Acura and Bang & Olufsen™
#41
I'm surprised nobody has tested that yet since the ZDX is in stock at dealers.
Charlie at Daily Motors / DM Sound on YT tested the B&O in recent Audis. They passed the 5.0 test but failed the 5.1 since the LFE subwoofer channel was also sending sound to the center channel speaker, which would not happen in a true 5.1 system like the ELS. I imagine the Acura B&O will be similar to that.
I might just go tomorrow and test one myself, that's going to determine if I buy a slightly used MDX or splurge for a new one. I assume the B&O in the ZDX will be comparable to the upcoming MDX as far as features. If I do, I'll post the results here.
Charlie at Daily Motors / DM Sound on YT tested the B&O in recent Audis. They passed the 5.0 test but failed the 5.1 since the LFE subwoofer channel was also sending sound to the center channel speaker, which would not happen in a true 5.1 system like the ELS. I imagine the Acura B&O will be similar to that.
I might just go tomorrow and test one myself, that's going to determine if I buy a slightly used MDX or splurge for a new one. I assume the B&O in the ZDX will be comparable to the upcoming MDX as far as features. If I do, I'll post the results here.
#44
What's a review by someone else going to tell you? The only review that means anything to me is what my ears tell me when I listen to a system. I'll either like it or I won't. I'm not going to be listening with someone else's ears, only my own. Reviews by other's are interesting, but I don't pay much attention to them.
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#45
I know every single owner and journalist praised the MDX' audio (in general the ELS system for the entire Acura lineup) and had nothing but great things to say. SG always says Acura got one of the best audio systems (a source that I trust a lot). Today, when I read the news about "Acura and Bang & Olufsen™ Launch New Premium Audio Collaboration for All Future Acura Models", I will be honest, I felt sad! Since 2004, Acura vehicles are having one of the best sound systems in their respective segments. It's always a pleasure to listen to the music in my TL and MDX. I am not too sure about B&O as this is going to be more mainstream, whereas the ELS was dedicated to Acura and Elliot used to put a lot of effort to make it better and better. I asked Jon River and he is positive that it will be better....
What do you guys think?
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...e-acura-models
What do you guys think?
https://acuranews.com/en-US/releases...e-acura-models
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Tony Pac (07-09-2024)
#46
What's a review by someone else going to tell you? The only review that means anything to me is what my ears tell me when I listen to a system. I'll either like it or I won't. I'm not going to be listening with someone else's ears, only my own. Reviews by other's are interesting, but I don't pay much attention to them.
#47
Agreed! Everyone's ears are different. Savage Geese is very informative with their audio reviews - but individual ears are the best judge. I listened to the JBL in the new Toyota Crown and to my own ears it sounded lifeless and dull. Yet many car reviewers say the JBL in Toyotas is acceptable to very good. Not to me! The best thing I can say about Toyota JBL is that it improves on the standard sound system, but that's not saying much.
I guess in fairness savage geese does audio reviews using objective technology, not simply personal impressions. With that being said, something could be perfectly balanced from a machine POV but sounds very different to the human ear.
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Tony Pac (07-09-2024)
#49
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#50
Autoblog's first drive review
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
#51
Autoblog's first drive review
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
It may not be found on any pro review but someone on AZ mentioned the new B&O system doesn't play multichannel FLAC files?!!! I hope I'm wrong and that it was ZDX only...
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HotRodW (07-09-2024)
#52
Here's the best YT audio reviewer:
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
#53
Here's the best YT audio reviewer: https://youtu.be/ZhpL1ycqJxw?si=OdLQkoGcoboeS-6D
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
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WasabiPeas (07-09-2024)
#54
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Joined: May 2014
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Autoblog's first drive review
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
https://www.autoblog.com/2024/07/09/...x-first-drive/
They weren't terribly impressed with the B&O system ...
"Speaking of songs, the 2025 MDX is the first actual Acura to be fitted with a Bang & Olufsen sound system, rather than the Panasonic/ELS systems that have been a staple for nearly two decades. Standard on the MDX Technology, A-Spec and Advance packages/trims is a 19-speaker system, while the Type S Advance (the only Type S version there is) gets 31 speakers, 12(!) of which are in the ceiling, 24 channels of power, two amplifiers and an 8.8-inch subwoofer. The latter is a bit too aggressive, though, especially when using the 3D surround levels. And although I’m not an audio expert, I was ultimately underwhelmed. I found it very inconsistent between audio tracks and had a hard time finding appropriate levels despite the Beosonic one-touch control (you move a round dot within a larger circle divided between higher and lower treble/bass settings) that’s admittedly a bit fiddly to operate while moving."
