2011 speakers system

[foggyjames]

The other phase 2 cars (S60, V70, etc) didn't use Dynaudio for their "Premium" systems, and they still worked very nicely. I fully agree with the comments about Dynaudio (just look up the list price for the aftermarket version of the 3-way components in the original (1997) C70 system if in doubt...!), but Harman/Kardon are no slouches either. Remember, some manufacturer partner with Bose...! I'd take a listen before getting too upset.

On the other hand, Harman Group's business practices in the pro audio sector? Don't get me started...

cheers

James

[Rawas]

Originally Posted by foggyjames

The other phase 2 cars (S60, V70, etc) didn't use Dynaudio for their "Premium" systems, and they still worked very nicely. I fully agree with the comments about Dynaudio (just look up the list price for the aftermarket version of the 3-way components in the original (1997) C70 system if in doubt...!), but Harman/Kardon are no slouches either. Remember, some manufacturer partner with Bose...! I'd take a listen before getting too upset.

On the other hand, Harman Group's business practices in the pro audio sector? Don't get me started...

cheers

James

Hi James,
I am sorry to tell you that neither Harman/Kardon nor Bose are considered
High-end audio in the Audiophile society. Dynaudio, Bowers & Wilkins are.
Don't get me started either...

[foggyjames]

Sorry, I probably wasn't clear. I'm fully aware that Harman/Kardon are not exactly "high end", but my point was that it's not junk either. I'd take a listen before passing judgement. They might have pulled something special out of the bag. Bose on the other hand I have almost no time for. My point there was that some "premium" car manufacturers partner with them...so we should feel relative fortunate to have 'only' sunk as far as H/K.

You don't need to lecture me on audiophile kit. I have a pair of these in my lounge...


cheers

James

[JimG]

No highs, no lows, it must be a Bose.

[CSS-Enterprise]

I agree...the premium sound system in MY11 XC90 is very average.

I had a V70 hire car a few years back with premium sound which was glorious....and on that basis I chose the premium sound for my XC90. I like all aspects of the car but the "premium sound" is disappointing.

The dynaudio system was substituted for the current PS system around the time I ordered. What a pity!

[Rawas]

Hi James,
I see you have a nice pair of Monitor Audio. I beleive those are full range Studio 20 if I am not mistaken? what are they connected at? I mean electronics? How is the sound quality?
I am sorry I did not mean to lecture you or anything close, but the problem with audio is that if you listen to the best you can not settle for less. It seems that if we keep on posting like this we will eventually turn this forum to an audio forum, nothing wrong with that.
Thanks

[foggyjames]

Sorry about the slow reply - I was away, and must confess I forgot a little about this thread.

Exactly right - they're Studio 20s. Most were badged "SE", but those (and mine) are SEC models (C for Celebration - right at the end of production). The C versions have the round HF unit housings. I also have a matching centre speaker tucked away for a rainy day. I didn't know they ever made them, and the factory seemed to think only a couple of dozen were made.

Electronics wise...not too exciting, I'm afraid. I have a Manticore Mantra turntable (the poor man's LP12, or so it was named when new), a Marantz CD-63SE mk2 KI-Sig CD player, and a Pioneer A400 integrated amp. My budget was very, very limited for most of it, with the speakers being my one indulgence. All were bought second-hand at very keen prices. I'm aware it's not great stuff. I would have nicer kit if I had the money to spare, but I don't listen to it all that much, so it's hard to justify dropping hundreds (or thousands) of pounds on better electronics.

Having said that, there is a degree of logic in the allocation of budget. I firmly believe that loudspeakers have the greatest impact on audio quality (just look at the THD figures!), so I spent the most money there. I'm by no means denying that better electronics would be an improvement, of course...but I had to prioritise.

Leaving off-the-shelf products aside for a moment, I think that acoustic treatment of the listening room would have the greatest impact of all. I once listened to a pair of £150 bookshelf speakers in a treated room, and the (subjectively) results were stunning compared with prior experiences of even quite expensive speakers in the average living room. I think that's an aspect that the industry press barely touch upon, and it's arguably the greatest variable of them all.

...which leads us neatly back to cars. The acoustics of the average car interior lend themselves to better quality of reproduction than the average living room...until you start the engine and start moving, of course!

cheers

James