Audi Roadjet features concept sound system from B&O
The renowned audiophiles at Bang & Olufson developed a 14-speaker, 1,000-watt sound system for Audi called the Advanced Sound System, or A.S.S. (too funny), which can be ordered with an A8 or S8.
A newer version of A.S.S. debuted on Audi’s Roadjet Concept at the Detroit auto show that features Acoustic Lens Technology. Developed to better disperse high frequencies in the car, these ACT speakers automatically rise out of the dashboard of the car to deliver the same high fidelity audio experience to any occupant of the car.
An A.S.S. system will set you back about $7,000. That’s a drop in the bucket compared to the $118,910 you might spend on an A8 L W12 quattro, so what the hell? You only live once.
[Source: Audi and Fourtitude]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Francois Massanka 2:30AM (3/19/2006)
I think any of anyone who disagrees with the price of B&O system in Audi automobile doesn't know the meaning of true luxury! $7k is a good deal for such a high end stereo system in a high end motor car like Audi.
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Za 11:04AM (1/14/2006)
That just isn't right.
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emulous1974 11:34AM (1/14/2006)
I'm one of the idiots that spent more than 7K installing an awesome stereo system back in the early 90's into my '93 NX2000. So obviously putting in a 7K system into a 17K car seems crazy but I have yet to hear a car stereo system that I like better. Of course life, like paying for college and what not got in the way and I wasn't able to keep it up after graduating.
I have a lot of high-end car audio pieces sitting in my basement that I've been buying as I can afford over the last three years. I finally have a car I want to install them all in and Subaru has integrated the climate control system in the stock head unit. What this means is the head unit and hvac system share a united silicone board and one won't work without the other. Talk about frustration.
I don't think 7K is too bad for a system by B&O, considering what an equal aftermarket luxury system would cost you installed, it's probably a damn good deal.
B&O has always been on the forefront of design of their equipment without effecting it's amazing sound, and since Audi has the best interiors I think it's a good component to through into the interior. I wonder if the local Audi Dealer will just let me sit inside an A8 and listen?
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Chris Meisenzahl 12:24PM (1/14/2006)
$7k?!? I can buy a decent used CAR for that! ;-)
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G. Snyder 1:38PM (1/14/2006)
B&O are more about style than sound. This is mimics their other product lines - a lot of money for something not really worth it.
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ferplexion 2:06PM (1/14/2006)
actually, G Snyder, B&O's ICEPower is truly a great innovation. It's the fist class-d amp available in an automotive sound system, and B&O is licensing the technology to high end audio guru Jeff Rowland, among others.
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G. Snyder 3:32PM (1/14/2006)
That is fine, but if you compare the actual sounds and technology products of B&O to other manufacturers (particularly in the home audio space) the only argument for the $$$ becomes the style. Class D amplifier technology should not cost that much - that is all I am saying.
I am not dismissing style either - I think the stuff looks really cool.
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Nick 4:55PM (1/15/2006)
Only one minor comment, it's Bang & Olufsen, not Olufson, right? They are Danes after all... :)
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