To the extent anyone from Audi is listening to these forums, I'd like to offer feedback and request any solutions:

I recently picked up my new 2010 Premium Plus S-line Q5 with the B&O package. I opted for the standard Audi stereo interface (with AMI) because I did not want navigation and I find the MMI interface unusable.

I am very pleased with all aspects of the car with the exception of the Bang & Olufsen stereo. While I appreciate the well-balanced sound, it is volume limited! Specifically, the volume is capped at a level that I would call UNACCEPTABLY low. For an $800 upgrade, I am actually angry at its underperformance.

For audiophiles who really enjoy music in their cars (I typically run custom stereos throughout my vehicles), the B&O is going to be a significant disappointment.

Anyone know if these volume limiters can be adjusted via Vag-Com?

...For audiophiles who really enjoy music in their cars (I typically run custom stereos throughout my vehicles), the B&O is going to be a significant disappointment.

Anyone know if these volume limiters can be adjusted via Vag-Com?

The B&O system is about clear sound, not neccessarily about loud sound I am also disappointed somewhat w/ B&O system but not because it's not loud enough (for me there is enough "juice"), but because of its limited adjustability, also sound quality is somewhat "harsh" (cannot describe well).
But given that it would be almost impossible (and definitely VERY EXPENSIVE) to install aftermarket sound system, I opted for B&O (also w/o navigation).

PS
after all its "only" $800, not $6K like in the A8

I find the B&O to be excellent. I have some songs on my iPod that were recorded with a lower volume level so I do sometimes find myself wishing I could crank the amps to 11 but, mostly, I love it.

the quality of sound is outstanding! Overall, it gets plenty loud and I listen to a variety of music. Is it worth the upgrade price? I don't know as I've not compared the two sound systems and B&O was standard in the '10 prestige package along with navi.

Sometimes I wish I could crank it just a little louder but that is just the 80's metal-head in me. Most of the time I walk away feeling satisfied and I often find myself searching my iPod for the next song that will rock the B&O even more than the last!

maybe i'm just old, but i think it's plenty loud. I've yet to crank it full volume but if i did, it would be way too loud!

...
I am very pleased with all aspects of the car with the exception of the Bang & Olufsen stereo. While I appreciate the well-balanced sound, it is volume limited! Specifically, the volume is capped at a level that I would call UNACCEPTABLY low. For an $800 upgrade, I am actually angry at its underperformance.

...Anyone know if these volume limiters can be adjusted via Vag-Com?

there is a setting in the menu that allows you to adjust loudness of individual input/ media source- you can make a particular source (radio, etc. ) to sound louder then another source (like satellite, etc.) -try to dig into the menu...Hope it helps..

Thanks -- I know what you're referring to & tried that. All settings are set to max. I would estimate max volume is 60% as loud as any other vehicle's stock stereo could achieve.

dmcjoshua, if you are looking for window shaking loud, the B&O system is not going to do that for you. You can write a letter to Audi for saving your hearing later on :)
Overall, I found the B&O loud enough, but it could have more clearity. The Bose system in the A6 has more clearity. The B&O system in the A8 is simply amazing, I guess I was ecpecting too much from the Q5 B&O to sounds similar to the A8.

The B&O system is about clear sound, not neccessarily about loud sound I am also disappointed somewhat w/ B&O system but not because it's not loud enough (for me there is enough "juice"), but because of its limited adjustability, also sound quality is somewhat "harsh" (cannot describe well).
But given that it would be almost impossible (and definitely VERY EXPENSIVE) to install aftermarket sound system, I opted for B&O (also w/o navigation).

PS
after all its "only" $800, not $6K like in the A8

I didn't get the B&O system simply on the bases that if you are driving with the windows and/or roof open, the system is useless. I used to have a B&O home theatre system in my house and learnt my lesson! They are very overpriced and very quiet by nature, the sound quality is however good.

I'll be replacing the factory speakers in my Q5 with Bose as soon as I pick it up. If you want quality sound and juice to go with your speakers, Bose is the clear (no pun intended) choice.

which costs $7800 as a stand-alone option :-)

dmcjoshua, if you are looking for window shaking loud, the B&O system is not going to do that for you. You can write a letter to Audi for saving your hearing later on :)
Overall, I found the B&O loud enough, but it could have more clearity. The Bose system in the A6 has more clearity. The B&O system in the A8 is simply amazing, I guess I was ecpecting too much from the Q5 B&O to sounds similar to the A8.

I remember reading somewhere that in the non-navigation (or pseudo-MMI) vehicles, the individual B&O amps are connected to the head-unit via an analog link vs. the full-MMI system which employs digital-links via the MOST-bus. Not sure if that accounts for what you are experiencing, although I would expect the sound to be slightly brighter/cleaner with the digital link not neccessarily louder.
Did you turn on the GALA PLUS/VNC? It's not only a speed-sensitive system but also an active-noise cancelling system which could alter your perception of volume by cutting out the unwanted sounds.

Personally, I love the B&O, and find the volume and clarity to be superb. I had Bose in both my A4s and I always regretted it. There was no mid-range and the bass was either on or off (common complaint with the Bose).
Also, 7.1 surround sounds amazing through the B&O!