#55
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Here's the best YT audio reviewer: https://youtu.be/ZhpL1ycqJxw?si=OdLQkoGcoboeS-6D
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
Still only gave it an A which is the same score he gave the previous ELS system. That's also the same score as the 14-speaker Macan Bose system and the 13-speaker Mercedes Burmester system. He did confirm with Acura that it does have full 5.1 audio support. It still isn't the highest scoring audio system which is a little disappointing considering all the hype.
#56
And yet Charlie from DM Sound made similar comments, finding it to be overall a slight degradation from the ELS system. Even if we call it a wash, what was the point? Is the B&O name really that much of a draw that it was worth making the change if the end user experience doesn't improve?
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ELIN (07-09-2024)
#57
And yet Charlie from DM Sound made similar comments, finding it to be overall a slight degradation from the ELS system. Even if we call it a wash, what was the point? Is the B&O name really that much of a draw that it was worth making the change if the end user experience doesn't improve?
All joking aside, Acura is following in the footsteps of other makes in joining the Harman line of products. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em right?
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HotRodW (07-09-2024)
#58
And yet Charlie from DM Sound made similar comments, finding it to be overall a slight degradation from the ELS system. Even if we call it a wash, what was the point? Is the B&O name really that much of a draw that it was worth making the change if the end user experience doesn't improve?
#60
Not the biggest loss but the article also mentioned that the satellite radio is gone! Folks who move around the country will have to find other means to follow their favorite team!
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HotRodW (07-09-2024)
#61
#62
#63
And when I google "ELS Audio", the first result is a direct link to Acura. That is not a bad thing. The ultimate irony will be if one of the more prestigious auto brands partners with ELS at some point.
https://www.acura.com/els-studio
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ELIN (07-09-2024)
#64
People in the know about car audio absolutely know about ELS. And if they don't, I'd argue the audio isn't really important to them. Of all the reasons people shopping Acuras ultimately take their money elsewhere, the ELS branded audio system is far enough down the list that it easily could have been left alone. I contend it should have been left alone. If anybody here didn't buy an Acura because of the ELS system, I'd like to hear from them.
And when I google "ELS Audio", the first result is a direct link to Acura. That is not a bad thing. The ultimate irony will be if one of the more prestigious auto brands partners with ELS at some point.
https://www.acura.com/els-studio
And when I google "ELS Audio", the first result is a direct link to Acura. That is not a bad thing. The ultimate irony will be if one of the more prestigious auto brands partners with ELS at some point.
https://www.acura.com/els-studio
#65
People here are enthusiasts who do their research. Your regular buyer isn't going to know ELS is good; they just know B&O is fancy because it's used on other fancy cars. And those people outnumber enthusiasts by orders of magnitude. There are plenty of people who check the box for Burmester, B&W, B&O, hell even Harmon Kardon and Bose not because they care that much about audio, but because they want high end and they associate those names with high end.
#66
But do those high end audio names actually influence purchase decisions for people who don't care that much about audio? Will Acura ultimately sell more MDX's because of this B&O partnership? I suspect very few. And there are probably others like myself who view the move in a negative way. I can get B&O elsewhere, but Acura is was the only place I could get ELS.
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HotRodW (07-09-2024)
#67
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@HotRodW believe me I love the ELS system and I think it's a great product. But as @fiatlux mentioned, outside of Acura loyalist, not many know the brand. My colleague has a TLX TYPE S and we were talking about his sound system. Believe me, he had no clue about the arginine of ELS and who is behind it and etc.
That said, I haven't tested the new system, so I better shut up
That said, I haven't tested the new system, so I better shut up
#68
Well, I tested the B&O in a ZDX today. It sounds really good, on par with the ELS. However, I could not get it to play discrete 5.1, no matter how I changed the settings. The rear channels would keep playing through the back and front speakers. An MDX with the ELS played it perfectly btw. Unless I was doing something wrong, it looks like we're losing that feature. I also didn't like the touchscreen, too much reaching and distraction to take your eyes off the road. Looks like I'll be getting a 22-24 MDX.
It's formatted Fat32 like what was customary with the ELS systems. Has anyone else tested a 2025 MDX audio using USB, and did you have any problems or use a different file type? I can't find any information on the audio requirements like Acura gave on the ELS systems.
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