Tom2006

Look for a number of manufacturers to adapt the B&O audio systems when Audi's exclsuive period expires.

Names mentioned include Acura, BMW, MB and possibly Lexus to keep up with the competition. ML is rumored to have an enhanced version of current system to compete with high end B&O system.

Look for two systems one at a mid price point and one at a high price point.

Rumor has it that Acura will work with B&O to design their center stack, steering wheel controls and buttons(as in current MB S Series) for thier new designs.

B&O is rumored to be working on ergonomics for a navigation/information system for a number of manufactuers.

This will be a great move on Acura's part to distingusih itself from the competition.

Frankly, I would prefer for Lexus to migrate to B&O. B&O is a finer system with a greater name identification as a high end system.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

B&O is all about aesthetics and unique functionality, not necessarily audiophile gear. This isn't necessarily a good thing for cars.

mavericck

Have you heard the system in the A8....its B&O system is pretty phenomenal.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1-Utk2XaU10

The only difference between the B&O system in this video and the new B&O system is that the new one has an aux jack now.

Lexwang07

Let's make a comparsion between Mark Levinson vs Bang & Olufsen?

LexusChris

iTrader: (1)

B&O I used to read when it came to home audio when I was addict to that stuff was none other than a European version of Bose. Looks good but performance blows so I don't know if you would consider that high-end. If you heard the Logic 7 on S-class or the ML LS 460L you need no better.

encore888

If Lexus ever goes into customization perhaps they could offer a 'Super-ML' package...based on the forums reports, the stock Lexus system is just average, not pretty good as previously; the ML is definitely great, especially in the higher-end models...and the top Lexus ML systems have beaten the B&O systems in many comparos. However, the B&O system has its merits as well, as reviewed and in its features.

However, considering the lengthy advertising, and long relationship, I think Lexus and Mark Levinson are a partnership that is hear to stay. Furthermore, since the ML system is considered by many to be the industry benchmark in vehicle audio, I think they can stay within this relationship and improve from there.

GUJIGUJI

I wonder how does it compare the new LS's 19 speaker ML audio system.

GUJIGUJI

Remember a friend of mine used to own a Acura RL. He wrote to ML ask them about possibilty of intalling their system on his car. He got reply that says ML only works with Lexus because it is the only cars they consider to be quiet enough to experience the high quality of sound; therefore they only will make sound systems for Lexus not other car makers.

Iceman

Two points:

1) "Bose blows" and other such nonsense demonstrates a very cursory knowledge of audio systems. While Bose is indeed expensive for what it provides (they have to pay for all that marketing somehow), they actually produce exceptional sound for small-space applications.

2) That being said, B&O is in a whole different league. They have stunningly beautiful design, but the absolute high-end performance to back it up.

mavericck

What "comparos" are you talking about? Post links.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

I highly doubt this...navigation isn't something you can just wake up and decide to make. Probably OEMed by Alpine. And I can't imagine Honda ditching Alpine when they have such long history.

And I think Subaru was on the right track with OEM equipped McIntosh headunits, too bad its not available anymore. I'd kill for a McIntosh in my car.

OC 335d

Sorry, Bose is 90% marketing, 10% R&D. Their sounds are way too artificial and bass way too boomy. Bose indeed blows for the price you pay.

Although a few steps up from Bose, they are more into fluff than sound.

Tom2006

First off, I didn't state a navigation sysytem, I referenced the ergonmics of such a system. Meaning controls, etc. This is an area B&O was received great acclaim for it's work with MB in the new S class.

Acura is not using Alpine for it's audio systems.

Tom2006

I have heard the Logic 7 and it does not compare to the B&O sysytem in the Audi.

B&O was selected over ML in a number of comparisons.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

Since when??

and where is the source for all this rumor you speak of??