The Volvo S90/V90 lease thread
Discussion
Daaaveee said:
This might not be the right place but as I also touch on PCH and this is a nice active thread I thought I would post here 
We borrowed an V90 D4 R Design Pro with Xenium Pack in Osmium Grey for the afternoon today, thinking about a replacement for our 535i. Note the comparisons are made against the older F11 5 series, not the latest G31.
First thoughts were its a great looking car! Osmium Grey is really nice, not the Mrs' favourite, we would probably go for Bursting Blue if given a choice.
The 20" wheels look great but I would prefer slightly more tyre maybe. The ride was a bit harsher than our M Sport 5 series on 19" wheels, bordering on too hard for my liking, it does crash a bit over the larger pot holes. In hand with that though I think it definitely handles better than our 5 series, flatter and more confidence inspiring.
At cruising speeds it felt quieter and more or less as comfortable, although I didn't get time to get the seat quite right but it seemed like there was plenty of adjustment to get to where I would like it.
Power wise of course it was slower, not exactly a good comparison (190 vs 305 bhp!), but the torque from the diesel definitely gave it enough get up and go. Coming from quite powerful cars beforehand (330i, M5 and 535i) it felt adequate enough for our usage as the family barge. The 8 speed gearbox was great and on par with the ZF in our 5 series.
I'm not 100% sure on the infotainment system, I don't really like the look of the map display, and would prefer tactile buttons for the climate control, but its not a deal breaker. The Mrs preferred the touch screen over the I Drive system though. Also the gadgets are great, 360 park assist is a hit with the Mrs again, and I like the Pilot Assist for a more relaxed motorway slog. The sound system was also good, not the best but a lot better than the standard stuff in our 5 series.
Size wise it felt smaller when driving but plenty of space inside, more room for our car seat than the F11, and the boot is longer but the rear more raked so the angle of it does chop in to the usable space for larger items like a pram. The panoramic roof is really nice too, and the pull up blinds in the back are a welcome addition with a baby in the back, I could see them getting broken by an older child though!
Coming on to PCH deals, Stoneacre are getting back to me with exact prices on two specs, our 'ideal' V90 D4 R Design Pro + Xenium pack, and a 'compromise' V90 D4 Momentum + Seat Pack and Park Assist.
So far our baseline is Broadspeeds quote for £2500 down, 23 x £193 a month for a V90 D4 Momentum with no options and 8k pa, amortised £289.13 a month.
I'll report back on the quotes when they come back. The next stumbling block will get selling the 535i as the trade in prices are frankly tear inducing!
Interesting what you say about handling. Not many people would be 'brave' enough to say a Volvo handles better than a 5 series but I said the exact same thing a little while back, and specifically used the term 'inspires confidence' when describing the Volvo, and that's what you've said to, albeit I was comparing with the new 5 series. Had both cars for 2 full days back to back when comparing.We borrowed an V90 D4 R Design Pro with Xenium Pack in Osmium Grey for the afternoon today, thinking about a replacement for our 535i. Note the comparisons are made against the older F11 5 series, not the latest G31.
First thoughts were its a great looking car! Osmium Grey is really nice, not the Mrs' favourite, we would probably go for Bursting Blue if given a choice.
The 20" wheels look great but I would prefer slightly more tyre maybe. The ride was a bit harsher than our M Sport 5 series on 19" wheels, bordering on too hard for my liking, it does crash a bit over the larger pot holes. In hand with that though I think it definitely handles better than our 5 series, flatter and more confidence inspiring.
At cruising speeds it felt quieter and more or less as comfortable, although I didn't get time to get the seat quite right but it seemed like there was plenty of adjustment to get to where I would like it.
Power wise of course it was slower, not exactly a good comparison (190 vs 305 bhp!), but the torque from the diesel definitely gave it enough get up and go. Coming from quite powerful cars beforehand (330i, M5 and 535i) it felt adequate enough for our usage as the family barge. The 8 speed gearbox was great and on par with the ZF in our 5 series.
I'm not 100% sure on the infotainment system, I don't really like the look of the map display, and would prefer tactile buttons for the climate control, but its not a deal breaker. The Mrs preferred the touch screen over the I Drive system though. Also the gadgets are great, 360 park assist is a hit with the Mrs again, and I like the Pilot Assist for a more relaxed motorway slog. The sound system was also good, not the best but a lot better than the standard stuff in our 5 series.
