feature set very similar to what the B&O brochure states.

stealth.pilot · 07-05-2012, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M54ccibo

Thanks...and I agree, the B&O is the DIRAC replacement. I am going to get to the local dealer next week to listen to the F10 LOGIC7.

Yes, way more than wattage. That is what the DIRAC had going for it, with a feature set very similar to what the B&O brochure states.

It's way beyond a DIRAC replacement. DIRAC was an extra $700, this is an extra $3700. I kind of wish they still had something like DIRAC. That was a bargain.

BTW Some pictures of what it will look like. Note the Black bezels for the door speakers.

M54ccibo · 07-05-2012, 10:12 PM

Substantially more money. Looks nice.

Akili02 · 07-06-2012, 02:13 AM

While I love music just as much if not more then the next guy. I'm buying the M5 to drive. Not to listen to a concert. I want to enjoy the engine sounds,squealing tires, and just all in all the car. So if I don't have the best sound system in the car I'm ok with that because when I get home I do have an amazing sound system. So I'll spend my $3,700 on gas and track days, and tires.

stealth.pilot · 07-06-2012, 08:55 AM

I really do want this option, but dealer says it is worthless in the resale market. I don't keep my cars long. It could literally cost me $50 a song to listen to B&O audio.

M54ccibo · 07-06-2012, 09:11 AM

And this is what I struggle with. Save the $ and enjoy what is there, or, spend the few extra bucks knowing that there was no better factory sound available.

I kicked myself for not getting full leather in the E60. Every time I got into the car that was the first thing that I though until I fired up the S85. Don't want to make that mistake again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I really do want this option, but dealer says it is worthless in the resale market. I don't keep my cars long. It could literally cost me $50 a song to listen to B&O audio.

journeyguy · 07-06-2012, 09:23 AM

Go for it...

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

I really do want this option, but dealer says it is worthless in the resale market. I don't keep my cars long. It could literally cost me $50 a song to listen to B&O audio.

stealth.pilot · 07-06-2012, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M54ccibo

And this is what I struggle with. Save the $ and enjoy what is there, or, spend the few extra bucks knowing that there was no better factory sound available.

I kicked myself for not getting full leather in the E60. Every time I got into the car that was the first thing that I though until I fired up the S85. Don't want to make that mistake again.

I agree. But full leather is a must. You notice it every time you get in or out of the car. I turn on the stereo pretty much only if I am stuck in traffic (rarely) or if your passengers want audio.

If you are driving in M Mode you probably won't be using the stereo but rather listening to the symphony of M.

journeyguy · 07-06-2012, 03:16 PM

I was able to find a 6 series coupe with B&O sound system. Wow ! Thanks stelath.pilot your feedback was spot on.
All I can say is anyone on fence for B&O.....please , please order it. The stock premium HK Logic 7 sound system is not even half of B&O system. I have the HK Logic 7 and its a shame infront of B&O. Worth $3700 upgrade....go for it even if you have to skip an option / pack for it. It's that good.....

MakeEmDrool · 07-07-2012, 12:08 AM

maybe a wus way to approach the issue, but i dunno- something to be said about the system coming factory installed. sure there are fantastic aftermarket places out there, but its always ultimately a crapshoot. i say, if it's a solid system comparable to aftermarket, and in the end comparable in price, stick with it installed from your friendly neighborhood german.
Summed up - go b+o - thats what im a gonna do.

vinred26 · 07-07-2012, 11:12 AM

Excellent review. Its good comparison on what you want.

s4awd · 07-09-2012, 10:14 AM

Nice review. Cost wise it's def not worth it but I ended up getting it anyways because my car is the only place I really get to enjoy my music without headphones. If it were the B&W system it would be a no brainer. Going by the reviews, the B&O system isnt' a quantum leap over the standard system. I have no idea how those Audi guys justify the $5,900 price tag because that would def be a no brainer to not have it and be happy lol. I had to give up azurite paint (went with std black sapph) and rear entertainment (using ipads).

