[dom]

Can anyone tell me is the B & W sound system really that much better than the system in the Prem Lux?

[mercybill]

The PM uses the same speakers as the BW there are less of them and the amplifier is 320 watt instead of 440, so unless you have a very sharp ear or listen to classical I doubt if you could tell the difference. However I will be better placed to comment after Friday as my new one has the BW in it.

[pious]

I've got the B & W and I'm a music fanatic, though my taste isnt classical by any means. Even though plenty of people say it wont distort at high volume, I dont think that is true. I have to turn the subwoofers down for doof doof music, and the bass down generally. It has a good sound, but it wont compare to the clarity of (say) a standard ipod where the earphones are directly in your ears. I'm happy I got it, but I wouldnt be disappointed if I didnt. The thing I like the most is the USB input (not sure if the PL has that anyway) which I reckon is the best thing ever.

[dom]

mercybill, on 26 July 2010 - 10:00 PM, said:

The PM uses the same speakers as the BW there are less of them and the amplifier is 320 watt instead of 440, so unless you have a very sharp ear or listen to classical I doubt if you could tell the difference. However I will be better placed to comment after Friday as my new one has the BW in it.

Thanks for that - I didn't know they used the same speakers. Good luck with the new car on Friday - it sounds like a cracker. Looking forward to reading your comments re the BW.

[Mercury Boy]

mercybill, on 26 July 2010 - 10:00 PM, said:

The PM uses the same speakers as the BW

I think you'll find that the PL audio system does NOT use the B&W speakers (unless that is, if things have changed since I got mine)

[mikef]

I thought the whole B&W thing was the speakers!
I think I read somewhere that the amp is a 440W Alpine unit behind the scenes.
http://www.bowers-wi...aspx?infid=2482
http://www.whathifi....-the-Jaguar-XF/

[mercybill]

Mercury Boy, on 27 July 2010 - 12:40 PM, said:

mercybill, on 26 July 2010 - 10:00 PM, said:

The PM uses the same speakers as the BW

I think you'll find that the PL audio system does NOT use the B&W speakers (unless that is, if things have changed since I got mine)

Well I could be wrong of course, but that's what my dealer told me no later than yesterday, when we were discussing the advantage of the BW which he said was more speakers higher wattage amp, and of course the work that's gone into the placing of the speakers, but that the speakers themselves were the same. and of course its the niceties you pay for. Its a bit like when Jaguar remaps (chips) the 3.0ltr and then charges 4k extra, same engine different application, and set up.

[mercybill]

mikef, on 27 July 2010 - 01:14 PM, said:

I thought the whole B&W thing was the speakers!
I think I read somewhere that the amp is a 440W Alpine unit behind the scenes.
http://www.bowers-wi...aspx?infid=2482
http://www.whathifi....-the-Jaguar-XF/

Thats right Mike,

[greenie99]

dom, on 26 July 2010 - 04:52 PM, said:

Can anyone tell me is the B & W sound system really that much better than the system in the Prem Lux?

Simply, yes, that much better!

[mus]

greenie99, on 27 July 2010 - 08:47 PM, said:

dom, on 26 July 2010 - 04:52 PM, said:

Can anyone tell me is the B & W sound system really that much better than the system in the Prem Lux?

Simply, yes, that much better!

Agreed - the B&W system is well worth it!

[andyxf]

Martijn Bolkestein, on 30 July 2010 - 10:25 AM, said:

And lastly, who trusts a cars' salesman in the first place? Who trusts a cars' salesman talking about high-end audio?

Good point, a car salesman is not the first place you would go to buy a high end audio

[indie go]

I can't speak for the comparison with the standard outfit, but mine had the B&W when I bought it at 6 months old.

I've been very disappointed tbh. No matter how I play with the set-up, it's a very flat sounding bit of kit which is typical of high end British HiFi. I think what you make of it would depend on the type of music you like. I imagine classics sound fine, but I mainly like indie type guitar pop and a bit of electro/dance and maybe I've been used to too much colouration, but I find it very muddy.

I assume it must be better than the standard fitment, but I certainly wouldn't go for the B&W without comparing. It's not a patch on the systems in my two previous cars (Alfa and Golf GTi).

[pious]

Funny you say that. I listen to a bit of that stuff and I dont think that it is where the B & W excels. That is (I think) maybe a pro-logic issue, though. Previously I had the s60R with pro logic (an excellent stereo, as good as the B & W IMO though I thought it was better in the C70T5 coupe, probably coz of the shape of the cabin). My missus at the same time had an s40T5 with a "premium" (not pro-logic) stereo, which is like a $5K step down (dont tell her that). For most of my music (I finally get to the point) it actually sounded crisper and clearer and punchier in her car than mine.

[alanad]

Having had a courtesy car which didn't have the B&W system I can say that it is worth the extra. Also the speakers are different - they are badged as B&W which they aren't in the standard car - the system is mostly about the speakers which is what B&W build.

[craig]

The B+W system IS the speakers and it is an Alpine system behind it and you only get B+W speakers with the B+S option anyone who tells you different is lying. It is a very good system but as with their home systems the sub woofer is not the best and their systems are tuned to specific styles of music so I would recommend listening to your favourite music through the system before speccing it.