Has anyone heard the optional bang olufsen stereo in the aston? They are about $7k option and was wondering how they sound. My dealer didn't have one to test. The standard stereo sounds ok. Would appreciate comments. Thanks

 

I have a B&O in my Virage and had one in my DB9. It was one of the must have options and I wouldn't even look at cars w/o it. One of the best car audio systems I've ever experienced (had the Burmester, Bowers & Wilkins and other B&O equipped cars...). In fairness, I must add that I've not spent any time in an AM w/o the B&O so I cannot speak to how the base stereo sounds. Some say, it sounds good enough not to spend the money on the B&O... I guess it depends on whether your ordering a car or buying a car already on the ground (new or used)? Fact is, the cost between one with and one w/o is somewhat minimized if the car is already on the ground and especially if its used. Point is, you won't get much credit for it if you're ordering a new car and go to sell/trade it.

 

i've heard it and it's really good. but for me, it's hard to justify the $7k over the 700W "premium audio" (which is what i have in my V8V). the step from the standard 160W system to the 700W system is very noticeable, though. just my two cents. every ear is different!

 

I have had the premium stereo and the B&O. While the B&O is fantastic and adds a cool factor with the rising tweeters, I'd recommend going with the premium stereo, which is excellent and a helluva lot cheaper.

 

How much is the premium system over the standard?

 

i believe the 700W premium audio is a $1600 option, but it also depends on the car (i think the DBS has the 700W system as standard). much more cost efficient and worthwhile than a $7-8k system, i think.

 

So it's really a $5.4-6.4k option on a Vantage IF you're going to get the Premium Sound? On a car that is $150k+ AM......

To me, I would have passed on the Virage I just bought if it didn't have the B&O.

 

Only B&O on the DBS

 

I have the B&O in my Vantage roadster and have to say I've been a little underwhelmed. Though several years ago (2009) I listened to it in a DB9 and it was simply amazing. At it's last service I mentioned that it didn't sound as good as I thought it should and they re-flashed it. When I got it back it didn't sound any different, though the auto-volume started working (but for only a few weeks).

 

I actually did not know there are 3 options. I thought it was standard and B&O. Is there a difference between the 160W standard and the 700W premium sound?

 

yes, lots of difference. a google search will bring up a lot of info on 6speed about this topic.

 

I would be very interested to know if the underwhelming result you experienced could be attributed to the diff between the long chassis vs the short? Pure speculation unless a side by side takes place. Anybody want to try it for fun and post results?

 

I also have the B&O system on my 2012 Virage *purchased in Jan/13) and it was one of the options that I am glad was on the car. I can't speak to the premium system, but the B&O really shines with good source material. There aren't a lot of options to "tweak" the sound, but it sounds very balanced with enough mid and high range and pretty significant thump with the bass & subs.

 

In a Vantage, IMO the Premium is the best choice. I have the Premium system in my car, and it's superb. I've listened to the B&O in a Vantage, and I didn't think it was any better. People who are more knowledgeable audiophiles than I am have told me the same. Some of them prefer the Premium, some prefer the B&O, but by a small margin either way. Note that the B&O exacts a small penalty in trunk space, and (I believe) adds a bit of weight. The rising tweeters do look cool, though.

 

I have it in my V12V. I think it's a worthy option although you're not likely to recup much of the $8k when you sell the car. If the used car has one then it's a great extra addition for the purchase. The system does sound good and looks cool.