Size wise it felt smaller when driving but plenty of space inside, more room for our car seat than the F11, and the boot is longer but the rear more raked so the angle of it does chop in to the usable space for larger items like a pram. The panoramic roof is really nice too, and the pull up blinds in the back are a welcome addition with a baby in the back, I could see them getting broken by an older child though!
Coming on to PCH deals, Stoneacre are getting back to me with exact prices on two specs, our 'ideal' V90 D4 R Design Pro + Xenium pack, and a 'compromise' V90 D4 Momentum + Seat Pack and Park Assist.
So far our baseline is Broadspeeds quote for £2500 down, 23 x £193 a month for a V90 D4 Momentum with no options and 8k pa, amortised £289.13 a month.
I'll report back on the quotes when they come back. The next stumbling block will get selling the 535i as the trade in prices are frankly tear inducing!
Edited by Daaaveee on Saturday 21st April 21:20
Volvo grips well and the car is well planted in the corner as well as giving the driver a feeling of control via the chassis and steering. You never feel it's going to lose composure at all. Bmw on damp, greasy winter roads just left me feeling less confident, not quite as assured on the bends.
I'm not biased towards the Volvo either, as I've a bmw x6 too and I love bmws, but this Volvo happens to handle better than the 5 series imo.
I signed up for free 30 day Spotify premium to try out the app on the Volvo. Highly recommended. There are 3 streaming options, normal high and extreme. Obviously extreme is the button you want to select
For reference, it's more than 3 times the resolution of dab radio and you can certainly tell. It's like going from SD to HD video, ie, much better.
I also like the way you can type by drawing letters on the screen with your finger, rather than use the keyboard. Cool.
Onto sound quality. For a base system, it's pretty good, and I've quite a large hunch that you could make it 'excellent' without too much trouble. The amplification (I'm guessing at this point) is already excellent. My daughter likes the soundtracks from Trolls and Moana movies and some tracks have very strong vocalists. At the start of the Moana signature track (how far I'll go or something I think it's called) you can hear the ocean and then the vocals come in. The sound quality is simply superb.
A couple of the trolls tracks reveals some quality as well. The car can create an inky black silence behind the vocals only sections which I think is telling me that the amplification is a strong point in the system.
Once things heat up a little, the overall presentation can sound a little thin in places, and it starts to lose separation where different instruments blend into each other a little and makes it harder to pick out instruments from one another. I'm thinking the drive units are to blame here.
I'm going to get my spl meter out and calibrate it using the equaliser to see if I can remove some of that thinness. I've got a file for my home audio system with all the test tones for different frequencies.
I've got a feeling though, that a couple of focal drivers in the lower door would take the sound system to a new level. £250 would get an excellent pair of drivers and if my hunch is correct about the high quality amplification on board already, this system could really sing for a minimal upgrade.
The b&w sound system is 3k but one of the key elements of the sound system is the design of where the drive units go. It's the same on all the cars, just different drive units. Volvo have made a generous space for the lower front drive units and all that space is there to improve sound. Drive units need space and Volvo have left a nice bit of space here.
You could even buy a couple of b&w units but I prefer focal drivers myself.
In summary, I think it's worth getting Spotify, as it takes the system to another level compared to dab. Select extreme and it's a system you can then really enjoy. A calibration and a possible drive unit upgrade is something I'm now considering.
Amplification is usually the hardest and most expensive upgrade on an in car audio system but I believe that we've already got a nice amp in place already. Any other upgrades are a piece if cake to be honest.
Anyone else tried Spotify 'extreme'?
For reference, it's more than 3 times the resolution of dab radio and you can certainly tell. It's like going from SD to HD video, ie, much better.
I also like the way you can type by drawing letters on the screen with your finger, rather than use the keyboard. Cool.
Onto sound quality. For a base system, it's pretty good, and I've quite a large hunch that you could make it 'excellent' without too much trouble. The amplification (I'm guessing at this point) is already excellent. My daughter likes the soundtracks from Trolls and Moana movies and some tracks have very strong vocalists. At the start of the Moana signature track (how far I'll go or something I think it's called) you can hear the ocean and then the vocals come in. The sound quality is simply superb.
