Q5 base stereo is BAD

[desert_q5]

I came from a 2006 Acura TL with the ELS surround sound system. I've had my 2012 Q5 P+ for about a month now. I bought my Q5 from a very low volume dealer and they never had a Q5 in stock with the B&O stereo for me to do a comparison. I decided, possibly very foolishly, to pocket the $850. The base 10-speaker stereo is HORRIBLE. The q-value of the subwoofer is way off. The mid-range is very muffled and distorted, and the dash speakers really struggle to output very harsh treble. Stereo separation is marginal at best. Acura's 8-speaker ELS is vastly superior in every regard. To anyone considering the base stereo: if you're the kind of person who is satisfied using the white earbuds that come with your iPhone or iPod, you probably won't care. Otherwise, you will be very disappointed. If you think the base stereo is good, you have not experienced what a good stereo is supposed to sound like. Loud does not equal good. Now that I've got that off my chest, what is the best way to go about upgrading the stereo? How much $$$ am I looking at to replace all of the stock speakers and get a decent amp and crossovers in there? What kinds of aftermarket stereos have people done in the Q5?

[gheffty93]

The only way I see is to trade it in and get another Q5 with the B&O stereo. Not the most practical or cost efficient way, but maybe if you explain this situation to the dealer they'll give you a good deal. After all you have only had it for a month and they have great resale values. I would rather spend the money like that than on some hack-job stereo system that could cause damage some how.

[sjuhawks19]

I guess I'm one of those people who likes music on an iPod, I have the base stereo and I think it sounds good. They did give me one with the b&o system as a loaner one day and I do have to admit that it was much better than the stock system, one of the few regrets I have about my order. All that being said I still think the stock system sounds good, with kids in the car I cant take advantage of the better system enough anyway.

[HaveBullDogWillTravel]

WOW! You listened to it before buying, right? If you are half the audiophile that you make yourself out to be then you wouldn't need to do a side-by-side comparison with a B&O system in order to determine if the base system is "HORRIBLE".

This post makes no sense. I call TROLL. Seriously, no one could be this naive...especially an audiophile like you!

BTW, don't lose sleep over other potential purchasers being disappointed. I'm sure they will check the system out before they buy and make the correct decision based on their needs.

[gheffty93]

Ok lets not overreact here "havebull" it's a freaking car

[ticktock]

I have to agree with the original poster; and no, I'm not a troll.

I originally wanted the B&O system but there was a 3 month wait and I needed a car sooner than that. I test drove a base Q5 and the dealer talked up and down about how nice the Bose system was. Said I wouldn't miss the upgraded system.

I just think it's different when you're an audiophile compared to an average radio listener. I too have debated gutting the system and re-doing it, but it's just not worth it for me. I'm just going to deal with it and make sure to do better research before I buy my next car.

[The G Man]

Originally Posted by ticktock

I originally wanted the B&O system but there was a 3 month wait and I needed a car sooner than that. I test drove a base Q5 and the dealer talked up and down about how nice the Bose system was. Said I wouldn't miss the upgraded system.
.

FYI, the base system is not made by Bose, I think its a Audi brand.

[HaveBullDogWillTravel]

Originally Posted by gheffty93

Ok lets not overreact here "havebull" it's a freaking car

Hmmm..."overreact"?...maybe so. It's been known to happen.
Maybe he's not a TROLL

BTW, You were wondering about edit rights, I think.

try this:

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...ht=edit+rights

[mirekmal]

I have MMI 3G Plus and Audi Sound System and I do not think it sounds bad. Definitely the best sound out of all cars I had so far (all with stock audio). But well, I'm not audiophile (though not enjoying sound of stock earbuds coming with iPhone either).
Before complaing would you give some more info about equipment you do have installed in your car? Having or not B&O is not the only option:
Is it MMI 2G, 3G or 3G Plus?
Is it standard radio Chorus, Concert, Symphony?
Do you have Audi Sound System installed (I think yes, if you have 10 speakers)?
This info would be way more practical as advise for someone who would consider to follow your choice...

[awryexperiment]

I like the stock system.