Seen lots of posts with complaints about the B&W stereo.

I was a bit underwhelmed by it initially. But playing with settings as passenger on a long road trip, switched from the default Dolby Pro Logic to 3 Channel, and now I am rather pleased.

Since fiddling around more, I now think the DPL sounds fairly decent on higher volume settings. But for where I keep the stereo most of the time (bottom quarter), it sounds flat and very artificial. 3 Channel sounds very good across that range.

Just my 2 cents...

Cheers,

- Will

 

The B&W is a great sound system . It is all about the sound settings you are choosing and the music format you are using. I compared all 4 formats in my jag (iPhone port, aux, USB and the CD) the CD is the best in the sound quality. With CD the B&W shows the all aspects of how good this sound system is in the XF.

 

I agree with you, the CD sounds the best of all inputs. This holds true for other cars as well tha thave similiar input options.CD always sounds best for some reason.

 

I am more than pleased with the B&W system in my SC. I keep it on the Dobly Pro Logic setting. Most of the time I am listening to downloads onto my ipod or from a CD.

I have a decent home system (Anthony Gallo 3.0 speakers with a Musical Fidelity integrated amp and matching CD player (combo tube and solid state). Anyway, what is apparent is that the better the recording, the better the system sounds. Good systems can bring out the worst in a recording. A poor recording will sound better on a lesser system most of the time. The CD's sound better because as a recording format they are generally better than everything except LP's (vinyl). It is due to how the sound is modified (compressed) to have it fit into a particular format. I haven't read up on the particulars of compression in the various formats in some time, but an internet search will provide some info for those interested.

 

I have B&W's flagship Diamond line in my HT. The sound out of these speakers is nothing short of stunning. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the B&W transducers in my XKR. To put it succinctly, the sound is underwhelming. I've tried fiddling with every audio setting but still can't get it to my liking. I think the engineers in Steyning, England should stick to what they know best -- building reference monitors for studios and home audio enthusiasts.

Mike

 

Has anyone auditioned the Meridan systems that Jag is now putting in vs the B&W?

 

I had been thinking the system wasn't that special after a month with the car, then I turned it up for a while. It's a great system when run a bit louder, not ear-splitting or even loud...just louder than you're otherwise inclined.

My two cents.

 

Performing an audio calibration should help most, along with CD source material as mentioned, and the realization that listening at lower volume levels will always cause the bass volume to be perceived as lacking compared to when the volume is higher.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...results-64072/

Bruce

 

Years ago I used to install custom sound systems in all my cars, speakers, amps, sub boxes, wiring etc. I have since outgrown that and performance has become the priority.

I must say the B&W system in my XF is simply outstanding and I won't even qualify that by saying "for a stock system". My wife and I took a road trip up to NYC and back recently and we 'rocked' all the way up and back! The sound system was wonderful, the car is comfortable and driving it is a sheer joy with all that refined power on tap, we thoroughly enjoyed the 'getting there' and 'getting back' part of our trip.

The best part? The cooled seats!