XKR Cab - Ventilated seats vs Bower@Wilkins
Discussion
Yes that's a strange title. Let me explain.
I am on the market for a X150 4.2 XKR cabriolet.
I am proposed two cars with very similar configurations and values.
Except ...
Car 1: early 2010 model with B&W stereo and no ventilated seats
Car 2: late 2009 model with Alpine stereo and ventilated seats
I think ventilated seats are a real plus in a cabriolet (keep you cool when topdown and allow no to use Aircon when topup). But I also am also very fond of music. Not loud music, but good music.
So my question is:
Is the B&W much better than the Alpine?
Is there a perceptible difference in a cabriolet anyways?
Is the B&W a complete different system or is it just different loud speakers?
Thanks.
I am on the market for a X150 4.2 XKR cabriolet.
I am proposed two cars with very similar configurations and values.
Except ...
Car 1: early 2010 model with B&W stereo and no ventilated seats
Car 2: late 2009 model with Alpine stereo and ventilated seats
I think ventilated seats are a real plus in a cabriolet (keep you cool when topdown and allow no to use Aircon when topup). But I also am also very fond of music. Not loud music, but good music.
So my question is:
Is the B&W much better than the Alpine?
Is there a perceptible difference in a cabriolet anyways?
Is the B&W a complete different system or is it just different loud speakers?
Thanks.
Had my XKR Convertible for a month now, the audio B&W is sublime IMHO, I would say that with the hood and right foot down it does get a little drowned out by the 5 ltr V8 in dynamic mode. 
Heated seats are first class as is the heated steering wheel, haven't had the seats in cool mode yet, too bloody cold!
Heated seats are first class as is the heated steering wheel, haven't had the seats in cool mode yet, too bloody cold!
I have three XK's at the moment! 2007, 2011 and 2014. (Obsession!)
Personally I'd pick the nicest car based on mileage and condition. The stereo and seats are secondary to that.
The BW stereo is better. I prefer to it to the more recent Meridien system too.
The seats are nice but you'll only ever use them if it's very hot.
I agree with the comment about the heated steering wheel. A fabulous feature especially in a convertible.
Whichever you go for the XK is a great car and a future classic. Enjoy!
Personally I'd pick the nicest car based on mileage and condition. The stereo and seats are secondary to that.
The BW stereo is better. I prefer to it to the more recent Meridien system too.
The seats are nice but you'll only ever use them if it's very hot.
I agree with the comment about the heated steering wheel. A fabulous feature especially in a convertible.
Whichever you go for the XK is a great car and a future classic. Enjoy!
The B&W system in the XK was not the epic system that was available on the XJ. I had a new XJ with B&W in 12 followed by a new XKR IN 2013 and there was no comparison. In the US all XKR 5.0's had both ventilated seats and B&W. if you have to choose I wouldn't set too much store in the B&W. My advice would be to not worry about the audio and get an early 5.0.
Edited by unrepentant on Tuesday 24th January 22:37
Big Al. said:
Had my XKR Convertible for a month now, the audio B&W is sublime IMHO, I would say that with the hood and right foot down it does get a little drowned out by the 5 ltr V8 in dynamic mode.
Heated seats are first class as is the heated steering wheel, haven't had the seats in cool mode yet, too bloody cold!
Glad to see you've joined the Jag brigade Al. Heated seats are first class as is the heated steering wheel, haven't had the seats in cool mode yet, too bloody cold!
unrepentant said:
The B&W system in the XK was not the epic system that was available on the XJ. I had a new XJ with B&W in 12 followed by a new XKR IN 2013 and there was no comparison. In the US all XKR 5.0's had both ventilated seats and B&W. if you have to choose I wouldn't set too much store in the B&W. My advice would be to not worry about the audio and get an early 5.0.
For a convertible the sound system is epic, it reproduces sound very well. Then, there may be spec differences for different markets. Not all XKR's here have vented seats (mine for example has the heated sports seats).Edited by unrepentant on Tuesday 24th January 22:37
Al, the heated steering wheel is a revelation isn't it?!
PH XKR said:
unrepentant said:
The B&W system in the XK was not the epic system that was available on the XJ. I had a new XJ with B&W in 12 followed by a new XKR IN 2013 and there was no comparison. In the US all XKR 5.0's had both ventilated seats and B&W. if you have to choose I wouldn't set too much store in the B&W. My advice would be to not worry about the audio and get an early 5.0.
For a convertible the sound system is epic, it reproduces sound very well. Then, there may be spec differences for different markets. Not all XKR's here have vented seats (mine for example has the heated sports seats).Edited by unrepentant on Tuesday 24th January 22:37
Having said that it's better than the Meridian system in my F-Type R. Vibration is shocking (they've had loads of complaints), the much cheaper Burmester system in my Mercedes is way better. I had the same Meridian system in my F-Type V8-S and the vibration was not an issue but in the coupe it's awful. There was a fix but it made little difference. Fortunately the pipes on the F make the audio redundant.
Good to see you posting again mate OH 
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