I remember reading somewhere that in the non-navigation (or pseudo-MMI) vehicles, the individual B&O amps are connected to the head-unit via an analog link vs. the full-MMI system which employs digital-links via the MOST-bus. Not sure if that accounts for what you are experiencing, although I would expect the sound to be slightly brighter/cleaner with the digital link not neccessarily louder.
Did you turn on the GALA PLUS/VNC? It's not only a speed-sensitive system but also an active-noise cancelling system which could alter your perception of volume by cutting out the unwanted sounds.

Personally, I love the B&O, and find the volume and clarity to be superb. I had Bose in both my A4s and I always regretted it. There was no mid-range and the bass was either on or off (common complaint with the Bose).
Also, 7.1 surround sounds amazing through the B&O!

Yeah but at $40USD/speaker I can still afford gas while playing my system louder...just saying lol.

...
I'll be replacing the factory speakers in my Q5 with Bose as soon as I pick it up. If you want quality sound and juice to go with your speakers, Bose is the clear (no pun intended) choice.

I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything

I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything

I agree, unless you have really cheap speakers, changing them will not improve the sound too much. The amp and the digital sound processor is where one should look for improvement.

I find that the sound quality depends largely on the source, some iPod and SD card songs have poor quality and low volume, CD's seem crisp, clear and have excellent range and volume. It must be related to the type of file or how it was downloaded?

I have not heard of Bose automobile speakers, but usually problem is amps not putting out enough power, not the speakers. It is vey difficult to find the same size speaker, with same impedance as original, and better efficiency (better efficiency=louder output)...you can of course try to install one of aftermarket sound processors and aftermarket amp. after that, last time I tried in LR2 it did not work well, had to remove everything

As a professional sound engineer, the speakers play a huge part of the sound reproduction. I will be adding a new pre-amp and crossover as should anyone who is changing the speakers in their vehicle. However this post is pertaining to the B&O speakers and the lack of volume. Basically B&O are simply unable to handle high volumes (from personal experience), they are great at creating crisp concise mid to high ranges, but struggles with low ends. Ideally, this car should have used Naim for the amp and speakers, this would have allowed you to hear the best quality sound and still have the windows open.

Yep haven't heard of aftermarket Bose speakers either... would be a PITA to retrofit since they are usually individually amped and are around 1 to 2ohms impedance.

Yep haven't heard of aftermarket Bose speakers either... would be a PITA to retrofit since they are usually individually amped and are around 1 to 2ohms impedance.

A task I have done before...not really a PITA

Thanks for the heads-up...I'm considering ordering a Q5 and just assumed the B&O was going to be louder. I will stop back to the dealer and test both to be sure.

Awesome... let us know how it goes.

A task I have done before...not really a PITA

Thanks for the heads-up...I'm considering ordering a Q5 and just assumed the B&O was going to be louder. I will stop back to the dealer and test both to be sure.

The base system is actually pretty good, the B&O is a bitter more power and clearer, but not by much. Depending on how much performance you want out of your stereo system, the base system is fine for most people.

A task I have done before...not really a PITA

Did you do it on a fiber optic system?

yes, it could be done, most likely you will need one or even two sound processors and at least 4 (maybe 6-8) channel amplification ( if you want also change subs), plus 8 aftermarket speakers ~200/pair (or more).

That is why I said above that for $800 B&O was a decent upgrade from basic system.

Good luck, if you do do it, please let us know how difficult is was.

There is definitely a limiter on it. I swear when I tested it out at the dealership on a different Q5 it was loud and powerful... then when mine came in, it kept adjusting the sound to be quieter when a louder part of the song would start.

Here is the weird part. If you turn it up all the way, and then go to sound setting, and make adjustment, the volume will boost for a moment, then come back down. I would love to find a way to turn this off.

Also, as far as changing the input volume of the device, in the manual it says if you want control you have to have the 3.5mm adapter.

Another post someone found a way to raise the volume 6db with the VAG cable... might have to do that if there is no other fix.

This is a (now) three year old thread you revived :)

It gets MORE than loud enough for me and anyone within 20 yards ...

Maybe the staid germans didn't want a boombox on wheels as their standard bearer :)

or maybe it's to save the speakers in that the amp can overpower the speakers...

I agree with some of the comments here.

It is has plenty of clarity and volume. Not really happy with the limited bass and treble. Would like to get a litte more "boom" out of it without the screeching highs.

There is definitely a limiter on it. I swear when I tested it out at the dealership on a different Q5 it was loud and powerful... then when mine came in, it kept adjusting the sound to be quieter when a louder part of the song would start.

Here is the weird part. If you turn it up all the way, and then go to sound setting, and make adjustment, the volume will boost for a moment, then come back down. I would love to find a way to turn this off.

Also, as far as changing the input volume of the device, in the manual it says if you want control you have to have the 3.5mm adapter.

Another post someone found a way to raise the volume 6db with the VAG cable... might have to do that if there is no other fix.

Are you sure that you have turned OFF the GLATAS (or whatever the hell it's called) mode? From what I can gather, and I didn't notice it in the manual, but I think it's one of those horrible speed-sensitive pieces of garbage. I noticed some weird volume "surging" in my wife's brand new Q with the B&O, and when I turned that feature OFF, it totally solved the problem.

I think the system sounds great. It's very clear, crisp, and I have no complaints about the bass or overall loudness. I'm a bit of a music enthusiast, and I use very neutral monitor speakers for my stereos around the house, and I appreciate the clean, uncolored sounds from the B&O in the Q. Nice job, Audi.