A couple of the trolls tracks reveals some quality as well. The car can create an inky black silence behind the vocals only sections which I think is telling me that the amplification is a strong point in the system.
Once things heat up a little, the overall presentation can sound a little thin in places, and it starts to lose separation where different instruments blend into each other a little and makes it harder to pick out instruments from one another. I'm thinking the drive units are to blame here.
I'm going to get my spl meter out and calibrate it using the equaliser to see if I can remove some of that thinness. I've got a file for my home audio system with all the test tones for different frequencies.
I've got a feeling though, that a couple of focal drivers in the lower door would take the sound system to a new level. £250 would get an excellent pair of drivers and if my hunch is correct about the high quality amplification on board already, this system could really sing for a minimal upgrade.
The b&w sound system is 3k but one of the key elements of the sound system is the design of where the drive units go. It's the same on all the cars, just different drive units. Volvo have made a generous space for the lower front drive units and all that space is there to improve sound. Drive units need space and Volvo have left a nice bit of space here.
You could even buy a couple of b&w units but I prefer focal drivers myself.
In summary, I think it's worth getting Spotify, as it takes the system to another level compared to dab. Select extreme and it's a system you can then really enjoy. A calibration and a possible drive unit upgrade is something I'm now considering.
Amplification is usually the hardest and most expensive upgrade on an in car audio system but I believe that we've already got a nice amp in place already. Any other upgrades are a piece if cake to be honest.
Anyone else tried Spotify 'extreme'?
Edited by soupdragon1 on Sunday 22 April 09:56
snake_oil said:
Considering it too, how much of your mobile data does it chew up on extreme though 
Oh, good point, i forgot to say. Here's a great idea and this is my plan Vodafone 16gb sim only deal is £21 and Spotify premium is free! And I went on live chat, the full 16gb is available for mobile tethering. That's what I'm going to do.
I've fixed my post above as I posted without finishing the message.
Man maths says Spotify is £10ppm so the sim only deal is £11 for 16gb
numtumfutunch said:
How does it work if you already have a Spotify premium account with loads of phone data +/- tethering available?
BMW Spotify integration with android is awful hence the question, and much as I love it I'm not about to pay extra to have the car run it's own Spotify portal
Cheers
Your golden. Press Spotify, sign in with your account, your playlists are already there. No extra cost for you as you already have a subscription. BMW Spotify integration with android is awful hence the question, and much as I love it I'm not about to pay extra to have the car run it's own Spotify portal
Cheers
Easy to set tethering too. I'm android so just swipe down, select mobile tethering and after initial pairing, it auto connects every time you get in the car as soon as you select mobile tethering option.
soupdragon1 said:
I signed up for free 30 day Spotify premium to try out the app on the Volvo. Highly recommended. There are 3 streaming options, normal high and extreme. Obviously extreme is the button you want to select
For reference, it's more than 3 times the resolution of dab radio and you can certainly tell. It's like going from SD to HD video, ie, much better.
I also like the way you can type by drawing letters on the screen with your finger, rather than use the keyboard. Cool.
Onto sound quality. For a base system, it's pretty good, and I've quite a large hunch that you could make it 'excellent' without too much trouble. The amplification (I'm guessing at this point) is already excellent. My daughter likes the soundtracks from Trolls and Moana movies and some tracks have very strong vocalists. At the start of the Moana signature track (how far I'll go or something I think it's called) you can hear the ocean and then the vocals come in. The sound quality is simply superb.
A couple of the trolls tracks reveals some quality as well. The car can create an inky black silence behind the vocals only sections which I think is telling me that the amplification is a strong point in the system.
Once things heat up a little, the overall presentation can sound a little thin in places, and it starts to lose separation where different instruments blend into each other a little and makes it harder to pick out instruments from one another. I'm thinking the drive units are to blame here.
I'm going to get my spl meter out and calibrate it using the equaliser to see if I can remove some of that thinness. I've got a file for my home audio system with all the test tones for different frequencies.
I've got a feeling though, that a couple of focal drivers in the lower door would take the sound system to a new level. £250 would get an excellent pair of drivers and if my hunch is correct about the high quality amplification on board already, this system could really sing for a minimal upgrade.