07-05-2012, 02:57 PM	#23
visualguy Captain 185 Rep 795 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	What I'm wondering about is if the M5 sound system plays the fake engine sounds even while playing other things (like music), or only when it's not playing anything else. I'm very surprised that they aren't providing a way to disable this bizarre "feature". Audi provides a setting that disables the soundaktor.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2012, 03:56 PM	#24
journeyguy First Lieutenant 75 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 2016 X5M Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: OH iTrader: (0)	Awesome review !To me bass is important plus the aesthetics. I am going for it. PLUS I have a Harmon Kardon premium Logic 7 stereo a $2K upgrade in my Jeep GC SRT 8 and it's nothing special. Bass is weak so it'll be a nice upgrade to B&O sound. Thanks, __________________ 2012 X5 35D. 2013 M5 ~MCB / Silversone II full~Exec Pkg~20' wheels~B&O~Xpel Ultimate PPF. - Sold ! Last edited by journeyguy; 07-05-2012 at 04:37 PM..
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07-05-2012, 04:09 PM	#26
emmfive Lieutenant 74 Rep 571 Posts Drives: 2001 M5 Join Date: May 2012 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	Stealthpilot thanks for the substantive review!
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07-05-2012, 04:35 PM	#27
ibrennan Private First Class 78 Rep 180 Posts Drives: Frozen Gray M3 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bucks County, PA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2020 BMW M2 CS [0.00] 2018 BMW M3 CS [0.00] 2011 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00]	Great review, I ordered mine with the B&O and I'm pretty sure I'll be very happy with it
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07-05-2012, 05:09 PM	#28
richard in NC Colonel 1232 Rep 2,602 Posts Drives: 2009 Z4 35i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	If source is so important, would CD be better, or is high sample rate iPod good enough? __________________ 2020 X3M non-comp, Alpine White over black : Exec Pkg, ventilated M Sport seats, 20"s 2020 M2 Comp, Sunset Orange/Blk: Orange stitching, DCT, exec pkg, bicolor rims Gone '18 M550i, '16 X4 M40i, '15 M5, '13 X3 35i, '12 335is, '11 X5 50i, '09 Z4 35i, '08 550i, 06 X3, 06 650i, '02 M5, '99 540i
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07-05-2012, 08:57 PM	#31
M54ccibo Major 85 Rep 1,489 Posts Drives: '16 GT4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	E60 -> F10 M5 sound (US) So here is the question that I have... Is the F10 "standard" sound available in the US equal to, or better than the Enhanced Sound that was available on the E60 (MY09). I believe the "standard" on the '09 was the LOGIC7, and the "enhanced" was the DIRAC system. I found the DIRAC well worth the extra $700, and the reviews of the two were that the DIRAC was much better. I don't want to spend the $$$ if the base system in the F10 is as good or better than the DIRAC in the E60.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-05-2012, 09:48 PM	#33
M54ccibo Major 85 Rep 1,489 Posts Drives: '16 GT4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	Thanks...and I agree, the B&O is the DIRAC replacement. I am going to get to the local dealer next week to listen to the F10 LOGIC7. Yes, way more than wattage. That is what the DIRAC had going for it, with a feature set very similar to what the B&O brochure states.
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07-05-2012, 10:12 PM	#35
M54ccibo Major 85 Rep 1,489 Posts Drives: '16 GT4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (0)	Substantially more money. Looks nice. Attached Images Last edited by M54ccibo; 07-05-2012 at 10:18 PM..
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07-06-2012, 02:13 AM	#36
Akili02 Private First Class 2 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 2013 M5 (soon replaced) Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Cambridge UK iTrader: (0)	While I love music just as much if not more then the next guy. I'm buying the M5 to drive. Not to listen to a concert. I want to enjoy the engine sounds,squealing tires, and just all in all the car. So if I don't have the best sound system in the car I'm ok with that because when I get home I do have an amazing sound system. So I'll spend my $3,700 on gas and track days, and tires.
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07-06-2012, 08:55 AM	#37
stealth.pilot Knight Commander 563 Rep 5,948 Posts Drives: 2014 911 Turbo S Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Buckhead iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 Porsche 911 Tu ... [10.00] 2015 Mercedes-Benz ... [0.00] 2015 Jaguar F Type R [0.00] 2014 BMW M5 [0.00]	I really do want this option, but dealer says it is worthless in the resale market. I don't keep my cars long. It could literally cost me $50 a song to listen to B&O audio. __________________ 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Ordered: EQS580, BMW IX, Lucid Air Touring, Corvette Stingray
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07-06-2012, 03:16 PM	#41
journeyguy First Lieutenant 75 Rep 347 Posts Drives: 2016 X5M Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: OH iTrader: (0)	I was able to find a 6 series coupe with B&O sound system. Wow ! Thanks stelath.pilot your feedback was spot on. All I can say is anyone on fence for B&O.....please , please order it. The stock premium HK Logic 7 sound system is not even half of B&O system. I have the HK Logic 7 and its a shame infront of B&O. Worth $3700 upgrade....go for it even if you have to skip an option / pack for it. It's that good..... __________________ 2012 X5 35D. 2013 M5 ~MCB / Silversone II full~Exec Pkg~20' wheels~B&O~Xpel Ultimate PPF. - Sold !
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07-07-2012, 12:08 AM	#42
MakeEmDrool MD, PhD, and OPP 2 Rep 64 Posts Drives: M3 E92, F10 M5 on zee wei Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	maybe a wus way to approach the issue, but i dunno- something to be said about the system coming factory installed. sure there are fantastic aftermarket places out there, but its always ultimately a crapshoot. i say, if it's a solid system comparable to aftermarket, and in the end comparable in price, stick with it installed from your friendly neighborhood german. Summed up - go b+o - thats what im a gonna do.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-07-2012, 11:12 AM	#43
vinred26 Private 0 Rep 53 Posts Drives: BMW 5 Series Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Columbia iTrader: (0)	B&O Excellent review. Its good comparison on what you want.
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07-09-2012, 10:14 AM	#44
s4awd Lieutenant 285 Rep 546 Posts Drives: 11 GT3RS, 08 E92 M3, 06 Evo IX Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Nice review. Cost wise it's def not worth it but I ended up getting it anyways because my car is the only place I really get to enjoy my music without headphones. If it were the B&W system it would be a no brainer. Going by the reviews, the B&O system isnt' a quantum leap over the standard system. I have no idea how those Audi guys justify the $5,900 price tag because that would def be a no brainer to not have it and be happy lol. I had to give up azurite paint (went with std black sapph) and rear entertainment (using ipads).
	Appreciate 0 Quote