Can't watch it in the UK for some reason. It's blocked.🙁

Craig🙂

Maybe this link works?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esk8OFx7QFw

On the other hand, I can't watch any of the Top Gear movies on the BBC site because I am not in the UK. Luckily we have one united Europe......😕

Peter Pan posted this on his thread

Try this link.

I honestly don't know too much about how well engineered the B&O car stereo's are, but I'd assume they put a fair bit of research into it before slapping their name in any auto maker's product.  This is easily an area where a company could 'sell-out' so to speak.  Perhaps some of the B&O experts here can explain a little more about thier automotive products.

What I do know of the Bose systems, however, is that they take fairly medium quality components and equalize the crap out of the sound so it impresses people - 'enhancing' (bloating) the bass and spiking the treble.  To a non critical listener it gives the illusion of sounding crystal clear and having "Awesome" bass.  I suppose it's a worthwile upgrade over many standard stereo's, but it's really not all that impressive.

I'd put the Mark Levinson stereo's on many Lexus models on par with the B&O systems.  The Mark Levinson systems are quite simply stellar. Burmester also supplies some creme-de-la-creme stereo's to Porsche & Bugatti.  You couldn't go wrong with any of these three systems.  I haven't heard any Burmester equipped cars, but have experienced B&O Audi's & ML Lexi.  Faultless.

Other great car stereo's more along the lines of Bose include Dynaudio on many Volvo's, Panasonic DVD-Audio in some Acura's, and Lexicon systems in upscale Hyundai's.  All fairly respectable, but the B&O / Mark Levinson / Burmester systems are a class above.

Mike

Evan wrote:

I once stumbled upon an unlocked Maserati Quattraporte with the 9 speaker Bose system. I could only listen to the radio, it was ok. Just as mentioned, the eq had a bit of a boost at the bottom and top. I took the volume all the way to the top and it couldn't sustain any clarity/accuracy.I have yet to hear any of the levinson or b&o systems yet.The stereo in my Accord is made by Foster/Fostex of japan and it's pretty incredible for 270w and 7 speakers. It has woven kevlar woofers and they can take a direct hit from anything. It too is really bassy and really bright but I dialed it back and it works great. I've been away from it for about two weeks now and I'm really missing it!! The best car stereo I have ever heard is the current Acura TL ELS (elliot lee scheiner) 14 speaker system. An absolute gem.

I'd do more than listen to the radio if I stumbled upon an unlocked Maserati . . .  :)

But yes, the ELS system (I'd forgotten it's name) is simply excellent.  Defininitely better than Bose, but then you're stuck with a beaked Acura!
I also forgot to mention the B&W system in the new Jaguars.  I haven't heard it myself, but have only read raving reveiws.  Granted, they're from auto publications and not the likes of Stereophile or anything, but speaker drivers make the biggest difference, and I'd certainly trust B&W.

Mike

murcieme wrote:

I honestly don't know too much about how well engineered the B&O car stereo's are, but I'd assume they put a fair bit of research into it before slapping their name in any auto maker's product.  This is easily an area where a company could 'sell-out' so to speak. 

My understanding is they put a lot of work into this; a larger number and speakers, with DSP's behind it- that is unique to their automotive work so far, isn't it? I've read they have a number of classically trained musicians listening and working on these systems- does anyone know if other companies use people with a background like that? Or is it mostly engineers with microphones and oscilloscopes!? And didn't Dr. Bose work at B&O some time ago? Sorry for raising so many questions...

spthomas wrote:

My understanding is they put a lot of work into this; a larger number and speakers, with DSP's behind it- that is unique to their automotive work so far, isn't it? I've read they have a number of classically trained musicians listening and working on these systems- does anyone know if other companies use people with a background like that? Or is it mostly engineers with microphones and oscilloscopes!? And didn't Dr. Bose work at B&O some time ago? Sorry for raising so many questions...

That's what I've heard regarding the auto B&O systems too, that they were extensively engineered.  I don't doubt that at all, but most of what I'm aware of was from press releases and the like.  :)  I've heard similar work was put into the Mark Levinson & even the Panasonic ELS systems, again through PR, but judging from the reputiation of the truly high end manufacturers and the sound of the systems there's no reason to doubt it either.

As for Amar Bose, I don't think he ever worked for B&O, but I remember hearing that he was dissapointed in the sound from his high end stereo back in the 50's or 60's, which prompted him to get into home audio.  Perhaps he had a B&O system?  His spin was always 'concert hall sound' more than accurate sound reproduction.

I can appreciate that some consumers buy into this.  The "Bose Sound" is big and airy, and if consumers like how it sounds than that's all that matters, really.  What I hear is bloated bass and shrill treble, and huge portions of the frequency spectrum ignored or simply absent!  I also don't appreciate the price premium when you open up a Bose speaker to find cheap paper driver and mid-grade-or-worse electronics.  I find most of their home audio equipment is a big con.  Their automotive applications are a little less so IMO. I have to say I was very impressed with the system in the Infiniti M56.  No other Bose system in any other car has impressed me much though - don't know what was so different with the Infiniti, but the Audi and Lexussess's were still nicer sounding.

Bose is a genius though.  The company is currently working on a revolutionary suspension system for cars that read the road ahead of you so accurately even huge potholes would barely be noticed inside the car.  I beleive he has other impressive inventions underneath his belt too.  Weren't they the pioneers in noise cancelling headphones?

Mike