The b&w sound system is 3k but one of the key elements of the sound system is the design of where the drive units go. It's the same on all the cars, just different drive units. Volvo have made a generous space for the lower front drive units and all that space is there to improve sound. Drive units need space and Volvo have left a nice bit of space here.
You could even buy a couple of b&w units but I prefer focal drivers myself.
In summary, I think it's worth getting Spotify, as it takes the system to another level compared to dab. Select extreme and it's a system you can then really enjoy. A calibration and a possible drive unit upgrade is something I'm now considering.
Amplification is usually the hardest and most expensive upgrade on an in car audio system but I believe that we've already got a nice amp in place already. Any other upgrades are a piece if cake to be honest.
Anyone else tried Spotify 'extreme'?
To my very untrained ear the standard audio is very good. Once you have had a play with the EQ could you post the best setup on here?For reference, it's more than 3 times the resolution of dab radio and you can certainly tell. It's like going from SD to HD video, ie, much better.
I also like the way you can type by drawing letters on the screen with your finger, rather than use the keyboard. Cool.
Onto sound quality. For a base system, it's pretty good, and I've quite a large hunch that you could make it 'excellent' without too much trouble. The amplification (I'm guessing at this point) is already excellent. My daughter likes the soundtracks from Trolls and Moana movies and some tracks have very strong vocalists. At the start of the Moana signature track (how far I'll go or something I think it's called) you can hear the ocean and then the vocals come in. The sound quality is simply superb.
A couple of the trolls tracks reveals some quality as well. The car can create an inky black silence behind the vocals only sections which I think is telling me that the amplification is a strong point in the system.
Once things heat up a little, the overall presentation can sound a little thin in places, and it starts to lose separation where different instruments blend into each other a little and makes it harder to pick out instruments from one another. I'm thinking the drive units are to blame here.
I'm going to get my spl meter out and calibrate it using the equaliser to see if I can remove some of that thinness. I've got a file for my home audio system with all the test tones for different frequencies.
I've got a feeling though, that a couple of focal drivers in the lower door would take the sound system to a new level. £250 would get an excellent pair of drivers and if my hunch is correct about the high quality amplification on board already, this system could really sing for a minimal upgrade.
The b&w sound system is 3k but one of the key elements of the sound system is the design of where the drive units go. It's the same on all the cars, just different drive units. Volvo have made a generous space for the lower front drive units and all that space is there to improve sound. Drive units need space and Volvo have left a nice bit of space here.
You could even buy a couple of b&w units but I prefer focal drivers myself.
In summary, I think it's worth getting Spotify, as it takes the system to another level compared to dab. Select extreme and it's a system you can then really enjoy. A calibration and a possible drive unit upgrade is something I'm now considering.
Amplification is usually the hardest and most expensive upgrade on an in car audio system but I believe that we've already got a nice amp in place already. Any other upgrades are a piece if cake to be honest.
Anyone else tried Spotify 'extreme'?
Edited by soupdragon1 on Sunday 22 April 09:56
numtumfutunch said:
Thanks
Activating tethering isnt the end of the world but have you tried doing it via Bluetooth?
Which would avoid the need to switch tethering on/off whenever I 'need' to listen to tunes whilst nipping out for a pint of milk
Cheers
Haven't tried that yet. On a technical level, I don't know if Bluetooth can transmit the full 320 kpbs from the phone to the car, will need to look into that.Activating tethering isnt the end of the world but have you tried doing it via Bluetooth?
Which would avoid the need to switch tethering on/off whenever I 'need' to listen to tunes whilst nipping out for a pint of milk
Cheers
Deadlysub said:
To my very untrained ear the standard audio is very good. Once you have had a play with the EQ could you post the best setup on here?
I just ran my test tones and measured but haven't tried to flatten out the response yet. The untouched frequency response is far from flat and I can already tell that I would like at least 10 equalizer adjustments, rather than the 5 or 6 that you are allowed. Will report back once I've completed the calibration. I won't be able to get it flat but I'm sure I can improve it somewhat. Well I found out where that 'thinness' I described was coming from. Very large dip at 250hz area. I've managed to correct it, buy only sort of got half way there to fixing it. I'm suspecting it's a poorly implemented crossover between the lower midrange bass driver (low part of the front doors) and the upper mid range driver which is higher up the front door.
This higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
This higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
soupdragon1 said:
Well I found out where that 'thinness' I described was coming from. Very large dip at 250hz area. I've managed to correct it, buy only sort of got half way there to fixing it. I'm suspecting it's a poorly implemented crossover between the lower midrange bass driver (low part of the front doors) and the upper mid range driver which is higher up the front door.
This higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
Very useful information Soupdragon. I'll give this a go when I get the CC on Wednesday. ThanksThis higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
I prefer the sound of the HK in the 3 Series. The standard system in the V90 is too weak in the midrange. Fine if you like over-produced pop where there's nowt in the midrange to worry about, but not so good for the kind of music I like.
I'd love to hear the B&W system in a V90, however I suspect they'll be thin on the ground considering the absurd price they charge for it.
I'd love to hear the B&W system in a V90, however I suspect they'll be thin on the ground considering the absurd price they charge for it.
soupdragon1 said:
Well I found out where that 'thinness' I described was coming from. Very large dip at 250hz area. I've managed to correct it, buy only sort of got half way there to fixing it. I'm suspecting it's a poorly implemented crossover between the lower midrange bass driver (low part of the front doors) and the upper mid range driver which is higher up the front door.
This higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
Thanks for this.This higher up section contains the small midrange driver and the tweeter.
Here is my 1st correction calibration and the pre and post graphs
I did this solely using the equaliser but I might get it better using the tone controls and then equalizing again.
At this point, I think the tweeter and small midrange driver in the upper door area are doing a good job, with the lower bass driver being the week point.
You can see by the graphs that the overall frequency response is approximately 50hz (using the +/- 3db standard) which is more than satisfactory. Pity we can't add an optional sub to get it down into the 30hz region. I believe my18.5 let's you upgrade audio with a sub without having to go to the £3k b&w system.
Back to the lower midrange bass speakers. 4 of these in total, one on each door. There is plenty of cubic litres/volume to play with, but it could do with a better drive unit housed in there. I might look into doing this as I'm quite happy otherwise. Amp seems good and so does the tweeter and higher mid range driver.
Couple of test tracks worth using, from high res movie tracks. These are highly specced masters in the most sophisticated studios, mastered for high end cinemas and home audio systems. Compressed on Spotify to 320kbps but you can still hear the quality.
Moana album. How far I'll go track. Starts of using the upper mid range drivers and tweeters and at extreme quality, you can experience the inky black, noise free presentation and very very nice vocals. Once the song gets going, you can pick up the lower driver coming into play, which spoils the party a little. You're welcome is another good track to test. Also try True Colors from the trolls movie.
And finally try Roads by Portishead. This can make very expensive systems fall apart and you can also hear the poor quality recording, full of noise. This is a very tough test for the low midrange and you can then understand why those drive units are struggling.
Overall, still happy despite all the criticism above. My x6 has an £800 bmw audio upgrade and this standard Volvo system is way better, so much more clarity.
I am not even going to pretend I know what you are talking about but I will give the settings ago.
janesmith1950 said:
I prefer the sound of the HK in the 3 Series. The standard system in the V90 is too weak in the midrange. Fine if you like over-produced pop where there's nowt in the midrange to worry about, but not so good for the kind of music I like.
I'd love to hear the B&W system in a V90, however I suspect they'll be thin on the ground considering the absurd price they charge for it.
Good point about music type. The likes of rock/heavy rock, drum and bass type stuff, this set up won't be able to get the best out of it. With lots going on, it struggles to separate it all and that drop at 250hz is a weak point- there will be a lot going on in this range.I'd love to hear the B&W system in a V90, however I suspect they'll be thin on the ground considering the absurd price they charge for it.
It'll perform much better with more simplistic tracks like dance music, acoustic, some jazz, piano based songs and the like. The good thing is, armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your playlists to suit its strengths and leave out the tracks that it might struggle with. If you like vocalists, this is quite a good system for that type of listening.
As I mentioned earlier, MY18.5 has an upgrade option now, without having to go full b&w - thats probably a nice option to tick, especially because you get a subwoofer too.
I'll have a look at some focal drive units as a little upgrade.
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